ATTEND
Frequently Asked Questions
TIDES stands for the Tampa International Diplomacy & Exchange Summit. It is a conference designed to bring together people and organizations involved in international work, including business, education, diplomacy, culture, sustainability, innovation, tourism, nonprofits, government, and civic exchange.
TIDES is for anyone engaged in international connection or exchange, including civic leaders, business professionals, educators, students, nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, entrepreneurs, government representatives, international chambers, consulates, Sister Cities leaders, and global partners.
No. Tampa Sister Cities is helping lead the event, but TIDES is designed as a broader international summit for the entire community. Sister Cities programming may be included within TIDES, but the summit is intended for many organizations and individuals working internationally.
TIDES is organized around five core tracks:
Trade, Innovation, Diplomacy, Education, and Sustainability.
Each track will include sessions, panels, conversations, and programming connected to international collaboration and local impact.
TIDES will take place in Tampa, Florida. Final venue details will be announced soon.
The conference dates will be announced once venue and scheduling details are finalized.
Registration will open once the conference venue, dates, and program details are finalized. Please check back for updates or sign up for conference announcements.
Registration pricing will be announced before registration opens. Pricing may include early-bird rates, standard rates, student rates, nonprofit rates, group rates, and sponsor-included registrations.
Registration details will be confirmed when tickets are released. Depending on the final program, registration may include access to conference sessions, keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking opportunities, selected receptions, exhibitor areas, and conference materials.
Yes. Group registration options may be available for organizations, universities, companies, delegations, and partner groups.
Student or emerging-leader pricing may be offered depending on sponsorship support and final conference planning.
Registration transfer policies will be posted when registration opens. In most cases, substitutions may be allowed before a stated deadline.
The refund policy will be posted with registration details. Refunds may be limited after certain deadlines due to venue, catering, and event planning commitments.
TIDES may include keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, fireside chats, case studies, cultural presentations, networking sessions, receptions, and delegation-focused programming.
A preliminary agenda will be posted once speakers, sessions, and venue details are confirmed. Additional updates may be added as the conference approaches.
Yes. Sessions will be connected to one or more of the five TIDES tracks: Trade, Innovation, Diplomacy, Education, and Sustainability.
Yes. TIDES is being designed to encourage meaningful networking among civic leaders, business professionals, educators, students, nonprofit leaders, cultural organizations, sponsors, speakers, and international guests.
TIDES may include cultural programming, performances, exhibits, receptions, or international showcases as part of the overall summit experience.
Recording availability will depend on the final program, speaker permissions, and production resources. If recordings are offered, details will be shared with registered attendees.
Yes. TIDES will include a Call for Speakers / Proposals inviting individuals and organizations to submit session ideas.
Speaker proposals can be submitted through the Call for Speakers / Proposals page once the form is available.
We are looking for practical, engaging, and relevant proposals connected to international trade, innovation, diplomacy, education, sustainability, civic exchange, cultural understanding, global partnerships, and Tampa’s role as an international city.
Yes. Organizations may submit complete panel proposals. Strong panels should include multiple perspectives and should not be purely promotional.
Yes. Sponsors may submit speaker proposals. Sponsorship does not automatically guarantee selection unless speaking benefits are included in a sponsorship package. All sessions should provide educational or thought-leadership value.
Unless otherwise arranged, most speaker opportunities are expected to be unpaid. Limited honoraria or travel support may be considered for featured speakers depending on sponsorship support and conference budget.
Yes. TIDES will offer sponsorship opportunities for companies, universities, nonprofits, civic organizations, and community partners interested in supporting the summit and reaching an internationally engaged audience.
Sponsorship information will be available on the Sponsorship page. You may also contact the TIDES team directly to discuss custom opportunities.
Exhibitor opportunities may be available depending on the venue and final conference format.
TIDES is a strong fit for organizations that want to be visible among civic, business, education, nonprofit, cultural, and international leaders. This may include companies, universities, law firms, financial institutions, trade organizations, chambers, tourism organizations, technology companies, ports, logistics companies, cultural institutions, and community partners.
Custom sponsorship opportunities may include receptions, hosted networking events, cultural programming, branded lounges, student scholarships, or delegation-related activities.
Tampa is served by Tampa International Airport (TPA), located near downtown Tampa, the Westshore business district, and many major hotels.
Host hotel information will be announced once available. If a room block is secured, booking instructions and deadlines will be posted on the Travel to Tampa page.
Discounted hotel rates may be available through an official conference room block, depending on venue and hotel arrangements.
Parking information will be provided once the venue is confirmed. Options may include venue parking, hotel parking, nearby garages, street parking, or rideshare drop-off areas.
Some areas of Tampa, especially downtown, Water Street, the Riverwalk, and Ybor City, are walkable depending on the venue and hotel location. Rideshare, taxis, and local transportation are also available.
Conference attire is generally business or business casual unless otherwise noted for specific receptions, cultural events, or outdoor activities.
Yes. TIDES welcomes international attendees, speakers, delegations, partners, and guests.
Invitation letters may be available for registered attendees, confirmed speakers, sponsors, or official delegation members upon request.
No. An invitation letter does not guarantee visa approval. Visa decisions are made by the appropriate U.S. government authorities.
Yes. TIDES is designed to welcome official and informal delegations from cities, universities, chambers of commerce, cultural organizations, and international partners.
Delegation inquiries should be directed to the TIDES team so we can help coordinate registration, scheduling, protocol needs, special meetings, and hospitality details.
TIDES is committed to creating a welcoming and accessible experience. Venue-specific accessibility information will be posted once confirmed.
Attendees may request accommodations by contacting the TIDES team in advance. This may include mobility assistance, seating accommodations, dietary needs, interpretation needs, or other reasonable requests.
TIDES will make reasonable efforts to accommodate dietary restrictions when meals or receptions are included. Attendees should indicate dietary needs during registration.
Translation or interpretation services may be considered depending on confirmed delegations, speakers, and available resources. Please contact the TIDES team with specific needs.
Yes. Students are encouraged to attend, especially those interested in international affairs, diplomacy, business, education, sustainability, entrepreneurship, language, culture, or global careers.
Student discounts may be available depending on final pricing and sponsorship support.
Yes. Volunteer opportunities may be available for students and young professionals interested in supporting the conference and meeting internationally engaged leaders.
Volunteer information will be posted on the Volunteer page once opportunities are available.
Media attendance may be permitted with advance approval. Media credential information will be posted on the Media / Press page.
Media inquiries should be directed to the TIDES media contact.
Media Contact: [Insert Name]
Email: [Insert Email Address]
Yes. TIDES will maintain a code of conduct to help ensure a respectful, welcoming, and professional environment for all attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and guests.
TIDES will include discussions related to international affairs, diplomacy, trade, education, sustainability, and global challenges. Sessions should remain respectful, constructive, and aligned with the summit’s mission of dialogue, exchange, and relationship-building.
No. TIDES is not intended to be a partisan political event. It is a civic and international exchange summit focused on building relationships, sharing ideas, and strengthening global connections.
You can stay updated by joining the TIDES email list, following official TIDES communications, and checking the website for announcements.
For general questions, sponsorship, speaking, travel, media, or delegation inquiries, please contact:
TIDES Team
[Insert Email Address]
[Insert Phone Number]