Tampa Bay Meetings

It's almost here folks! What you ask? Well just the industry’s only exclusive meeting of CMPs that's what!

If you hadn't heard, or haven't yet registered, then I suggest you hurry up and do so! The CIC CMP Conclave is a unique event for certificants who wish to contribute to their profession.

This year's Conclave provides many opportunities for CMPs to build relationships and partner with other meeting professionals. CMPs also enhance their professional expertise by participating in exam development, attending educational sessions and networking with fellow CMPs.

Most importantly, this year's conference is right here in our own back yard in Tampa Bay at the beautiful Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina! How awesome is the Waterside you ask? Well the only way to truly tell you is to give you the top five reasons you'll love this place!

5. Scenery - Views don't get much better than this folks as the Waterside is nestled nicely along the channel riverwalk with some of Tampa Bay's most breathtaking views!

4. Ultimate Relaxation - Had a long day of meetings and sessions? For ultimate relaxation, try the spa, jacuzzi, or rooftop pool

3. Dining - You don't even have to leave the hotel to enjoy world class dining at places like Cafe Waterside, Champions Sports Bar, or Il Terrazzo. IF you feel the need to leave the hotel then have no fear as Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi, Cafe DuFrain, and the Channelside District are a short walk or Trolley ride away!

2. Technology - Well this is the nerd in me coming out a bit, but these days when you are away from the office, the one thing you need is reliable connectivity in your room and throughout the property!

1. Comfort - At the end of the day, you'll be spending a ton of time in your room sleeping and resting from the awesome day you just had in Tampa Bay! Here's a list of some of the in room amenities that'll make it feel just like home!

Well folks, that's all for now, but keep checking back as we'll be updating you on a regular basis about Tampa Bay meetings and fun things to in Tampa Bay for CMP Conclave!

Hey Tampa! Kristin here to tell you about the exquisite cuisine being served up at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood! Located in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Come out and experience the fine dining ambiance of Council Oak, named after the ancestral oak tree where the Seminole leaders would meet to discuss tribe affairs. 

Council Oak specializes in the finest USDA steaks and seafood, all of the top end meat coming from their very own butcher shop and seafood from local waters. Maine Lobster is also a signature feature.

In addition to the extensive menu offered, there are over 300 wines to choose from the intimate wine bar. This local gem has been rated highly by Zagat, as well as one of the “2011 Hot 10 Tampa Bay Restaurants” by Gayot, The Guide to the Good Life. The restaurant has also been awarded the Award of Excellence by the Wine Spectator Magazine.

Check out this sneak peak of some their signature dishes on the menu!

Appetizers:

• Steak Tartare made from chopped USDA prime beef with traditional seasoning ($12.50)
• Sea Scallops seared and topped with lemon and pomegranate ($14)
• Stuffed Clams ($10.50)

Main dishes:

• Dry Aged Lamb Chops ($50), Filet Mignon ($39)
• Grilled Free Range Chicken ($25)

Dessert:

• Crème Brulee with fresh berries marinated in Grand Mariner
• Council Oak 151 Volcano is made up of vanilla ice cream covered with Heath Bar Crunch flambéed tableside with a shot of 151 Rum

All new cocktails:

• Martinis feature a choice of nine differently-stuffed olives (examples: Chipotle pepper, Feta cheese and rosemary)

Come out to Council Oak, and enjoy this fine dining experience! That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay dining and foodie related updates!

The Patel Conservatory’s NGB, Next Generation Ballet, dancers have been given the opportunity to perform a group piece at the upcoming YAGP Gala at the David A. Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center in New York City on April 27, 2012.  The dancers received this honor by winning the Outstanding School Award at last year’s Youth America Grand Prix Final.

This is a very unique and amazing opportunity that the dancers will get to take part in, performing with some of the world’s top ballet companies! The YAGP Gala is sold out annually, featuring international ballet stars from around the world. The NGB dancers will be performing Shostakovich Suite, choreographed by Richard Cook, and staged by Stark.

This Thursday, April 19th the dancers will be giving a sneak preview to local ballet supporters, staff and press. This will take place at the Patel Conservatory at 6:30 p.m. in room 302. There will also be a Meet & Greet with the dancers after the performance is completed.

Please come out and support this amazing accomplishment!  And head over to the Patel Conservatory's website for more information - http://www.patelconservatory.org/. 

We'll see you back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, as well as other Tampa Bay area events.

