Mayor Jane Castor today announced the Host Committee for the inaugural Tampa International Diplomacy and Exchange Summit, or TIDES, a citywide international summit taking place November 16\u201317, 2026, at the Tampa Convention Center.<\/p>\n
Chaired by Mayor Castor, the TIDES Host Committee brings together leaders from government, business, transportation, tourism, economic development, education, innovation, law, and the nonprofit sector. Committee members will provide civic leadership, strategic guidance, and community connections as Tampa prepares to welcome international delegations, diplomats, business leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and cultural representatives from around the world.<\/p>\n
“Tampa\u2019s future is increasingly connected to the world around us,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “TIDES will bring together the people and institutions that are helping shape Tampa\u2019s international relationships and create new opportunities for trade, investment, education, innovation, and cultural exchange. I am grateful to the members of the Host Committee for lending their leadership and expertise to an initiative that will strengthen Tampa\u2019s position as a welcoming, globally connected city.”<\/p>\n
TIDES Host Committee
ChairMayor Jane Castor, City of Tampa<\/p>\n
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Host Committee MembersU.S. Representative Kathy Castor, Florida\u2019s 14th Congressional DistrictState Representative Fentrice Driskell, Florida House District 67State Representative Karen Gonzalez Pittman, Florida House District 65Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen, District 1Craig Richard, President and CEO, Tampa Bay Economic Development CouncilMichael Stephens, Chief Executive Officer, Tampa International AirportDr. Moez Limayem, President, University of South FloridaJohn Couris, President and CEO, Tampa General HospitalPaul Anderson, President and CEO, Port Tampa BaySantiago Corrada, President and CEO, Visit Tampa BayDr. Bob Rohrlack, President and CEO, Tampa Bay ChamberRon Christaldi, Managing Partner, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLPLinda Olson, President and CEO, Tampa Bay WaveDr. Tim R. Holcomb, Chief Executive Officer, Embarc CollectiveJason Woody, Chief Executive Officer, Lions World Vision Institute<\/p>\n
The Host Committee reflects the collaborative, citywide approach behind TIDES. Its members will help increase awareness of the summit, connect organizers with regional and international partners, encourage participation, and help ensure the program reflects Tampa\u2019s economic, civic, educational, and cultural priorities.<\/p>\n
“TIDES is an opportunity to bring Tampa\u2019s international work together under one roof,” said Alfred Goldberg, president of Tampa Sister Cities and executive lead for TIDES. “With Mayor Castor\u2019s leadership and the support of this distinguished Host Committee, we can create a summit that produces meaningful relationships and long-term opportunities for Tampa and its international partners.”<\/p>\n
Organized by Tampa Sister Cities with support from the City of Tampa and community partners, TIDES will feature programming focused on trade, innovation, diplomacy, education, and sustainability. The summit will also include an international expo, cultural programming, delegation activities, and opportunities for organizations throughout the region to build global relationships.<\/p>\n
TIDES is designed to connect international relationships with practical outcomes, including business development, investment, educational partnerships, civic collaboration, tourism, cultural exchange, and expanded international visibility for Tampa.<\/p>\n
Additional announcements regarding speakers, participating delegations, sponsors, exhibitors, and cultural programming will be made in the coming months.<\/p>\n