Are you a meeting planner who is interested in Tampa Bay for one of your next meetings? Are you also a football fan who would like to go to the biggest game of the year? If you can answer YES to both of those questions, then I have some exciting news for you....

Tampa Bay area Marriott and Renaissance hotels have joined together to create an amazing opportunity for meeting planners. If you submit a qualified RFP (any group that requires more than 10 or more guest rooms on peak night) by January 16, 2009 to a participating Marriott or Renaissance hotel, you will automatically be entered into a drawing to win an awesome prize: The winners will receive 2 tickets to Super Bowl XLIII, taking place on Sunday, Feb. 1 at Raymond James Stadium, along with 2-nights' accommodations and a site visit of the city. 

To enter the drawing, simply click on this link to view the participating hotels, then submit your RFP by January 16, and cross your fingers!

Good luck everyone! Keep checking back for more information on Tampa Bay meetings.  

 

Want to make sure everyone sees this before it's too late - a neat opportunity!  

Sunscreen Film School

The class is open to anyone and everyone.  The four-month course takes place one Saturday a month in January and February and two Saturdays in March.  All culminating in you showing your film at the Sunscreen Film Festival in April. 

We'll show you how to take off-the-shelf equipment and make a movie out of original stories. Participants will learn how to write and pitch a script; set up production schedules; plan and shoot shots; direct actors; work with lighting and sound; edit and assemble rough-cuts; insert credits and much, much more.

The five-part course will end with a special screening and party at the Sunscreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg April 29 - May 3.

The classes are taught by Dave DeBorde, professor of cinematic arts at Southeastern University as well as several industry professionals.  The classes are advised by Tom Garrett, assistant professor of communication at the University of Tampa.

The cost is $250.00 for the School and a Sunscreen Film Festival Membership at the Key Grip level or $299.00 without the membership. You can purchase online by clicking here.

For more information, contact Harry Chittenden, at hchittenden@sunscreenfilmfestival.com or 727-490-7781.
 

We always strive to give you the best things to do in Tampa Bay, so here’s another Tampa Bay area event that we just couldn’t let slip by without telling you all about it! I just got this info in, so take a look –

Black Heritage FestivalThe Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival embarks on its 9th year with its two-day Street Festival showcasing Tampa Bay’s diverse culture and art as well as promoting a healthy community. With Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida returning as the title sponsor, the Street Festival is again free to all and will be held Saturday and Sunday January 17-18, 2009 from 12 PM to 6 PM at Al Lopez Park located at 4810 N. Himes Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602.

“Old School Saturday” will kick off the two-day event with live performances by Brick and Doug E Fresh, as well as the Battle of the DJs and other local artists.  Sunday’s event, “Jazz Sunday,” will feature performances by famed neo-soul jazz musician Roy Ayers, outstanding saxophonist BK Jackson, and the 90s hit sensation Az Yet.

There will also be free health screenings, a Mobile Prison Art Gallery, crafts, food vendors and villages for Artists, Authors, Children, Health, Greek (Fraternities/Sororities), and Corporate. The Mayor’s Challenge, a 2K walk or run, will start at 9 AM Saturday morning. Registration will begin on site at 7:30 AM. The Mayor’s Challenge, sponsored by State Farm Insurance, seeks to reinforce healthy living and lifestyles and is followed by the opportunity to visit the Health Village for health screenings and other information.

Now that is some Tampa Bay entertainment. And, if that wasn’t enough, we just heard about this too!

The Festival just recently received notification that the 2009 Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival is being recognized as a Top 20 Event in the southeast US by the Southeast Tourism Society.

Make sure you head over to www.TampaBlackHeritage.org to get a complete list of events and additional info!

As always, if you’ve been to the Festival over the past 9 years, drop a line and let us all know how it was. And, if you can make it out this year, stop back by here and fill us on this year’s event.

Until next time, enjoy these Tampa Bay area events!

Back to reality, kids!

It's truly the end of an era as we see the final Tampa Film Review this Friday, January 9, 2009...

You are invited to attend the FINAL Tampa Film Review (TFR) hosted by Pete and Paul Guzzo on Friday, January 9 from 8 – 10 p.m. at the Italian Club, 1731 East Seventh Ave.

The event is FREE and OPEN to the public.
 
