The BEST weekend EVER-Thanks to Speed Boat Adventures!

Let me be the first to say, I’ve never driven a speed boat, unless it was at an arcade; second I was responsible for another human being, so the pressure was on.  WE Survived!

As a beginner, I made sure that we (passenger and I) were strapped in our life vest, tightly; and then our captain led the way, as we began the tour.  This guided tour began with narration of the area, we passed houses priced from hundreds of thousands to the multimillion dollar homes (I must confess I did daydream for a while).

Once we reached the Bay it was, “Pedal to the Metal!”  Off we went; Im laughing and screaming at the same time. Picture this, the nose of the boat kissing the sun (ok, maybe not so much, the nose of the boat was pretty high), a real adrenaline rush . The captain gave us some history of the area and insight of the future of the Bay. We even rode past the Bird Sanctuary, which is a small island, covered wth tons of trees, the only way to reach the island is by boat; the captain did say it is punishable by law if anyone is found at the sanctuary. 

The captian then said "Switch," the passengers moved into the driver seat. Once again it was time to test the speed of the boat, this time we made circles and zigzag’s in the Bay, so much FUN!  

It all came to an end 2 hours later, I'm glad this was the way I spent my Saturday! This attraction blew my expectations out of the water (literally).

If you have not experienced Speed Boat Adventures, you are truly missing out on a SWEET TREAT. Next time you’re in St. Petersburg stop by Speed Boat Adventures, I promise you’ll have a blast!

Click here for more information on tour times and rates.

Calling all Front Line Staff!

Visit Tampa Bay has launched their first front line Customer Service and Destination training program, GET Tampa Bay (Gust Experience Training).

This 2.5 hour training program was developed by renowned speaker & author Ruby Newell Legner.  Legner, has helped elevate the Guest & Fan Experience for many major sports teams, attractions and hospitality organizations around the world. 

This new initiative has two components, in depth virtual Destination Tour, which highlights the Hillsborough & Pinellas County, including attractions and annual events in the Bay area. The Customer Service training covers subjects such as: What Customers Want & Why Customers Complain, The SOFTEN Technique, and Building Bridges not Barriers. This isn’t your normal presentation we offer attendees the opportunities to win raffle prizes as well as certificates for successfully completing the training.

More than 1,000 front line staff in the Tampa Bay area have successfully completed this training, they all can attest to the success of the training.

Do you want to be a part of the 1000?

Don’t wait any longer please visit our website at:

http://www.visittampabay.com/meeting-professionals/gettampabay/

Next GET Tampa Bay: Thursday, June 20th
Location: Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 2701 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa, FL 33612
Time: 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Contact Information:
GET Tampa Bay
Charlena Owens
813-342-4066
Cowens@visitampabay.com

Marriott International taking the Tampa Bay area by storm as they place a modern spin on their properties and the next recipient is Courtyard by Marriott Tampa North. Conveniently, located near I-75, close to University of South Florida and Busch Gardens.

This property has an updated with a modern lobby which features a home theatre, media pods, 24-hour lounge and business center. And for those who love technology, check out the GoBoard, this board displays current status arrival and departure flight status, weather and things to do in the area.

For the foodies in the world, check out the new Bistro located in the Courtyard lobby. The Bistro is open 7-days of week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; with multiple healthy food alternatives.  While you visiting the Bistro ask them about their seasonal menu, the chef may have something special just for you. And how about our favorite, Starbucks!

Now it’s time to tell you more about the room features, free high speed internet and a large in-room work station. Need a goodnight’s rest? Check out the 81 newly decorated rooms, which includes crisp linens and custom comforters. Don’t fret about the upcoming sporting event, each room has a 32 inch flat screen TV’s which includes, HBO, CNN and ESPN.

I love the outdoors and I must be the first to admit, the pool is to die for, and for those that want to catch some rays check out the nice lounge area located near the pool.

Don’t wait any longer reserve your room and unlock Tampa Bay at the Courtyard by Marriott Tampa North!

Amy Trautman, National Sales Manager, Jeff Gassaway Regional Account Executive (Chicago) and Adam DePiro, Director of Sale/Services with Tampa Bay & Company along with four hotel and attraction partners invaded Minneapolis during our client event at the Kitchen Window Cooking School on Thursday, May 2, 2013. Good food was had by all in attendance.

The invasion continued in Rosemont with an outstanding luncheon event at Gibsons Restaurant on Friday,May 3rd. 

Our last and best attended event was at Shedd's Aquarium in Chicago on Saturday, May 4th.  It was a family oriented day filled with face painting and various activities for children of all ages.  Our clients enjoyed each of our Tampa Takeovers.  Until next time... it is over and out.

