DaVinci Revealed at MOSI!!!

Friday, November 20, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hi all!  Travis back with some really cool Tampa Bay entertainment options, no matter who you are!  You can bet that you'll catch me at this exhibit more than once. 

We are heading out to MOSI for a brand new exhibit that will be there from Feb. 13 - May 31, 2010.  DaVinci The Genius and the Secrets of the Mona Lisa will be at MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry, for this limited engagement.

This is the exhibition’s first appearance in the southeastern United States and will shed light on DaVinci’s contributions to modern science.

While DaVinci is widely known for his Renaissance era artwork – he had numerous contributions to the fields of science and technology. From mankind’s first flying machines and scuba gear to musical and time-keeping instruments, DaVinci’s well documented thoughts helped to create some of the world’s greatest inventions.

DaVinci – The Genius takes visitors on a journey through DaVinci’s thoughts, with reproductions of his most famous renaissance art in actual size, a series of anatomical sketches, and entertaining and educational presentations in 3D of the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, the Vitruvian Man and the Sforza Horse. 

The exhibition includes opportunities for visitors to try several of DaVinci’s inventions. Plus, children can express their genius by participating in activities in the DaVinci children’s area.

The Secrets of Mona Lisa, uses patented infrared technology and intense illumination to scan the Mona Lisa and virtually peel away layers of varnish applied over centuries. The camera was able to uncover how the Mona Lisa looked as she was originally painted, including layers of over-painting, restoration and attempts at preservation – even identifying the individual pigments that DaVinci used. 

These amazing revelations are displayed in gallery style and in full on super size, high resolution prints, with the largest being the 14 ft x 10 ft giant infrared of Mona Lisa.

Throughout the exhibition’s run, MOSI will be offering a number of DaVinci events, including artist sketch nights, Italian cooking demonstrations, young inventors events and a DaVinci discussion series.

and there's the scoop.  If you want more info, just visit www.mosi.org.  Like I said, look for me because I'll certainly be out there a bunch. 

Keep checking back for updates about this exhibit (because there'll certainly be others), as well as updates about other great things to do in Tampa Bay!
 

The Florida Orchestra in December

Friday, November 20, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some Tampa Bay area events, hosted by the Florida Orchestra, during December.  So strap your sleigh bells on because here we go!

Dec. 2: An Intimate Collaboration, The Austrian Way Highlighting Music by Beethoven & Bruckner. 

As a multi-cultural prelude to The Florida Orchestra’s next Masterworks concert, The Studio@620 and The Florida Orchestra present An Intimate Collaboration: The Austrian Way, with discussion, music, and other art forms related to Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6 featured on the Masterworks series on December 4 and 6.

An Intimate Collaboration: The Austrian Way takes place Wednesday, December 2, at 7:30 pm at The Studio@620 located at 620 First Avenue South in downtown St. Petersburg. Seating is limited and reservations are required.  Suggested donation $10. To place a reservation, call 727.895.6620 or visit www.studio620.org.


Dec. 4 & 6: Masterworks: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto.  The youngest winner ever of the International Beethoven Competition in Vienna, Stefan Vladar performs Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 with its flowing, gliding and sparkling melodic gifts on a program with Bruckner’s majestic and soaring Symphony No. 6.

It's Fri, Dec 4, 8 pm at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - Carol Morsani Hall, and on Sun, Dec 6, 7:30 pm at Ruth Eckerd Hall.  Tickets are: $20, $30, $43, $53, $67. 

Pre-Concert Conversation: All Masterworks programs offer a pre-concert talk about the music and the composers in the concert hall beginning one hour prior to curtain.

Dec. 10: Coffee Concerts: Opera’s Greatest Hits - Alastair Willis conducts this morning Coffee Concert that features Verdi’s Traviata, Prelude to Act III, Puccini’s La Boheme, and Rossini’s Overture: Italian Girl in Algiers.

Don’t miss the pre-concert conversation and complimentary coffee and donuts one hour before the concert. It's Thurs, Dec 10, 11 am at Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater. 

