Tampa Bay Team

And The Winner Is....Alexis Gray!!!

Friday, November 20, 2009 by Convention Sales

Congratulations are in order for Alexis Gray of the Doubletree Guest Suites Tampa Bay, who recently received top national honors for being recognized as a national winner of the Catch Me At My Best Program!

For this contest, all of the DoubleTree team members participated in a customer focused service program initiated by the Doubletree Brand called Catch Me At My Best.

Each team member had the opportunity to have special comment cards filled out from guests who “catch” them going above and beyond. Alexis was the top winner in the high customer contact category.

Additionally, the names of those with the highest number of cards from each hotel were submitted to the corporate office for a chance to win a national award. Alexis was among those national winners and was received a cash prize, special recognition, and some other token prizes.

Hey Lexie, since you are rolling in the dough these days, can I borrow $20? Just kidding... I only need $10...lol! Additionally with your new found welath, I will be expecting a great Christmas gift from you! Please pay me no mind, as I am being silly...

All joking aside though, congratulations to Alexis and the staff over at The Doubletree Guest Suites Tampa Bay as they continue to be a shining examples of the hospitality industry here in Tampa Bay!

To see Alexis and the great staff in action, or to plan your next meeting or convention, please visit the Doubletree Guest Suites Tampa Bay website!

That's all for now folks, but keep checking back for more on the Tampa Bay hospitality industry and Tampa Bay Meetings!

This is Jerm signing off from your Tampa Bay Team!

USF Men's Soccer First NCAA Playoffs This Thursday at 7:30 pm...

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 by Bay Bloggers

Your USF men's soccer team returns to the USF Soccer Stadium this Thursday, Nov. 19th, to compete against Stetson Hatters in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CFor those of you who are unable to physically be at the game, feel free to catch all of the thrilling action by logging onto BullsVision Premium via GoUSFBulls.com for live audio streaming beginning with kickoff.

Now of course in addition to the thrill of college soccer, The University of South Florida athletics department has reserved 500 free student tickets to the men's soccer game on for this game.

The winner of this game doesnt have an easy road ahead though as whoever comes out victorius will have to play the undefeated, untied Akron Zips in secound round play. The Zips are currently ranked number one in the country and will host the next game at their stadium, and I am sure its a wee bit chilly up there!

Earlier in the season, the Bulls defeated Stetson by a scoreline of 3-0, so the odds would be in favor of USF, but thats why they play the game, because you just never know!

Be sure to come out and support the Bulls tomorrow and for more info on USF Athletics visit the GoUSFBulls.com website!

Thats all for now, and stay tuned for more Tampa Bay Sports and updates on more college athletics related Tampa Bay Area events.

2009 NCAA VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 by Josh Jones

Josh Jones here with another December event update! We are officially one month away from the 2009 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball National Championship!

For the first time in the history of the tournament, the NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship is headed to the Sunshine State December 17 & 19, 2009 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida and Tickets are on sale now!

Will # 1 Penn State continue their 92 game unbeaten streak and repeat as National Championships? Can the # 13 Florida Gators or # 15 Florida State Seminoles make a run at the title? Will you be there to catch all the action?

AVCA Division I Women's Top 25 Poll
(Records through November 15, 2009)
    TEAM                                   PTS   PVS
    ----                                   ---   ---
1. PENN ST (60) (28-0)          1,500     1
2. TEXAS (20-1)                     1,425     2
3. HAWAII (25-2)                   1,390     3
4. WASHINGTON (21-4)         1,265     4
5. ILLINOIS (21-4)                 1,219     5
6. STANFORD (18-7)               1,168     7
7. UCLA (20-7)                       1,127     6
8. IOWA ST (22-4)                  1,116     8
9. NEBRASKA (19-6)                1,024     9
10. KENTUCKY (25-2)                  936    11
11. CALIFORNIA (17-8)               878    12
12. MINNESOTA (21-7)                831    13
13. FLORIDA (20-4)                     733    10
14. MICHIGAN (22-7)                   663    14
15. (tie) FLORIDA ST (25-2)         642    15
15. (tie) USC (17-9)                     642    17
17. LSU (21-5)                             558    19
18. OREGON (16-8)                     486    16
19. ARIZONA (18-7)                     469    18
20. SAINT LOUIS (22-6)                294    20
21. NORTHERN IOWA (26-2)         241    22
22. SAINT MARYS CA (19-4)           223    23
23. NOTRE DAME (20-4)                163    24
24. BAYLOR (21-7)                        99    21
25. COLORADO ST (21-7)              91    NR

Fans can purchase all session tickets to this year’s championships for $60.00 by clicking here, calling 813-301-2500 or by logging on to www.sptimesforum.com.