The Italian Club invites everyone to join them at their weekly happy hour prior to the TFR. Happy hour begins at 6 p.m. The happy hour features a $10 buffet and drink specials.
 
Thank Cigar City Magazine for sponsoring the event.
 
The final TFR will showcase some of the BEST short films made here in Tampa Bay that we have shown since the TFR’s inception in January 2004.
 
Every month for the past five years, TFR has showcased films produced by Tampa filmmakers. The fact that we have been able to fill so many months of programming with locally produced films is a testament to the talent in the Tampa Bay area. We hope everyone can come out and support the final installment of this event.
  
And a note from Paul...

My brother and I would like to thank everyone who has supported the TFR over the past five years and who helped to make it the best film event in the area throughout that time. We began five years ago with a crowd of 20 – 30 people a month, and have grown to regular crowds of over 100 people, sometimes peeking at over 300 people! When the event began, we told people that we were the only regular outlet for local filmmakers to showcase their work. We are proud that five years later, that is no longer the case, as numerous events have been founded since, providing local filmmakers with a variety of venues willing to showcase their art.
 
I cannot put into words how proud my brother and I are of the event we founded five years ago. We feel it not only helped the local film community, but Ybor City as well, as it brought a positive event to a community that my brother and I both love.
 
It would mean a lot to us if everyone came out and celebrated the amazing five year run this event has enjoyed. If you have ever attended a TFR over the past five years, please come one more time. If you have never attended a TFR, come on out for the first time and see firsthand the amazing film talent Tampa Bay boasts.
I hope to see everyone there for a record breaking crowd at a local film event.

Pete's words ring so true - we have so many talented individuals in the Bay Area producing quality work and now, so many avenues for showcasing that work. Pete and Paul blazed a tail through Tampa's film community and we're so grateful to them.

In festival news, check out the new Gasparilla International Film Festival website. It's packed full of good information, whether you're a movie-goer, potential volunteer, or just curious about what the festival has to offer.

I wish everyone a safe and prosperous 2009. May we all be blessed with health, happiness and an increased state film incentive!

Happy New Year everyone! With the New Year comes new and exciting opportunities for publicity about the Bay area. Check out the awesome Super Bowl article that is currently posted on www.SouthernLiving.com. On Dec. 28, Tampa Bay got a great write up in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper regarding events and activities for fans who are in the Tampa area for the big game as well as in Florida Trend magazine which illustrates the economics behind a Super Bowl and why it’s so important to our local economy.

As we get closer and closer to Feb. 1, more and more visitors will be searching out information on shopping in Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay area beaches entertainment and attractions. As you know, Super Bowl is big business and that's why this expansive coverage on our area is so vitally important to our partners in these uncertain economic times.

As the the weeks leading up to the game dwindle, I'm continuing to pitch broadcast affiliates, daily newspapers and magazines to carry on the publicity around this exciting event.

Oh and a big shout out to Ybor City, which has been highlighted in virtually every article published over the past few months and of course in the Super Bowl coverage of late. I lived in Ybor City for three years and loved every minute of it. It's nice that the travel journalists from around the world think it's pretty great too.

Ok ladies and gentlemen, I'm back with more exciting news about The Greatest Show On Earth!  Today at noon, the pachyderm performers of the 139th Edition of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum&Bailey Circus will be taking a break from rehearsals to eat lunch. 

Now I know what you are saying...what's the exciting part?  Well, you can be a part of their lunch celebration as they prepare to make the world debut of the new show right here in Tampa!  This is some of the best Tampa Bay entertainment you'll find! 

The famed Ringling Bros. elephants will gather on the Plaza at the St. Pete Times Forum. National Circus Chaplain Father Jerry Hogan will say a special prayer and offer a blessing for the elephants prior to the pachyderms’ meal. These circus stars will enjoy a meatless feast of apples, bananas, carrots, melons, lettuce, followed by dessert provided by Blue Bell Ice Cream. Free ice cream samples, while supplies last.

So, head on out to the St. Pete Times Forum at noon today to take part in the Ringling Bros. Elephant Brunch! 

And as always, keep checking back here for more updates about Tampa Bay area events, and other things to do in Tampa Bay! 

Equestrian events are continuing to hit their stride and generate significant economic impact for Hillsborough County!  