Hey Tampa! The Frozen Four is finally here, welcome to college hockey’s biggest stage! Kristin here to give you a preview of the semi- final games that will be taking place on April 5th right in our backyard at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. 

The four teams that punched their tickets to Tampa are Ferris State University of Big Rapids Michigan, Union College of Schenectady New York, Boston College, and the University of Minnesota.

Ferris State will be taking on Union College on Thursday April 5th at 4:30 pm ET. The game will be broadcasted on ESPNU.  Ferris State took out Denver 2-1, and Cornell 2-1 to reach the semi- final game, as Union defeated Michigan State3-1, and University of Massachusetts Lowell 4-2.  Both schools have never gone this far, making the match up a Cinderella story for the survivor.

The second game of the semi- finals will be April 5th at 8: 00 pm ET. with the meeting of two powerhouse programs, top seeded Boston College, and the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Boston College was the national champion in 2010, returning to take the crown. They defeated Air Force 4-0, and Minnesota Duluth 4-0 in the quarterfinals. Minnesota knocked out Boston University 7-3, and North Dakota 5-2. The game will be broadcasted live on ESPN2.

Stay posted for more Tampa Bay sports updates on the final game which will take place April 7.
 

Its Linda Mummert here with exciting news about our Convention Sales Department.
Tampa Bay & Company has announced two staff promotions: Alex Kaptzan will fill the role of Vice President of Convention Sales and Services, and Holly Laverentz will now serve as National Sales Manager.  

“Alex has been a valuable asset of this team for over six years and has helped lead the convention sales and services team to new levels,” stated President/CEO of Tampa Bay & Company Kelly Miller.  “Additionally, Holly’s work on the services team for nearly a decade has prepared her for her new role and will translate well with the meeting planners and groups she will work with.”

In his new role as Vice President of Convention Sales and Services, Alex will be responsible for leading the company’s Tampa-based convention sales and convention services teams, as well as the company’s satellite representatives in Washington, D.C. and Chicago, Ill.  

Alex joined the Tampa Bay & Company sales team in 2006 as the Director of Convention Sales.  Prior to joining Tampa Bay & Company, Alex served as the Director of Sales as the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina for over five years.  

In her new role as National Sales Manager, Holly Laverentz will oversee the Small Meetings Market for Tampa Bay & Company.  Holly previously served as Senior Housing Manager and has been with the company for nearly 10 years.  Prior to joining Tampa Bay & Company Holly served as the Catering Convention Services Manager at the Hyatt Regency Tampa.  

Congratulations to both Alex and Holly!!  Well, it is over and out for now.  Stay tune for more exciting Tampa Bay Conventions news.

Tampa Bay has proudly hosted and will continue to host many successful meetings, conferences and sporting events which will generate thousands of room nights and provided an economic impact into the millions for the city of Tampa and with the 2012 Republican National Convention coming in just a few months… Tampa just keeps getting better …

Last month members of Tampa Bay & Company convention sales team, Alex Kaptzan,Director of Sales, Dori Laack, Regional Account Executive/DC and Tammy Lamm, National Sales Manager along with industry partners, representing the Tampa Convention Center, Embassy Suites Downtown Tampa & Eventions of Florida were in Washington DC to attend the Destination Marketing Association International [DMAI] Destination Showcase Conference & Expos.

Throughout the week, Team Tampa attended a variety of educational sessions, general sessions and networking opportunities with new planners, potential customers, as well as existing customers all the while promoting Tampa Bay as a premier meetings destination.

So, whether you're an association, corporate, government, or third-party/independent meeting planner, we encourage you to come & discover the treasures of Tampa Bay for your next meeting or conference.  To learn more about Tampa go to our website: www.VisitTampaBay.com

That’s all for now, but be sure to stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay meetings & convention updates from the Tampa Bay Convention Sales Team …

Until then, Think Tampa!

Destinations Showcase Washington is the largest one-day event in North America which exclusively brings Convention & Visitor Bureaus - conference, convention, and trade show professionals together with exhibiting meeting destinations from the United States and beyond.

For more information –http://www.destinationsshowcase.com/washington/

From March 6 – 8th, Tampa Bay & Company representatives and its partners embarked upon another successful sales mission in Washington DC, one of its top feeder markets.  Four Tampa Bay & Company partners joined Regional

Account Executive Dori Laack and National Sales Manager Tammy Lamm for three client event functions. 

The purpose of this mid-year team Tampa Bay sales mission was to engage existing clients and build a rapport with some new clients in a fun, casual and relaxing atmosphere.

