I am in charge of finding a place within driving distance from the Tampabay area for my company's shareholder/manager meeting. We would need approx. 18 rooms, meeting facilities (conference style) and catering for coninental breakfast; lunch and dinner plus maybe some group activity that all can be included (not golf). The meeting will be for a Thursday, Friday and leave on Saturday in late October.

I really don't quite know where to begin. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

I would check major business chains like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt etc, They probably have properties in Tampa with ample convention space etc...

Call the Tampa/St.Petersburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. This is exactly what they are in existence for.

That is a busy time for conferences so I would get on the phone now. Good luck!

Contact the Convention and Visitor's Bureau in the towns that are within the driving distance you determine. The organizations should provide you with a list of hotels/resorts that can handle your group.

I attended a convention in Tampa and stayed at the hotel right across the street, the Marriott Waterfront. They are set up to handle large functions and conferences. I liked staying there. You can check with Tampa area visitors center. Large cities usually have someone who can provide a list of facilities large enough for a conference of your size. If not, the state should have one, maybe the Dept of Economic Development.

As a first step I would check on where the meetings were held in the last 2 or 3 years. This will give you an idea of the type of peoperty expected - ane then confirm what type of budget you have.

Don;t go for Marriott or Hilton if they are expecting something luxe (don;t know your company's policy - the folks I work with would use Marriott or Hilton only for mass meetings - not for execs).

The I would speak to the concierge and check the local tourist office on ideas for unique activities.

One place I have done a couple of smaller meetings in the Hyatt Grand Cyprus in Orlando - although we did offer golf - since we were coming from NYC in the winter. But the concierge there is great and I'm sure would have some nice ideas.