Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1517455
48 B M & T ••• March/April 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com F L O R I D A S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N TAMPA BAY Bring your group and witness firsthand the unparalleled meetings experience that Tampa Bay has to offer. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking waterfront Convention District, indulge in MICHELIN Star-rated cuisine, attend cutting-edge events, stay in modern hotels, and more. Now meetings at the waterfront Tampa Convention Center are even more scenic — with the completion of 18 new meeting rooms overlooking the water. Spanning two levels, the 18,000- sq. ft. addition featuring a terrace is the latest in a series of $38 million in upgrades to the cutting-edge venue. In addition to the new floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views, the flex- ible design provides a variety of configurations including an extension of exhibit hall space. Over the last few months, Tampa Bay welcomed new hotel properties ranging from luxurious boutique offerings to spa- cious family-friendly accommodations. Each with its own unique personality, these hotels span over various districts like the brand-new Midtown, a revived Ybor City, and several areas of downtown, including the Water Street Tampa development. When meetings are complete delegates can stroll the Tampa Riverwalk, which links museums and cultural centers like gems on a string. Step into the past in Ybor City to discover where Cuban artisans hand-roll cigars as they have since 1885. Visitors don't need a passport to experience Tampa Bay's international influence that tells a unique story that is rich in culture and tra- dition. A 10-day cultural event, The Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival features cultural enrichment activities, a 2-day block party, speakers, musicians, artists, and poets. The assortment of events is an opportunity to increase awareness of African and African-American culture and history. People of African descent have lived and labored in the Tampa Bay area for over five centuries. The Travails and Triumphs exhibit on Water Street tells the story of the communities and families they forged, the hardships they endured, the jobs they worked, and the triumphs they cel- ebrated. www.visittampabay.com (813) 223-2752 Hotel Haya, Exterior Tampa Bay photo credit: William-Zbaren