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!
 

More upcoming Tampa Bay Sports related events!

George M. Steinbrenner Wood Bay Classic – October 12-14, 2012 at Steinbrenner Field
Twenty-four teams from across the United States will compete in Tampa this October in the George M. Steinbrenner Wood Bat Classic. Teams are a composition of up and coming talent under the age of 18. This three day tournament will be hosted at George M. Steinbrenner Field and the Yankees’ Player Development Complex. Tickets can be purchased at the Steinbrenner Field box office. For schedule and game times, visit http://www.steinbrennerfield.com/woodbatclassic.html.

2012 Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions – October 28, 2012 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum
Coming off the heels of incredible gymnastics performances at the 2012 Olympics, Tampa will welcome several members of the men’s and women’s Olympic teams, including the Fierce Five when the 2012 Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions comes to the Tampa Bay Times Forum on October 28th. Also in attendance will be 2008 Olympic All Around Champion Nastia Liukin. The Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions will provide fans with a high-flying, dynamic experience that will celebrate the sports’ beauty and skill. Tickets are on sale now, at https://usagym.org/pages/events/tour/tickets.html.

Derrick Brooks Leadership Breakfast – November 7, 2012 at the Wyndham Tampa Westshore
Join Derrick Brooks Charities on November 7th from 7:30am-9:30am. Headlined by Keynote Speaker Tony Dungy, this special presentation will focus on Leadership, Integrity, and Community Service at the Wyndham Tampa Westshore. The mission of Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc., is to provide educational opportunities for youth that will instill, inspire, broaden, and develop cultural and social vision outside of the walls in which they live to ensure that these young people have every chance to develop into the strong and productive leaders of tomorrow. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased by visiting the Derrick Brooks Charities website at http://www.db55.org/ or by clicking http://derrickbrooksleadershipbreakfast.eventbrite.com/.

Hillsborough County High School Football All-Star Game – December 15, 2012 at Raymond James Stadium
The Tampa Bay Sports Commission welcomes you to witness the best high school football players in Hillsborough County. In this matchup, East meets West as the County’s best football athletes are invited to play on the same turf as their favorite collegiate and professional players. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00pm and tickets can be purchased at Raymond James Stadium ticket office beginning at 5:00pm on December 15th. For more updates as the All-Star game approaches, visit http://www.tampabaysports.org/.

For more info please visit www.TampaBaySports.org, or contact TDiaz@VisitTampaBay.com!

It was dinner time last night at the Social Media Command Center, and boy were we hungry!

You'd be surprised how much of an appetite you can round up when having thousands of conversations online about what a great destination Tampa Bay is!

Last night dinner here was served by the fine folks at Maggiano's Little Italy, over in the beautiful westshore district, and trust me nothing says full stomach like delicious Spaghetti with meat sauce and some Italian breads!

From all of us here at the Social Media Command Center, we'd like to extend a tremendous thank you to the folks at Maggiano's for putting smiles on our happy faces!

From date night, to anniversaries, to large scale dinner or lunch meetings, the team over at MAggiano's will have you covered, so be sure to check them out!

For more information about Maggiano's and their delicious menu items, feel free to check out their website, and stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay dining!

Well I think the title of this blog post pretty much says it all folks!

After our dinner delights, of course we needed to have a snack on hand, and thanks mucho the the fine folks over at Toffee to Go for supplying us with some of their delicious Toffee treats!

As you can see in the photo, these should keep us busy for the night, and we will certainly be in food and treat comas by the end of our shifts!

If you have ever wondered what this stuff tastes like, we can only tell you that its pure heaven! Each batch is made from scratch with farm fresh butter, premium chocolates, California almonds Georgia pecans and a small pint of awesomesauce! Okay maybe not that last ingredient, but it is pretty delicious. 

To learn more about Toffee to Go, visit their website or just give them a quick call at 813-831-6247, and stay tuned in for more updates from us at VisitTampaBay.com!

Toffee to Go can also serve all of your Tampa Bay meetings needs so if you are planning an event of any size and need delicious treats for your attendees, this is your place!

Greetings Everyone!

Here’s some exciting news as we recently had an opportunity to visit the Courtyard by Marriott Tampa Brandon and let me tell you … truly it is a new stay!   The hotel that just completed its new redesign lobby and the renovation of all of their spacious guest rooms with a modern décor that would offer it guests more choices and more options during their stay.