For all other information about the 2009 ACC Football Championship, log on to http://www.ncaa.com/sports/w-volley/champpage/w-volley-div1-index.html!

Stay tuned for more updates on Tampa Bay area events and Tampa Bay Sports Commission updates!

# 7 GEORGIA TECH TO PLAY IN ACC FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP!

Monday, November 16, 2009 by Josh Jones

The # 7 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (10-1) have won the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference and will contest against the Atlantic Division Champion at the 2009 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship taking place December 5 in Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Fla.

Shaping up for a race to the finish in the Atlantic Division are the Clemson Tigers and the Boston College Eagles! Clemson can clinch a spot in the title game with a win this weekend or a Boston College loss. Boston College can clinch with a Clemson loss and two more wins in their season.

Will you be there? Tickets are on sale now for this year’s game, which returns to prime time national television, with an 8 p.m. (ET) kickoff on ESPN.

Georgia Tech's last ACC title was a share in 1998. The Jackets won it outright in 1990, the same year they won the national title. Their last trip to the ACC title game was in 2006. This 2009 Georgia Tech team, though, is viewed by many as the best it's been in a long time.

Clemson’s last ACC title was in 1991 and has never been to the ACC Championship since its existence.

Purchase your tickets to this year’s Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship, one of the best values in all of college football by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com or clicking here!

For all other information about the 2009 ACC Football Championship, log on to www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com!

Stay tuned for more updates on Tampa Bay area events and Tampa Bay Sports Commission updates!

Go Spartan Volleyball Go!

Monday, November 16, 2009 by Bay Bloggers

Now you know that being a University of Tampa Alumnus, I am looking for any and every opportunity to promote UT Athletics!

I must admit, that this recognition is long overdue though for our Women's Volleyball team as they have had yet another phenomenal season!

Our girls, at (28-2) are set to make their 14th consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament and 25th overall trip in 30 seasons. The Spartans are coming off of their fifth consecutive Sunshine State Conference title to give the program 19 overall.

UT will play host to Albany State in Thursday's opening round in the 7:30 p.m. match. The winner of the South Regional will advance to the NCAA Elite Eight which will be held at a campus site to be determined.

Tickets may be purchased at the gate for $10 (adults) and $6 (students with ID/senior citizens). Children under the age of five shall be admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Go out and support my Spartans as they look to bring home another national Championship trophy!

Thats all for now, but stay tuned for more Tampa Bay Sports updates from Jerm and your Tampa Bay team!

HART wins the State's Best "Outstanding System" Award

Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Convention Sales

Well here I am again, Linda Mummert giving you the low down on Tampa Bay's very own Hillsborough Area Regional Transit has won the title of "Outstanding Transit System" by the Florida Public Transportation Association.

HART was awarded with this prestigious honor at its recent annual conference in Jacksonville. The Outstanding Transit System award emphasizes achievement in efficiency and effectiveness, as measured by both quantitative and qualitative factors.

As part of the award process, HART submitted ridership and productivity numbers for the past three years, showing consistent growth.

Fiscal management is another important measurement, and HART demonstrated effective financial control by monitoring all related financial activities to ensure revenues, costs and cash flow are in compliance with stated objectives. In the last year, the implementation of efficiencies in various services and processes led to a savings of more than $1 million, which HART has been able to direct back into its Tampa Bay transit service.

In addition, HART's achievements in safety, operations, customer service, staff development, policy administration and marketing and community relations were considered.

The award recipients are chosen by the distinguished FPTA Organizational Awards Committee, which is comprised of the FPTA Executive Director, a representative from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and a representative from the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida.

On another note, HART also provides door-to-door paratransit service, Travel Training. and manages the TECO Streetcar system which provides transportation to shopping in Tampa Bay, our entertainment districts in Channelside, Hyde Park and Ybor City. The streetcar is a wonderful alternative for our visitors and convention attendees to get around Tampa Bay and our local attractions.

They have won my HART and I am sure yours. Let's give our HART team a high five for winning the Best in the State Award! Over and out for now. Stay tuned for more Tampa Florida news.

Basketball season has tipped off!

Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Josh Jones

Josh Jones here proud to say we are 1 month away from yet another prime time event taking place this December…the ESPN SEC/BIG EAST INVITATIONAL!

Tipping off Thursday, Dec. 10, at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, DePaul will take on Mississippi State at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2, followed by Syracuse vs. Florida at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Fans who wish to attend this must-see doubleheader at St. Pete Times Forum can purchase tickets online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone by calling the St. Pete Times Forum box office at (800) 745-3000. Ticket prices are $40, $25 and $15.