Linda Mummert here with some exciting news…. Now Open ..MOSI  has just completed the remodeling of the 6,000 sq. ft. Dr. Gladys Shafran Kashdin Event Center which features warmer and more inviting colors creating an elegant industrial atmosphere.  It is circular in shape and the space is perfect for special events, weddings, school formals, holiday parties or corporate gatherings.  The Dr. Gladys Shafran Kashdin Event Center rental offers complimentary parking and private access to all exhibits inside Kids in Charge! along with a personal event coordinator.

This event center has a 500 person capacity.  For more information, please contact MOSI Special Events at 813-987-6065.  This is Linda Mummert over and out.

Linda Mummert here with more exciting Convention Sales news...The 13th annual Meetings Industry Council (MIC) of Colorado Educational Conference and Trade Show was held at the Colorado Convention Center on March 27, 2013 with record attendance and a visit from Mayor Hancock. Over 900 professionals from the meeting and event planning industry were in attendance for a day of eduLcation with breakout sessions, workshops and lunch with renowned Keynote Speaker Dan Thurmon.  Our own National Sales Manager, Amy Trautman was in attendance along with our hotel partner Denise Allegra with the Tampa Marriott Waterside & Marina Hotel.   Tampa Bay & Company  along with one hundred plus suppliers from across North America and Canada had an opportunity to showcase their products and our services during the afternoon tradeshow.

Mayor Hancock spoke to attendees during lunch and thanked everyone for their hard work and dedicated efforts to the meetings industry and acknowledged the impact it has made to the Front Range economy.

The Meetings Industry Council of Colorado, incorporated in 2000, is a partnership between 13 national and local member organizations either founded in Colorado or with chapters in Colorado. Rather than each association hosting its own annual conference and trade show, leaders from each of the organizations gathered to create an event in which all of their individual members would attend one large conference to maximize attendance and their return on investment.

The MIC Annual Conference is a unique opportunity for industry peers to gather and reconnect with one another and to capitalize on the educational content from the best in the meeting and events industry. The Conference has become an important event that allows Convention & Visitors Bureaus, hotels and other industry suppliers to reach a growing number of meeting professionals based in Denver and the Rocky Mountain region.  Well this is it for now... until next time.

Linda Mummert here reporting on another successful trade show.  Our Sales Team comprised of Alex Kaptzan, VP of Convention Sales & Services, Jennifer Friday, National Sales Manager for the Northeast/Southeast/Canada and Amy Trautman, National Sales Manager for the Midwest/West  attended ConferenceDirect's Annual Partner Meeting in Las Vegas March 17-21, 2013.  There were other Tampa partners attending from the Embassy Suites Downtown, Hilton Downtown and Saddlebrook Resort. 

It was a Reverse Tradeshow where suppliers meet with ConferenceDirect associates.  There was a total of 135 ConferenceDirect Associates in attendance.  Between the three Tampa Bay & Company representatives, they were able to meet with over 60 ConferenceDirect Associates which were the top producers for the State of Florida.  They received 4 leads generated on the show floor.  Tampa Bay & Company had a very successful presence at this Reverse Tradeshow and look forward to attending next year's event.

Hey there its your favorite blogger- Charlena!

Are you looking for your “Home away from Home” in Tampa Bay? How about a home that includes

Complimentary breakfast, fully equipped kitchen and for those who enjoy the smaller things in life- how

Does a fireplace sound?   Its official your search is over! Check out the  Residence Inn Tampa Sabal Park/Brandon-

I can honestly say- this place is actaully better than my own home.

Conveniently located near the Florida State Fairgrounds, Live Nation Amphitheatre, Seminole Hard Rock

Casino and of course shopping- Westfield Mall.  Guests can chose from 102 types of suites options-

Studios, one and two bedroom. All of the accomdations include complimentary wireless internet, fully equipped

kitchens and iHome Docking Station.

Trust me it gets better- your new residence also offers complimentary grocery delivery, same day Dry

Cleaning service, complimentary USA Today newspaper, and an evening reception. Seeing is better than

Believing- trust me, The Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa Sabal Park/Brandon this is where you should

be right now!

Linda Mummert here with some exciting news.  On February 6-9, 2013 at the Tampa Convention Center we welcomed over 5,600 delegates to the Annual National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.  

There were 250 exhibitors on the floor with various agricultural wares on site, live calves, all makes and models of tractors and anything else you could think of associated with the cattle industry.   If you were interested in purchasing boots and cowboy hats there was a wide selection on site as well.

NCBA occupied over 9,000 total room nights with an economic impact to Tampa Bay of $2,738,400.00.  They were a delight to work with and we hope to have them back to our area real soon.  It is over and out for now until next time.

The Westin Tampa Bay was recently named the #1 Hotel in Tampa Bay by  U.S. News, as they just released their 2013 Best Hotels listing.

For the second year in a row The Westin Tampa Bay has been the recipient of this honor and it proves the theory that excellence is a habit!

