Tampa Republic

A significant gathering is underway at the Tampa Convention Center as the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority hosts its 72nd Annual Atlantic Regional Conference. The event has drawn over 7,000 participants, along with family members, to the area. Attendees, many dressed in the sorority's colors of pink and green, symbolize the historic organization's presence in the city.

The conference is projected to boost the Tampa region's economy, with Visit Tampa Bay estimating an economic impact of nearly $8 million. In addition to the economic benefits, the sorority plans to contribute to the local community directly. As part of a childhood hunger initiative, members will assemble food bags for distribution at a local school. They will also provide supplies to Metropolitan Ministries to aid individuals facing homelessness.

Alpha Kappa Alpha is recognized as the oldest Greek-letter organization founded by African American college-educated women. It is part of the Divine Nine, a collective of historically African American fraternities and sororities within the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

The Tampa Convention Center is set to host further Divine Nine events in the coming months, including gatherings for Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta in July.

Situated in the core of Downtown Tampa, the Tampa Convention Center encompasses 600,000 square feet of adaptable event spaces. Recognized for its quality, it has won the gold medal for Best Convention Center in the Southeast U.S. at the Stella Awards by Northstar Meetings Group in both 2023 and 2024. Its partnerships with various companies ensure the provision of high-quality event services.

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