Tampa Convention Center Named One of the World’s Top 25 Convention Centers by EXHIBITOR Magazine
The Tampa Convention Center has officially been named a 2027 Center of Excellence by EXHIBITOR Magazine, placing the waterfront venue among the top 25 convention centers worldwide for hosting trade shows and events.
In addition to securing a spot on the prestigious top 25 list for the second time, the Tampa Convention Center has also been selected as one of only three global finalists for a premier Special Award: Best Convention Center (100,000 – 500,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space).
EXHIBITOR Magazine’s Centers of Excellence program evaluates facilities based on rigorous criteria, including:
- Service and execution
- Venue capabilities
- Facility amenities
- Health and safety protocols
- Feedback from event planners and exhibitors
"This honor from EXHIBITOR Magazine once again puts the Tampa Convention Center and the City of Tampa on the global stage as an outstanding meetings and events destination," said David Ingram, Executive Director of the Tampa Convention Center. "It truly comes down to the daily effort from our staff and service partners, and I could not be more proud of what our team does to bring these events to life."
The Tampa Convention Center serves as an economic engine for the region, hosting major national conventions, trade shows, corporate meetings, and athletic competitions year-round. It is wrapping up a successful year in 2026, hosting 94 events and more than 340,000 attendees and generating an estimated $149 million in local economic impact.
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About the Tampa Convention Center
Located in the heart of a vibrant, walkable downtown district in Tampa, Florida, the Tampa Convention Center offers beautiful waterfront views, 600,000 square feet of flexible, transformable event spaces, and state-of-the-art technology infrastructure for meeting professionals.
The venue has earned top industry honors, including a 4th consecutive gold medal for Best Convention Center (Southeast U.S.) in the Northstar Stella Awards, a 2026 International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Venue Excellence Award, and a Smart Stars Award from Smart Meetings. The center proudly holds a LEED Silver Certification for Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M), reflecting its dedication to green building standards, waste diversion initiatives, and energy efficiency.
Learn more about Tampa Convention Center