Tampa.

On the heart of Florida's Gulf Coast region sits Tampa, a business center, home to the state's largest shrimp fleet, the country's seventh largest port, and a city with an industrial base that covers everything from hand-rolled cigars to phosphate mining and breweries. Sandwiched between Tampa Bay on the west and Hillsborough Bay on the east, the city is surrounded by water, with a total of 30 lakes and numerous rivers in Hillsborough County completing the picture.

Associations considering a meeting in Tampa will want to inspect the state-of-the-art Tampa Convention Center as well as the wide range of hotel accommodations and pre- and post-meeting activities that the area has to offer. Tampa is an excellent base for day trips to attractions as varied as nearby Walt Disney World in Orlando and St. Petersburg's Salvador Dali Museum. Tampa offers groups the best of both worlds--easy access to modern amenities coupled with old fashioned charm. It's a winning combination.

PINELLAS/LEE ISLAND COAST/SANIBEL

Associations interested in meeting in a natural setting, conveniently located yet far enough away from "civilization" to feel like a real getaway, can choose from a handful of destinations in Pinellas, or Lee County for a truly memorable meeting experience.

Stretching between St. Petersburg and Fort Meyers, island getaways boast miles of some of the state's best beaches unmarred by high-rise condominiums or hotels. An easy drive from Tampa International Airport, the Pinellas Suncoast looks like the thumb of a hand jutting out of the west coast, holding in Tampa Bay. Pristine beaches, nature preserves, and bird sanctuaries welcome a visitor eager to kick back and truly unwind.

Heading south, the area from Weeki Wachee to Crystal River is known as the Manatee Coast. The many rivers, springs, and creeks that water the area are some of the best places in the state to catch a glimpse of manatees, also known as sea cows, immense, gentle creatures that are now an endangered species. Manatee County is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts who can play at fishing, boating, windsurfing, scuba diving, and sailing after the day's work is done. The area's 20 miles of pristine beaches, fronted by the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, provide a perfect setting for both incentive and executive retreats.

Farther down the coast lies Sanibel Island, a jewel along the Lee County Coast. Perhaps best known for its wide array of wildlife and birds, Sanibel is home to the J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, a 5,030-acre park brimming with exotic birds, otter, alligators, and other wildlife. Because of its protected coastline, Sanibel is an ideal setting for shelling, boasting more than 400 species of shells, from the commonplace scallop to the exotic brown-specked junonia. Shelling charters leave the beaches for even more remote barrier islands, with visitors soon caught up in the shell hunting enthusiasm that seems to come with the territory.

First-class resorts; meeting facilities; and friendly, personalized service are standard in this string of island communities that line the southwestern coast. For many associations, the change in pace will be refreshing.

Jim Wood, director of convention sales and marketing, Tampa/Hillsborough CVA: "Tampa rates high on meeting planners' lists because of our accessibility, award-winning airport, selection of hotels, attractions, and of course, our wonderful weather. Our new convention center, set on the banks of the beautiful Hillsborough River, is state of the art. For pre- and post-convention activities, your members can choose from Busch Gardens, Adventure Island Water Park, Ybor City, and Tampa's historic Latin Quarter boasting world-class restaurants and entertainment. And scenic Harbour Island and Walt Disney World, Epcot, Sea World and MGM Studios are just 90 minutes away."

Tampa/Hillsborough CVA [phone]

Staff: 30, including Jim Clark, executive director

Services: Include brochures and collateral materials; leads to member firms; housing reservation system for groups using three or more hotels; spouse programs, tours, and referrals to entertainment; speakers, conventions services, and so forth; publicity materials including video; site inspection; dining reservation service; registration assistance, comprehensive.

Location: 15-20 minutes from airport.

Bill Boukmecht, executive director of the Florida Music Educators, says, "We've been coming to Tampa for the last five years straight, and the welcoming reception given to us by both the convention and visitors bureau staff and the convention center staff has had a lot to do with that. The location is very central to our members, and the prices are very competitive for hotels, the convention center, and other services. The staff at the convention center couldn't do enough for us, which goes a long way toward keeping us coming back." FME's meeting has approximately 6,000 attendees.

Lee Daniel, director, Greater St. Petersburg/Clearwater CVB: "We changed our name from the Pinellas County Tourist Development Council to the Greater St. Petersburg/Clearwater CVB just about a year ago, a change that speaks directly to our greater emphasis on the meetings and convention market. In the past, we've always been leisure driven. But we feel very strongly that there is a real market in this area for meetings and conventions, and we've added a full range of services to meet the needs of that market."

Elaine McLaughlin, executive director, Lee County CVB: "The bureau is delighted to work with meeting planners to help identify how the Lee Island Coast destination will meet the needs of their specific group."