Tampa Republic

Following an award-winning year and the successful completion of a historic renovation project, the Tampa Convention Center is gearing up for a record-breaking year in 2024. The center is set to host 39 large city-wide conventions and conferences involving multiple venues, compared to 28 city-wide events in 2019. Nine events that were postponed due to the pandemic in 2020 have been rescheduled for 2024. In total, the center is expected to hold a remarkable 98 events of various sizes throughout the year.

Juan Lopez, the Sales and Marketing Manager at the Tampa Convention Center, expressed his excitement for the upcoming year, stating, "We are excited to embark on a record-breaking year with our dedicated staff ready to provide the highest quality guest experience." Lopez also highlighted the recent completion of the Capital Improvement Campaign and the additions and improvements to downtown hotel properties, which he believes will solidify Tampa as the premier destination for meetings and conventions.

The economic impact of these events is estimated to be nearly $136 million dollars for the city of Tampa in 2024, with over 354,000 attendees expected to pass through the convention center's doors. This influx of visitors is a testament to the beautiful waterfront location of the Tampa Convention Center and the exceptional customer service provided by the center's event staff.

The Tampa Convention Center has received numerous accolades in the meetings and events industry, further solidifying its reputation as an award-winning facility. It was awarded the gold medal for Best Convention Center in the Southeast U.S. in The Stella Awards by Northstar Meetings Group. The center was also named among 20 Centers of Excellence by Exhibitor Magazine and was a winner in ConventionSouth's 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. Additionally, the Tampa Convention Center has achieved the Global Biorisk Advisory CouncilTM (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation for 2024, showcasing its commitment to implementing stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection, and infection prevention.

Visitors to the Tampa Convention Center will have the opportunity to witness the upgrades completed during the largest renovation project in the center's history. The $44.5 million Capital Improvement Plan included an expansion with 18 new waterfront meeting rooms, upgrades to the ballrooms, existing meeting rooms, restrooms, and concession stands, as well as updated lighting, paint, and carpet throughout the building. The outdoor event space on the Tampa Riverwalk has also been improved.

Some of the notable events returning to the Tampa Convention Center in 2024 include the Florida Thespians Florida State Festival, SOF Week, METROCON, and the Tampa Bay Comic Convention. These events not only contribute to the economic growth of the city by attracting guests who stay in nearby hotels and dine at local restaurants, but they also provide employment opportunities for 340 full-time city and partner employees.

The Tampa Convention Center, located in the heart of Downtown Tampa, offers breathtaking waterfront views and state-of-the-art amenities. With 600,000 square feet of transformable event spaces, the center is equipped to cater to the needs of event and meeting planners. The center partners with various companies to provide high-quality event services, including food and beverage, utilities, audiovisual and rigging, security, internet and telecommunications, and shipping and printing.

As Tampa prepares for a record-breaking year in 2024, the Tampa Convention Center stands ready to showcase its award-winning facilities and provide a top-notch experience for all attendees.