Consider it a sign of the times that the routine is now rendered remarkable, such as the return of an in-person trade show. Such is the case with the kick-off off Florida Huddle, long considered “the official travel trade show” for the state, next week.

Taking place in Tampa from Jan. 24 to 26, the decades-old annual event attracts hundreds of key hospitality leaders, tour operators and media, many of them who will be making their first visit to the US in almost two years because of the pandemic.

It also marks a return for the show to the Florida west-coast city for the first time since 2016.

Visit Tampa Bay says it worked closely with VISIT FLORIDA to stage the event at the Tampa Convention Center, which features one-on-one appointments, engaging educational sessions, and networking opportunities.

More than 300 delegates are expected this year, including representatives from Florida destinations, attractions, and hotel properties, as well as tour operators and wholesalers from key international markets like Canada and the UK. In addition, over 50 international travel journalists attending Florida Huddle will have the opportunity to participate in a familiarization (FAM) tour, showcasing the best of Hillsborough County.

“Following a record-breaking year for Hillsborough County tourism, we are excited to be the host of Florida Huddle, bringing with us more industry partners than ever before…” says Visit Tampa Bay President and CEO Santiago C. Corrada. “Since the last time we hosted this event, Tampa has changed dramatically with brand-new hotels, attractions, restaurants and an emerging downtown core. Hosting these events will not only showcase the incredible growth and development taking place in Hillsborough County, but will help set us ahead of other destinations as international travel resumes.”

For the first time ever, Florida Encounter will also coincide with Florida Huddle, showcasing what the state has to offer for global and domestic meetings and conventions from the Tampa Convention Center. One of VISIT FLORIDA’s signature events, Florida Encounter has been in existence since 1980 and is one of the longest running appointment tradeshows in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) industry.

Meanwhile, US Travel’s signature trade show, IPW, is scheduled to take place from June 4 to 8 in Orlando. Last year the annual spring-time event in Las Vegas was postponed until September following outright cancellation in 2020.