Visit Tampa Bay
201 North Franklin Street Suite 2900, 33602
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Why Choose Our Destination?
Unlock Tampa Bay, the heart of Florida's Gulf Coast. Soak up the sunshine and rich culture that make Tampa Bay the perfect destination for your event! The Tampa Convention Center, conveniently located in downtown Tampa, is just minutes from the nation's #1 largest airport. Extending beyond its doors, the Tampa Riverwalk seamlessly connects more than 3,000 hotel rooms, restaurants, parks, and attractions. Take a ride on our historic TECO Streetcar that will transport your attendees to an evening of dining and dancing in Ybor City, where Cuban artisans hand-roll cigars as they have since 1885. Discover Tampa Bay. Treasure awaits.
Venue Details
Hotels214
Convention center600,000 sq. ft.
Guest Rooms25,754
Guest rooms at 1 hotel1,240
Special event venues65
Average room rate$161.39
Occupancy rate71.3%
Restaurants266
Daily food cost$67
Tax rate7.5%
Venue typeCVB
Awards
Cvent awards
Venue Highlights
Need dates
Priority windows that venues prefer for hosting events
Apr 7, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025
May 9, 2025 - May 18, 2025
May 21, 2025 - May 31, 2025
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
Jun 25, 2025 - Jul 9, 2025
Aug 3, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025
Sep 1, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
Nov 1, 2025 - Dec 11, 2025
Dec 17, 2025 - Jan 13, 2026
Jan 24, 2026 - Jan 29, 2026
Mar 8, 2026 - Mar 17, 2026
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Getting Here
Distance from airport
6 mi from Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Distance from Tampa International Airport (TPA) airport 6 mi
Location
Local Attractions
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Recreation
10 mi
Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure park, featuring an unparalleled combination of exotic animal encounters, world-class thrill rides and live entertainment.
Offering exclusive private events for groups of 50 to 10,000+, Busch Gardens is the perfect spot for meetings, company picnics, holiday parties, and even exclusive area rentals and park buyouts.
With 335 acres of team building and exciting adventures, the park has 6 meeting spaces with the largest being 41,000 square feet.
10165 N McKinley Drive
Tampa, FL 33612
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Tampa Riverwalk
Recreation
Take in the beautiful waterfront views and feel the warm sun along the Tampa Riverwalk. This 2.6-mile walk runs along the Hillsborough River to the Garrison Channel. Start your journey at the bustling Heights Market at Armature Works, stop along at the vibrant Curtis Hixon park, and continue until you reach Sparkman Wharf. Locals and visitors alike can walk, bike, or take a scooter down the Riverwalk where they can stop at one of the many attractions, bars, or restaurants. At night, witness the colorful lights that bring the Riverwalk to life.
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Ybor City
Historical landmark
3 mi
Tampa Bay's historical and cultural roots lie in Ybor City. Many buildings echo the charming brick exteriors of converted cigar factories in homage to the area's celebrated history as the Cigar Capital of the World. Founded by Don Vincente Martinez-Ybor in 1885, the city began as a cigar-manufacturing center and is the only neighborhood on Florida's west coast to be designated a National Historic Landmark District. Now, visitors can find the most extensive collection of buildings related to the cigar industry in America, including J.C. Newman, the last operational cigar factory in the nation.
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The Florida Aquarium
Recreation
1 mi
Fun is in the water at The Florida Aquarium, home to a variety of animals from dwarf seahorses to apex predators! Guests are invited on a journey to enjoy species ambassadors from Florida and beyond.
From formal to flamboyant, The Florida Aquarium is an experienced host to all kinds of party animals. We're here to help you create a unique private event including sit-down dinners with a view of our coral reef, strolling receptions among our 9,000 animal residents, seminars in our meeting rooms, and after-parties on our rooftop deck with waterfront and city views. Wild dolphin eco-tours, private cruise charters, and general admission access are also available for groups!
Accommodating 3,000 guests for the maximum reception capacity, The Florida Aquarium offers in-house catering and 20,000 square feet of outdoor facilities.
701 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
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Bayshore Boulevard
Recreation
2 mi
Outdoor enthusiasts and exercise fanatics alike will enjoy a visit to Bayshore Boulevard, the longest continuous sidewalk in the world at 4.5 miles. Joggers, runners, skaters and bikers all flock to the 10-foot-wide strip of pavement to enjoy sunshine and views of the water on one side and multi-million dollar homes that line the opposing side of the street. Bayshore Boulevard starts at Columbus Statue Park and ends at Gandy Boulevard.