Mississippi State kicks off the season #18 in the AP Top 25, and the Orangemen of Syracuse currently hold the #25 spot in the ESPN/USA Today Poll.

Florida and Syracuse are meeting for the third time in the last five years with each team having a victory (UF in 2005 and Syracuse in 2008). Syracuse leads the all-time series between the two schools, 2-1.

The Gators will be making their fifth appearance in the building since 2003. UF reached the Second Round of the 2003 NCAA Tournament at the St. Pete Times Forum, picked up non-conference wins in 2006 and 2007 and reached the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament at the building in March. Meanwhile, Mississippi State will make their return to Tampa for the first time since winning the 2009 SEC Tournament Championship.

For more information on the tournament, please visit www.secbigeastinvitational.com, and stay tuned for more Tampa Bay area events from your Tampa Bay team!

Pig Jammin in Two Weeks!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone...Travis back with a reminder about one of my favorite Tampa Bay area events of all time.

In just two weeks, some of the best BBQ teams in the country will come to Plant City for the Seventh Annual Plant City Pig Jam State BBQ Championship.

What that means for the rest of us is finger linkin’ good beef brisket, pork, chicken and ribs. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 11/21 top teams of elaborately equipped cooks will serve up their award winning meats at the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex (That's at 1500 South Park Road).

In all, about 70 teams will be competing for $15K in cash and prizes in this Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned event, all with different cooking experiences and styles.

Plus, there'll be plenty of opportunities during the event to chat with cooks about their grills and pits, the wood they burn and how they prepare their meats.

Kids will be entertained in the children’s play area, and sno-cones, cookies, and refreshments will be available.

And, none of the spectators have to worry about missing Saturday football on TV. Live telecasts of the day’s games will be broadcast in the beer pavilion.

Also, the Jason Young Band will have the crowd on their feet when they take the stage from 11a.m.-2 p.m. performing country, rock n’ roll and oldies.

Admission is free; parking is $5.

It doesn't get much better than that!!!!!!!! So, get your appetites ready to down some BBQ! And we'll see you back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay entertainment options.

What's Happening Downtown Tampa

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 by Partner Pulse

Tampa Downtown Happenings

This week in downtown Tampa:

    * Hey pasta lovers, has the Tampa Convention Center got a deal for you! If you attend Tampa Bay Meetings or just have access to the Convention Center Tampa in downtown and just can’t get enough pasta, then make sure you are at the Convention Center Tampa today (11/09) and again on Tuesday, November 17th for the United Way Pasta Luncheon. This is an “all you can eat” event. For only $6.00 you can have as much pasta as you want and know that those carbs are going to a great cause. Click here for more information.

* Mayor Iorio invites you to join her at Cotanchobee/Fort Brooke Park on Tuesday (11/10) at 10:00 a.m. for an event that will honor our armed forces. This should make the Tampa Florida News and for details, click here.

* Veterans Day will be celebrated in downtown on Tuesday (11/10) in Joe Chillura Courthouse Square. Get details about this important event by clicking here.

    * Impromptu Players of Stageworks Theatre will present a Staged Reading of “The God of Isaac.” This is a hysterical comedy by James Sherman and directed by Andrea Graham. The event will take place on Saturday (11/14) from 6:30pm & 9:00pm at Dolce Vita Lounge, Channelside Cinemas (601 Channelside Dr). Tickets are a $25.00 Contribution for general seating or $35.00 Contribution for the reserved section. For tickets call Andrea Graham at (813) 784-6832 or click here. This is a benefit for Stageworks Outreach Programs for At Risk Kids

Also in November:

    * "Aurora Borealis III", Blake's Fine Arts Open House, will take place on November 17th from 6-8 p.m. The marching band will kick off the event at 6 p.m. sharp. This magical torch-lit event will feature strolling performers and musicians in the courtyard as well as choreographed performances on stage by harpists, actors, guitarist, singers and dancers. Journalism and creative writing students will showcase their talent through the spoken word and live broadcasts. Bronzed dancers will be positioned on pedestals as living statues in the courtyard. Video and visual art imagery will be projected on the outside of the building. The gallery and visual art studios will be open to showcase student talent with demonstrations in stained glass, jewelry, photography, printmaking and ceramics. The Fine Arts Faculty will be present in the theatre lobby to answer questions about the individual magnet programs. The Urban Teaching Academy will be available to answer questions. Prospective students and their parents are welcome. The event is free and open to the public! The school is located at 1701 North Boulevard in downtown Tampa. Come to "Aurora Borealis III" and enjoy all of the offerings that this downtown magnet school has to offer!

