It’s an understatement to say that location sells, and that’s particularly true when talking about St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida, where a bevy of one-of-a-kind meeting venues and first-class meeting hotels is complemented by sugar-white sands and gorgeous sunsets on America’s top beaches. TripAdvisor named Clearwater Beach No. 1 and St. Pete Beach No. 4 in the U.S. in 2019. Add a vibrant arts scene and an exciting foodie culture — then wrap it all up in an average of 361 days of sunshine annually — and you have a meeting and event destination that attendees are eager to experience.
One-of-a-Kind, Memorable New Meeting Spaces
Everyone loves Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) because of its mission to rescue and rehabilitate marine animals, including Winter and Hope, stars of the “Dolphin Tale” movies. Now, as part of its $70 million expansion, CMA will add a 7,200-square-foot event space that can accommodate 440 people and a theater that can fit 275. The new meeting space is expected to be available in October 2020, close on the heels of a new dolphin exhibit, slated to open in June. seewinter.com
The soon-to-debut St. Pete Pier is the most anticipated new offering along the shining St. Pete waterfront, one of the most beautiful urban green spaces in the nation. Here, the three-story pier structure, along with 26 acres of waterfront park, is expected to be open in early spring of 2020. There will be an Event Lawn with amazing views of downtown, a rooftop bar, observation decks, five restaurant options, water sports rentals, retail shops, an environmental discovery center, and more. From meetings to social gatherings to team-building activities, the new pier can be a one-stop shop for your meeting or event. newstpetepier.com
Also projected to open in early spring 2020, the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement will be the latest cultural offering to join St. Pete’s collection of world-class museums and galleries. The five-story, 137,100-square-foot building was designed by Alberto Alfonso and will house businessman and collector Rudy Ciccarello’s extensive collection. That includes furniture, pottery, photography, metalwork, and other decorative arts from the American Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It will be the only major museum of its kind in the U.S. In addition to gallery receptions, meeting planners can take advantage of a 100-seat auditorium, as well as an Intro Gallery that's well-suited for breakout meals or cocktail parties. In addition, the museum boasts an event and banquet hall, which is adorned with 16 beautifully designed period chandeliers and can accommodate more than 200 people.
Opened in April 2018, The James Museum is an architecturally striking option for your next meeting or event. This 88,000-square-foot museum features 30,000 square feet of gallery space and houses an extensive collection of Western and wildlife art from the private collection of Tom and Mary James, who invested nearly $50 million to create the museum.The grand, two-story lobby is constructed of sandstone from India, and a 20-foot waterfall makes a dramatic first impression. The venue offers 6,000 square feet of event space for large groups and breakout sessions, and it can accommodate groups ranging from 20 to 750 guests. In addition, there is a 129-seat auditorium, as well as a museum shop and cafe that can host gatherings. thejamesmuseum.org
New or Renovated Hotels With Event Space
The gorgeously pink Don CeSar on St. Pete Beach recently received a refresh following the resort’s 90th anniversary. Upgrades were made to its lobby, grand ballroom, and fifth-floor meeting spaces, as well as guest room corridors. With new artwork, lighting, drapery, and furniture, the Pink Palace continues to shine, and the resort’s beach, with beautiful blue-green waters, soft white sand, and dramatic sunsets, is sure to please event and meeting attendees. Next on the horizon? In summer 2020, all guest rooms at the Don CeSar will be renovated with a glamorous, art deco decor. doncesar.com
For meeting planners looking for a brand-new property on a slightly smaller scale, Clearwater’s Karol Hotel is a wonderful option. This new boutique hotel, expected to open in January 2020, will feature 123 guest rooms and suites, as well as a rooftop bar overlooking Tampa Bay, a resort-style pool, and a fitness center. It will offer 7,340 square feet of meeting and event space, including executive conference rooms and two ballrooms. This showcase property will be the first Tribute Portfolio hotel (part of Marriott International) in the St. Pete/Clearwater area, conveniently located only 15 minutes from Tampa International Airport. thekarolhotel.com
New Restaurants on the Scene
Whether you’re looking to host an event at a restaurant venue or simply want to recommend what’s new and fun to your attendees, these gathering spots fit the bill.
A gorgeous rooftop bar, gentle sea breezes, and a fiery sunset view of the Gulf of Mexico — not to mention a menu of elevated “beach cuisine”? The Dewey Beach Bar & Grill checks all your “meet in paradise” boxes at The Berkeley Beach Club on bite-sized, charming Pass-a-Grille Beach, just south of St. Pete Beach. Guests will particularly enjoy the rooftop bar’s three gathering areas, as well as its horseshoe-shaped, white carrera marble bar, which can seat 21. The restaurant and rooftop bar are available for buyouts and can accommodate about 200 guests. berkeleybeachclub.com
Trophy Fish is a charming, one-of-a-kind (and did we mention landlocked?) fish house owned by locals born and raised in St. Pete. This new spot, located in St. Pete’s Grand Central District, proclaims that it is “bait shop chic” — if that helps you to recommend a dress code for your gathering. Trophy Fish is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. trophyfishstpete.com
If you’re searching for a hip atmosphere, live music, and friendly bartenders, look no further than Sonder Social Club in small-town Dunedin. An imaginative menu accompanies an equally interesting lineup of drinks at Dunedin’s first craft cocktail bar. This location can accommodate about 50 people, and it is possible to buy out the restaurant. While you’re there, check out playful, unusual design elements, such as the bookcases that are actually bathroom doors.
If an ultra-casual, “rustic industrial” ambience is what you’re envisioning for your corporate dinner or social gathering, St. Pete newcomer Dr. BBQ is an excellent choice. With a dedicated catering manager, an expansive space for groups, and a mouthwatering barbecue menu, this spot is a crowd-pleaser. It’s run by Dr. BBQ himself, Ray Lampe, along with partners Suzanne and Roger Perry, owners of the well-known Tampa-based Datz, Dough, and Roux restaurants. drbbqs.com
Additional Resources
Airport Information
St. Pete/Clearwater is serviced by two major airports. Discount carrier Allegiant is the primary airline at the St. Pete/Clearwater International Airport (PIE), along with SunCountry and Sunwing. Tampa International Airport (TPA) offers convenient, nonstop service from many origin points.
For additional information:
- tampaairport.com
- fly2pie.com
- visitstpeteclearwater.com/things-to-do/transportation-getting-around
- visitstpeteclearwater.com/article/st-pete-clearwater-airport-and-tampa-airport
Getting Here and Getting Around
For more information, check out this article.
Updates and Destination News
To stay up to date with all the renovations and property openings in the St. Pete/Clearwater area, check out this full list. If you’re looking for assistance with planning an event in a tropical paradise on America’s Best Beaches, contact us today to see how we can amplify your next meeting.