The doors opened back January of 2009, and this amazing new 244-room, AAA 4 Diamond award winning property hasn't looked back since, with a variety of updates to enhance its already amazing location located located on Rocky Point Island.

With close proximity to Tampa International Airport, nearby shopping & entertainment and easy access to downtown Tampa, you can see why the Westin Tampa Bay is ranked consistently amongst Tampa Bay's accommodation elite.

The Westin Tampa Bay is also home to one of the area's most picturesque waterfront dining locations. At Aqua Restaurant Bar & Lounge, experience an environment designed to entertain your every sense, highlighted by a water encased walk-in wine cellar and a state of the art open kitchen.

Whether you are looking to host a meeting/event, enjoy a weekend getaway with a loved one, or sample fine culinary delights, be sure to check out the Westin Tampa Bay!

Tampa Welcomes IBEX here for a Site Visit!
 

Amy Trautman, our own National Sales Manager conducted a very successful site tour of our city with 2 of their company's key personnel. 

We are bidding on a three year contract for 2014, 2016 and 2018 with an estimated 18,000 room nights total.  The economic impact to Tampa is estimated to be $4,564,000 each year.  The two site participants were very impressed with our warm Tampa send off at the finale of their tour at the Tampa Convention.  

Their board plans on coming in February for their site tour.  We will keep you updated.

Linda Mummert here reporting on our Convention Sales Managers, Lisa Chamberlain, CMP and Holly Coger who attended the SGMP Central Florida 2013 Education Day in Gainesville, FL on
Thursday, January 17th.

There were 75 attendees (half suppliers and half planners from the Gainesville area).  The education sessions were centered on Outlook (maximizing the usage and utilizing the various features it has to offer).   

Lisa and Holly participated in a Tampa presentation (what’s new and why we love Tampa… why it’s a great fit for meetings) at Lunch and then took part in the fashion show… They dressed as pirates representing the upcoming Gasparilla festival coming to Tampa on Saturday, January 26th.  It is over and out for now until next time with more exciting Convention Sales information.
 

The Tampa Bay & Company Convention Sales team is hard at work these days traveling across the country at tradeshows and conferences. Here's just some of the events where you can expect to see our team at:

• HCEA Healthcare Convention Marketing Summit- January 24, 2013: Baltimore, MD - Jennifer Friday
• MPI MACE – February 5-6, 2013:  Washington, DC - Tammy Lamm
• Destinations Showcase- March 14, 2013: Washington, DC - Dori Laack
• Experient’s Envision- March 13-15: Houston, TX - Jeff Gassaway
• MPI Cascadia Educational Conference– March 3-5, 2013: Portland, OR - Amy Trautman
• XCITE Show -February 19, 2013: Tallahassee, FL - Lisa Chamberlain
• Plan your Meeting- February 2013: Jacksonville, FL - Holly Coger Laverentz
• Religious Convention Management Association -January 28-31, 2013: Minneapolis, MN - Sherri Brown

Will you be at any of these shows? If so let us know in the comments below, and be sure to stop by and say hi if you see some of our team members, as they would love to see you! As always stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay meetings & conventions and check out our website to learn more about hosting your next meeting in Tampa Bay!

Linda Mummert here reporting on another successful tradeshow attended by Tampa Bay & Company associates and partners which included Alex Kaptzan, VP of Convention Sales & Services, Amy Trautman, National Sales Manager and Jeff Gassaway, Regional Account Executive along with Denise Allegra, Sales Manager with Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina and Tampa Convention Center's National Sales Manager Stacy McGlinnen.  

Holiday Showcase is annual event sponsored by the Association Forum of Chicagoland.  This event took place on December 13, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.  It was attended with over 1,000 meeting planners.  Educational Workshops were offered in the morning with the trade show in the afternoon.

Tampa Bay & Company and Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater held a client luncheon at the Filini Restaurant & Bar located at the new Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel from 11am - 1pm.  A good time was had by all. Well that is it for now until next time.  Happy New Year!

Linda Mummert reporting on another exciting convention sales event.  Sherri Brown, National Sales Manager had an important site visit with the National Baptist Convention USA group on December 20th.  In attendance were Marsha DuPont, Director of Conventions, Meetings & Planning, Dr. George W. Waddles, Sr., President of Congress of Christian Education and William Foster, Treasurer of Congress of Christian Education.  They toured our downtown hotel properties and the Tampa Convention Center. 

Sherri gave them a driving tour of  Tampa’s downtown highlights including the Channelside District and local restaurants.  Tampa Bay & Company, hotel partners and Tampa Convention Center associates “wowed” them with our Tampa Bay Welcome at the Tampa Convention Center

They are considering Tampa for their June 2015 Congress of Christian Education meeting with an economic impact of over $3,000,000.00 for our city.  Total room nights over 14,000 with an attendance of 20,000 delegates.  We truly want this convention in Tampa!  Well it is over and out for now until next time.

