ampa Bay & Company was so eager to capitalize on the media attention of the 2012 Republi-
can National Convention (RNC), which the destination hosted on Aug. 27–30, that it brought in a fam trip the week before the RNC. (Read our article about the RNC on p. 40.) It was an inspired idea — showing off everything Tampa did to prepare for the convention, within the context of a city where a rich history mingles with state-of-the-art meeting facilities and a variety of ven- ues in a friendly, tropical setting. Our group of industry reporters
26 PCMA CONVENE NOVEMBER 2012
and meeting planners stayed at the Westin Tampa Harbour Island, which is directly across Garrison Channel — and a short walk — from the Tampa Convention Center. Renovated in 2007, the hotel includes 299 guest rooms and more than 18,000 square feet of func- tion space. On our second morning, the Hyatt Regency Tampa, which is also within easy walking distance of the con- vention center, hosted us for breakfast in an elegant Chairman’s Suite. The Hyatt has 521 recently renovated guest rooms and more than 30,000 square feet of function space.
Located directly on Tampa Bay, the
convention center makes the most of its waterfront location. Floor-to- ceiling windows flood the lobby area with natural light, while glass doors open to a large terrace directly on the bay. Beyond the resort feel of its public spaces, the 600,000-square-foot facility features 200,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 36,000-square-foot ballroom, and 36 breakout rooms. The center recently invested nearly $100 million in upgrading its lighting to high-efficiency, low-heat LED; other upgrades include Wi-Fi throughout the building and