Ah, the holidays in Tampa Bay!

    * Come experience the innocence and charm of a Victorian Christmas. Escape the commercialism and stress of a modern Christmas and capture the warmth and joy of an old-fashioned holiday with your loved ones. The Henry B. Plant Museum presents the 28th annual Victorian Christmas Stroll from December 1st to 23rd, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.

* "Light Up the Night with the Downtown Tampa Florida Attractions Association’s Holiday Lighted Boat Parades on Friday, December 4th and Friday, December 18th. Parades will begin at 6:30 PM. Come watch these festively decorated boats illuminate the sky and spread holiday cheer throughout Downtown’s Channel District. The Rough Riders will be accepting Teddy Bear donations during the parade and will be the boat to beat as they light up one of their best floats in honor of this holiday tradition!

The Tampa Downtown Partnership serves as the steward of downtown Tampa, cultivating public and private partnerships, and encouraging downtown’s physical and economic development. As a proactive leadership organization, we act as an advocate for the downtown community.

The Tampa Downtown Partnership fosters Tampa’s vibrant and diverse multi-use downtown neighborhoods and plays a key role in creating a 24-hour urban center where people can learn, live, work and play. Programs such as our Clean and Safe team and our transportation initiatives make accessing and navigating Tampa's downtown an easy and enjoyable experience.

As a membership organization, we are driven to serve the Tampa downtown business community and are empowered by what each member brings to our organization. Together, we strive to improve the collective downtown Tampa community, to be an active conduit of information and resources, to promote a shared vision for Tampa’s downtown, and create and implement the plans that support that vision.

Mise en Place... Check it Out!

Monday, November 9, 2009 by Bay Bloggers

Do you remember the first time you smelled a wine and let it slowly run over your palate? Remember the excitement at recognizing the various flavors on your tongue?

If you are

attending a Concert in Tampa or have St Pete Times Forum Tickets or simply Shopping in Tampa Bay the best place to begin this Friday evening is downtown 442 West Kennedy Blvd Suite 110 Tampa, FL 33606 at Mise en Place.

For the adventurous in palate and spirit, Mise en Place provides an atmosphere of excitement where one is not afraid to ask questions and try something new and dynamic. This is no ordinary Tampa Bar but a place where you could enjoy an evening of fine dining or kick your feet up at the bar and catch some Buccaneers Football or watch some Tampa Florida News.

At Mise en Place the beverage manager exposes you to a fine array of outstanding wines. Earning the Bern Laxer Award of Excellence for “Best Bartender in Tampa”, and still holding on to the prestigious crystal pineapple to prove it, Dave Madera continually wows us with tasty beverages.

So if your in downtown Tampa, be sure to stop in experience it first hand! My favorite is the ravioli!

It's Super BULL XIII Time!

Monday, November 9, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey gang! Travis here with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment. The University of South Florida Alumni Association announces its Super Bull XIII 2009 Homecoming events to be held next week. Here are the details you need to know:

Monday, November 16
What: Homecoming Kick-off
Where: Marshall Center Ballroom, USF Tampa campus
When: Noon
Info: The USF Alumni Association continues its tradition of presenting the USF students with the opposing team’s (University of Louisville) mascot at the official Homecoming kick-off to burn at the November 20 Parade After-Party.

Friday, November 20
What: Parade Watch Party
Where: Gibbons Alumni Center front lawn, USF Tampa campus
When: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Info: FREE event with music, games and food samplings from the Bulls Country vendors. The Alumni Association will participate in the Homecoming parade, which begins at 7:00 p.m., with a decorated float.

What: Serengeti Night Safari at Busch Gardens: In collaboration with the USF Alumni Association
Where: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
When: 9:00-11:30 p.m.
Info: Explore the sights, sounds and tastes of Africa during this one-of-a-kind experience to be held after the USF Homecoming parade. Call 1-888-800-5447 for more information and to make reservations. Tickets are $45.00 for adults plus tax, and $25.00 for youth 5 to 16 years of age plus tax.

Saturday, November 21
What: Bulls Roast Tailgate
Where: Fenced lot outside Gates A & B at Raymond James Stadium
When: 3 hours prior to kickoff of the USF vs. Louisville game (9 a.m. tailgate for noon game)
Info: Barbeque, music, Budweiser® beer and sangria, face painters, games, FREE USF spirit supplies and scheduled appearances by Herd of Thunder, Rocky, USF Sun Dolls and Cheerleaders. Tickets are $35 for USF Alumni Association members and $45 for non-members and can be purchased at www.USFalumni.org/bullsroast or by calling 813-974-0338.

