FLORDIA SISTER CITIES
Hosted Within TIDES: Tampa International Diplomacy and Exchange Summit
In 2026, the Florida Sister Cities State Conference will be held in Tampa as part of TIDES — the Tampa International Diplomacy and Exchange Summit.
This unique partnership brings Florida’s Sister Cities leaders, volunteers, municipal representatives, educators, cultural organizations, business leaders, and international partners together within a larger statewide and global platform focused on diplomacy, trade, education, innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange.
Tampa Sister Cities’ mission is rooted in fostering international understanding through people-to-people relationships with communities around the world. Its bylaws specifically describe this purpose as extending “hands of friendship and comity” across the seas through citizen diplomacy and community engagement.
This unique partnership brings Florida’s Sister Cities leaders, volunteers, municipal representatives, educators, cultural organizations, business leaders, and international partners together within a larger statewide and global platform focused on diplomacy, trade, education, innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange.
Tampa Sister Cities’ mission is rooted in fostering international understanding through people-to-people relationships with communities around the world. Its bylaws specifically describe this purpose as extending “hands of friendship and comity” across the seas through citizen diplomacy and community engagement.
A State Conference Inside a Larger Global Summit
Rather than holding the Florida Sister Cities State Conference as a standalone event, the 2026 conference will be integrated into TIDES, giving Sister Cities members access to a broader audience, expanded programming, and new opportunities for collaboration.
Attendees will be able to participate in Florida Sister Cities programming while also engaging with TIDES sessions, international delegations, exhibitors, civic leaders, and community partners from across Tampa Bay and beyond.
This format is designed to strengthen the Sister Cities movement by connecting local relationships to larger conversations about international cooperation, economic opportunity, education, culture, and global problem-solving.
Attendees will be able to participate in Florida Sister Cities programming while also engaging with TIDES sessions, international delegations, exhibitors, civic leaders, and community partners from across Tampa Bay and beyond.
This format is designed to strengthen the Sister Cities movement by connecting local relationships to larger conversations about international cooperation, economic opportunity, education, culture, and global problem-solving.
Why Tampa
Tampa has long been shaped by international connection. From its immigrant communities and port economy to its universities, cultural institutions, consular relationships, and global business ties, Tampa is a natural host city for a statewide gathering focused on citizen diplomacy.
As the home of Tampa Sister Cities, the 2026 conference will also highlight Tampa’s own sister city relationships and the role these partnerships play in building friendships, creating opportunities, and strengthening understanding between communities.
As the home of Tampa Sister Cities, the 2026 conference will also highlight Tampa’s own sister city relationships and the role these partnerships play in building friendships, creating opportunities, and strengthening understanding between communities.
What to Expect
The 2026 Florida Sister Cities State Conference will provide opportunities to:
Who Should Attend
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Sister Cities board members, committee chairs, and volunteers.
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Municipal leaders and staff involved in international relations.
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Educators and university representatives.
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Cultural, civic, and nonprofit organizations.
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Business and trade organizations interested in international connections.
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Community members who believe international relationships begin at the local level.
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Students and emerging leaders interested in global engagement.
Strengthening the Sister Cities Network
The Florida Sister Cities State Conference is more than an annual meeting. It is a chance to strengthen the statewide network of people and organizations working to build peace, friendship, and cooperation through citizen diplomacy.
By hosting the conference within TIDES, Tampa Sister Cities hopes to create a larger platform for these relationships and demonstrate how Sister Cities programs can contribute to a city’s broader international identity.
By hosting the conference within TIDES, Tampa Sister Cities hopes to create a larger platform for these relationships and demonstrate how Sister Cities programs can contribute to a city’s broader international identity.
Join Us in Tampa
We invite Sister Cities leaders, partners, and supporters from across Florida to join us in Tampa for this special 2026 gathering.
Together, we will celebrate the power of citizen diplomacy, share ideas for stronger local programs, and connect Florida’s Sister Cities network to a broader international summit designed to turn relationships into lasting impact.
More details, including registration, schedule, hotel information, and Florida Sister Cities programming, will be announced soon.
Together, we will celebrate the power of citizen diplomacy, share ideas for stronger local programs, and connect Florida’s Sister Cities network to a broader international summit designed to turn relationships into lasting impact.
More details, including registration, schedule, hotel information, and Florida Sister Cities programming, will be announced soon.