More than 2,000 fans and competitors came out to experience the 39th Annual Arabian Horse Association of Florida’s Thanksgiving Arabian Show/Regional Championship Horse Show.  The event produced nearly 1,900 hotel room nights creating $1.1 Million in Estimated Delegate Spending.  The history of the Arabian Horse Association of Florida dates back to the early 1950's when a group in south Florida who loved the Arabian horse banded together to plan the future of the Arab in the state.  


The primary purposes of the Florida Association are to promote Arabian horses in the state, maintain the annual high point awards and futurity programs, and to encourage shows throughout the state.  

For more information, log on to www.ahaflorida.org.

The 2008 United Soccer Leagues SoccerFest, which featured the Super Y-League North American Finals and the organization’s Annual General Meeting enjoyed another successful year in Tampa Bay.

The tournament came to Tampa Bay from Nov. 19-25 with more than 7,500 fans and participants.  This year’s SoccerFest produced more than 7,700 hotel room nights, which created $4 Million in Estimated Delegate Spending.  More than 130 teams, including four local teams, competed at locations across the Tampa Bay area, including Ed Radice Field and the Land O Lakes Recreation Complex. 

The United Soccer Leagues is the largest organization of elite-level soccer leagues in North America.  To learn more, visit www.uslsoccer.com.

Ok, we always provide you with the best things to do in Tampa Bay, so when this came across the computer screen, we just had to share.  This just in from the City of Tampa –

Welcome Iowa and South Carolina fans to Ybor City!  The 23rd Anniversary Outback Bowl Parade and Pep Rally will take place today (New Year’s Eve) from 5:30pm - 8:30pm.  The event includes a parade of high school bands and the two college bands followed by a pep rally on the corner of 14th Street and 7th Avenue.

On-street parking and public lot parking in the area will available until 1:00pm (firm).  Parking signs will be installed stating “No Parking After 1pm”. Cars must be removed by 1:00pm to avoid towing.  Pedestrian barricades will be installed starting at 1:30 pm on 7th Avenue from 14th St. to 20th St.  No on-street parking will be permitted between 20th St. and 26th St. 

7th Avenue from Nick Nuccio Parkway to 21st Street and north/south side streets from 6th Ave to Palm will be closed by 3:30pm, unless crowds call for an earlier closure. Westbound traffic on Palm will be allowed to turn south on 15th Street to utilize the Centro Ybor Valet and Palm Ave Garage. The event will end at approximately 8:30pm. The pedestrian barricades will be removed following the parade, and 7th Ave will be re-opened at 9:00pm unless crowds dictate otherwise. 

EVENT SCHEDULE
Event Staging   ……………………………………………..    1:30pm
Parade (on 7th Avenue from 20th to 14th Streets) ………  5:30pm
Pep Rally (Parking Lot at 14th Street and 7th Ave) ……..    7:00pm-8:30pm

Now, if that doesn’t sound like fun, then I don’t have anything else for ya!  Ybor City provides it all...if you are looking for places to eat or where to stay, then head on down.  Plus, they have some fo the best Tampa Bay Nightlife out there!  

In case you need it - for more street closure information, call Tampa Police Department.

See you all out there! 

Its that time again! I swear it seems like I just sent one out but hey, I guess time flies when you got so many great events and things to do in Tampa Bay!

If you thought that the Super Bowl was all that we had going on then you better look again. January's edition of the Tampa Bay Traveler highlights the Sizzle of Events here in the month of January. From the 2009 OutBack Bowl, to the new Body Worlds Exhibit here at the Museum of Science&Industry, or the annual Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival, you can find a wide range of things to keep you busy until Super Bowl XLIII week starts!

Loved to tell you more, but I don't want to ruin the surprise, so check it out and let me know what you think!

As always if you haven't yet signed up to receive the monthly email then feel free to do so at the top right of this blog page below the banners.

Don't know about you guys, but this weekend I will be on hand to watch the USF Bulls take care of business this weekend against the Memphis Tigers in the inaugural St. Petersburg Bowl.

I was severely hurtin last week without there being any college football played, so this will be a welcome addition to my weekend! The Bulls coming off of hard fought a 7-5 season, will look to end their season on a high note versus conference USA opposition in front of a its home fans at Tropicana Field.