Kickoff for the Homecoming football game against the Louisville Cardinals is at noon Saturday, November 21. The game has been selected as the BIG EAST Network Game of the Week and will air locally on WFTS-TV ABC 28.

so, get out there and support the USF Bulls! And we'll see you back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other awesome Tampa Bay area events!

2009 ACC Football Championship Update!

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Josh Jones

Josh Jones here, proud to say we are 1 month out from gameday of the 2009 ACC Football Championship!

With the Road To Tampa Bay countdown clock ticking away, we’re beginning to see the front-runners emerge!

Will you be there? Tickets are on sale for this year’s game, which returns to prime time national television, with an 8 p.m. (ET) kickoff on ESPN.

The 2009 Championship Game will be played on December 5 in Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Fla.

#10 Georgia Tech seems to be running away with the Coastal Division title as they have emerged past #17 Miami. Meanwhile Boston College, Clemson, and Florida State are keeping things interesting in the Atlantic Division. With four weeks left, it’s still any team’s game!

But time is running out! Purchase your tickets to this year’s Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship, one of the best values in all of college football by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com or clicking here!

For all other information about the 2009 ACC Football Championship, log on to www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com!

Stay tuned for more updates on Tampa Bay area events and Tampa Bay Sports Commission updates!

Tampa Bay & Company Partner Extranet Features - Convention Calendar

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Partner Pulse

Whether you are a Tampa Florida Attraction, in charge of Tampa Bay Shopping, a Tampa Bar or putting on Concerts in Tampa...as a partner of Tampa Bay & Company access to several useful Tampa Bay Marketing tools is only a click away. We hope these will help you reach out to those attending Tampa Bay Meetings at the Convention Center and elsewhere.

Tampa Bay & Company

Sales Booking Reports are updated monthly and the Tampa Bay & Company Convention Calendar is also avaliable through this site. There are two versions of the Tampa Bay & Company Convention Calendar: the first is a pdf version where you can sel

ect the desired date range and you can see information for each convention sorted by the date of arrival.

Another version of the convention calendar is in Microsoft Excel format. This allows you to merge the Tampa Bay Meetings Lead Contact with your Tampa Bay Marketing material giving you direct access to those planners visitting Tampa Bay in the near future.

The Excel version of the Convention Calendar includes a field with the date the Tampa Bay Meeting became definite in Tampa Bay. If you reach out to these contacts on a regular basis you can sort the document on the Date Booked field and only reach out to those contacts with Tampa Bay Meetings booked since you last sent out Tampa Bay Marketing material.

You will need your individual username and password to login to the Tampa Bay & Company Partner Extranet and access the Tampa Bay & Company Convention Calendar. If you do not have a login contact Tampa Bay & Company Marketing Analyst Julie Zambos at jazambos@visittampabay.com or call 813-342-4068 or Tampa Bay & Company Partnership Sales Manager Lauren Bowles at lbowles@visittampabay.com or call 813-342-4085.

See below for detailed instructions on other benefits available to you within the Tampa Bay & Company Partner Extranet:

Using the Tampa Bay & Company Website
We encourage you to explore our Web site, www.VisitTampaBay.com, and utilize all of the resources available to you through the Web site.

To access Tampa Bay & Company’s Partners Only section:
• www.VisitTampaBay.com/Partners and click on “Partners Only”.
• Log in using your assigned username and password. If you have not received a username and password, please contact Tampa Bay & Company Marketing Analyst Julie Zambos at jazambos@visittampabay.com or call 813-342-4068 or Tampa Bay & Company Partnership Sales Manager Lauren Bowles at LBowles@VisitTampaBay.com or call (813)342‐4085.

To access the Tampa Bay & Company Meetings Convention Calendar:
• Log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website, www.VisitTampaBay.com/partners.
• Once logged in, a list of options appears on the main page as well as the left sidebar. Click on “Convention Calendar” to view upcoming Tampa Bay Community Events, Tampa Bay Conventions, Tampa Bay Meetings, etc.

To access and post events to the Tampa Bay & Company Calendar of Events:
• Log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website.
• Once logged in, you will see a link that says “Submit Events.” Click on this link and enter your event info and click “Save.”

To post coupons/special offers for Tampa Bay Area Visitors, Meeting Planners and/or Tampa Bay & Company Partners only:
• Log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website.
• Once logged in, you will see a link on the main page that says “Add/Edit/Remove Coupons.”
• To submit a new coupon, click on “add coupon” Enter your information and click “Save.”
• Your coupon will then appear as pending until our staff approves the coupon.
• To edit your coupon, click on the coupon title and click “Save.”