Now, whether you are here for business or leisure this, hotel is a hidden gem, with easy access off of I-75 in Brandon and just minutes away from our leading attractions, restaurants and downtown Tampa. 

The three story 90 room hotel features 87 standard rooms and 3 suites offering free Wi-Fi, soundproof windows, luxury beddings and flat-screens HDTV, an indoor pool, fitness center, a Bistro style restaurant that serves breakfast, dinner and Starbucks coffee and during the day freshly made sandwiches and salads available at their Market.

If you’re a meeting planner and looking to host a meeting, conduct interviews or maybe even some corporate training, this hotel offers 660 square feet of total meeting space for groups of up to 50 people. The meeting room offers A/V equipment, free Wi-Fi, on/offsite catering services, natural lighting and direct access to outdoor seating.

But wait there’s more … for the tech savvy folks  … this hotel with its hi-tech and modern feel in the lobby offers, a “Go-Board” a touch screen TV that let you print directions, flight arrivals/departures and stuff, a business center, a quick print area just for printing your boarding passes. 

With a variety of really cool seating areas, one great way for guests to enjoy a private space in a public space is the individual MediaPods, which can accommodate up to four people that has a mini TV built right into the furniture and a table for your laptop, a meal or a beverage.

With so many options for the guests to feel energized and relax in its lobby … no one will want to stay in their room!

A great big kudos to GM Casey Wadlow & Christina Marden and their wonderful staff, for having us visit!

For more information on the Courtyard by Marriott –Tampa/Brandon visit: www.courtyard.com/tpabr or call them at 813-661-9559 to book your next “New Stay”

Until the next time ... THINK TAMPA and stay tuned in for more updates on convention & Tampa Bay meetings news or places to stay in Tampa Bay!

Linda Mummert here reporting on two of our very own Sales Managers, Amy Trautman and Jeff Gassaway.  They are attending the Annual 2012 MPI-World Education Congress in St. Louis, MO.

World Education Congress's educational focus is based on one simple and powerful statement: connectivity is the foundation of our industry.  With a laser-like focus on content and quality, they reduced the number of educational sessions to allow attendees to focus on specific interest areas.  In addition, they added new sessions to this year's assortment.  These new sessions give attendees the best tools, exposure to sound business practices and reveal the latest business trends.  All of this allows attendees to hit the road running with new skills and information in order to make them more successful.
.
 WEC's Opening General Session will bring the notion of connectivity full circle. Forty years ago, MPI started on the foundation of connections and authentic relationships before technology was used as a tool for everyday communication. During the opening General Session, Jonah Lehrer will discuss the undeniable power of being connected to others and how that affects our creativity and innovative abilities. He will focus on the need for human interaction and how authentic relationships create the possibility for new ideas. The underlying message of the OGS is that together, we can achieve more than we imagine; together, we do change the world.

In addition to attending various educational seminars and focus groups, Amy and Jeff have pre-set appointments with Meeting Planners to discuss future business in the Tampa Bay Area.

Amy and Jeff are hosting a client event Monday, July 30th at the Kitchen Conservatory for a hands on cooking class.  Fun will be had by all in attendance.

Well, it is over and out for now.  Until next time.
 

Leslie Scowden has joined the Tampa Bay & Company as a Sales & Promotion Coordinator, working with the National Sales Managers in the Southeast, Northeast, & Canada Markets.

Leslie joins Tampa Bay & Company with twelve years of hospitality experience within the Marriott Corporation, most recently from the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel where she excelled as a sales assistant handling various positions and prior to the Marriott Waterside, Leslie’s career developed at the Tampa Marriott Airport, where she held various convention & services positions throughout her tenure, all while obtaining her master’s degree in education.

Leslie’s passion & love for Tampa will continue to serve her well here at the CVB, as she brings an enlightening combination of sales experience and tenacity needed to be successful in her new role at Tampa Bay & Company.

Please join us in welcoming Leslie to Tampa Bay & Company Convention Sales Team!

Stay tuned in for more exciting updates on Tampa Bay meetings and convention news

Until the next time … Think Tampa!

Hello everyone! Hope you are having a great Friday thus far as we head into the weekend!

Last night I had the opportunity to attend an awesome event at the Embassy Suites Tampa Airport Westshore.

