Celebrating Events That Give Back

Meetings and events often aim to leave a lasting impression on attendees—but some go further, creating meaningful impact within the communities that host them. Through its Meeting the Moment program, Visit Tampa Bay proudly recognizes and celebrates those who give back, lending their time, resources, and creativity to make Tampa Bay even stronger. 

What Is the Meeting the Moment Program? 

The program began with Visit Tampa Bay’s belief that meetings and conventions are more than gatherings—they’re opportunities to create lasting, positive change within the destination. The program champions organizations whose events inspire such transformation in three categories:  

• Community Engagement Excellence—building strong community partnerships, supporting local volunteer programs, or making charitable contributions 
• Sustainability Champions—embedding eco-friendly practices in their events, such as waste reduction, carbon offsets, and sustainable sourcing 
• Social Impact Advocates—prioritizing social growth in our community 

Each recognized organization helps ensure that Tampa Bay continues benefiting long after their event concludes.  

Participating Sparks Mutual Success  

Organizations recognized through Meeting the Moment gain valuable visibility across Visit Tampa Bay’s marketing platforms and are featured in select media outlets. This exposure not only highlights their good work but also inspires others to give back—all while showcasing the Visit Tampa Bay commitment to community impact. 

Momentum Is Building Quickly 

Since launching in November 2024, Meeting the Moment has celebrated 32 organizations: 

• 19 honored for Community Engagement Excellence 
• 12 recognized as Sustainability Champions 
• 1 honored as a Social Impact Advocate 

Collectively, these groups delivered millions of dollars in economic value and built lasting legacies of volunteerism, care for the environment, and equity-centered initiatives. 

Putting the Community at the Forefront of Giving Back  

Meeting the Moment recognized 19 groups in the Community Engagement Excellence category for their work with volunteer programs, partnerships, and charitable donations. Among them, the organizations below provide strong examples of how giving back can connect with a group’s mission, size, and the timing of their event. 

As part of its Community Giveback Program, the National League of Cities invited more than 4,000 attendees to volunteer in Tampa Bay, packaging over 700 hygiene kits for people experiencing homelessness. With items donated by Walgreens, the kits supported the Tampa Hope organization. 

During the Women’s Final Four, the NCAA contributed to several community projects, including: 

• Restoring the Riverfront Rec Center basketball court 
• Creating a sensory room for fans with sensory processing disorders and disabilities 
• Providing free T-shirts and basketballs to the first 3,000 young fans participating in a downtown dribbling walk 

After hurricanes Helene and Milton, organizations such as the AMC Institute and National Marine Manufacturers Association contributed funds to regional recovery efforts. 

Making a Lasting Impact Through Sustainability  

In the Sustainability Champions category, an array of groups earned recognition—from the Florida State Thespians to the American Society of Civil Engineers. Each found innovative ways to integrate eco-friendly practices, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing into their events.  

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Annual Conference stood out for its “green mission,” inspiring conservation and environmental action across Tampa Bay. For each of the estimated 3,000 member organizations represented, one mangrove tree was planted locally by The Florida Aquarium, helping to: 

• Remove CO₂ from the atmosphere 
• Provide nurseries for young fish 
• Create nesting sites for birds 
• Shield coastal communities from storm surge 
• Protect corals and seagrasses from sediment 

Bringing People Together To Make an Impact on Others   

The Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association collaborated with CAN Community Health during its 2024 Annual Conference to assemble care packets distributed at Pride and other community outreach events. 

Inspiring More Meaningful Moments in the Future  

As each recognized group’s impact continues to be felt, Meeting the Moment is also earning recognition within the industry. At the Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, the program received one of the night’s top honors—a testament to how destination organizations can drive economic growth while inspiring meaningful community impact.