About Tampa, FL
Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida sits the well-known city of Tampa. With warm temperatures, a beautiful beach, and a vibrant nightlife, Tampa, FL is an exciting city with no lack of entertainment. While there are almost 400,000 residents that call Tampa home, millions of tourists visit the city each year.
Hundreds of vendors, countless venue options, and a stunning landscape make Tampa an excellent choice for hosting your next event. With its abundance of eclectic venues and first-rate event vendors, there are unlimited possibilities for planning a Tampa Florida event.
Event Options in Tampa, FL
- Caterers
Whether you are planning to serve light finger foods, or you want to serve a four course meal, Tampa’s caterers can make sure that your event has the perfect menu and the staff to serve it well.
- Florists
A timeless decoration, flowers are always an acceptable accent for any event. Working with a professional Tampa florist can ensure that your event has classy and appropriate flair.
- Equipment Rentals
If your event will require more tables and chairs than you have or specific equipment that isn’t commonly owned, then you may want to consider renting equipment for your event. Not only can equipment rental vendors provide the equipment that you need, but they also can transport, set up, and tear down the equipment for you.
- Entertainment Vendors
If you want your event to stand out in Tampa, FL, you will need a unique entertainment activity! Options like laser tag, mini golf, and more can be set up wherever you are hosting your event with the help of a local entertainment vendor.
- Decorators
Working with a professional decorator can ensure that your theme is cohesive and intriguing - ensuring everything looks as stunning as you imagined it would be!
Event Planning Companies in Tampa, FL
- Savvy Events and Entertainment
Savvy Events and Entertainment is a leading event planning business in the Tampa, FL area. With countless individual relationships with many exclusive vendors and venues, Savvy knows how to produce an event that is completely unique. Savvy is a full service event planner that can create a custom package to make sure you have every service you need for a bespoke and successful event.
- Events By Divine Creations
Save time, money, and stress by working with Divine Creations! Whether you need a little extra help sorting through vendors, or you need someone who can completely take over planning your event, Divine Creations can help! In addition to their full-service planning packages, the event planning agency also offers in-house accessory services - for things like floral arrangements, entertainment, and more.
- Elan Event Studios
Elan Events is known for their professionalism and quality event production services. That’s because they know your event is important to you, which makes it important to them. That’s why they work to ensure prompt service - no matter the event - and are always a text or phone call away. From consultation to post-event evaluation, Elan is dedicated to making sure you are overjoyed with their work.
Pros and Cons of Having an Event in Tampa, FL
Pros
- Inexpensive coastal city
Tampa, FL is relatively inexpensive when compared to other seaside cities. This could allow you to stretch your event planning budget further than you may have thought it could go.
- Great food
While it may be tempting to assume that Tampa is filled with greasy fried fish restaurants, Tampa has actually seen an uptick in locally owned, unique, and diverse cuisine. From farm-to-table spots, to Latin-inspired food trucks, you may be surprised at the food that Tampa has to offer.
- Entertainment options
From young to old, there are entertaining activities to do year round in Tampa. When it's too chilly to hit the beach, consider venturing out to one of the many music festivals, zoos, or other outdoor parks.
- The beaches
Though there are many exciting things to do in Tampa, sometimes you just can beat being on the beach. With crystal blue waters and sugar sand, Tampa beaches are a beautiful attraction — something you will definitely want to visit while in the area.
- Its arts scene
It is common for beach towns to only be known for their stellar beaches and ‘island life’ feel, however, Tampa is a little bit different. While still having spectacular beaches, Tampa is also well known for its music and arts scene, which gives your beach life a few more layers that you can peel back while visiting.
Cons
- Not walkable
Unfortunately, Tampa is not a very walking friendly city, meaning that you and your guests will need reliable transportation while in the city.
- Unreliable weather
Like most cities near the sea, the weather in Tampa can be a little unsteady, especially during hurricane season. Thunderstorms can pop up out of nowhere, forcing you to completely re-plan your day.
- High traffic
With state highways meant for minimal traffic, tourist seasons (which happen in both the summer AND the winter) can leave driver's feeling more like treks. With the influx of tourists, be prepared for long drive times and ever worse traffic jams.
- Humidity
According to the locals, Tampa is more humid than a greenhouse 9 months out of the year.
Famous Event Locations in Tampa, FL
Check out one of these famous Tampa Florida attractions before or after your event!
- The Florida Aquarium
Make sure to stop by this aquarium while in Tampa, FL to see all the aquatic plants and animals housed inside. The area is close to the bay, central to many venue locations, and can provide hours of entertainment for all your event guests!
- Manatee Viewing Center
You and your event guests can view the majesty of the ‘cows of the sea’ at this protected manatee habitat. Tampa is well known for their manatee population, so make sure to swing by while visiting the city.
- Apollo Beach
One of the most stunning beaches on the bay, Apollo Beach sees thousands of tourists each year. Whether you are looking to lay out, splash around, or even fish like a local, Apollo Beach is the perfect destination for a post event outing.