July 7, 2026. Tampa, FL – Tampa Sister Cities and the Tampa International Diplomacy and Exchange Summit—TIDES—were represented at the 44th Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, held July 2–5, 2026, in Tampa.
Alfred Goldberg and Deborah Wilkinson represented Tampa Sister Cities and TIDES at the international gathering, accompanied by Sherri Brown of Visit Tampa Bay. They joined Tampa Mayor Jane Castor as she welcomed distinguished guests and presented the Key to the City of Tampa to Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation.
The convention brought physicians, healthcare executives, researchers, philanthropists, business leaders, and community representatives to the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and Tampa Marriott Water Street. Its theme, “Stronger Together: United in Care, Undivided in Voice,” reflected the organization’s focus on collaboration, professional service, and the contributions of Indian-origin physicians to healthcare in the United States and around the world.
During the event, Ambani received the AAPI Humanitarian Award 2026 in recognition of her work in healthcare, education, social development, and philanthropy. Mayor Castor also presented her with the Key to the City in recognition of her humanitarian contributions.
Ambani used the occasion to announce plans for an India–America health partnership between the Reliance Foundation and AAPI. The initiative is expected to explore collaboration in areas including preventive healthcare, women’s and children’s health, rural medicine, telemedicine, medical education, disaster response, and humanitarian outreach.
Participation by Tampa Sister Cities, TIDES, and Visit Tampa Bay reflected Tampa’s coordinated approach to welcoming international visitors and building relationships that extend beyond an individual event.
Tampa Sister Cities works to foster international understanding through people-to-people relationships, cultural exchange, education, and cooperation with communities around the world. That mission includes extending friendship and goodwill across international borders.
TIDES is being developed as a platform for connecting those international relationships with opportunities in diplomacy, trade, innovation, education, sustainability, culture, and community development.
By participating in major international gatherings such as the AAPI convention, Tampa’s civic and international organizations can introduce visiting leaders to the city, establish new relationships, and identify opportunities for future collaboration.
The convention also gave Tampa an opportunity to demonstrate its ability to host prominent international organizations and welcome influential leaders from around the world.
As Tampa continues to expand its international profile, collaboration among the City of Tampa, Tampa Sister Cities, TIDES, Visit Tampa Bay, and other community partners will help turn major events into lasting global relationships.