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David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Theater
1 mi
The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts provides world-class entertainment, ranging from lavish Broadway shows to classical music and rock concerts. It is the largest facility of its kind in the southeastern United States.
The 300,000-square-foot Straz Center has 18 meeting rooms, with maximum seating in each theatre reaching 2,600. In-house catering is available, along with a 25,000-square-foot outdoor facility. The venue can accomodate a maximum of 45 8x10 booths.
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Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Nightlife
8 mi
After a nearly $700 million expansion, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa continues to elevate its music and entertainment with the new Hard Rock Event Center. This 1,500-seat venue is on the second level of the casino complex and has hosted a variety of acts, including Keith Urban, Alicia Keys, Rod Stewart, Amy Schumer, and more! The event center has everything you’re looking for to host some of the nation's hottest entertainers and must-see concerts, conventions, trade shows, private events, large-scale poker tournaments, and many more.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is a AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel boasting 800 guest rooms and suites, three lavish pools, Rock Spa® & Salon, award-winning restaurants and 245,000-sq. Ft. of 24-hour gaming space featuring an array of slot machines, blackjack, baccarat, and poker.
5223 Orient Rd.
Tampa, FL, US 33610
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Bay Rocket
Recreation
2 mi
Blast off on Tampa Bay’s newest 45/55-minute adrenaline-filled jet boat thrill ride! Experience the power of Bay Rocket’s 2800 horsepower with thrilling 180-degree spins, turns, and bow dips. The crew provides a whimsical narration, fun interactive games, and a dance party on the cruise back. You won’t want to miss this jet boat thrill ride in Tampa — book online!
333 S Franklin St
Tampa, FL, US 33602
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ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Recreation
7 mi
Situated 10 minutes north of downtown Tampa, ZooTampa at Lowry Park was voted the number one best zoo for kids by Parents Magazine. The Zoo is home to more than 1300 animals and famous for having one of the most beautiful, tropical zoological settings in the world. The Zoo brings together animals and visitors to create unforgettable, natural connections. Guests get closer to wildlife than ever before by touching a giant tortoise, feeding a giraffe, getting nose-to-horn with an Indian rhino, hand-to-fin with slippery stingrays and more! The Zoo also cares for the most diverse group of Florida wildlife anywhere, and has won numerous awards for animal preservation.
ZooTampa would love the opportunity to host your next unforgettable event! From off-site business meetings and large corporate gatherings to weddings and wild holiday parties. Their largest venue capacity is 500.
1101 W Sligh Ave
Tampa, FL, US 33604
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Tampa Bay History Center
Museum
2 mins
The Tampa Bay History Center - a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum - features three floors of exhibits exploring 12,000 years of Florida history. Experience the stories of Seminole Peoples, Cuban cigar rollers, and Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders through hands-on exhibits and immersive theater experiences. The History Center is located along the Riverwalk in the heart of Tampa's Channel District. It features waterfront dining at the Columbia Cafe and a museum store showcasing local crafts and artwork. One of Tampa's premier cultural attractions, the History Center's cutting-edge, interactive exhibits provide a fun, educational experience for visitors of all ages.
The largest event capacity is 200.
801 Water St
Tampa, FL, US 33602
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Sail Pavilion
Nightlife
1 min
A favorite of tourists and locals alike, the Sail Pavilion is Tampa’s only 360 degree waterfront bar. Its prime location on the Tampa Riverwalk next to the Tampa Convention Center makes it a great place to relax with friends and enjoy the beautiful waterfront views before heading off to other events in the downtown area. The Sail Pavilion serves drinks, snacks, and a new food menu. It is also dog-friendly, offering water dishes, complimentary dog biscuits, and a full Doggie Menu!
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Henry B. Plant Museum
Museum
1 mi
In the 1880s, Henry B. Plant owned the Plant System of railroads and steamboats, which eventually expanded to reach Tampa in 1884. Plant expanded his empire to hotels, opening the Tampa Bay Hotel in 1891, which he personally financed at the cost $2.5 million for construction and another $500,000 for furnishing. The 511 rooms were the first in Florida to have electricity. Other amenities in the lavish hotel included a golf course, tennis court, racetrack, casino, swimming pool, bowling alley and flower conservatory. Famous guests included Theodore Roosevelt, who stayed there when the hotel served as the headquarters for the U.S. army during the Spanish-American War.
The beautiful structure continued to operate as a hotel until 1930 and eventually became the Henry B. Plant Museum. The museum provides visitors with a window into the lifestyle of the Victorian era, the history of the hotel, Plant himself and the development of the City of Tampa through tours of the Grand Hall, Garden Room and Parlor Suite, among other exhibitions.
