Tampa Named Host Community For Leading Corporate Real Estate Event
March 7, 2014
Industrial Asset Management Council returns to Florida for the first time in 10 years with the 2017 Spring Forum
TAMPA, Fla./The Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC), the leading association of industrial and corporate real estate executives, has selected Tampa as the host community for its Spring 2017 Professional Forum. The IAMC Board of Directors at its February meeting unanimously accepted the bid, led by the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation in partnership with Visit Tampa Bay.
Founded in 2002, IAMC has nearly 600 members across the United States, Canada and abroad. The twice-annual Professional Forums combine professional development and networking opportunities, offering host cities a unique opportunity to take center stage among a powerful group of corporate real estate leaders.
“IAMC is one of the premiere organizations for business site selection decision-makers worldwide,” said Rick Homans, President and CEO of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC. “By hosting this conference, we will create national economic development buzz around our market. Given our current economic momentum, there’s no doubt that we will have a great deal more to showcase and celebrate during the 2017 event.”
Organization officials cited a variety of reasons for Tampa’s selection, including proximity to a great airport, excellent hotels and multiple offsite venues to showcase the city flavor.
“Additionally, the show of support from the regional stakeholders was nothing short of impressive,” said Roger Nesti, chair of IAMC and director of international real estate for Kellogg Company. “Never before has a community brought so many sponsors together at one time during the bidding process to support our program. Given the strong host committee, combined with the lure of water views and warm weather, we anticipate record-breaking attendance in Spring 2017.”
The Tampa Hillsborough EDC secured commitments for more than $150,000 to support the conference bid, with sponsors including Enterprise Florida, the Tampa Bay Partnership, Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas, the City of Plant City, Visit Tampa Bay, Tampa General Hospital, Fowler White Boggs, the University of Tampa, Trammell Crow, Moffitt Cancer Center and Greenberg Traurig.
Secretary of Commerce and President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Gray Swoope said, “We are thrilled to announce that the IAMC Spring 2017 conference will be held in Tampa. This conference is important for Florida’s economic development, and it’s particularly meaningful that we’re promoting the event now. Florida’s business competitiveness has improved dramatically over the last few years and the state is quickly becoming the premier destination for business in the nation. We’ve worked hard to create a growing and diverse economy, and being awarded this conference is telling of our determination to make Florida the perfect climate for business.”
The Spring 2017 Professional Forum will be held in downtown Tampa, marking a decade since the association’s most recent event in Florida, which took place in March 2007 on Amelia Island. IAMC last visited the Tampa Bay area in April 2003, at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor.
“We are pleased to be selected as the host destination for the IAMC Spring 2017 Professional Forum,” said Santiago Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “Our community is filled with so many assets and attractions that we offer meeting attendees a unique and enjoyable experience. IAMC recognized all the treasure Tampa Bay has to offer and chose to bring their meeting to a city that promises adventure. Collaborating with the Tampa Hillsborough EDC to land this meeting for our community is a great example of how we accomplish more by working together. We look forward to hosting IAMC in 2017.”
IAMC is managed by Conway Data, Inc. For more information, call (770) 325-3461 or visit www.iamc.org.
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About the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation:
The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation is the lead economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC works to develop and sustain a thriving local economy through the attraction, retention and expansion of high-wage jobs and capital investment within targeted industry sectors, including Corporate Headquarters, Financial and Professional Services, Life Sciences, Defense and Security, Manufacturing, and Film and Digital Media. Working with C-level executives, site selection consultants, commercial real estate professionals and other influential decision-makers, the EDC provides customized, confidential relocation services to domestic and international companies interested in growing within Hillsborough County. Locally, the EDC helps existing businesses access the tools and resources they need to succeed, now and in the future.
