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B M & T ••• March/April 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 40 TAMPA With its combination of accessibility, affordability and amenities, Tampa Bay is the perfect place to unlock the potential of your next meeting. With a host of unique dining experiences, leisure and recreational choices and venues like no other, there is much to discover. Waterfront location brings the warmth and light of the Florida sunshine right into your meeting rooms. Treasure awaits you at the Tampa Convention Center, a 600,000-sq. ft. meeting and convention facility with unique architectural designs and spectacular waterfront views that provide an ideal setting for your next invasion. The convenience of a vibrant downtown, adjacent first-class accommodations and Florida's largest variety of destination offerings allows you to conquer with ease. The Tampa Convention Center features 200,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, a 36,000-sq. ft. ballroom, and 36 additional meeting rooms, including 10 waterfront rooms. The facility also boasts over 84,000 sq. ft. of flexible pre-function space. Tampa Bay dares to be different — the selection of accommodations ranges from lavish resort hotels to cozy motels and four-diamond delights. Stay in touch with state- of-the-art business centers and complimentary Wi-Fi in many locations. From fully stocked kitchens for longer stays to deli- cious in-room dining, hotels in Tampa Bay not only meet the needs of any event, meeting or conference, but they boast a daring spirit and welcoming attitude that will give your meet- ing that extra flair of a daring destination. Tampa Bay is the perfect destination to unlock your next meeting — whether it's a board meeting or citywide annual conference. Be sure to check out the Tampa Bay Treasure Collection, located amid the hustle of downtown, bringing together 11 stylish, modern hotels, each with its own carefully curated way to experience the sights, sounds and flavors of this dynamic destination. Among them are the Tampa Marriott Water Street, Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk, Embassy Suites Tampa-Downtown Convention Center, Le Meridien Tampa, and the JW Marriott. The history of Tampa's African-American populace is embodied in newly opened Perry Harvey, Sr. Park. Named for a local civil rights leader, the park is situated just north of downtown in the area once dubbed "The Scrub." Ex- slaves settled there after earning their freedom and eventu- ally created the bustling business Central Avenue district and Chitlin Circuit hub drawing musicians like Cab Calloway and Ella Fitzgerald. Ray Charles got his start playing in clubs here. Originally developed in 1979 as a recreation spot for local youths, the park pays homage to the community's African-American heritage with unique contextual artwork. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Tampa Bay – (813) 223-1111 www.visittampabay.com cionados there are world-class museums and galleries, con- certs and festivals where music fills the air, and award-win- ning theater and Broadway performers. From Jupiter to Boca Raton, The Palm Beaches is bursting with creativity. Arrive with ease through Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), only 3 miles from downtown. No worries if you're flying into FLL or MIA – ride up on Tri-Rail. Even more train service comes in the form of Brightline, which links the downtowns of West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. And when driving, take the Okeechobee Boulevard exit east from I-95 and be at the Palm Beach County Convention Center within minutes. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Discover The Palm Beaches – (877) 722-2821 www.ThePalmBeaches.com/Meetings Tampa Skyline 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