Tampa to Host Industrial Asset Management Council 2017 Spring Forum
Historical announcement published in March 2014 about Tampa’s selection to host the planned Spring 2017 Industrial Asset Management Council Professional Forum. Roles, membership figures, sponsorship commitments, and attendance expectations reflect the original announcement.
Tampa Selected for IAMC’s Spring 2017 Professional Forum
The Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC), described in the announcement as a leading association of industrial and corporate real estate executives, selected Tampa to host its Spring 2017 Professional Forum.
IAMC’s Board of Directors unanimously accepted the bid at its February meeting. The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation led the bid in partnership with Visit Tampa Bay.
Professional Development and Business Connections
Founded in 2002, IAMC reported nearly 600 members across the United States, Canada, and other countries at the time of the announcement.
Its twice-yearly Professional Forums combined professional development and networking, giving host communities an opportunity to introduce their markets to corporate real estate leaders and business site-selection decision-makers.
Rick Homans, identified as President and CEO of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC, described hosting the forum as an opportunity to generate national economic development attention. He anticipated that Tampa’s economic momentum would provide additional developments to showcase by 2017.
Why Tampa Was Selected
Organization officials cited several factors in Tampa’s selection:
- Proximity to an airport.
- Hotel options.
- Offsite venues showcasing the city’s character.
- Water views and warm weather.
- Strong support from regional stakeholders and the host committee.
Roger Nesti, identified as IAMC chair and director of international real estate for Kellogg Company, praised the number of sponsors supporting the bid. He said the combination of community support and the destination’s appeal led the organization to anticipate record-breaking attendance.
More Than $150,000 in Sponsorship Commitments
The Tampa Hillsborough EDC reported securing commitments exceeding $150,000 to support the conference bid. Announced sponsors included:
- Enterprise Florida
- Tampa Bay Partnership
- Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas
- City of Plant City
- Visit Tampa Bay
- Tampa General Hospital
- Fowler White Boggs
- University of Tampa
- Trammell Crow
- Moffitt Cancer Center
- Greenberg Traurig
State and Tourism Leaders Welcome the Selection
Gray Swoope, identified as Florida Secretary of Commerce and President and CEO of Enterprise Florida, welcomed the announcement. He described the conference as important to Florida’s economic development and attributed the selection to efforts to improve business competitiveness and build a growing, diverse economy.
Santiago Corrada, identified as President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, highlighted the community’s attractions and the experience available to meeting attendees. He described the successful bid as an example of collaboration between Visit Tampa Bay and the Tampa Hillsborough EDC.
Planned Return to Florida
The Spring 2017 forum was planned for downtown Tampa, marking a decade since IAMC’s previous Florida event in March 2007 on Amelia Island.
The announcement also noted that IAMC had previously visited the Tampa Bay area in April 2003, when it held an event at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor.
Original Organization Contact
IAMC was identified as being managed by Conway Data, Inc. The announcement listed 770-325-3461 and www.iamc.org for additional information.