Showcasing Tampa Bay to the World

August 27-30 2012

From August 27-30, 2012, the eyes of the world were on the Tampa Bay region as it hosted the Republican National Convention. With 50,000 visitors, including 15,000 journalists, how did the region capitalize on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to show the world what Tampa Bay has to offer?

Front Row Tampa Bay

Led by the Tampa Bay Partnership, Front Row Tampa Bay a live web TV show was broadcast during the four-days of the Republican National Convention, showcasing life, business and economic opportunity in the eight-county Tampa Bay region and across Florida. With 125 speakers and 17 hours of live programming, Front Row Tampa Bay was an unprecedented undertaking to tell the business stories of Tampa Bay to a worldwide audience.

Marketing Tampa Bay

While the curtain has been drawn on the 2012 RNC, Tampa Bay has opened the door on a whole new way to market the region's strengths and assets leading to jobs and economic growth in the future.

View the videos which highlight the industry strengths of the Tampa Bay region including those identified in our Regional Business Plan for Tampa Bay.

Four Days In August

Healthy Communities

Florida is home to 299 hospitals; 57,000 doctors; 234,000 nurses; 6 medical schools; and life-changing medical research. We talk about what's hot, from clinical trials and life-saving research, to what's just down the pike in the critical arena of emerging public policy.

Business, Financial & Data Services

The Tampa Bay region is becoming a go-to location for banks, financial firms, informatics, and transactions processing based on a skilled workforce and low business costs. We discuss why and what that means to the region and state moving forward.

Technology & Innovation

Home to some of the nation's most innovative tech companies, Florida is already on the cutting edge of technology - from computing and communications to engineering and aerospace.

Marine & Environmental Activities

Energy. Agriculture. Aquaculture. Ports. The gateway to Florida's future includes tapping into our unique geography, natural resources, and engineering expertise.

The Florida Experience

12 major international airports; 14 deep water ports; 1,200 miles of beaches; 11,000 miles of waterways; 1,250 golf courses (most in the nation); world famous resorts and theme parks; and the nation's nerve center for defense.