In keeping with all the new and exciting things happening in Tampa this was just one mission where we truly got to do things differently and creatively all the while allowing our clients to uncover the treasures of Tampa with a Tampa themed painting class and a culinary class.  The theme of two hosted events were "Palette or Palate - Choose your favorite withTampa Bay".   

In keeping with the knowledge that partnership for Tampa Bay & Company is one of the keys to our success  - for our third client event it was a wise decision to partner with one of our top third-party producers - IMN Solutions. 

Our newly appointed regional account executive, Dori Laack as well as team Tampa had the opportunity to meet & greet with our IMN Solutions partners along with a few of their top clients for a Tampa Lightning vs. Washington Capital hockey event. 

What a successful mission! As with all three events the customer/clients – have either met or will be meeting in Tampa that will generate thousands of hotel room nights while producing an economic impact for the destination – not forgetting the potential to provide future RFP’s to consider Tampa for meetings or conferences ...noting that since returning home we having already received RFP’s from this mission!

Well that's all for now ... but until the next time... THINK TAMPA & stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay meetings & conventions updates.

The focus of the Convention Sales team of Tampa Bay & Company is to bring conventions and meetings to Tampa Bay to create positive economic impact for Hillsborough County.  Tampa Bay & Company leads the effort of “Economic Development Through Tourism” in Hillsborough County.

For more information about Tampa Bay & Company, visit www.VisitTampaBay.com.

Tampa will welcome the International Association of Dental Research (IADR) this week for the 2012 AADR/CADR Annual Meeting & Exhibition, taking place at the Tampa Convention Center from March 21-24.  The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) and Canadian Association for Dental Research (CADR) are both divisions of the IADR.  

The event will mark the 41st Annual Meeting & Exhibition of the AADR and the 36th Annual Meeting of the CADR.  Approximately 3,000 delegates will gather in downtown Tampa for the annual event, producing over 6,000 hotel room nights in Tampa Bay.  

This year’s event will provide educational programming, networking sessions, awards ceremonies and receptions, hands-on workshops, panel discussions, mentoring sessions and much more.  The AADR is a non-profit organization with more than 3,900 members whose mission is to advance research and increase knowledge for the improvement of oral health, support and represent the oral health research community, and facilitate the communication and application of research findings.

Please join us in welcoming this group, and until the next time ... THINK TAMPA and stay tuned in for more  meetings and conventions updates!

The focus of the Convention Sales team of Tampa Bay & Company is to bring conventions and Tampa Bay meetings to Tampa Bay to create positive economic impact for Hillsborough County.

LInda Mummert here with a Convention Sales update!

From Feb. 29-March 1, Tampa Bay & Company representatives and its partners conducted a successful sales mission in Chicago, one of its top feeder markets.  Five Tampa Bay & Company partners joined Regional Account Executive Jeff Gassaway , National Sales Manager Amy Trautman and Director of Convention Sales Alex Kaptzan for group sales calls and two client event functions.  

Team Tampa Bay made group presentations to Smith Bucklin, American Bar Association, Experient and Association Management Center.  Each organization either has met or will be meeting in Tampa Bay, generating hotel room nights and positive economic impact for the destination.  

In addition to the group calls, the team hosted a reception at EPIC restaurant in downtown Chicago and a luncheon at Gibsons restaurant in the Chicago suburbs. Both functions were a huge hit with our clients. 

Till next time, it's over and out, and stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay meetings!

Julia here again with some great news about a convention in town.

The Florida State Thespian Society (FSTS) arrived in Tampa on Tuesday and will be here until Sunday for their 2012 Annual Festival which is taking place at the Tampa Convention Center.  The FSTS Annual Festival has been held here in Tampa for over 10 years. is considered one of the largest theater festivals in the country.

Approximately 2,500 thespians will participate in the Festival, producing over 6,200 hotel room nights and $2.1 million in delegate spending.  The FSTS is considered one of the largest theater festivals in the country and is committed to presenting the very best work from high schools across the state of Florida.  For more information regarding FSTS, please click here.

Please join us in welcoming this group, as well as all meetings and conventions, to the Tampa Bay area! 

Good eventing folks! Wanted to drop by and tell you a little about one of the most awesome meeting and event spaces in the Tampa Bay area!

Located in downtown St. Petersburg, NOVA 535 is modern art gallery meets swanky lounge and world-class event venue. 

It is a meticulously renovated building with original 1920 red clay block and brick walls.  This venue is an awesome place to hold your next event!

