Tampa Convention Center Previews a Strong Year Ahead With Major Events, Increased Attendance, and Rising Economic Impact
The Tampa Convention Center is preparing for another exciting and impactful year as it looks ahead to more than 101 events already scheduled for 2026, with more bookings expected as the year progresses. These conventions, conferences, trade shows, expos, association meetings, corporate programs, and special events are projected to generate an estimated $149,126,706 in economic impact, an increase from last year’s $147,136,347. Attendance is also expected to rise, with 326,290 attendees projected in 2026, up from 284,954 in 2025.
The center will kick off the new year in signature Tampa style with one of our city’s most iconic celebrations, the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Invasion Brunch Experience on January 31, 2026, offering guests a front-row Riverwalk view of the pirate invasion paired with exceptional food and hospitality. Seats along the Riverwalk remain available for this memorable Tampa tradition.
Gasparilla Invasion Brunch Tickets
Building on an Award-Winning Year
This momentum follows an award-winning 2025, where the Tampa Convention Center earned a record seven prestigious industry awards, including recognition for service excellence, venue quality, and overall event experience. Accolades include the Gold Medal for Best Convention Center by the Stella Awards for the third consecutive year, Best of the Best Convention Center from ConventionSouth Media Group, and a Smart Meetings Smart Stars Award for Best Convention Center. These honors strengthened Tampa’s position as one of the premier convention destinations in the Southern United States and a trusted partner for event managers and planners.
Timeline and full list of awards earned
Continued Facility Enhancements
In addition to strong event bookings, the center continues to invest in enhancing the guest and planner experience. Following the unveiling of its first large-scale dynamic art installation in 2025, two additional public art installations are scheduled to debut in 2026, further enriching the atmosphere and visual energy throughout the venue.
With rising attendance, increased economic impact, elevated industry recognition, and ongoing improvements, 2026 is shaping up to be another milestone year for Tampa’s meetings and events industry and for the thousands of hospitality professionals supported by this success.
About the Tampa Convention Center
The Tampa Convention Center is a premier, award-winning waterfront meetings and events destination in Downtown Tampa. The facility hosts national conventions, trade shows, conferences, corporate meetings, consumer shows, galas, and community celebrations, contributing millions in economic impact annually to support Tampa’s hospitality and tourism industries. The center continues to set the standard for exceptional service and unforgettable event experiences.
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