In keeping with this year’s conference theme, "A Safe Harbor in the Storm", we can expect smooth sailing for the normally temperate month of May. That means you will have plenty of time to enjoy a great conference with warm temperatures and cool activities!

The conference site, the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina, is one of the city’s most popular hotels in downtown Tampa and a perfect launching point for many activities. Featuring first-class accommodations and modern amenities, the hotel boasts on-site restaurants, a rejuvenating spa, a state-of-the art fitness center and a refreshing rooftop pool. You will experience convenient access to the newly constructed Tampa Riverwalk, Amalie Arena, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, the Florida Aquarium and Ybor City.

For the active among us, the recently expanded Riverwalk offers an opportunity for a beautiful walk stretching 5 miles along the river with access to restaurants, music and nightly activities at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. You can purchase a drink along the walk and take in the beautiful panoramic views as you stroll or bike down past the Moorish minarets of the University of Tampa and on to the Tampa Museum of Art. Busch Gardens is a great choice for the roller coaster crowd. There is also kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing if you’d like to play by the Bay or on the Hillsborough River. Tampa’s history is evident on the Teco Line Streetcar. These streetcars connect locals and visitors to downtown Tampa, the Channel District and Ybor City. Bayshore Boulevard is the world’s longest (4.5) uninterrupted sidewalk and attracts joggers, bikes and dog walkers.

You can stay downtown or take an Uber to Ybor City, Channelside or for an awesome adventure, head down to the Gulf to experience the beautiful beaches of Clearwater and St. Petersburgh.

For the foodies among us (and who isn’t) there are so many places to eat, in and around downtown Tampa, from food trucks to elegant dining. If shopping is your pleasure, Hyde Park’s walkable village offers hours of strolling past shops and fantastic eateries. Many of these destinations are just a short cab ride away. If you are a designer enthusiast, the International Plaza and Bay Street is an indoor mall and open air village with 200 specialty shops and 15 places to eat.

Hopefully, you will plan your conference with plenty of additional time for fun whether planned or spontaneous. Whether you are on a tight budget or plan a healthy splurge, you will not be disappointed. May is a beautiful time of year in Tampa, bay breezes soothe before the summer heat. For more information go to VisitTampaBay.com.

See you in Tampa!