TRACKS
The TIDES Experience
From thought-provoking speakers and practical sessions to global exhibits and cultural celebrations, the TIDES program connects Tampa’s international community in one place.
Where Tampa’s International Conversations Come Together
The TIDES program brings together the people, ideas, industries, and cultures shaping Tampa’s role in the world. Across keynote conversations, panel discussions, exhibits, networking sessions, delegation activities, and cultural experiences, the program is designed to connect international engagement with practical opportunity.
Trade
Building Global Economic Connections
Explore how cities, businesses, ports, chambers, and international organizations are creating new opportunities through trade, investment, and cross-border collaboration. Sessions will examine global commerce, economic partnerships, supply chain connectivity, and the role international relationships play in regional growth. Learn More
Innovation
Ideas Driving Global Progress
Innovation thrives through collaboration. This track highlights emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, research partnerships, and the exchange of ideas shaping industries and communities worldwide. Discussions will feature leaders from startups, academia, technology, and innovation ecosystems. Learn More
Diplomacy
Strengthening Relationships Across Borders
Diplomacy today extends beyond national governments. This track focuses on the growing role of cities, institutions, nonprofits, and cultural organizations in fostering international understanding, cooperation, and people-to-people engagement. Topics include public diplomacy, cultural exchange, and global partnerships. Learn More
Education
Expanding Knowledge Through Exchange
Education has long been one of the strongest bridges between cultures. This track explores international education, student and faculty exchange, collaborative research, workforce development, and the role educational institutions play in preparing globally connected communities. Learn More
Sustainability
Collaborating for a More Resilient Future
Global challenges require shared solutions. This track examines how organizations, governments, and communities are working together on sustainability, resilience, environmental innovation, and long-term planning. Sessions will highlight collaborative approaches to building healthier and more sustainable futures. Learn More
Trade
Building Global Economic Connections
Explore how cities, businesses, ports, chambers, and international organizations are creating new opportunities through trade, investment, and cross-border collaboration. Learn More
Innovation
Ideas Driving Global Progress
Innovation thrives through collaboration. This track highlights emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, research partnerships, and the exchange of ideas shaping industries and communities worldwide. Learn More
Diplomacy
Strengthening Relationships Across Borders
Diplomacy today extends beyond national governments. This track focuses on the growing role of cities, institutions, nonprofits, and cultural organizations in fostering international understanding, cooperation, and people-to-people engagement. Learn More
Education
Expanding Knowledge Through Exchange
Education has long been one of the strongest bridges between cultures. This track explores international education, student and faculty exchange, collaborative research, workforce development, and more. Learn More
Sustainability
Collaborating for a More Resilient Future
Global challenges require shared solutions. This track examines how organizations, governments, and communities are working together on sustainability, resilience, environmental innovation, and long-term planning. Learn More
Hear From Leaders Across Sectors
TIDES speakers include civic leaders, business executives, entrepreneurs, educators, diplomats, nonprofit leaders, cultural organizers, and international partners. Together, they will share insights on how global relationships are built, how cities compete and collaborate internationally, and how Tampa can continue expanding its global presence.
Speaker sessions may include keynote remarks, panel discussions, fireside chats, interviews, workshops, and featured conversations connected to the five TIDES tracks.
Speaker sessions may include keynote remarks, panel discussions, fireside chats, interviews, workshops, and featured conversations connected to the five TIDES tracks.
Discover the Organizations Connecting Tampa to the World
The TIDES Expo gives businesses, nonprofits, universities, cultural organizations, government partners, and international groups a place to showcase their work. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to meet attendees, connect with delegations, introduce services, highlight initiatives, and demonstrate how their organization contributes to Tampa’s international ecosystem.
The Expo is ideal for organizations involved in international business, education, tourism, trade, technology, cultural exchange, sustainability, community development, and global engagement.
Speaker sessions may include keynote remarks, panel discussions, fireside chats, interviews, workshops, and featured conversations connected to the five TIDES tracks.
The Expo is ideal for organizations involved in international business, education, tourism, trade, technology, cultural exchange, sustainability, community development, and global engagement.
Speaker sessions may include keynote remarks, panel discussions, fireside chats, interviews, workshops, and featured conversations connected to the five TIDES tracks.
Celebrate the People and Cultures That Connect Tampa Globally
TIDES is not only a conference. It is also a celebration of international culture, friendship, and exchange. Cultural experiences will showcase the music, food, art, traditions, and stories that connect Tampa to communities around the world.
These experiences may include performances, receptions, delegation welcomes, cultural showcases, culinary features, community activations, and special events highlighting Tampa’s Sister Cities and international partners.
These experiences may include performances, receptions, delegation welcomes, cultural showcases, culinary features, community activations, and special events highlighting Tampa’s Sister Cities and international partners.
Who Should Attend
Business & Trade Leaders
Expand your global network and explore new markets and partnerships.
Educators & Academics
Expand your global network and explore new markets and partnerships.
Diplomats & Government
Expand your global network and explore new markets and partnerships.
Cultural & Community Leaders
Expand your global network and explore new markets and partnerships.
Sustainability Champions
Expand your global network and explore new markets and partnerships.
Nonprofit & NGO Partners
Expand your global network and explore new markets and partnerships.
Why Leaders Are Coming to TIDES
Hear from speakers and partners shaping the conversation.
“TIDES is proof that Tampa belongs in the room with the world’s biggest cities, We’re pulling in business, government, and education leaders from across the globe, and putting them at the same table as the people who actually live here. Those conversations turn into partnerships, trade deals, and research collaborations that outlast any single summit.”
Mayor Jane Castor
Tampa Mayor
“Innovation does not stop at borders. TIDES creates an environment where entrepreneurs, investors, universities and international partners can exchange ideas and explore opportunities to build and scale businesses globally.”
Linda Olson
President of Tampa Bay Wave
“Tampa is already a major international city, but that story is not always as widely recognized as it should be. TIDES brings together business, education, innovation, diplomacy and civic leadership to showcase Tampa Bay’s global connections and create new opportunities with partners around the world.”
Alfred Goldberg
President of Tampa Sister Cities
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