Welcome to Tampa
Tampa is a city shaped by water, trade, migration, culture, and global connection. As the host city for the Tampa International Diplomacy & Exchange Summit — TIDES, Tampa offers visitors a vibrant setting for conversations about international exchange, civic diplomacy, education, innovation, sustainability, and economic opportunity.
Whether you are traveling from across Florida, another state, or another country, we look forward to welcoming you to Tampa for TIDES.
Conference Location: Tampa Convention Center
Venue Address: 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
Conference Dates: November 16-17, 2026
Venue Address: 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
Conference Dates: November 16-17, 2026
Getting to Tampa
Tampa is served by Tampa International Airport, one of the most convenient and highly regarded airports in the United States. The airport is located just a short drive from downtown Tampa and offers access to domestic and international flights, rental cars, taxis, rideshare services, public transportation, and hotel shuttles.
Airport: Tampa International Airport
Airport Code: TPA
Distance to Downtown Tampa: Approximately 6–8 miles
Estimated Drive Time to Downtown: Approximately 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic
Airport: Tampa International Airport
Airport Code: TPA
Distance to Downtown Tampa: Approximately 6–8 miles
Estimated Drive Time to Downtown: Approximately 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic
Ground Transportation
Rideshare and Taxis
Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout Tampa, including at Tampa International Airport, downtown hotels, the Tampa Convention Center area, Ybor City, Water Street, Hyde Park, and other popular destinations.
Taxi service is also available at the airport and throughout the city.
Taxi service is also available at the airport and throughout the city.
Rental Cars
Rental cars are available at Tampa International Airport through the airport’s Rental Car Center. Visitors planning to explore the broader Tampa Bay region, attend off-site meetings, or visit nearby beaches may find a rental car useful.
Public Transportation
Tampa offers several local transportation options, including buses, streetcar service, and downtown mobility options. Depending on your hotel and conference location, some attendees may be able to access the venue without a car.
Helpful options may include:
• HART bus service
• TECO Line Streetcar
• Downtown Tampa walkable routes
• Hotel shuttles, if available
• Rideshare and taxi services
Helpful options may include:
• HART bus service
• TECO Line Streetcar
• Downtown Tampa walkable routes
• Hotel shuttles, if available
• Rideshare and taxi services
Where to Stay
TIDES attendees are encouraged to stay near the conference venue for convenient access to sessions, receptions, meetings, and evening activities.
Recommended areas include:
Downtown Tampa
Downtown Tampa offers convenient access to the Tampa Riverwalk, the Tampa Convention Center, museums, restaurants, waterfront parks, hotels, and business districts. This is often the most convenient area for conference attendees.
Water Street Tampa
Water Street is a modern mixed-use district near downtown, Sparkman Wharf, Amalie Arena, the waterfront, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment.
Channel District
The Channel District is close to downtown, Port Tampa Bay, Sparkman Wharf, and the Florida Aquarium. It offers dining, entertainment, and waterfront access.
Ybor City
Ybor City is Tampa’s historic Latin Quarter and one of the city’s most culturally significant neighborhoods. Known for its Cuban, Spanish, Italian, and Afro-Cuban heritage, Ybor offers restaurants, nightlife, history, and cultural attractions.
Westshore
The Westshore district is close to Tampa International Airport and offers hotels, shopping, restaurants, and business amenities. It may be convenient for attendees with early flights or business meetings near the airport.
Recommended areas include:
Downtown Tampa
Downtown Tampa offers convenient access to the Tampa Riverwalk, the Tampa Convention Center, museums, restaurants, waterfront parks, hotels, and business districts. This is often the most convenient area for conference attendees.
Water Street Tampa
Water Street is a modern mixed-use district near downtown, Sparkman Wharf, Amalie Arena, the waterfront, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment.
Channel District
The Channel District is close to downtown, Port Tampa Bay, Sparkman Wharf, and the Florida Aquarium. It offers dining, entertainment, and waterfront access.