Pre-Concert Conversation: All Coffee Concert programs offer a pre-concert talk about the music and the composers in the concert hall beginning one hour prior to curtain.  tickets are: $24, $29, $34, $42

Dec. 11-13: A Holiday Pops - Sure to put a smile on your face and good cheer in your heart, treat yourself and your family to a sleigh load of musical chestnuts, favorite yuletide tunes and Christmas carols with your orchestra and the soaring voices of The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay.

It's Fri, Dec 11, 8 pm at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - Carol Morsani Hall; Sat, Dec 12, 8 pm at Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater; and Sun, Dec 13, 7:30 pm at Ruth Eckerd Hall.  Tickets are: $20, $30, $43, $53, $67

Dec. 16: Special Concert - Cherish the Ladies: A Celtic Christmas: 

Hailed by The New York Times as “passionate, tender and rambunctious” and singled out by The Washington Post as “an astonishing array of virtuosity,” the Irish traditional music and dance group, Cherish the Ladies, will toast the holiday season with their wondrous weaving of Irish vocals, old-world airs and tug-on-your-heartstrings yuletide tunes with fiddles, flutes, penny whistles, guitar, banjo, accordion, mandolin and even some step dancing.

It takes place on Wed, Dec 16, 8 pm at Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater, and tickets are: $25, $40, $55, $70

So, make sure you get out and enjoy one of the many events that the Florida Orchestra has in December. 

And keep checking back here for info about other Tampa Bay area events and great things to do in Tampa Bay. 
 

Cigar Heritage Festival 2009 Happens Tomorrow

Friday, November 20, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis back with some Tampa Bay entertainment in one of my favorite areas of Tampa Bay...historic Ybor City! 

Anyone and everyone can come join the fun and ambiance of Ybor City for a day of activities celebrating the rich cigar heritage that once made Tampa the "Cigar Capital of the World."

Join thousands of cigar enthusiasts at the 11th annual Cigar Heritage Festival!  You can see master cigar makers Wallace and Margarita Reyes attempt to break the record for "World's Longest Cigar."

The current US Record Holder was in 2006...which was 30.78 meters.  I mean, how cool would that be??!! 

Plus, you can shop the World's Finest Cigars, including Cuesta Rey, Arturo Fuente, Rocky Patel, Camacho, 601, and many more!

Also, there'll be a Kid Zone, Food Court, Cigar Accessories, Tours of the Ybor City Museum State Park, Cigar Rolling, Live Entertainment, Charity Beer Garden, Authentic Cultural Food Vendors, Cultural Activities For The Whole Family, the Ybor City Fresh Market, and the list just keeps going! 

And for all of you sports fans, they have you covered too, because there'll be a Game Zone featuring NCAA Football, Poker, Dominos, & More! 

It all happens in CENTENNIAL PARK in YBOR CITY (on 9th Ave. between 18th and 19th Streets).  It's tomorrow from 10am to 5pm, so make plans to stop by during the day!  You can bet you'll see me out there. 

Have a great time everyone!  And keep checking back here for other Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay! 
 

It's Officially 83 Degrees in Tampa Bay!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey guys!  Travis back with some cool news about a brand new source for your information about Tampa Bay!  It's called 83 Degrees, it's totally online, and here's the info straight from them:

A new economy is emerging across West Central Florida - from Tampa to Sarasota to
Clearwater to Spring Hill to Lakeland - and 83 Degrees plans to tell that story.

Today, 83 Degrees (www.83degreesmedia.com) will go live with its first weekly e-magazine, complete with features, Innovation and Job News, Development News, Q&As, and photos and videos that capture the innovative people and companies driving the Tampa Bay region's economy.

If you have news tips about things they should cover, they should be e-mailed to tips@83degreesmedia.com . They want to hear about talented people, innovations, investments, ideas, new businesses and job growth in the New Economy that reflect Tampa Bay's rising TIDE -- Talent, Innovation, Diversity, Environment.

The weekly online magazine will publish Tuesdays and be sent out free via e-mail to subscribers!  You can sign up at www.83degreesmedia.com.

