Whether you decide to host an alumni event, call on prospects, or even just add a few days of vacation before or after the CASE conference, you'll be glad you came to Tampa.
If you have additional questions after reading everything below, please contact our Ambassadors of Hospitality -- Adrienne Garcia or Davina Gould.
Here are a few ways to make the most of your time in this beautiful Gulf Coast city... and there's a lot more at Tampa Bay's official Web site.
Within a Walk
...of the Waterside Marriott, which is located in the heart of Tampa's Channelside District
CHANNELSIDE BAY PLAZA
Channelside Bay Plaza is an entertainment complex featuring a mix of retail, dining and entertainment. From fine dining to fast dancing, movies to margaritas, wonderful shopping and more, Channelside Bay Plaza has it all. Check it out >
FLORIDA AQUARIUM
Located in downtown Tampa about a half-mile from the hotel, the Florida Aquarium gives visitors an all-access pass to the mysteries of the deep. Observe seahorses, lobsters, colorful fish, moray eels, gators, river otters, Australian sea dragons and many more. If you're feeling truly adventurous, take advantage of the "Swim with the Fishes" or "Dive with the Sharks" programs (advance reservations required). Phone: 813.273.4000. Hours: 9:30 – 5 daily. Website >
PORT OF TAMPA
Located next to the Aquarium is the city's port, and from here you'll see the cruise ships that come in and out of Tampa.
TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER
Highlights: A collection of over 1,000 items relating to Tampa's cigar industry; objects from Florida Seminole tribes; and items donated by veterans stationed at one of the county’s three air bases. The Discovery Center contains collection objects, in an historic timeline method, for visitors to actively engage themselves. Large galleries, in the new facility, showcase maritime heritage, Cigar City, Crackers & Cowmen, Seminole materials and our changing environment. Hours: 10-5 daily. Phone: 813.228.0097 Go to the Web site >
A Quick Streetcar Ride Away
The TECO Line Streetcar System offers 10 station stops along its 2.4-mile route, which begins across the street from the hotel and ends in Ybor City. Five stops are located in Tampa’s Channelside District; four are in historic Ybor City. The stations reflect the design characteristics of their district and incorporate public art elements that celebrate the lives of Tampa and Ybor City workers.
YBOR CITY
This is Tampa's famed (and historic) Latin Quarter, and it's a feast of the senses. If you're looking to do some seriously eclectic shopping ... listen to incredible jazz, blues or other music ... or sample a wide range of cuisine, Ybor City is it. More online >
COLUMBIA RESTAURANT
During your stay, find a way to dine here. The Columbia is Florida’s oldest Spanish restaurant (1905). The food is outstanding, and the Flamenco dancers are legendary. Phone: 813.248.3000. Make reservations WAY in advance. Web site >
Places Near and Far, By Motorcar
BUSCH GARDENS
The Bay Area's number one tourist attraction, Busch Gardens is celebrating 50 years of fun This is where wildlife and wild rides come together, with Broadway-style shows, a world class zoo and more record-breaking roller coasters than anywhere else in Florida. All the info, right this way >
WALT DISNEY WORLD
If you're visiting Tampa, well then ... you're practically in the neighborhood of Disney World. It's just a 90-minute drive away. Has there ever been a better time to tack on a few days of family fun to your days of Ingenuity? Web site >
BIG CAT RESCUE
Stand three feet from a 750-pound tiger. Take photos that everyone will think you took on a safari. 100 wild cats. 'Nuff said. Phone: 813.920.4130. Web site >
INTERNATIONAL PLAZA AND BAY STREET
Over 200 stores and restaurants. Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard's, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Apple, Sephora, 17 sit-down restaurants and Renaissance Tampa Hotel with courtesy airport shuttle. Adjacent to Tampa International Airport. Phone: 813.342.3790. See it online (and register to win a $500 gift card) >
TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART
The new Tampa Museum of Art's spectacular, 66,000-square-foot Cornelia Corbett Center is scheduled to open just two weeks before CASE kicks off. Designed by San Francisco architect Stanley Saitowitz, the building will feature a shimmering pierced aluminum exterior and state-of-the-art gallery spaces, with innovative translucent ceilings and polished stone floors. Five expansive interior galleries, one exterior sculpture gallery, and an educational classroom equipped with the latest technology will offer visitors a wide variety of visual art experiences. Web site >
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY
MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) is the largest science center in the south, offering 450 exhibits, live science demonstrations, Florida’s only IMAX® Dome Theatre. MOSI also includes Kids in Charge!, the newest and largest children’s science center in the nation. Located a mile from Busch Gardens. Phone: 813.987.6000. Web site >
