Trade Show News

Visit Tampa Bay celebrated the hospitality industry during its National Travel and Tourism Week Luncheon, recognizing individuals and three convention groups for their impact on Hillsborough County's tourism. The event highlighted the industry's role in creating nearly 62,000 jobs and generating almost $9.5 billion in economic impact in 2025. Ron McAnaugh received the “Gonzmart Family Ambassador of the Year Award” for his dedication to Tampa Bay's tourism.

Santiago Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, highlights Tampa's dynamic appeal as a meeting destination, emphasizing its walkable districts and the Tampa Convention Center's ability to host diverse groups. He notes that Tampa is booking groups out until 2038.

The Barrymore Hotel, conveniently located near the Tampa Convention Center, offers newly refreshed meeting spaces with modern amenities. The hotel caters to business travelers with corporate rates and a range of amenities.

Tampa's hotel market, comprising over 150 properties, is significantly driven by group/convention demand, with the Tampa Convention Center acting as a primary generator for peak events. Citywide conventions displace room blocks across various zones, increasing occupancy and rates.

A new hotel in Tampa's Channel District is planned to add 310 rooms and retail space. This development will contribute to the city's hospitality infrastructure, supporting future convention and trade show attendees.

Virginia "Ginny" Lindsey has been promoted to Executive Chef with Aramark, the exclusive food and beverage provider at the Tampa Convention Center. With over five years of experience as Executive Sous Chef, she will continue to oversee F&B for high-profile conferences and trade shows.

Veterans Guns & Cigars, a premier networking and marksmanship event series, launches its 2026 season at SOF Week in Tampa on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The event brings together military veterans, SOF operators, law enforcement, defense and GovCon executives, business owners, and civilians for competitive shooting and high-value networking.

Hillsborough County hosted its 12th annual Open Doors Forum, a reverse-trade show networking event, drawing over 450 small businesses and 40 exhibitors. The forum aims to help small businesses secure public-sector contracts and build partnerships.

Visit Tampa Bay recognized individuals and organizations at its National Travel & Tourism Week Luncheon for their contributions to attracting and creating visitor and meeting experiences. Ron McAnaugh of JW Marriott Tampa Water Street was honored with the 'Gonzmart Family Ambassador of the Year Award' for his dedication to Tampa Bay's tourism.

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) announced the successful acquisition of Exhibitor Group, outlining an integration strategy focused on leadership continuity, program preservation, and expanded community benefits. This union aims to strengthen resources and opportunities for the exhibitions and events community.

METROCON, Florida's largest anime convention, will be held at the Tampa Convention Center from July 31 to August 2, 2026. This three-day event features unique vendors, exciting panelists, and interactive events, offering attendees a vast vendor hall filled with anime merchandise, art, and collectibles.

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) is holding its 2026 Annual Convention at the Tampa Convention Center from May 9-12, 2026. This event brings together healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing patient care for colon, rectum, and anus disorders.

The Tampa REIA Main Meeting & Vendor Tradeshow is scheduled for Thursday, May 14th, at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa Stadium. The event will feature special guest speaker John Mangham, CPA, discussing wealth-building strategies for real estate investors. This meeting provides networking opportunities and insights into leverage, amortization, depreciation, refinancing, and portfolio optimization.

Hillsborough County's 12th annual Open Doors Forum, a reverse-trade show networking event, brought together over 40 exhibitors and 450+ small businesses at The Regent. The event aims to help entrepreneurs secure government contracts and form partnerships.

AEVEX Corp. will display autonomous systems and unmanned platforms at SOF Week 2026 in Tampa, with daily demonstrations of its Mako Lite unmanned surface vehicle outside the Tampa Convention Center. The company will also showcase its ForgeX Additive Manufacturing capability.

A debate over a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays highlights concerns about public funding for major venues, including the Tampa Convention Center. The city already has a growing collection of major sports and entertainment venues that receive or are expected to seek public support. The discussion touches on the financial exposure for the city and county related to such projects.

The Tampa Convention Center has invested in permanent LED walls, video walls, and reader boards as part of a growing trend in convention centers to utilize digital signage. This investment enhances the attendee experience by providing dynamic information and branding opportunities.

The Tampa Convention Center is a major waterfront facility in downtown Tampa, offering over 600,000 square feet of event space, including 200,000 square feet of exhibit space. It hosts national conventions, trade shows, and major events.

The Tampa Convention Center has been nominated for Best Convention Center (Regional – Southeast U.S.) in the Stella Awards for the fourth consecutive year, having won the gold medal in 2023, 2024, and 2025. The center is projected to host over 100 events and 300,000+ attendees in 2026, with an estimated economic impact exceeding $147 million.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Tampa Convention Center has been nominated for Best Convention Center (Regional – Southeast U.S.) in the Stella Awards, having won gold in the previous three years. The center is projected to host over 100 events and 300,000+ attendees in 2026, generating an estimated economic impact of over $147 million.