Elevating the Standard: Tampa Convention Center Advances to Finalist Round for 2026 Stella Awards News Convention Center Thanks to votes from meeting professionals, the Tampa[...]

Thanks to votes from meeting professionals, the Tampa Convention Center (TCC) has officially advanced to the Finalist Round of the 10th Annual Stella Awards. Presented by Northstar Meetings Group, the Stellas represent the highest honor in the meetings and events industry.

Selected from 1,167 global nominations, TCC is now competing for its fourth consecutive Gold medal for Best Convention Center (Southeast U.S.), building on our top-tier wins in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Nominees received a record-breaking 7,600 votes to advance to the finalist round. Now, they will be judged by a panel of industry experts. The official 2026 Stella Award winners in categories of gold, silver, and bronze will be announced on October 7, 2026.

Why Planners Choose TCC ¶

Located in the heart of downtown, TCC consistently checks every box for logistics and attendee experience:

• Flexible Spaces: 600,000 square feet of highly adaptable, state-of-the-art event space.
• Premier Waterfront Location: Beautiful views with immediate access to the walkable Tampa Riverwalk and vibrant local culture.
• Dedicated Service Partners: A unified team approach alongside our elite service partners to ensure seamless catering, custom tech, and event security.
• Proven Impact: Slated to host over 300,000 attendees in 2026, driving an estimated $147 million in local economic impact.

About the Tampa Convention Center ¶

Located in the heart of a vibrant, walkable downtown district in Tampa, Florida, the Tampa Convention Center offers beautiful waterfront views, 600,000 square feet of flexible, transformable event spaces, and state-of-the-art technology infrastructure for meeting professionals.

Beyond its premier location, the facility is deeply committed to inclusivity and organizational sustainability. The venue proudly holds a LEED Silver Certification for Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M), reflecting its dedication to green building standards, waste diversion initiatives, and energy efficiency.

About Northstar Meetings Group ¶

Northstar Meetings Group is the leading B-to-B information and marketing solutions company serving the business meetings, events, sports, and incentives market, reaching over 500,000 active planners globally.