If you are reading this post right now and don't already have your tickets then I am not sure what you are waiting for exactly, as tickets are a steal starting at $30 a pop.

So go out and get your tickets as it should be a great atmosphere at the Trop, and oh yeah...GO BULLS!!!

Okay gang, so with the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay this year, if you plan on coming here, then you may need to know how to navigate around, need driving directions, or need to know where that cool party is.

If that is the case, then you are going to need a map of some sort right? Well we have the Official Interactive Map for the Super Bowl now brought to you by our friends at the Super Bowl Host Committee and Navteq ID Maps!

But of course you had to know that I was going to take the time out to give you a little cheesy map humor first right! I promise I will be brief:

Q. Why do senior military officials like small scale maps?
A. Because they have been GENERAL-ized.

Q: Why did the innocent map go to jail?
A: It was framed by the neatline.

Q: What is the difference between a tub full of freezing water and a depth contour? A: One is an icy bath and the other is an isobath.

WOW!!! Those were even more cheesy than my previous ones...lol, but its always good to have a little map fun. For all of your planning needs, be sure to check out the Tampa Bay&Company web site for the scoop on what to do when not at the game!

Ok, so that was a corny way to start, but this was a perfect opportunity to tell you about the volunteers that our Company relies on...ALL THE TIME!!!! 

At the heart of Tampa Bay&Company lie the many volunteers that continue to welcome visitors to our destination.  Whenever someone is wondering about the things to do in Tampa Bay, or where to eat, where to stay, hotels in Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay area beaches, Tampa Bay area events and anything else around the area, these are the folks that help out. 

During the month of November alone, Tampa Bay & Company staff and volunteers assisted more than 1,800 visitors at its Channelside Visitor Information Center and handled more than 150 visitor inquiry phone calls. And let's not forget about the 380 hours of service they put in at the VIC. 

Plus, we welcomed some really cool partners last month!  Our new members include: Dakin Dairy Farms, Dex Imaging, EliteCareMD, Holiday Inn Express Tampa Stadium - Airport Area, Jennifer Hawthorne Inc., Inspirational Speaker, La Ideal Sandwich Shop, Magic Carpet Glide, Register With Ease and Teatro on Seventh. 

We'll give you an update next month too, so stay tuned!!! 

Here at Tampa Bay&Company, we always provide visitors with the best way to plan their vacations.  From things to do in Tampa Bay, where to eat, shopping in Tampa Bay,  and Tampa Bay entertainment, the Travel Planner has you covered.  

From Tampa Bay area beaches to Ybor City and the Westshore District, visitors can begin creating their own original Tampa Bay experience before their vacation starts with Tampa Bay & Company’s 2009 Travel Planner.

The newest edition of the Travel Planner is packed with information about Tampa Bay, such as how to get around, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and various area services that are available.

Whether looking for information like the best places to shop, where to experience Tampa Bay’s arts & culture or where the best golf courses are hidden, visitors can plan out their perfect itinerary before ever setting foot in Tampa Bay.

Order your copy of the 2009 Travel Planner by visiting http://brochures.visittampabay.com or by stopping by one of Tampa Bay & Company’s Visitor Information Centers located in Channelside Bay Plaza and the Tampa Convention Center.

Have fun planning your trip to Tampa and we'll see you when you get here. 

Well, the Super Bowl Breakfast to be more specific.  We always give you the best Tampa Bay area events, and we just got word that the community is invited to get a taste of Super Bowl XLIII (which will be held in Tampa, in case you forgot) and join in the festivities at the USF Sun Dome on Saturday morning, Jan. 31 for an exciting time of honoring those in the NFL who are role models in the community. 
As far as things to do in Tampa Bay is concerned, this tops the list.  WhetherTreat your special football fan to a memorable morning as they join NFL greats Bart Starr, Tony Dungy, Derrick Brooks, Anthony Munoz and others at the NFL-sanctioned Super Bowl Breakfast. 

In addition to NFL film highlights, interviews and personal insights in to current players and coaches lives, the Super Bowl Breakfast will feature the presentation of the Bart Starr Award to a current NFL player for outstanding character and leadership.  This is the best Tampa Bay entertainment that you'll find for the price. 

