WE’VE GOT THE BLUES BY THE BAY AND LOVING IT! 

PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC. AND ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY, INC. HOLD FIRST EVENTS IN TAMPA 

With Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.’s International Board Meeting this month, Tampa hosts three Divine Nine organizations in July 

Tampa, FL (July 25, 2025) – Adorned in blues as bold as a Tampa Bay sky, the distinguished members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated added their prestigious names to the list of historic African American Greek letter organizations – collectively known as the Divine Nine – to hold events in Tampa as they kicked off their respective meetings last week.  

The brothers of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. held the 77th iteration of their most widely attended gathering – the International Conclave – July 14-20 at the Tampa Convention Center.  The sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. held their 2025 Zeta Organizational Leadership Program, July 17-22 at TCC as well. Both came on the heels of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., hosting their 2025 International Board Meeting, July 11-12, in advance of coming to Tampa next year for their premiere gathering, the 2026 Grand Boule, next July. 

This is the first time these three organizations have held events in Tampa, bringing the total of Divine Nine organizations to host gatherings in the city to seven in the past two years. With an expected combined attendance of over 8,000 people, and with more than 6,000 hotel room nights booked, these meetings are expected to have a significant and positive economic impact on the community.  

"The decision by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. to host these important gatherings in Tampa Bay is one of the strongest signs yet that Hillsborough County has the right people, culture, and facilities in place to attract and welcome groups of every size and background,” said Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. "Tampa has now hosted seven of the Divine Nine in the city for meetings and conventions, and we’re honored to support these principled organizations that stress community and making a positive impact for all.” 

Themed “Dream BIG, Act BOLD, Always BELIEVE”, Phi Beta Sigma’s 2025 International Conclave not only conducted the fraternity's business but focused on key areas targeted at giving back to communities across the nation, including the Tampa Bay community serving as their host. 

"The Brotherhood of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is overjoyed with gratitude and appreciation for the amazing welcome and support bestowed upon us during our 2025 International Conclave. Mayor Jane Castor, Visit Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County, the City Police Department and the many businesses and city services overwhelmingly showed Sigma Men the very best of Tampa,” said the Honorable Chris V. Rey, J.D., International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. “The city now ranks among the top destination locations for business and personal travel, and we will return for more!" 

Zeta Phi Beta’s leadership program, themed “The Extraordinary Power of S.H.E. (Social – Health – Economic Justice),” was dedicated to developing leaders who are passionate about addressing women’s issues globally, including right here in their host city. 

“The Zeta Organizational Leadership (ZOL) program is a future-focused, nationally structured intensified leadership training program that serves as the blueprint for the Sorority’s leadership development and enhancement efforts,” said Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President and CEO of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. “Our members invested their time, talent and resources to join us in Tampa for our 2025 ZOL Training which included our Collegiate Leadership Symposium, President’s Institute and State Directors Retreat. We successfully embraced The Extraordinary Power of SHE…Elevating, Amplifying and Educating Global Leaders!” 

During their conclave, the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma are also giving back to the Tampa Community as part of Visit Tampa Bay’s Meeting the Moment Program. The fraternity volunteered with Feeding Tampa Bay and Metropolitan Ministries July 15 to help address food insecurity and other needs among our community’s most vulnerable populations. Simultaneously, the fraternity hosted a Youth Empowerment Day for over 500 young people at The Skills Center, assisting with issues such as education, financial literacy, and health and wellness.  

Phi Beta Sigma’s International Conclave, Zeta Phi Beta’s Zeta Organizational Leadership Program, and Sigma Gamma Rho’s International Board Meeting are three significant gatherings amongst a host of large meetings happening in Tampa Bay during July. Other gatherings include: 

• North America Telugu Society’s America Telugu Sambaralu July 4-6 (~ 8,000 attendees) 
• Turning Point USA’s Student Action Summit July 5-13 (~ 4,500 attendees) 
• METROCON’s Annual Anime Convention July 25-27 (~13,000 attendees) 

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