To view Tampa Bay Community Calendar of Events and Tampa Bay & Company Partner coupons:
• For visitor coupons, click “Visitors” and click on “Hot Deals” or “Calendar of Events.”
• For meeting planner coupons, click on “Meeting Planners” and click on “Meeting Planner Hot Deals.”
• For partner coupons, log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website and click on “Partner Coupons.”

To view tips from the Tampa Bay & Company Marketing team:
• Log in to the "Partners Only" section of our website.
• Once logged in click "Marketing Tools" to the left.
• Here you will access marketing tools, research and publications.

To view and/or update your profile:
• Log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website.
• Once logged in click on “View Profile.”
• Here you will be able to view your listings and contacts.
• ONLY the primary contact has access to update your account.

To retrieve various Tampa Bay & Company Sales Booking Reports, Action Plans and information about the Tampa Bay Convention and Tourism industry:
• Log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website.
• Once logged in, a list of options appears on the left sidebar. Click on “Sales” for various options.

What's Happening at the Fairgrounds in November

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with all of the Tampa Bay area events happening at the Florida State Fairgrounds for the rest of November. So, we won't drag it out and here with go some Tampa Bay entertainment.

Nov. 6-8: Junior League of Tampa Holiday Gift Market - The Junior League of Tampa hosts its 6th annual Holiday Gift Market fundraising event in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall. The three-day shopping event features more than 120 specialty merchants from across the country offering unique merchandise such as boutique jewelry, clothing, handbags, home goods, children's items, gourmet foods, and much more!

Event hours are Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission tickets at the door are $5 per adult and children ages 12 and younger enter free. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. For more information, visit online www.jltampa.org.

Nov. 13-15: Dixie Fest & Rib Burn-Off - Held outdoors at the Fairgrounds, Dixie Fest welcomes people to celebrate their southern pride during this three-day event. Main events scheduled to take place include monster truck rides, battle of the tribute bands, a Miss Dixie beauty contest, Dixie babes bikini contest, a nightly biker parade, a "Southern Boyz" all male revue, a karaoke contest, and a best tattoo artist contest.

In addition, there will be a variety of foods, vendors, and more. Event hours are Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from Noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 9 p.m. General admission is $10 each day or $20 for a 3-day admission pass for ages 15 and older, and free admission for children ages 14 and younger. Active military personnel with valid I.D. receive reduced admission for $5 per day. Parking is $3 per motorcycle, $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. To purchase tickets in advance, visit online www.dixiefestnow.com or any Ticketmaster location.

Nov. 14: Pet Adoption Expo - The ASPCA, Humane Society of Tampa Bay and No More Homeless Pets team up to present this one-day adoption event featuring over 40 animal rescue groups with hundreds of animals looking for a good home. Held in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center, there will also be pet demonstrations and vendors with pet specialty items for sale. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free for this event only. For more information, visit online www.humanesocietytampa or call Lisa Knight at 813-367-2078.

Nov. 14-15: Southeast Hunter Jumper Horse Show - The Southeast Hunter Jumper Association will host a two-day horse competition held in the Gran Prix Ring and Pony Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. The show starts at 8 a.m. each day. Competitions will be held in hunter and jumper divisions for children and adult categories with prizes to be awarded. Entry fees vary based on the entry category.

Participants must pre-register and fees must be paid with entry submission. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Participants and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.sehj.com.

Nov. 17: Tampa Bay Senior Expo - The Tampa Bay Senior Expo is a special event designed to help seniors find local professionals who offer expertise in financial planning, health, fitness, volunteerism and recreation. Held in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall for one day only, there will be free educational seminars, over 100 exhibits, health screenings and giveaways throughout the day.

Event hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free courtesy of The St. Petersburg Times. For more information, visit online www.tampabayexpos.com.

Nov. 22: Cheer & Dance Blast - Cheer Champion Express will host an officially sanctioned USASF all star event open to all youth Rec cheer & dance teams, school cheer & dance teams, all star cheer & dance teams, dance studios and individual competitors.

Individual and team registration fees vary depending on application entry date. Held in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall, event hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 each for spectators and children ages five and younger enter free. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus for each time a vehicle enters the grounds. For more information, visit online www.ccecheer.com.

Those are just a few of the events taking place at the Fairgrounds for the rest of the month, so head over to www.floridastatefair.com to get a full list of Tampa Bay area events!

Until next time, keep checking back for other things to do in Tampa Bay.

Lightning Action During November

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with two upcoming exciting Tampa Bay area events that you don’t wanna miss!

The Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, November 25 at 7pm and the New York Rangers on Friday, November 27 at 7:30pm.