So, log on and have some fun.  And keep checking back for some great things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events and news!
 

Florida Orchestra in December

Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone...Travis back with some great Tampa Bay area events taking place in December.  We're bringing you all of the Florida Orchestra events taking place in December.  So, here we go:

December 4 & 6: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto - As the youngest winner ever of the International Beethoven Competition Vienna, Austrian pianist Stefan Vladar makes his TFO debut performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, Emperor. 

Stefan Sanderling conducts this program, which also includes the TFO premiere of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6. Vladar has been a regularly featured soloist at prestigious music festivals in Salzburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Hong Kong, Osaka, Rheingau, Ludwigsburg and the respected Schubertiade in Austria. 

Show times: Fri., Dec. 4 at 8 pm, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - Carol Morsani Hall; Sun., Dec. 6 at 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall.  Tickets are: $20, $30, $43, $53, $67

December 11, 12 & 13: A Holiday Pops - With guest conductor Jeff Tyzik on the podium, attendees will be treated to a sleigh load of musical chestnuts, favorite yuletide tunes and best-loved Christmas carols, all with the over 150 voices of the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. 

Now in his fourteenth season as principal pops conductor of the Rochester Philharmonic, Jeff Tyzik has lead many of the top orchestras around the United States, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony, Boston Pops, Dallas Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops.

Show times: Fri., Dec. 11 at 8 pm, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - Carol Morsani Hall; Sat., Dec. 12 at 8 pm, Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater; Sun., Dec. 13 at 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall.  Tickets are: $20, $30, $43, $53, $67

December 16: Cherish the Ladies “A Celtic Christmas” - Hailed by The New York Times as “passionate, tender and rambunctious” and singled out by The Washington Post as “an astonishing array of virtuosity,” the Irish traditional music and dance group, Cherish the Ladies, joins The Florida Orchestra for “A Celtic Christmas.” 

They will toast the holiday season with their wondrous weaving of Irish vocals, old-world airs and tug-on-your-heartstrings yuletide tunes, complete with fiddles, flutes, penny whistles, guitar, banjo, accordion, mandolin and even some step dancing.

With eleven recordings to their name, including a Grammy nomination for their “Celtic Album” with the Boston Pops, they have received numerous honors, including being selected as the Best Musical Group of the Year by BBC.  In fact, their recording “On Christmas Night” was chosen as one of the Top Christmas Albums of the Year by The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, The Village Voice and The Washington Post.

Show time: Wed., Dec. 16 at 8 pm, Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater.  Tickets are: $25, $40, $55 and $70

And of course, tickets to all performances can be purchased by calling 800-662-7286 and online at www.floridaorchestra.org.  So, get out and enjoy the holiday season with the Florida Orchestra. 

And keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events for the holidays.
 

Star Gaze at Bok Tower Gardens

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis back with some cool information from one of the best Tampa Florida attractions out there.  Bok Tower Gardens will host the 2009 Star Gaze to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the telescope. 

It all takes place on Nov. 19 beginning at 5:30 p.m., weather permitting, with November 20 as the backup date.

The astronomy class at Webber International University will have at least seven telescopes available for use. More great news...admission will be half-price, which means $5 for adults and $1.50 for ages 5-12.

If you want tickets in advance, just call 863-734-1221 or email phrestina@boktower.org.

Here's some technical info that's pretty cool too:
At this time of the month when only the thin crescent moon will fill the sky with light, more than a thousand stars should be visible at any given time as well as the planet Jupiter; Albireo, a double star in the constellation Cygnus and the “Double Cluster,” two open star clusters near the constellation Cassiopeia.

Other stellar sights include “The Keystone Cluster,” the globular star cluster in Hercules. A short introduction by Karl Gould of WIU at the Visitor Center will precede the field observation.

Gates open at 5 p.m. to explore the observation area while it’s still light and become familiar with focusing the eyepiece. Bring a small red light flashlight that can be made by placing a sheet of red plastic over the front lens of a standard AA flashlight.