The amazing team at the Embassy Suites Tampa Westshore hosted what has been called the party of the year that include casino style gaming and tons of great foodie selections! 

The creative menu boasted the talent that their culinary team has to offer. 

Why the big celebration you ask? Well in addition to being an already awesome property right in the heart of the Westshore District, the hotel just went through a number of upgrades to make it even more amazing!

Some of those updates are as follows:

• Phase 1 included all public space, exterior, pool, restaurant.  Included new pain on the building.  Added a water feature in the lobby, new 3500sf outdoor Terrace.  Terrace is a place for relaxing, events, weddings and receptions.  During the cooler months they bring out the fire pits etc.  Summer months have added amenities link games (corn hole, putting etc).  Also host BBQ’s or other specialty offers during the summer.  Tuesdays and Wednesday’s during Manager’s Reception with complimentary chair massages.

• Phase 2 which was completed in July included a full renovation to the meeting space (carpet, vinyl, décor etc), renovation of all 243 suites including carpet, paint, furniture bedding etc.
   
• Also added a valet service to enhance the arrival experience of all travelers.

In total the renovation was about $4m, and was worth every penny in my humble opinion! As you can see in the photo above, the beds are super comfy, and I can't recall the last time I saw a more spacious layout. So large in fact, that I may just move in, as the rooms were larger than my condo!

Be sure to check it out for all of your vacation planning needs, and for more information on Tampa Bay hotels, be sure to visit our website at VisitTampaBay.com/Hotels!

Team Tampa represented by National Sales Manager Brittany Callahan along with Industry partner Heather French with the Doubletree by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore hotel will be attending the Fraternity Executives Association Annual Conference - July 7^th – 10^th in Indian Wells, CA

With over 400 attendees from Fraternity & Sorority organizations from Alpha’s to Zeta’s to be present at the 2-day tradeshow - Team Tampa looks forward to the many networking opportunities in highlighting and showcasing Tampa as well as lining up some new recruits and active members & introducing them to our city’s legacy and all the new and exciting things that’s happening in and about Tampa to potentially host their next meeting here.

“Once again I have the joy of partnering with Tampa Bay & Company while representing & highlighting all that our beautiful city has to offer… – Heather French

So, if you are in Indian Wells – stop by booth # 905 and see all that Tampa has to offer for your next meeting or click on this link http://www.visittampabay.com/meeting-professionals/  and check out our Top Ten Reasons why you should host your next meeting in Tampa!

The Fraternity Executives Association is the professional association of men’s and women’s fraternity executives. It is dedicated to the common interests of its members and promotes, supports, and encourages the free discussion and exchange of ideas relating to college fraternal organizations.

That’s all for now but stay informed and tuned in for more Tampa Bay conventions & meeting news and updates.

Until the next time … Think Tampa!

Hi Tampa Bay! Ever heard of Moose? Well if you haven’t, you will on Friday, June 29 because Moose members are hosting an Open House during the International Moose Convention at the Tampa Convention Center. WQYK-FM’s Dave Mcckay will host a live remote during the event, and will be giving away three iPads, gift cards and tickets for local attractions, including the Tampa Bay Rays and Lowry Park Zoo.

All Tampa residents are invited to the free Open House, making it the organization’s largest event thus far! A pasta dinner fundraiser will be held from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. The proceeds from the $10 donations will benefit Moose Charities and Trinity Café, a lifeline for the hungry and homeless.

The Moose is an international organization of more than 1.1 million men and women who strive to bring communities together to celebrate life. Heard of Moose is the largest public-education program in the history of the organization. It is designed to raise general awareness of the Moose organization, its endeavors for children and teens in need and for its senior members and its community service.

For more information on Heard of Moose check out heardofmoose.org. And for more ways to be active in the Tampa Bay community check out visittampabay.com.

That's it for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay meetings!

Hello everyone! Jerm here with an exciting update on one of our awesome new meeting spaces!

Impact Properties and The Westin Tampa Bay are gearing up for a summer of entertaining in their premier space BluVu, a rooftop event venue, located on the 16th floor of The Westin
Tampa Bay hotel.

Unlike any event venue in Tampa, BluVu offers 3,800 square feet of event space on the
hotel’s rooftop, with a backdrop of stunning vistas of Old Tampa Bay from the floor to ceiling windows.

In addition, BluVu also offers an adjacent 1,200 square foot open air outdoor terrace with breathtaking views of the downtown Tampa and Westshore skylines, complimented by magnificent water views.
BluVu plans to kick off the summer with an informal media reception to be held July 25, 2012, followed by several events to showcase the stunning space.

In July, BluVu will host it’s first of a series of wine dinners and events with AQUA, the award winning restaurant located at The Westin Tampa Bay. Also, in September, The Westin will host quarterly events, beginning with an Oktoberfest celebration, sure to dazzle guests.

From its ideal location on Rocky Point Island, The Westin Tampa Bay is the perfect choice for meetings, intimate weddings and special events. BluVu is a one-of-a kind rooftop venue and the final touch to the
existing 6,800 square feet of meeting space and the only hotel to offer two outdoor terrace spaces with
expansive water views.

For more information, please visit www.westintampabay.com or call the Sales and
Catering Office at 813.281.0000. To schedule a media tour or interview. That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay hotels and Tampa Bay meetings!

Amy Trautman who manages the Midwest and West accounts is on her way to Denver, CO on June 18 - June 20, 2012 to attend the Plan Your Meetings LIVE (PYM) Events on June 19th.  The topic at PYM Live 2012 is the "Anatomy of a Planner" with educational sessions followed by a industry tradeshow and Networking Reception.

Guest speakers will include Kristi Casey Sanders, the VP of creative/ chief storyteller of PlanYourMeetings.com and Mike Mason, CEO and founder of Zentila and is a 25 year veteran of the convention hotel industry.

In addition to attending PYM Live, Amy will be making Sales Calls on prospective clients as well as clients who have definite and tentative meetings scheduled for Tampa.

We wish Amy well in her search for new Tampa clientele and bringing home a wealth of knowledge obtained from her attendance at PYM Live.

It's over and out for now... until next time. Stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay meetings updates!
 

Hello there CMP Conclave 2012 attendees, and welcome to Tampa Bay!

Jerm here to tell you just a bit more about the amazing hotel where you will spend the next few days networking with your counterparts from all over the country and world!

I mean what more can I say about the Tampa Marriott Waterside that I haven't already said!

Gorgeous view, ample meeting space, and great restaurants! Here are some additional factoids I came across and wanted to share:

1. Three story open air lobby with three story palm trees and water views.
2. The largest convention hotel in the Tampa St.Pete area…in both guest rooms (719) and amount of square footage available for meetings (50,000 sq.ft.)
3. Lobby patio overlooking 32 slip marina and incredible water views.  
4. Two separate Ballrooms, a spa, healthclub, roof top pool, three inhouse restaurants and our own organic gardens on property.  
5. Incredible windows with natural lighting in most break out rooms, foyer space, and even in parts of the Florida Ballroom.  
6. Hotel is waterfront, with the Tampa Riverwalk (connecting all of the waterfront downtown) right outside our back door!

All the information sessions kick-off Saturday morning, so be sure to check out the full schedule so you can plan out your itinerary.

For information on the Hotel and Tampa Bay in general, don't hesitate to ask us questions on our Twitter account or the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina Twitter page! Also for tips on things to do in Tampa Bay be sure to check out www.VisitTampaBay.com/CMPConclave.

It's almost here folks! What you ask? Well just the industry’s only exclusive meeting of CMPs that's what!

If you hadn't heard, or haven't yet registered, then I suggest you hurry up and do so! The CIC CMP Conclave is a unique event for certificants who wish to contribute to their profession.

This year's Conclave provides many opportunities for CMPs to build relationships and partner with other meeting professionals. CMPs also enhance their professional expertise by participating in exam development, attending educational sessions and networking with fellow CMPs.

Most importantly, this year's conference is right here in our own back yard in Tampa Bay at the beautiful Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina! How awesome is the Waterside you ask? Well the only way to truly tell you is to give you the top five reasons you'll love this place!

5. Scenery - Views don't get much better than this folks as the Waterside is nestled nicely along the channel riverwalk with some of Tampa Bay's most breathtaking views!

4. Ultimate Relaxation - Had a long day of meetings and sessions? For ultimate relaxation, try the spa, jacuzzi, or rooftop pool

3. Dining - You don't even have to leave the hotel to enjoy world class dining at places like Cafe Waterside, Champions Sports Bar, or Il Terrazzo. IF you feel the need to leave the hotel then have no fear as Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi, Cafe DuFrain, and the Channelside District are a short walk or Trolley ride away!

2. Technology - Well this is the nerd in me coming out a bit, but these days when you are away from the office, the one thing you need is reliable connectivity in your room and throughout the property!

1. Comfort - At the end of the day, you'll be spending a ton of time in your room sleeping and resting from the awesome day you just had in Tampa Bay! Here's a list of some of the in room amenities that'll make it feel just like home!

Well folks, that's all for now, but keep checking back as we'll be updating you on a regular basis about Tampa Bay meetings and fun things to in Tampa Bay for CMP Conclave!

Hey Tampa! Kristin here to tell you about the exquisite cuisine being served up at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood! Located in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Come out and experience the fine dining ambiance of Council Oak, named after the ancestral oak tree where the Seminole leaders would meet to discuss tribe affairs. 

Council Oak specializes in the finest USDA steaks and seafood, all of the top end meat coming from their very own butcher shop and seafood from local waters. Maine Lobster is also a signature feature.

In addition to the extensive menu offered, there are over 300 wines to choose from the intimate wine bar. This local gem has been rated highly by Zagat, as well as one of the “2011 Hot 10 Tampa Bay Restaurants” by Gayot, The Guide to the Good Life. The restaurant has also been awarded the Award of Excellence by the Wine Spectator Magazine.

Check out this sneak peak of some their signature dishes on the menu!

Appetizers:

• Steak Tartare made from chopped USDA prime beef with traditional seasoning ($12.50)
• Sea Scallops seared and topped with lemon and pomegranate ($14)
• Stuffed Clams ($10.50)

Main dishes:

• Dry Aged Lamb Chops ($50), Filet Mignon ($39)
• Grilled Free Range Chicken ($25)

Dessert:

• Crème Brulee with fresh berries marinated in Grand Mariner
• Council Oak 151 Volcano is made up of vanilla ice cream covered with Heath Bar Crunch flambéed tableside with a shot of 151 Rum

All new cocktails:

• Martinis feature a choice of nine differently-stuffed olives (examples: Chipotle pepper, Feta cheese and rosemary)

Come out to Council Oak, and enjoy this fine dining experience! That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay dining and foodie related updates!

The Patel Conservatory’s NGB, Next Generation Ballet, dancers have been given the opportunity to perform a group piece at the upcoming YAGP Gala at the David A. Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center in New York City on April 27, 2012.  The dancers received this honor by winning the Outstanding School Award at last year’s Youth America Grand Prix Final.

This is a very unique and amazing opportunity that the dancers will get to take part in, performing with some of the world’s top ballet companies! The YAGP Gala is sold out annually, featuring international ballet stars from around the world. The NGB dancers will be performing Shostakovich Suite, choreographed by Richard Cook, and staged by Stark.

This Thursday, April 19th the dancers will be giving a sneak preview to local ballet supporters, staff and press. This will take place at the Patel Conservatory at 6:30 p.m. in room 302. There will also be a Meet & Greet with the dancers after the performance is completed.

Please come out and support this amazing accomplishment!  And head over to the Patel Conservatory's website for more information - http://www.patelconservatory.org/. 

We'll see you back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, as well as other Tampa Bay area events.

Hey Tampa! The Frozen Four is finally here, welcome to college hockey’s biggest stage! Kristin here to give you a preview of the semi- final games that will be taking place on April 5th right in our backyard at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. 

The four teams that punched their tickets to Tampa are Ferris State University of Big Rapids Michigan, Union College of Schenectady New York, Boston College, and the University of Minnesota.

Ferris State will be taking on Union College on Thursday April 5th at 4:30 pm ET. The game will be broadcasted on ESPNU.  Ferris State took out Denver 2-1, and Cornell 2-1 to reach the semi- final game, as Union defeated Michigan State3-1, and University of Massachusetts Lowell 4-2.  Both schools have never gone this far, making the match up a Cinderella story for the survivor.

The second game of the semi- finals will be April 5th at 8: 00 pm ET. with the meeting of two powerhouse programs, top seeded Boston College, and the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Boston College was the national champion in 2010, returning to take the crown. They defeated Air Force 4-0, and Minnesota Duluth 4-0 in the quarterfinals. Minnesota knocked out Boston University 7-3, and North Dakota 5-2. The game will be broadcasted live on ESPN2.

Stay posted for more Tampa Bay sports updates on the final game which will take place April 7.
 

Its Linda Mummert here with exciting news about our Convention Sales Department.
Tampa Bay & Company has announced two staff promotions: Alex Kaptzan will fill the role of Vice President of Convention Sales and Services, and Holly Laverentz will now serve as National Sales Manager.  

“Alex has been a valuable asset of this team for over six years and has helped lead the convention sales and services team to new levels,” stated President/CEO of Tampa Bay & Company Kelly Miller.  “Additionally, Holly’s work on the services team for nearly a decade has prepared her for her new role and will translate well with the meeting planners and groups she will work with.”

In his new role as Vice President of Convention Sales and Services, Alex will be responsible for leading the company’s Tampa-based convention sales and convention services teams, as well as the company’s satellite representatives in Washington, D.C. and Chicago, Ill.  

Alex joined the Tampa Bay & Company sales team in 2006 as the Director of Convention Sales.  Prior to joining Tampa Bay & Company, Alex served as the Director of Sales as the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina for over five years.  

In her new role as National Sales Manager, Holly Laverentz will oversee the Small Meetings Market for Tampa Bay & Company.  Holly previously served as Senior Housing Manager and has been with the company for nearly 10 years.  Prior to joining Tampa Bay & Company Holly served as the Catering Convention Services Manager at the Hyatt Regency Tampa.  

Congratulations to both Alex and Holly!!  Well, it is over and out for now.  Stay tune for more exciting Tampa Bay Conventions news.

Hello folks! Jerm here with some Frozen Four College Hockey news for you as we draw ever so close to college hockey's premier event!

If you haven't already heard, this past weekend the four teams that will battle it out for college hockey supremacy will descend upon Tampa Bay next week to do battle at the Tampa Bay Times Forum!

New York’s Union College defeated University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Michigan’s Ferris State overpowered Cornell, Minnesota upset the No. 4 ranked North Dakota and Boston College conquered Minnesota-Duluth to advance to Tampa.

No. 3 ranked Union College will face Ferris State at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 5, while No. 1 ranked Boston College will meet Minnesota at 8 p.m.  The winners of these games will face each other at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 7 in the championship game.

For more information about the championship, log on to www.NCAA.com.  For more information about the NCAA Frozen Four in Tampa Bay, including ticket information, visit www.NCAA.com/FrozenFour or www.VisitTampaBay.com/FrozenFour.

I don't know about you guys but I am super pumped about this one and can't wait for next week as fans, teams alumni and all will be here to support their respective teams!

We'll be giving you much more information as the days go buy so be sure to check back with us early and often to get all of the latest updates! In the mean time, be sure to get your tickets and we'll see you in Tampa Bay!

Tampa Bay has proudly hosted and will continue to host many successful meetings, conferences and sporting events which will generate thousands of room nights and provided an economic impact into the millions for the city of Tampa and with the 2012 Republican National Convention coming in just a few months… Tampa just keeps getting better …

Last month members of Tampa Bay & Company convention sales team, Alex Kaptzan,Director of Sales, Dori Laack, Regional Account Executive/DC and Tammy Lamm, National Sales Manager along with industry partners, representing the Tampa Convention Center, Embassy Suites Downtown Tampa & Eventions of Florida were in Washington DC to attend the Destination Marketing Association International [DMAI] Destination Showcase Conference & Expos.

Throughout the week, Team Tampa attended a variety of educational sessions, general sessions and networking opportunities with new planners, potential customers, as well as existing customers all the while promoting Tampa Bay as a premier meetings destination.

So, whether you're an association, corporate, government, or third-party/independent meeting planner, we encourage you to come & discover the treasures of Tampa Bay for your next meeting or conference.  To learn more about Tampa go to our website: www.VisitTampaBay.com

That’s all for now, but be sure to stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay meetings & convention updates from the Tampa Bay Convention Sales Team …

Until then, Think Tampa!

Destinations Showcase Washington is the largest one-day event in North America which exclusively brings Convention & Visitor Bureaus - conference, convention, and trade show professionals together with exhibiting meeting destinations from the United States and beyond.

For more information –http://www.destinationsshowcase.com/washington/