Tampa Bay & Company partners with St. Petersburg/Clearwater CVB for a Client Event in Denver!

Linda Mummert here with some exciting convention sales news!  Our own Amy Trautman, National Sales Manager with Tampa Bay & Company and Jill Brown, Meetings & Convention Sales Manager with the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area CVB hosted a Bucs vs Broncos client event at the Sports Authority Field in Denver on December 2, 2012. 

Clients from both organizations attended the event along with Denise Allegra, Senior Sales Manager with the Tampa Marriott Hotel & Marina and D.T. Minich, Executive Director with the St. Petersburg/Clearwater CVB.

Days following the event, Amy Trautman had several sales calls and appointments with clients to deliver current information about what the City of Tampa had to offer for potential convention business. The Denver client event and sales visits were a huge success!  Over and out for now, until next time for more updates on Tampa Bay meetings!

Linda Mummert here reporting on great convention news!  Our own Sherri Brown, National Sales Manager with Tampa Bay & Company and Susan Williams, Director of Convention Services along with a number of key Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity alumni travelled to Norfolk, VA to present the City of Tampa’s bid for their 2017 Grand Chapter Meeting.  In attendance, Les Miller, Hillsborough County Commissioner, Kappa Alpha Psi member, his wife Gwen, President of the Silouettes (Kappa Alpha Psi women’s division), Eric Blanc, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Tampa Convention Center, Cedric McCray, Polemarch of Tampa Alumni Chapter and Allen Thompson, Vice Polemarch of Tampa Alumni Chapter.

Tampa was one of four cities selected to make a presentation.  Orlando, Baltimore, and Philadelphia were the other three.  The Grand Chapter Meeting is scheduled for July 26 through August 7, 2017 with total room nights of over 8,000 and attendance between 2500-3000 is expected.  
 
We should be notified of the Board’s decision sometime this week.  We look forward to welcoming the Kappas to Tampa in 2017! That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay meetings!

Linda Mummert here, check this out.  The Columbia Cafe ' on the Riverwalk as a new boat dock on the Riverwalk.  This is so cool!  When you are out the water enjoying a day of boating,  you to can dock at Garrison Channel outside the Tampa Bay History Center at one of 8 new tie-ups. Docking rates / information below.

The Columbia Cafe' offers a full bar, and serves lunch and dinner daily with an outdoor, waterfront terrace on the Riverwalk and waterfront indoor tables and bar seating. The bar is a replica of the original Columbia Restaurant bar (Florida's Oldest Restaurant) in Ybor City, founded in 1905.

Live Music every Friday and Saturday night outside on the waterfront terrace.

Boat Docks at Tampa Bay History Center / Columbia Café on The Riverwalk

• 8 tie-ups
• Open 24 hours a day
• Paybox on the dock to pay on the honor systemDocks monitored hourly
• Docks monitored hourly

Docking Rates:

Short Term
$2.00 per hour – up to 10 hours

Long Term

$1.00 per ft. per day – Minimum $25.00

Maximum Stay: 72 Hours

Boat Dock Day Phone:
813-259-1604 or 813-274-8615

Boat Dock After Hours Phone:

813-931-2167 or 813-931-2168

Well it is over and out for now, stay tune for more exciting news!

Linda Mummert here with a convention sales update.  We hosted a site visit on Wednesday, 9/26 and Thursday 9/27 with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.  Our site participants included Myron Hardiman, Executive Assistant to the Polemarch, Kevin Johnson, Chairman/Meeting Planner and Al Mobley, Assistant Meeting Planner. 

We are delighted that the group is considering Tampa to host their 2017 Grand Chapter Meeting.   They are expected to bring as many as 5,000 attendees and a total of 8,183 room nights to our Tampa area hotels.

Tampa Bay & Company along with our hoteliers and several Kappa Alpha Psi city officials were in attendance to give the siting committee a warm Tampa sendoff.  Well this is it for now.  Stay tune for more exciting convention news in the future!

Our own Jeff Gassaway, Regional Account Manager in Chicago, Denise Allegra, Senior Sales Manager with Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina and Barb Dillon, Sales Manager at the Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown Convention Center Hotel hosted two client events in Kansas City and St. Louis, MO.  Clients participated in a hand on experience at the Kitchen Conservatory preparing their dinner entree.  Fun and food was had by all.  Following dinner, the Tampa Team presented highlights of the Tampa area.

The second event took place at The Fabulous Fox Theatre for The Lion King performance.  Clients were greeted by our Tampa Sales Team where they enjoyed a pre-show reception in their honor.  

In addition to these client events, our Tampa Team made several sales calls on third party meeting planners, current and future business clients. This is Mummert over and out until next time. Stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay meetings and conventions!