A small folding chair, blankets and insect repellent are also recommended. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Of course, you can head over to www.boktowergardens.org for the lastest information.  And definitely keep checking back here for more info about great things to do in Tampa Bay and other awesome Tampa Bay area events.
 

A Cattle Drive Through Downtown Tampa

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey gang!  Travis back with some really cool Tampa Bay entertainment.  You can join members of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and the Seminole Tribe of Florida on Saturday, November 21 at 10am as they drive a herd of cattle down Old Water Street from Morgan Street to the Tampa Bay History Center!

Yep, you heard me right!  This cattle drive is being held in conjunction with the History Center's temporary exhibit Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition, which chronicles the history and culture of one of Florida’s oldest industries.

Florida’s ranching legacy began when Spanish explorers brought cattle and horses to Florida in the 16th century. To date, cattle ranching remains an integral part of the state’s economy. 

The Florida Cattle Ranching exhibit is on display through December 19. Following the cattle drive, visitors can experience the cattle ranching lifestyle by visiting an authentic Cracker Cow Camp set up in Contanchobee Fort Brooke Park.

Within the History Center, they can watch whip making demonstrations, listen to cowboy storytelling, enjoy youth activities and get a book signed by Carlton Ward, Jr. at the Museum Store.

Watching the cattle drive and visiting the Cow Camp is free. General admission rates apply for admittance into the History Center's galleries.  If you're interested and want more info, visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.

Have fun with the cattle drive everyone!  and keep checking back here for other Tampa Bay area events and Tampa Florida news!
 

Piano in Ybor Gets everyone Playing their own tune!

Monday, November 9, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone...Travis here with information about some REALLY cool Tampa Bay entertainment.  "Piano's in Ybor" will take to the streets of historic Ybor City on Nov. 14 and last through Jan. 9, 2010. 

Here's the info:
Decorated Street Pianos are appearing in cities across the world! Now there are pianos in Historic Ybor City!  "Please Play Me!" is a creative interactive public art exhibit where you, the public, get to play the pianos!

The free fingering piano keys will be available during the festive holiday season and the 2 parades in Ybor City; the Santa Fest Dec. 5th and the Outback Bowl Parade on New Years Eve. 
There'll be a PRESS Conference & Kick Off on Saturday, Nov 14th 2 PM at Centro Ybor in front of Muvico 20 Theatres.  So, if you can make it by there, definitely do! 

If you want to hear a little more about it, Preston Rudie with 10 Connects shot this great video as they were finishing the pianos - http://bit.ly/1pvoDA
 
And, over 300 guests attended the Sneak Preview reception...take a look at the youtube video here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK92NFg8r3A

So, get out there and have some fun playing the pianos!  And keep checking back here for more things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events. 
 

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!
 

Connect with Tampa Bay Through GoZaic...

Monday, November 9, 2009 by jeremy fairley
Hello gang, Jerm here and just wanted to let you know about a cool vacation planning tool we are featured in that recently launched!

Gozaic is a new and interesting way for you to plan life-enriching travel and join a community that shares the passion that you have for experiencing culture and heritage. Feel free on the GoZaic site to build your own custom itineraries exploring sites with stories to tell.

Book guided tours to destinations rich in culture. Share your photos and reviews with others.

Tampa Bay is one of many featured destinations on the site, so hop on there and check us out and all that there is to do here. From shopping in Tampa Bay, to all of the historical and cultural options, there is plenty to choose from.

Thats all for now, so stay tuned for more vacation planning tools and things to do in Tampa Bay!


Tis the Season at the Seminole Hard Rock

Monday, November 9, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here again.  I have some cool information straight from one of the best Tampa Bay hotels in the area - the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. 

This Thanksgiving season, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino lives up to Hard Rock International’s famous “Love All, Serve All” tagline by donating $5,000 dollars worth of Thanksgiving dinner items to help Metropolitan Ministries achieve their enormous need.

The Seminole Hard Rock Girls are dropping by the Clear Channel Helping Hands Food Drive being held at Westshore Plaza on November 20 at 7am with a truckload of meat, cereal, mixed vegetables and other highly requested items.

The Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Food Drive (being held at 2010 N. Florida Drive Ave.) is open from November 2 through December 24th. If you want to get involved, call 813.209.1000 or log onto www.metromin.org.

Then, join the 2009 Seminole Hard Rock Girls to take photos from noon until 5 pm on Friday, November 27th as Seminole Hard Rock’s elaborate holiday tree is lighted in Seminole Hard Rock’s Hotel Lobby.

Player’s club members are encouraged to bring a new toy for the Toys for Tots Gift Exchange Lottery which will also take place in the Lobby from 10am until 4pm also on November 27th in exchange for a myriad of prizes from free play to on property food credit.

Also, guests are encouraged to take an angel from the Salvation Army Angel Tree in the Lobby to donate a gift to a child in need.

So, take a page out of the Seminole Hard Rock book, and get involved this holiday season!  And as always, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay...and we'll even give you some cool idea for shopping in Tampa Bay! 

Get Your Paint On Bok Tower Gardens

Monday, November 9, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone...Travis here with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment, and at one of the coolest Tampa Bay area attractions!


Internationally known artist Gary Gessford will offer a three-day landscape painting workshop for intermediate and advanced students of watercolor, acrylic and oils November 13-15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Gessford will teach how to create atmosphere between foreground and background by painting trees and vegetation to give depth in landscape paintings. This is the first in a series of three painting workshops and enrollment is limited and costs $325 or $275 for members.


Plus, discounts are available for registrations in multiple workshops. Just call 863-734-1221 or email phrestina@boktower.org for reservations.


An artist for more than 30 years and owner of Gessford Studio in Mulberry, Gessford has painted, taught, lectured and exhibited extensively in Washington, D.C., Paris, France and in Germany where he received a six month fellowship. He trained at the Ringling School of Art, Corcoran School of Art, Georgia State University and the University of South Florida.


Gessford also offers workshops on floral painting on March 12–14 and architecture in landscape May 21–23 focusing on the Mediterranean-style architecture of Pinewood Estate.
Each three-day workshop has limited attendance and costs $325 for the general public, or $275 for members.


A 10 percent discount will be offered for registration in two workshops and 15 percent for all three workshops.


So, get out there and get your paint on at Bok Tower Gardens!  Keep checking back for other things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events.
 

Building a Bath of Hot Chocolate

Monday, November 9, 2009 by Partner Pulse
While people attend Tampa Bay Meetings at the Convention Center Tampa and stay at Tampa Bay Hotels and Tampa Bay Resorts it is always interesting to see what is happpening in other parts of the hotel industry. 

Even though a specialty line through any of these brands probably will not appear in the Westshore District you should be thankful that you won't have to build a bath of hot chocolate for a customer staying here in Tampa Bay! 


Hotel Building Boom Focuses On Boutique Brands

by Curt Nickisch

Lost amid the hammering the hotel industry has been taking lately, there's a building boom. Big hotel chains like Hyatt, Marriott and Starwood are rolling out lines of specialty hotels.

What most hotels call the lobby, the new W Boston hotel calls its "living room." Plunk down in one of the leather pods, and you can admire the polished granite floors by leaning back and seeing them reflected in the mirror on the ceiling. In the evening, the staff turns the lights down and the music up.

W is part of a big hotel company called Starwood. This new location is the latest in a growing trend of so-called contemporary lifestyle hotels. Hyatt's line is called Andaz, and Marriott has Edition. The idea is to lure customers bored with mainstream hotels.

W's global brand manager, Eva Ziegler, takes her job very seriously.

"We want to provide access to a world of wow," she says. "Basically, help you to escape from the fears and from the [mundanity] of everyday life, and come into a world where everything is possible."

That might sound attractive, if you can afford it. The W's room rates in Boston start at around $200. Hotel staffers wear designer outfits and no name tags, because they're just as cool as you. They'll get you anything you want — as long as it's legal.

Hot Chocolate Bath

The hotel's general manager, Bill Bunce, remembers the customer who wanted a hot chocolate bath.