NOVA 535 features the Main Gallery, upstairs VIP areas, antique brick courtyard with bamboo garden and not to mention all of the high-end amenities that they offer.  

This 7,000 square foot venue is the perfect location for the smallest of events up to your next party for 800 of your closest friends.  Have a favorite caterer?  No problem - NOVA 535 allows outside catering!  

What about accolades you ask?  NOVA 535 has won many awards, but most notably “Voted Best Place to Get Married” by Creative Loafing and “Top 10 Best Restrooms in America” by Cintas Corporation.  Those are some pretty cool honors if I do say so myself!  

For additional information call (727) 821-6682 or visit www.NOVA535.com. That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay meetings space!
 

Hi everyone.  Travis here with some delicious information about dining in Tampa Bay.  For those of you who have been to Season's 52, you know how amazing it is.  And if you haven't been, put it on your list of things to do as soon as possible! 

Season's 52 will be launching their new Spring menu on March 20, which means you'll have some great new options to choose from.  We just got this info directly from them, so we're sending it to you:

Known for its seasonally inspired menus and fresh approach to dining, Seasons 52 meets the demands of today’s culinary-savvy consumer, offering a complete dining experience with great tasting foods and positive lifestyle benefits – a concept that is “right for the times.” 

“During the spring, farmers’ markets and grocers are full of fresh, vibrant produce such as rainbow carrots and vine-ripened tomatoes,” said Cliff Pleau, Senior Director of Culinary at Seasons 52.  “We are inspired by these bright spring flavors to create memorable dishes that excite the palate. By pairing them with fresh foods, such as Columbia River Steelhead Trout, and using natural cooking techniques like wood-fire grilling, Seasons 52’s menu delivers flavorful, thoughtfully-prepared dishes for spring.”

Guests will delight in new spring menu items including:
• Artichoke & Goat Cheese Flatbread – with leaf spinach, balsamic onion and roasted peppers
• Artichoke-Stuffed Artichoke Leaves – with organic arugula, Parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze
• Tomato & Haas Avocado Salad – with organic arugula, balsamic glaze and grilled bruschetta
• Columbia River Steelhead Trout – with spring vegetables, basmati rice and lemongrass sauce
• Spicy Snow Peas & Shiitake Mushrooms – with roasted almonds
• Lamb T-bone Chops – with asparagus, truffle mashed potatoes and red wine glaze
• Tiger Shrimp Penne Pasta – with spring asparagus and oyster mushrooms in a light lemon-basil sauce

In addition, two new cocktails will be featured on the spring menu – Strawberry Kir Royal (Fresh Strawberry-Infused Prairie Organic Vodka, Organic Agave Nectar and Zardetto Prosecco) and Strawberry Basil Fusion (Fresh Strawberry-Infused Prairie Organic Vodka, Fresh Basil, and Organic Agave Nectar). 

Master Sommelier George Miliotes has also updated his “Drink These Before They Become Famous” list, a handpicked selection of must-try wines for the season.  This season’s selections include:
• Aveleda Vinho Verde, Portugal ’10/’11 – Crisp and light with just a hint of sweetness and sparkle, this varietal it is the perfect aperitif wine to enjoy with an assortment of flatbreads.
• Lioco Indica Rosé, Mendocino ’11 – A totally natural wine with lovely aromas and flavors of ripe, red raspberries and strawberries and a pleasantly dry finish; goes with just about everything on the menu.
• Zardetto Prosecco, Treviso NV – Everyone loves Prosecco! Produced in the northeast of Italy, this is one of the finest sparkling wines and tastes excellent alone or with a dash of fruit juice. 
• Botani Moscatel, Sierras de Málaga ’10 – Neither sweet nor dry, this Spanish wine is packed with fruit flavors and a round finish.  It pairs beautifully with white fish or shellfish.
• Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Corvina Veronese ’08/’09 – Supercharged with a second fermentation from dried grapes, this wine is medium bodied but with a long and potent red fruit finish – a perfect accompaniment to any meat dish, from pork to lamb.

Seasons 52 changes the menu four times a year with weekly fresh features to truly capture the flavors of the season. Each valued guest can be guaranteed the highest quality fresh food, prepared without compromising great taste or a rich and complete dining experience. Nothing on the menu is more than 475 calories, from the signature flatbreads and appetizers, to all entrees and its popular mini indulgence desserts.

