Central West: Planning the perfect meeting can be a breeze. (Florida).

Tampa Bay is much more than a body of water--it has come to represent a rapidly growing region made up of many distinct and developing conference-friendly communities. An appealing lend of modern amenities, expanding entertainment districts, and beguiling beaches makes the major metro areas of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater increasingly popular among planners.

Tampa's downtown waterfront is anchored by its 600,000-square-foot convention center, where a recent $5-9 million expansion doubled the number of breakout rooms to 36. Next door, the Marriott Waterside offers 50,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space, and a river walk connecting the hotel and the convention center is in the works. Tampa's Historic Streetcar electric trolley system soon will run along a 2.3-mile track beginning at the convention center and linking the downtown port to historic Ybor City, a lively alternative for off-site gatherings. Higgins Hall is Tampa's newest and most elegant meeting and banquet facility, with 11,000 square feet of flexible space featuring high ceilings, hardwood floors, and lots of natural light.

The area now offers more than 5,800 guest rooms, and downtown Tampa's revitalization has inspired area hotels to make some changes of their own. Recently renovated, Tampa's Hyatt Regency and Wyndham's Harbour Island and Westshore resorts offer flexible function space for groups of all sizes.

Across the Bay, St. Petersburg and clearwater beckon big crowds with various venues including the Bayfront Center, featuring 23,000 square feet of space on the arena floor with total exhibit space of 30,988 square feet. Tropicana Field has 140,000 square feet of unobstructed floor space and general-session seating for up to 50,000. And overlooking Clearwater Bay, Harborview Center features 65,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space.

This area known as Florida's Beach is becoming the state's cultural center. Many local museums and attractions offer excellent alternatives for receptions and events: the Florida International Museum, the Salvador Dali Museum, the Florida Botanical Gardens, Museum of Fine Arts, and St. Petersburg Museum of History.

Downtown St. Petersburg's development continues with BayWalk, a $40 million entertainment complex that opened last year. Group excursions to the downtown waterfront pier can take advantage of five floors of food, shopping, and fun.

Several hotel developments in this region that offers more than 30,000 guest rooms are generating attention. The Fort Harrison Hotel in the heart of downtown Clearwater is now available for group events and functions. Built in 1927, the hotel features a grand ballroom seating 600 banquet-style and a 10th floor ballroom with breathtaking views of the beach. Near Clearwater, on the beautiful barrier island of Sand Key, the Sheraton Sand Key resort recently renovated all 24,000 square feet of meeting space suited for formal and informal functions alike.

From deep-sea fishing to Latin fiestas, the area's unique attractions will deliver a memorable event for your group. Consider bringing your meeting experience to new heights with a balloon ride--corporate groups of 30 and more are sure to enjoy a bird's-eye view of the bay before heading home.