Ybor City
Ybor City is Tampa’s historic Latin Quarter and one of the city’s most culturally significant neighborhoods. Known for its Cuban, Spanish, Italian, and Afro-Cuban heritage, Ybor offers restaurants, nightlife, history, and cultural attractions.
Westshore
The Westshore district is close to Tampa International Airport and offers hotels, shopping, restaurants, and business amenities. It may be convenient for attendees with early flights or business meetings near the airport.
International Visitors
TIDES welcomes international attendees, speakers, delegations, partners, and guests.
International visitors should review current travel requirements before making arrangements. Depending on your country of citizenship and travel purpose, you may need a valid passport, visa, or travel authorization to enter the United States.
TIDES may be able to provide an invitation letter for registered attendees, speakers, sponsors, or official delegation members upon request.
Invitation Letter Requests
To request an invitation letter, please complete the invitation letter request form after registering for the conference.
You may be asked to provide:
Button: Request an Invitation Letter
Please note: An invitation letter does not guarantee visa approval. Visa decisions are made by the appropriate U.S. government authorities.
International visitors should review current travel requirements before making arrangements. Depending on your country of citizenship and travel purpose, you may need a valid passport, visa, or travel authorization to enter the United States.
TIDES may be able to provide an invitation letter for registered attendees, speakers, sponsors, or official delegation members upon request.
Invitation Letter Requests
To request an invitation letter, please complete the invitation letter request form after registering for the conference.
You may be asked to provide:
Button: Request an Invitation Letter
Please note: An invitation letter does not guarantee visa approval. Visa decisions are made by the appropriate U.S. government authorities.
- Conference registration confirmation
- Full legal name as it appears on your passport
- Date of birth
- Country of citizenship
- Passport number, if required
- Organization or institution
- Title or role
- Dates of travel
- Embassy or consulate location, if applicable
Please note: An invitation letter does not guarantee visa approval. Visa decisions are made by the appropriate U.S. government authorities.
Exploring Tampa
Tampa is one of Florida’s most dynamic cities, with a rich history, active waterfront, growing innovation economy, diverse neighborhoods, and strong international connections.
During your visit, consider exploring:
Tampa Riverwalk
A scenic waterfront pathway connecting parks, museums, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces along the Hillsborough River.
Ybor City
A National Historic Landmark District known for cigar history, immigrant heritage, architecture, restaurants, music, and nightlife.
Sparkman Wharf
A waterfront destination with dining, outdoor seating, local food concepts, entertainment, and views of the channel.
Armature Works
A restored historic building with a public market, restaurants, event space, and riverfront views.
The Florida Aquarium
A major attraction near downtown and the Channel District, highlighting marine life, conservation, and environmental education.
Tampa Museum of Art
A downtown museum featuring modern, contemporary, and classical art.
Henry B. Plant Museum
A historic museum located at the University of Tampa, offering insight into Tampa’s development, architecture, and Gilded Age history.
Hyde Park Village
A walkable shopping and dining district near downtown with boutiques, restaurants, and outdoor gathering spaces.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
A major theme park combining rides, entertainment, animal experiences, and global cultural themes.
During your visit, consider exploring:
Tampa Riverwalk
A scenic waterfront pathway connecting parks, museums, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces along the Hillsborough River.
Ybor City
A National Historic Landmark District known for cigar history, immigrant heritage, architecture, restaurants, music, and nightlife.
Sparkman Wharf
A waterfront destination with dining, outdoor seating, local food concepts, entertainment, and views of the channel.
Armature Works
A restored historic building with a public market, restaurants, event space, and riverfront views.
The Florida Aquarium
A major attraction near downtown and the Channel District, highlighting marine life, conservation, and environmental education.
Tampa Museum of Art
A downtown museum featuring modern, contemporary, and classical art.
Henry B. Plant Museum
A historic museum located at the University of Tampa, offering insight into Tampa’s development, architecture, and Gilded Age history.
Hyde Park Village
A walkable shopping and dining district near downtown with boutiques, restaurants, and outdoor gathering spaces.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
A major theme park combining rides, entertainment, animal experiences, and global cultural themes.