Now, I don't know about you, but my mouth is already watering.  Like I said, this is a great place to go get some amazing food, so make sure you stop by.  If you've been there before, let us know what you thought! 

We'll see you back here for more dining information, not to mention great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Greetings Tampa!

The Plant City Strawberry Festival is upon us … and last week we had an opportunity to visit a hotel property that would be perfect to stay at during the festival.

The Holiday Inn Express Plant City, just minutes away from downtown Tampa is close to not only the strawberry festival but also LEGOLAND, and Dinosaur World, Florida State Fairgrounds and many other attractions.  Their location is perfect for those attending sporting events held at either of the nearby International Softball Federation, Mike Sansone, or the Randy Larson Four Plex sporting fields too!

Surrounded  by verdant tropical foliage, this four story all inclusive 70 room hotel accommodations includes 16 suites and 54 standard rooms, meeting space for up to 60 people has also just completed its beautiful million dollar renovation, that sets a relaxing tone for vacations and business trips alike.

Guests will enjoy the fantastic amenities including free hot breakfasts, and one really cool aspect to their hot free breakfast is the pancake machine that will get you geared up for the day, and the beautiful outdoor pool offers a place to relax once work is done.

Again conveniently located minutes from downtown Tampa, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wanted a great property and a great price!

A great big kudos to Charles Harris, VP and his wonderful staff, for having us visit!

Until the next time ... THINK TAMPA and stay tuned in for more updates, places to stay in Tampa Bay!

Hi Tampa Bay! Alex here to let you about our team’s recent visit to the other side of the bay.

We took a trip to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for a tour of the wonderful facility and of course to meet the movie star, Winter!

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium specializes in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick or injured marine animals.

All the animals that come through the doors arrive because they were suffering from an illness or severe injury in the wild. We had the chance to see some of the wonderful animals-dolphins, turtles, otters, that have been rescued and are currently living at the aquarium.
 

 If you are looking for a great way to spend an afternoon with your children, The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is just the place for you!
 

We want to send a thank you to John, our excellent tour guide, and Rosemarie Rayne and Michelle Poyet with Visit St.Pete Clearwater.
 

Check back often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay and for information on Tampa Bay Attractions!
 

Hi everyone.  Travis back to tell you about some accommodations in the area that you may or may not normally hear about.  It's not an extremely large property.  There's nothing in the desciption that's...let's say...out of this world.  But let me tell you, if you're looking for an amazing experience where you can be comfortable while you're away from home, the Hampton Inn Tampa-Veterans Expressway is a great place. 

Team Liger took a tour of this place last week, and I for one was absolutely amazed at this place.  The rooms were fantastic.  They had some meeting space for a small group if that's what you're interested in.  Pool...check.  Gym...check.  Breakfast...check. 

This has got all of the amazing amenities that you've come to expect out of the Hampton name, plus it's just a few minutes from so much in the Tampa Bay area...shopping, dining, sports (Yankees Spring Training and the Bucs), downtown Tampa, and let's not forget about the airport. 

These guys have done it right, so if you're looking for a place to stay during your next trip, make sure you put this one on the short list.  Check out their website to get the details on this place: http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=4SBFMDNRSMC0OCSGBI1MVCQ?ctyhocn=TPAVEHX. 

We'll see you back here for more info about accommodations and other great things to do in Tampa Bay. 

Hello all! Happy Monday, and Charlena here to tell you about a great experience I had at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Southeast. This facility is approximately 14 minutes from downtown Tampa, and is convenient to the I-4 corridor and the Crosstown Express.

This three year young property offers many perks such as; complimentary shuttle service to area malls, The Hardrock Casino and cruise ports. Other amenities include evening room service,  a full service restaurant and heated pool.  

In addition to these luxuries you also have access to flexible business space. The Hilton Garden Inn has 4,200 square feet of meeting/banquet space that includes drop down project screens, complimentary wired and wireless internet and A/V equipment rental. There is an additional 3,480 square feet Grand Ballroom which can be configured into four individual meeting rooms with indoor/outdoor function capabilities. Wow!

If you are looking to relax and work in one spectacular setting, the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Southeast is  a great choice! That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more Hotels Tampa Bay related new and information!

Hi everyone! Team YKPF (Ye Krewe of Palos de Fuego) headed out to Pinellas County and more specifically Clearwater Beach to visit StarLite Cruises. 

Laura Lothridge, the Director of Sales, was kind enough to meet us out there (and to be our photographer) to show us their Majesty, Calypso Queen and Nature Cruise boats.    