"And so to get all of that ready and get it in the tub and marshmallows floating — and they wanted it hot, too, which is even more difficult to do," he says. "But we were able to do it."

Of course, it also went on the customer's bill.

"That's the other key part to it, too," says Bunce, laughing. "Whether they want to pay the price. You could tell me whatever you want. I can deliver it, but there's a price attached to it."
The Market restaurant in W Boston is part of a newly opened boutique hotel that is owned and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
The Market restaurant at the W Boston hotel

The Market restaurant in W Boston is part of a newly opened boutique hotel that is owned and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Reed Woodworth, a hotel industry analyst for PKF Consulting, says occupancy is down nationwide even as hotels have been cutting rates.

"It's a particularly difficult time to be opening up a luxury, high-end hotel in an economy that we've had for the past year now," he says.

Betting On The Future

But Woodworth says the hotel companies remember that before the recession, consumers were willing to pay about $80 more to stay in these newer, cooler hotels that don't feel like a chain — even though they are.

The hotel companies are betting on that demand coming back.

"W Hotels basically doesn't build hotels today for tomorrow," says Ziegler. "It builds hotels for the long term. So when the economy comes back, it also means we will own the upswing."

Woodworth says investing in new locations during a downturn can keep customers loyal and interested. But it's risky.

"It's still pretty much the wisdom in the hospitality world that this is going to be a rather slow climb out of this hole," he says. "So while they are riding the upswing as it were, it still looks to be a very gradual upswing over the next few years."

That means it could be a long time before these hotels make money. After all, people have gotten used to paying low rates for high-end hotels. It's going to take a while to convince consumers to pay the high prices they used to pay for these kinds of hotels — even with the lure of hot chocolate in the bathtub.

What's happening in Ybor City Tomorrow

Friday, November 6, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hi all!  Travis here with the cool Tampa Bay area events taking place in Ybor City tomorrow, Nov. 7.  There some neat things to do in Tampa Bay, so listen up. 


Ybor Art Walk (at Various locations) - from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Ybor Art Walk, a monthly art event sponsored by Ybor Art Association, will take place in history Ybor City.


The Art Walk is a self-guided tour of over 20 participating artistic venues in Ybor City. This month, Square One Rocks! will kick off at 11:00am at the Ritz Ybor (www.ritzybor.com).


No street closures are planned and for more information and a brochure, visit www.YAAOnline.org


Kraftz for Kids (at 1923 East 7th Avenue) - it happens from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.  You can indulge yourself in some crafty creations!  


Jezabelles and Her Wandering Gypsies are hosting a FREE event each Saturday for the entire family.   For more information and a schedule, call  813 / 247-1923 or email jezabelle-gypsies@hotmail.com 


Ybor City Saturday Market at Centennial Park East Pavillion from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.  If you are looking for fresh produce or a November shopping adventure, then this is the place for you. 


Visit the Ybor Market this Saturday in Centennial Park.  For more information, please contact Lynn Schultz at 813/241-2442 or visit www.ybormarket@yahoo.com.


and there you go...so get out and start exploring Tampa's historic Ybor City.  and keep checking back for other things to do in Tampa Bay.
 

Discount at MOSI for Veterans Day!

Friday, November 6, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some great Tampa Bay entertainment ideas for you for Veterans Day! 


In celebration of Veteran’s Day, MOSI will be offering $5 admission to all active and retired military personnel, EMTs, firefighters and police officers. Admission includes MOSI exhibit galleries and one standard IMAX® Dome Theatre film. 


You must present Military Photo ID to receive offer and it cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.  Take advantage of the deal from Nov. 11-15!


I thought this was a great thing for MOSI to do to honor our Veteran's, so I wanted to be sure to share it with everyone. 


Stick around...we'll be back with other Tampa Bay area events, and other updates about cool Tampa Florida Attractions. 
 

Giveaway Alert - Wonderland tickets at the Performing Arts Center

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some great Tampa Bay entertainment news!  It's been a while since we've done a giveaway, so we are going to try this again. 