For more information, visit www.superbowlbreakfast.com.  General Admission is $20 (box meal included) and tickets can be purchased by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com. 

I hope to see you out there.  Drop back by here and let us know what you thought. 

Have you ever wanted to know exactly what Tampa Bay&Company does?  Ever wonder how we got started?  How about the many accomplishments we've seen over the years? 

Well, as part of our many community and corporate outreach initiatives, we have created our first-ever Corporate Press Kit.  The press kit details background information about Tampa Bay & Company, as well as its purpose and mission. 

Additionally, the press kit provides detailed information about the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and the Tampa Bay Film Commission.  Also included are biographies of Tampa Bay & Company’s Executive Management Team and a chronological history of Tampa Bay & Company’s milestones, as well as several partner testimonials.

To obtain a copy of the Tampa Bay & Company Corporate Press Kit, visit our website at www.VisitTampaBay.com/Press and click on the “Press Kit – Corporate” link. 

There's a lot of great stuff, so take a look and let me know what you think.  Or, if you have any ideas of additional stuff we can add, let us know! 

Meeting planners looking for a unique offsite activity now have one more option to choose from thanks to Magic Carpet Glide Tours. This brand new company offers tours in the downtown area that allow guests to view Tampa Bay's most breathtaking sites aboard their very own Segway.

In case you don't already know...a Segway is a single-person, self-balancing personal transporter that can cruise up to 12 miles per hour. The 90-minute tour costs a mere $50 per person and travels through some of the best site-seeing spots in Tampa Bay, including downtown, Davis and Harbour islands, along scenic Bayshore Boulevard and the Channelside District.

Visit the Web site for more details and to book your next tour. This is one activity you just don't want to miss!

Hi everyone! I just found out about another fantastic (and different) way to celebrate the holidays with your family and friends.

Olympus Limousine and Sedan Service has created a Christmas Light Tour Package so that you and the ones you love can experience the twinkling holiday décor throughout Tampa Bay worry-free. Olympus offers a fleet of vehicles that are able to cater to any party size, whether it’s a romantic evening for 2 or a party of 55.

Let an Olympus limousine chauffer you and your family and friends throughout the Tampa Bay area and see the city aglow with holiday cheer.

Olympus limousines come equipped with glasses, ice and napkins so don’t forget to bring gingerbread cookies and egg nog! To help make the evening tour festive and memorable, the limousine will also play your favorite holiday songs (Chipmunk’s Christmas Classics anyone?) and put a crackling fire at your feet (on the limousine’s T.V., of course).

Choose from either a three-hour tour or a five-hour tour. Make your reservations soon, before the holidays pass you by. Take some time to cherish the moment and experience a piece of Tampa Bay’s Christmas cheer.

In case you hadn't heard...we have a Super Bowl in Tampa Bay this year,  As we draw closer to the big game in February, many of you may be wondering where to go for travel related info such as hotels, attractions, stadium info etc.

Well wait no longer! Jerm just created a little page on the Tampa Bay&Company website to help you get around during all the fun such that is guaranteed to be going on while you are here.

Leading up to the event I'll be adding and removing info to the site as relevant events pop up, but in the mean time feel free to check it out and get the skinny on what all this destination has to offer when you are not at the game or the numerous parties!

And of course you know I had to throw my favorite thing in there...MAPS, MAPS, MAPS. Well, its not quite up yet, but as we draw closer I will be sure to add maps to the page so you can know where the heck you are going.

That's it for today, so be sure to keep checking the page for new updates surrounding the game!

So if you are looking for something family oriented and fun to do around the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay, then look no further. Tickets went on sale this month at Ticketmaster for the The NFL Experience presented by Bank of America, pro football’s interactive fan festival that annually precedes the the big game. The events will take place on Jan. 24-25, Jan. 29-31 and will be located next to Raymond James Stadium. 

The NFL Experience spans nearly 850,000 square feet, and features more than 50 interactive games and attractions. Fans who attend The NFL Experience may test their skills in a variety of football attractions in which they can run, throw, punt, kick and pass just like the pros. 

For the skinny on this event and others going on in Tampa around the Super Bowl, visit the Super Bowl Host Committee website for more info. Until then, be sure to get your hotel, air and other travel arrangements together for the big game as they are going fast! Only 51 days left!