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from noon to 4:00 pm. It is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
401 W Kennedy Blvd
Tampa, FL, US 33606
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Tampa Museum of Art
Museum
1 mi
The Tampa Museum of Art opened its award-winning new home in 2010, committed to providing innovative public programs with a strong focus on classical, modern, and contemporary art. Following a significant renovation completed in 2023, the Museum continues to evolve, embarking on a major expansion to enhance its exhibition spaces and educational facilities. This initiative is set to further its mission of providing immersive, hands-on experiences for visitors and expanding its role as a pivotal cultural hub.
Being one of Tampa’s few riverfront event venues, the Tampa Museum of Art is a location like no other in the heart of downtown. Outdoors, our scenic covered terrace allows you to host a cocktail reception or seated dinner for up to 400 guests along the Hillsborough River with views of both the iconic city skyline and the University of Tampa’s minarets. Moving indoors to the spacious atrium, your guests will enjoy the modern architectural aesthetic with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary art suited for your perfect event. The options are endless, whether it be a wedding, formal dinner party, corporate presentation, or cocktail reception. You can invite your guests to explore our latest art exhibitions and installations in the 2nd-floor galleries. In addition to hosting evening events, the Museum’s numerous flexible-use spaces provide a gorgeous backdrop for daytime events such as corporate meetings, large luncheons, and showers. Our fabulous catering partners here at the Museum curate custom menus for every client, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for you and your guests that reflects your unique vision and taste.
The museum is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, Friday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, and Saturday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
120 W Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL, US 33602
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Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
Museum
2 mi
Founded in 2001, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is dedicated to exhibiting historic and contemporary works by well-known photographic artists. FMoPA collects, preserves, and exhibits historic and contemporary works by nationally and internationally known photographic artists. It also enriches the community by operating outreach programs to educate children and adults.
The museum is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Friday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday through Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with guided tours at 2 pm.
1630 E. 7th Ave.
Tampa, FL, US 33602
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Amalie Arena
Convention center
1 min
Amalie Arena is a state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports/entertainment venue located in Downtown Tampa between The Florida Aquarium and the Tampa Convention Center. It is the home of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Storm AFL Football team, and is host to well over 150 spectacular entertainment events annually.
401 Channelside Dr
Tampa, FL, US 33602
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Adventure Island
Recreation
10 mi
Located right across the street from Busch Gardens® Tampa, Adventure Island® is 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun featuring the ultimate combination of high-speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings for guests of all ages. Race down rapids, dig your toes into the sand or relax all day in a private cabana. New at Adventure Island, hurtle high and experience a feeling of weightlessness on Colossal Curl™, Adventure Island’s newest family thrill slide. Seasonal hours (please call to verify).
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Raymond James Stadium Tours
Recreation
5 mi
Raymond James Stadium is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NCAA's University of South Florida Bulls and the New Year's Day Outback Bowl. Named by St. Petersburg, FL-based financial services firm Raymond James Financial, the 1.65 million-square foot building seats over 65,000 and has consistently been rated the best in the league by the NFL Players Association.
Visitors can take 75 minute-long tours of the stadium that include a visit to the field, the player locker rooms, the West Club, the luxury suite area, and more. The tour also includes a walk through the main concourse to the 103-foot, 43-ton famous replica pirate ship, located in the north end zone, that fires soft footballs and confetti every time the Buccaneers score.
Walk-up tours are offered to all of the public Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and select Fridays at 2:00 p.m. Group tours require a minimum of 10 people and must be scheduled two weeks in advance. Private group tours are offered Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and select Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Tours given during the week of an event are subject to cancellation.
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George M. Steinbrenner Field
Recreation
6 mi
Named after one of the most iconic owners in sports history, George M. Steinbrenner Field is Tampa’s premier special events facility and spring home to the New York Yankees and Class A-Advanced affiliate, the Tampa Tarpons. Their 12 unique event spaces, comprising more than 60,000 square feet, ensure accommodations for any occasion. We invite you to capitalize on the rich history and tradition of the Yankees organization by hosting a corporate or social gathering amid the backdrop of George M. Steinbrenner Field.
For more information, visit www.GMSField.com or call (813) 673-3081.
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Convention Centers
Tampa Convention CenterTampa Convention Center located directly on the waterfront in the heart of downtown Tampa, hosts a variety of conventions, tradeshows, and other special events year-round. The 600,000 square foot building offers 200,000 square feet of exhibit space.
Exhibit Space200,000 sq. ft.
