Mayor Jane Castor Announces TIDES Host Committee
July 23, 2026. Tampa, FL. TIDES has reached an important milestone with the announcement of its inaugural Host Committee, chaired by City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.
The committee brings together prominent leaders from government, business, transportation, tourism, economic development, healthcare, education, innovation, law, and the nonprofit sector. Together, they will help build community support for the Tampa International Diplomacy and Exchange Summit and strengthen connections with regional and international partners.
The inaugural TIDES summit will take place November 16–17, 2026, at the Tampa Convention Center.
A Citywide Commitment to Global Engagement
The Host Committee reflects the collaborative, citywide approach behind TIDES. Members will provide civic leadership, strategic guidance, and community connections as Tampa prepares to welcome diplomats, international delegations, business leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, cultural representatives, and other global changemakers.
Committee members will also help increase awareness of the summit, encourage participation and ensure that its programming reflects the Tampa Bay region’s economic, educational, civic, and cultural priorities.
Mayor Castor emphasized that Tampa’s future is increasingly connected to the international community. Through TIDES, the city can bring together the people and institutions shaping Tampa’s global relationships while creating new opportunities in trade, investment, education, innovation and cultural exchange.
TIDES Host Committee
Chair
Mayor Jane Castor
City of Tampa
Host Committee Members
- Tampa City Council Chair Alan Clendenin
- U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, Florida’s 14th Congressional District
- State Representative Fentrice Driskell, Florida House District 67
- State Representative Karen Gonzalez Pittman, Florida House District 65
- Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen, District 1
- Craig Richard, President and CEO, Tampa Bay Economic Development Council
- Michael Stephens, Chief Executive Officer, Tampa International Airport
- Dr. Moez Limayem, President, University of South Florida
- John Couris, President and CEO, Tampa General Hospital
- Paul Anderson, President and CEO, Port Tampa Bay
- Santiago Corrada, President and CEO, Visit Tampa Bay
- Dr. Bob Rohrlack, President and CEO, Tampa Bay Chamber
- Ron Christaldi, Managing Partner, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
- Linda Olson, President and CEO, Tampa Bay Wave
- Dr. Tim R. Holcomb, Chief Executive Officer, Embarc Collective
- Jason Woody, Chief Executive Officer, Lions World Vision Institute
“With Mayor Castor’s leadership and the support of this distinguished Host Committee, we can create a summit that produces meaningful relationships and long-term opportunities for Tampa and its international partners,” said Alfred Goldberg, president of Tampa Sister Cities and executive lead for TIDES.
Bringing Tampa’s International Community Together
Organized by Tampa Sister Cities with support from the City of Tampa and community partners, TIDES will feature programming focused on:
- Trade and investment
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Diplomacy and international relations
- Education and global learning
- Sustainability and resilient communities
The summit will also include an international expo, cultural programming, delegation activities, networking opportunities and structured ways for organizations throughout the region to develop global relationships.
TIDES is designed to turn international connections into practical outcomes, including new business opportunities, investment, educational partnerships, civic collaboration, tourism, cultural exchange and greater international visibility for Tampa.
Additional announcements about speakers, delegations, sponsors, exhibitors and cultural programming will be shared as plans for the summit continue to develop.
About TIDES
The Tampa International Diplomacy and Exchange Summit brings together leaders from government, business, education, diplomacy, innovation and culture to strengthen Tampa’s international relationships and create opportunities for collaboration.
The inaugural TIDES summit will be held November 16–17, 2026, at the Tampa Convention Center.
Learn more about TIDES, explore participation opportunities and follow future announcements at TIDESTampa.com.
