Tampa Bay knows a thing or two about hosting groups, having hosted four Super Bowls, including this year’s game at Raymond James Stadium. And, Tampa is currently in contention to host the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup soccer matches. Simply put, Tampa does "big."
"Tampa is a great convention and group destination," says Alex Kaptzan, director of convention sales for Tampa Bay & Co., Tampa’s CVB. "The main reason is that the city is very safe and walkable. It’s easy to navigate."
The city is in the midst of reshaping its waterfront to allow for even more access. The Tampa Riverwalk is being constructed and is expected to be completed by 2011. The continuous pedestrian walkway would extend from the Channelside area to Tampa Heights along the east side of the Hillsborough River. It will incorporate pedestrian amenities, art and interpretive elements, retail spaces, parks, open space and other urban attractions. Mayor Pam Iorio says she has made the project one of her top priorities.
Downtown Tampa is already fairly easy to get around in, thanks to streetcars, and many of the venues downtown, including the 600,000-square-foot Tampa Bay Convention Center, are already connected by a river walk.
"About a third to a half of the downtown waterfront is connected," Kaptzan says. "The remaining walk would connect our arts and culture venues."
The city has come to be associated with sports thanks to the Super Bowls and the 2008 American League champs, the Tampa Bay Rays. But Tampa Bay is evolving into a thriving theater and arts scene, and the city also possesses a rich historical heritage.
The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center will be the stage for the world premiere of Wonderland: Alice’s New Musical Adventure, beginning Nov. 24. And the new Tampa Museum of Art will open in early 2010 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The Glazer Children’s Museum is set to open next door next year as well.
Increasingly popular for groups are excursions to Tampa’s historic neighborhood of Ybor City (pronounced "Eee-bor"), which is located just northeast of downtown. It was established in the 1880s by cigar manufacturers and populated by immigrants, many of whom were from Cuba, Italy and Spain.
"Ybor City was the site of the original social clubs of the late 1800s," Kaptzan points out. "These 200-plus old buildings are perfect for a special event or cocktail reception."
Other popular activities for attendees include trips aboard the Yacht StarShip, which can accommodate 150 guests.
"It’s become a popular thing for groups, and another way we get to showcase our beautiful waterfront," Kaptzan says.
Busch Gardens, the Tampa Bay area’s No. 1 attraction, is still a mainstay for attendees, especially those who tack on a couple of vacation days to a conference.
The final "wow" is the affordability of Tampa Bay in comparison to other Florida locales.
"Tampa offers a great combination: attractions, great weather and, of course, the beaches," Kaptzan says. "It’s everything you come to Florida for, and it’s affordable. And nothing’s more important than value right now."