Fans will have the opportunity to watch all favorite athletes including Vincent Lecavlier, Martin St. Louis, Steven Stamkos, and Victor Hedman!

Lightning fans should look for regular announcements detailing the upcoming games and events. As always, you are encouraged to check out www.tampabaylightning.com to get more details about each game day for Official Game Notes, the latest stats, stories, game previews, line-ups and more.

Once again, come to support your team. The Deadline to order tickets is the day before the game days at noon or until the tickets are sold out. Don’t forget: “Together We Will”. these are definitely the best St. Pete Times Forum tickets you can get.

As always, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Bok Tower Gardens' Sunset & Symphony Concert Ticket Giveaway!

Friday, October 30, 2009 by Bay Bloggers

Man I swear I must be super popular, as lately it just seems like I got tickets galore to giveaway! Well today is no different as we are giving away a 4-pack of tickets to the Bok Tower Gardens' Sunset & Symphony Concert next weekend!

In case you were not aware, Bok Tower Gardens will present the award-winning Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in an evening of pops and light classics. Enjoy the drama as the sky transforms from a colorful golden sunset glow into a magical darkened starry night. If you haven't been yet guys, let me be the first to tell you that this is an awesome place to watch a concert, especially at night!

Now in order for you to win, be sure to follow these simple rules. Now, keep in mind that if you don't win today, that's no excuse for you to miss this great Tampa Bay area events like this, so hurry up and get your tickets!

Here are the rules again, just in case you forgot...1 - You have to be following us on Twitter.com (www.Twitter.com/VisitTampaBay); 2- Answer two questions about Bok Tower Gardens and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra 3 - You have to re-tweet the original tweet in order to be eligible to win (a lot of people forget this one, so make sure you re-tweet separately); and 4 - You have to answer the question(s) on Twitter and be the first to do so.

Okay guys here goes:

The 205 foot neo-Gothic and art deco Singing Tower carillon is an experience like no other. Name the famed architect who designed it.
Name the Music Director for the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and what year of his tenure is he entering into?

Okay guys there you have it! Be sure to get those answers in fast and furious! I will be announcing the winners around 6pm today so good luck!

Stay tuned for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay and fun stuff from your Tampa Bay team!

NATIONAL EQUESTRIAN SHOW JUMPING FINALS ARE COMING TO TAMPA BAY THIS DECEMBER!

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Josh Jones

Josh Jones here with a Tampa Bay sports update! On December 5, City League International will bring their Grand Prix Team Show Jumping Finals to the Florida State Fairgrounds.

The Grand Prix is the final event in a three day competition that begins on Thursday, December 3. Four riders from each team will compete on Thursday in a points based speed competition. Then, on Friday all members of each team compete in team based competitions. Two riders are then chosen from each team to compete in the Grand Prix on Saturday night. Between the two riders, the lowest point score is dropped and the team with the most overall points from the three days will win the event. The top three riders in the Grand Prix will receive individual gold, silver and bronze medals, while the top eight teams in the overall event will receive prize money up to $25,000.

The teams that will compete in the event are from all over the United States, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. Each team is made up of men and women of different ages that compete against each other as equals. The Grand Prix is an event comprised of speed, precision, and athleticism.

City League provides its fans with pony rides and vendor expositions before an event and the unique opportunity to meet riders and pet horses after the event. Spectator interaction and participation are exclusive attributes to the equestrian sport and are exercised by allowing any rider to join the league and compete.

Tickets for the 2009 Grand Prix Show Jumping Finals are available for $15.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. They can be purchased online, prior to the event, at www.cityleagueinternational.com or at the event on December 5.

Check the website for ticket discounts and giveaways, as well as, team updates. Stay tuned for more things to do in Tampa Bay!

Spartan Soccer Tonight at Pepin Stadium!

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Bay Bloggers

athleticsyck again with another Tampa Bay Sports update! THIS IS SPARTA!!! Pardon me, as I was channeling King Leonidis and my inner Spartan there for a moment.

Image Courtesy of Uinversity of Tamp aAthletics.

Tonight the University of Tampa Men's Soccer team will take on St. Leo as they look tclosese out the regular season in style before defending their Sunshine State Conference title!

The Spartans have been ranked in the top 10 in each of the regular season polls this year, including three weeks at number one and will also look to continue their 16 game home win streak that dates back to 2007 against this same St. Leo Lions team.

The Spartans will also honor a veteran group as tonight will be the final home game for a group of seniors that will be greatly missed come next year.