Hopefully you have all heard about the brand new production at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - Wonderland, Alice's New Musical Adventure.  if you haven't heard, just check out the previous blog by clicking here


Well, we have two tickets to give away for the performance on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 at the Performing Arts Center. 


These will be Facebook giveaways, so don't forget that you have to be a fan of the Visit Tampa Bay Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/visittampabay). 


We'll be doing the giveaway on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 10am, so make sure you are there and ready to answer a trivia question. 


The first 10 correct repsonses have a chance at the tickets.  so, we'll see you then! 


And keep checking back for more updates about cool Tampa Bay entertainment options and other things to do in Tampa Bay.
 

Rockin Out at the Seminole Hard Rock

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone.  Travis back with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment that'll have you rocking at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. 


Three exceptional musical stand-up comedians: Michael Mack, Ron Feingold and Kier showcase an evening of music and stand-up comedy along with a closing jam session that has to be seen to be believed!


All three comedians have been heard on the nationally syndicated radio program Bob and Tom and they have also been seen on national television such as Comedy Central and ABC's America's Funniest People.


It all happens on Monday, November 9...Doors open at 7pm, with the show at 8pm.  It's at Floyd’s at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and tickets are $20...you can get them through Ticketmaster or at the door & Hard Rock Shop.


have fun rockin out with those guys!  We'll see you back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!
 

Sunset & Symphony this Weekend at Bok Tower Gardens!

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Bay Bloggers
This weekend, there are a ton of events going on, but few will be more spectacular than when the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra descend upon Bok Tower Gardens for Sunset & Symphony.

If you don't already happen to have your tickets, I suggest you hurry up and do so, as events over at Bok Tower Gardens tend to sell out quick, fast and in a hurry!

Now this year's theme will be, “Fanfare for Opera.” The Orchestra will perform “Candide” by Leonard Bernstein, “The Phantom of the Opera” by Andrew Lloyd Webber, “Carmen Suite” by Georges Bizet, “The Barber of Seville” by Gioacchino Rossini and other selections under the direction of Principal Pops Conductor Andrew Lane. Soprano Janette Zilioli will sing selections from “La Bohme” by Giacomo Puccini, “The Merry Widow” by Franz Lehar and “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess” by George Gershwin.

Wow that was a mouthful, but wait there's more! Event gates open at 3:30 p.m. For the kids, and the child at heart there will be an instrument Petting Zoo beginning at 4:30 p.m. Located on the Garden Activities Center lawn, you and your family/friends can try their hands at a variety of instruments with the help of the professional musicians of the Orlando Philharmonic.

pre-ordered boxed picnic selections are available from the Blue Palmetto Cafe for $8.50 and $10.50 plus tax and can be picked up November 7 until 5:45 p.m. Call 863-676-1355 for advance orders.

Chicken and yellow rice, hot dogs, snacks and beverages including beer and wine will be available for sale at the Hilltop Cafe from 3:30 to 8:00 p.m. The Gift Shop and Visitor Center will remain open until after the concert.

Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, insect repellent and flashlights. Handicapped parking and shuttle service will be available.

Holy cow, that's a lot to take in, but its well worth it as this is going to be an amazing show! There is still time to purchase tickets so hop to it!

Until the next time, stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay area events and fun things to do in Tampa Bay!
 



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 select 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.

Biker Bash Returns to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hi everyone...Travis back with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment for you.  Get your engines revved up, because Biker Bash is returning to one of the premier Tampa Bay hotels, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. 


The poolside Bike Bash will be on Sunday, Nov. 15 from noon - 6p.m., featuring the popular 10-Class Bike Show & Contest, a poker walk, live entertainment, $10 bar-b-que, and $2.50 Miller Lite specials.


Registration for the bike contest will be from noon until 3 p.m. and limited to the first 75 motorcycles.  Trophies and prizes will be awarded in each of the 10 classifications.  Oh, and the emcee for the Biker Bash will be Radical Randy.


So, if you need more details, head over to www.seminolehardrock.com.  and as always, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, other Tampa Bay area events and even info about great Tampa Florida attractions.