The Majesty is a modern style ship with a contemporary flair featuring brass and mirrored interior design. 

The vessel holds 180 guests for sit down meals and up to 400 for cocktail style events.  The Majesty serves up lunch with sightseeing starting at $34.95 for adults and also has dinner and dancing cruises starting at $53.25 for adults.  

The Calypso Queen is StarLite’s colorful Caribbean themed ship which is more in tuned with a laid back atmosphere for those beach goers.  The vessel holds up to 149 passengers for its afternoon lunch and dolphin viewing excursion or its sunset dinner and tropical cruise party; prices start at just $24.90 for the lunch and $34.90 for the dinner.

Take advantage of these great Clearwater Beach experiences “for a dazzling night out”.  That's it for now folks, but be sure to check out Starlite Dining Cruises and check back here for more updates and outings on things to do in Tampa Bay!

Hello there folks! Jerm here with an update for you on an awesome festival coming this month!

Saturday March 10 and Sunday March 11, Join the Ruskin Southshore chamber of Commerce as they promote the awareness and preservation of the West Indian Manatee at the Manatee Festival of the Arts! The festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary with visual, performing, and even culinary arts!

The Apollo Beach Manatee Festival of the Arts is an innovative showcase of fine arts and fine crafts which draws talent from all across the country. The exhibitor's area offers visitors an opportunity to meet and interact with artists - to view their works and purchase art from the individual who created it.

There is also a Children's Creativity Center, live musical performances, special environmental exhibits, a Culinary Arts program and a free shuttle to the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center to view the gentle manatee in their winter habitat and a variety of foods to tempt any palette. This is an excellent venue to display and sell art in a relaxed and comfortable setting.

Here are some of the details of the event below!

Dates: Saturday, March 10, 2012, 10 AM - 5 PM; Sunday, March 11, 2012, 10 AM - 5 PM

Location: Tampa Electric Company South Shore Community EventsCenter,
Dickman & Noonan Branch Roads,
Apollo Beach, FL 33572

Admission: $5 Adults; Children 10 and under free - Includes free parking and free shuttle to Manatee Center & Overflow parking lot. Park at the Elementary School at the corner of Dickman & Apollo Beach. Take the shuttle. Avoid the traffic.

Featuring:

• Approximately 90 juried fine artists and craftsmen from across the country
• Patrons Program for the art enthusiast, which includes a preview party
• Children's Creativity Center with hands-on arts and crafts
• Free Shuttle Service to the Manatee Viewing Center from the Festival and parking sites
• Wide variety of food and beverage vendors.
• Non-profit organizations on hand to educate and show ways to protect wildlife, boating, environment and other causes
• Entertainment

This is gonna be a great event for families and all so be sure to come out and enjoy! That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

This is Linda Mummert here with some exciting news from our Convention Sales Department.  Our own National Sales Manager Sherri Brown has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Black and Latino CEOs and Corporate Executives in the Tampa Bay region!  The Power Broker magazine, the Small Business Development Center and others have teamed up to publish the exclusive Top 50 magazine highlighting the honorees.  

This is the first time in bay area history that the African-American and Latino communities are uniting on the media stage to reach the largest minority readership ever targeted by a publication in the region.

In addition to being featured in The Power Broker magazine, Brown will also be featured in the digital magazine, the weekly PB e-zine, on The Power Broker website, and through various social media channels.  

Congratulations Sherri!

Over and out for now until next time.... stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay Meetings!

Happy Friday Tampa Bay, Alex here to let all the families around the area know about a great interactive  tour coming to the Glazer Children’s Museum.

On Wednesday, March 7 at 3:30 p.m. Disney’s Phineas and Ferb:  The Best LIVE Tour Ever! is coming to the Glazer Children’s Museum.  The first 150 children to register for the event will participate in a craft activity, learn a song and dance from the show and have the opportunity to meet a character from Disney’s Phineas and Ferb:  The Best LIVE Tour Ever!

Wednesday's Schedule

3:30.pm. – Children participate in craft activity
3:45p.m. – Children are taught dance and song from show
4:00p.m. – Meet & Greet with character
4:30p.m. – Event concludes

Normal admission to the Glazer Children’s Museum applies and there is not an additional charge for the Phineas and Ferb event.

Make sure your children don’t miss out on an hour of fun and excitement with the cast from Disney’s Phineas and Ferb:  The Best LIVE Tour Ever! 

Check back with us often for more information on Family Fun Events and things to do in Tampa Bay!