The Spartans are led by senior and top goal scorer Pascal Milien, who has tallied 10 goals to go along with three assists for 23 points. In goal for the Spartans is fellow senior Ryan Thompson who boasts an 11-1-1 record with three shutouts and a 0.89 goals against average. Kyle Williams will lead back-linene that has allowed just 12 goals on the year so far.

All fans can access tonight'match-upup via a livweb-castst through www.tampaspartans.com where live stats will be available. If you want to get game updates on your mobiel device, UT also offers eScores, which is a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. Fans may also follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (www.twitter.com/utspartans) and Facebook.

Its gonna be a great night of soccer here in Tampa Bay so be sure to get out there and support these local teams! Jerm will most likely be there tonight in support of his Spartans so be on the lookout for me!

In the meantime, be sure to keep checking back for more Tampa Bay area events updates about the Spartans!

At the USF Bulls Soccer Home Finale Last Night...

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Bay Bloggers

Yo, yo, yo! Whatsup peeps! Jerm here with a tiny re-cap last night of the USF Bulls Men's Soccer game I was at last night. It was in fact senior night last night as the USF Bulls took on the Depaul Blue Demons in Big East play last night.

I was out at the game last night drumming up some support for the Tampa Bay FIFA World Cup™ Bid and getting signatures for the petition. Which by the way, if you haven't done that, then you can hop over to our website and do so. I even got to meet Thomas Rongen last night, who is head coach of the US Under 20 Men's National team

It was a difficult game for the Bulls to break open last night as the Blue Demons seemed content to keep at least 9 guys behind the ball all night and just weather the storm, but USF finally made the breakthrough on an absolute rip of a bending free kick just outside the eighteen by Zak Boggs.

I had a feeling when he stepped up to take it that he was going to make it, and I almost started to take some video of it, but told myself, nahhhhhh he's not gonna make it. As a result I will never doubt Zak Boggs again, and neither should you!

Despite a valiant defensive effort by the Blue Demons and plenty of good chances by the Bulls to get on the board again, that is the way the game would end as the Bulls took their overall record to 12-2-2, 6-2-2 in conference play. For the second year in a row, the University of South Florida men's soccer team finished its regular season home schedule without a loss..., now that's impressive!

The Bulls will end the season on the road this weekend vs. a tough Rutgers team sure to be looking to knock off the #9 ranked Bulls in conference play! The following week the Bulls will try and defend their Big East Title against what will be a very tough field of opponents.

For more info on that and other Bulls soccer updates check out the Men's Soccer home page.

But that's not all guys, more soccer action for you tonight as the number 4 seeded Lady Bull's kick-off conference tournament play vs Depaul at 7:30! Coach Denise Schlite-Brown will be looking to start the postseason on a strong note after finishing the season strong with the teams best record since 03'!

Come out tonight and show your support for the Bulls and our World Cup Bid as we will be back out there collecting signatures! Who knows, the USF Athletic department may even feed you as, last night they gave a way free pizza from Papa Johns!

That's all I got for now folks, but stay tuned for more updates from Jerm on USF Tampa Bay area events and things to do in Tampa Bay!

Seminole Hard Rock’s Annual Guitar Auction Tonight!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey gang...Travis here with some Tampa Bay enterainment news, as well as some Tampa Bay hotel updates...all in one!

Pop artist, Jules Burt, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Mike Alstott, and current Buc defensive tackle, Chris Hovan are the celebrities confirmed so far to participate in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s annual Angelus Guitar Auction.

It all takes place tonight at 7p.m. in Floyd’s nightclub at the Hard Rock in Tampa, where one-of-a-kind guitars decorated and signed by Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, and Brooks & Dunn will be auctioned.

Artwork produced by residents of The Angelus will also be available for purchase. All art exhibition and auction proceeds benefit The Angelus non-profit organization for severely handicapped children and adults, located in Hudson.

Tickets will be for sales at the door for ONLY $10. (This event is for ages 18 and up only.)

Hosted by Chad Brock and Dave McKay of country station WQYK 99.5, the night will feature a silent auction at 7p.m. and a live auction at 9p.m.

PLUS, complimentary hors d oeuvres and wine samplings will be served courtesy of the Seminole Hard Rock.

In case you don't know about the Angelus, here you go:
The residents and students at The Angelus all have cerebral palsy and use wheelchairs for every day functioning. The 20-year-old organization in Hudson, Florida is a place for severely handicapped residents to call home. The Angelus currently has five group homes with 32 residents. With the continued help of the community, the goals and philosophy of the Angelus “a place to live, to love, to learn” will be maintained and the quality of life for the people who cannot help themselves will be assured. Visit www.theangelus.com for more information.

and of course, you can log on to www.seminolehardrocktampa.com to get more info about the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

As always, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay.