CAN YOU FEEL IT? VISIT TAMPA BAY KNOWS MEETING PROFESSIONALS WILL.  

Tampa, FL (November 30, 2023) – Bright colors. Bold photography. A freshly renovated convention center set against a brilliant backdrop. Tampa Bay has what it takes to attract top meetings. And that’s precisely why Visit Tampa Bay has now launched the largest, most robust meetings and conventions campaign.

Coming off its best summer of conventions to date and the DMO’s best fiscal year ever, with $1.1 Billion in taxable revenue, the $1M+ campaign targets meeting professionals and associations across the U.S. The goal? To expand the already growing awareness Tampa has successfully captured in key markets in the Midwest and West Coast.

From the stunning upgrades at the Tampa Convention Center to the destination’s MICHELIN-recognized restaurants and nationally revered hotels, the campaign, developed in partnership with FKQ Advertising + Marketing, encourages meeting professionals to “Meet Vibrantly” and “Gather Brightly.” Tampa Bay’s diverse culture and ongoing commitment to warmly welcoming all are also featured in the campaign. And it’s a message that’s resonating with planners.

“Tampa Bay isn’t only a place where dynamic meetings happen – it’s also where convention-goers want to extend their stay because they feel our warm welcome,” said Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “We want meetings and groups to enjoy what our premier destination offers like the scenic Tampa Riverwalk which links our beautifully expanded Tampa Convention Center and many other must-experience attractions like gems on a string.

Strategic partnerships with industry-leading groups like ASAE (American Society of Association Executives) and PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association) have paved the way for Visit Tampa Bay to engage with meeting professionals directly, helping to increase brand exposure and boost the value of the ads.

Come January 2024, with an additional $1.5M investment, Visit Tampa Bay will ramp up the messaging by launching a new campaign targeting transient business travelers and small groups. The direct-to-consumer campaign will reach individual business travelers, enticing them to extend their stay and enjoy Tampa Bay’s year-round events and festivals, attractions the whole family can enjoy and authentic cuisine at one of many famed restaurants.

ABOUT VISIT TAMPA BAY

The heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast beats in Tampa Bay. Visit Tampa Bay encourages adventurous travelers to unlock sun, fun and culture in Florida’s most diverse travel destination. As a not-for-profit corporation certified by Destinations International’s Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), we work with hundreds of partners to tell the world the story of Tampa Bay. Treasure awaits.