VisitTampaBay.com; @VisitTampaBay
Tampa Bay combines waterfront sophistication with state-of-the-art functionality for planners looking for flair and impact. “We offer groups an industry-leading waterfront convention center and other world-class meeting facilities, all in proximity to a wide range of outstanding hotels, MICHELIN-rated restaurants, and countless attractions to tempt visitors of all types,” says Santiago C. Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay.
Tampa Convention Center boasts 600,000 square feet of event space, including a 200,000-square-foot exhibit hall with a capacity of 22,857 guests for receptions and 16,000 seated theater style; a 36,000-square-foot ballroom with a capacity of 4,114; and 52 breakout rooms, including 18 new meeting rooms overlooking the waterfront. In addition, the 7,000-square-foot Sail outdoor waterfront space can host receptions for 500. The convention center was awarded LEED Silver O+M Green Building certification in 2025.
Adjacent to the convention center, the 719-room Tampa Marriott Water Street and the adjoining 519-room JW Marriott Tampa Water Street offer more than 120,000 square feet of event space. Other options include the 360-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center, with 11,010 square feet of event space; Hilton Tampa Downtown, with 37,756 square feet of event space; and Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, with 28,000 square feet of event space. Newer hotel offerings include the 168-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott Tampa Downtown, which opened in 2024. In Ybor City, construction work is underway to transform the circa-1910 Sanchez y Haya building—which once housed cigar workers—into the 11-room Inn at El Reloj boutique hotel. The new Inn at El Reloj is expected to open later this year, also featuring a new restaurant, Elaine’s, and Stanford’s Cigar Club. In the Riverwalk area, the 220-room Pendry Tampa is expected to open in 2027; it will feature three dining experiences and 11,000 square feet of event space.
Recently renovated properties include Westin Tampa Waterside, Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, Westin Tampa Bay, and Hotel Flor Tampa Downtown, which features The Dan speakeasy. Tampa Airport Marriott, inside Tampa International Airport’s terminal, recently redesigned its 298 guest rooms and meeting spaces.
Unique venues include the Florida Aquarium, Glazer Children’s Museum, and Tampa Museum of Art. Planners can use Pirate Water Taxi for charters along the Hillsborough River or host buyouts at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
