Mayor Castor Announces Host Committee for Tampa International Diplomacy and Exchange Summit News Convention Center, News General, News Mayor Office Mayor Jane Castor today[...]

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 16-17, 2026, at the Tampa Convention Center.

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.

"Tampa's 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's 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's position as a welcoming, globally connected city."

TIDES Host Committee¶

Chair¶

• Mayor Jane Castor, City of Tampa

Host Committee Members¶

• U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, Florida's 14th Congressional District
• State Representative Fentrice Driskell, Florida House District 67
• State Representative Karen Gonzalez Pittman, Florida House District 65
• Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen, District 1
• Craig Richard, President and CEO, Tampa Bay Economic Development Council
• Michael Stephens, Chief Executive Officer, Tampa International Airport
• Dr. Moez Limayem, President, University of South Florida
• John Couris, President and CEO, Tampa General Hospital
• Paul Anderson, President and CEO, Port Tampa Bay
• Santiago Corrada, President and CEO, Visit Tampa Bay
• Dr. Bob Rohrlack, President and CEO, Tampa Bay Chamber
• Ron Christaldi, Managing Partner, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
• Linda Olson, President and CEO, Tampa Bay Wave
• Dr. Tim R. Holcomb, Chief Executive Officer, Embarc Collective
• Jason Woody, Chief Executive Officer, Lions World Vision Institute

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's economic, civic, educational, and cultural priorities.

"TIDES is an opportunity to bring Tampa's international work together under one roof," said Alfred Goldberg, president of Tampa Sister Cities and executive lead for TIDES. "With Mayor Castor's 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."

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.

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.

Additional announcements regarding speakers, participating delegations, sponsors, exhibitors, and cultural programming will be made in the coming months.

For more information about TIDES and its leadership, visit TIDESTampa.com.

About TIDES¶

The Tampa International Diplomacy and Exchange Summit brings together leaders from government, business, education, diplomacy, innovation, and culture to strengthen Tampa's international relationships and create opportunities for collaboration. The inaugural summit will be held November 16-17, 2026, at the Tampa Convention Center.

About Tampa Sister Cities¶

Tampa Sister Cities promotes international understanding and cooperation through people-to-people relationships, educational programs, cultural exchange, civic engagement, and partnerships with Tampa's sister cities and international communities.