Total meeting space341,093 sq. ft.
Additional Information
Additional details
* Tampa International Airport (TPA) is located just 7 miles from the heart of downtown Tampa. TPA is ranked the #1 large airport in the nation and connects over 90 non-stop destinations throughout North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. *The destination offers a wide range of accommodation options, featuring over 26,000 hotel rooms that include resorts and hotels near the Tampa Convention Center, airport hotels, and boutique properties. * A newly renovated 600,000 square foot waterfront convention center with more than 3,000 committable hotel rooms within walking distance. * The Tampa Riverwalk, located along the Hillsborough River, is a 2.6-mile pedestrian thoroughfare connecting the Tampa Convention Center, hotels, entertainment options, cultural venues, green spaces, and attractions. * Seamless accessibility with the destination’s free and air-conditioned TECO Streetcar, connecting downtown Tampa to Historic Ybor City. *Explore a historic district renowned for its famed Cuban sandwich and cigars – Ybor City. Enjoy its rich history, vibrant culture, diverse shopping, museums, excellent cuisine, and exciting nightlife. * The destination features thrilling attractions that include Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, The Florida Aquarium, and ZooTampa at Lowry Park. * A culinary scene recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, featuring iconic dining restaurants such as the Columbia Restaurant and Bern's Steak House. * Amalie Arena, a world-class venue located in the heart of downtown Tampa with a seating capacity of 21,500 for events, concerts, and more. * Raymond James Stadium, a 75,000-seat venue situated in the Westshore District, also serves as the host for the victorious Tampa Bay Buccaneers team. * A selection of more than 70 golf courses to choose from.
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Visit Tampa Bay Frequently Asked Questions
Explore frequently asked questions from the Visit Tampa Bay regarding Health and Safety, Sustainability, and Diversity and Inclusion.
Sustainable Practices
Please provide comments or a link to any publicly communicated Visit Tampa Bay's sustainability or social impact goals/strategy.
No response.
Does Visit Tampa Bay have a strategy that focuses on the elimination and diversion of waste (i.e. plastics, papers, cardboard, etc.)? If yes, please elaborate on your strategy of elimination and diversion of waste.
No response.
Diversity and Inclusion
For US hotels only, is Visit Tampa Bay and/or parent company certified as a 51% diverse owned business enterprise (BE)? If yes, please indicate which one of the following you are certified as:
No response.
If applicable, could you please provide a link to Visit Tampa Bay's public report on their commitments and initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
No response.
Health and Safety
Were practices at Visit Tampa Bay developed based on health service recommendations from public governmental entities or private organizations? If Yes, please list which organizations were used to develop these practices.
No response.
Does Visit Tampa Bay clean and sanitize public areas and publicly accessible facilities (i.e. meeting rooms, restaurants, elevator banks, etc.)? If yes, describe any new measures that are taken.
No response.
Please explain, if applicable, the carbon offsetting options you offer to corporations.
Please provide, if applicable, an e-mail address for a contact who can address any follow up questions relating to sustainability and social impact goals and initiatives.
Has your hotel taken steps to reduce single-use plastics, such as removing plastic straws (except upon request for guests with disabilities), stirrers and cotton buds? If yes, please provide detail as to the steps you have taken to reduce single use plastics?
Does your hotel generate (onsite) or purchase (offsite) renewable energy (beyond your utility's standard offerings)? If yes, please describe your practices for generating or purchasing renewable energy.
Does your hotel engage in activities to protect & restore the natural environment in which it is located (i.e. trees planted, coral reef restored, etc.)?
What measures are in place to allow for social distancing in fitness centers (e.g. equipment configuration, staggered usage times)? If no fitness center, please put N/A.
Has the fitness room cleaning routine been adjusted/increased? If yes, what new measures are included? If no fitness center, please put N/A.
Will your hotel be imposing any additional fees for cleaning services? If yes, please specify those fees.
Are specific cleaning/disinfection routines in place for pillows, duvets and their covers, headboard, bathrobe etc.? If yes, please describe.
Does the property limit number of guests in restaurant, bar, or dining areas due to COVID19 or other pandemics? If yes, please provide details of how restaurant, bar, or dining areas limits capacity? If no restaurant or bar, please put N/A.
Has the public bathroom cleaning routine been adjusted/increased? If yes, what new measures are included?
Please include a link to your public report on community impact if applicable.
Please provide any other comments you wish to make regarding your efforts/initiatives to obtain certification in these programs.
Please provide, if applicable, an e-mail address for a contact who can address any follow up questions relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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