A highlight of the Florida Attractions Association's 2026 Annual Conference was the opportunity for attendees to experience two of Tampa's premier attractions during a pair of memorable OnStage evening events.
On Monday evening, conference attendees gathered at ZooTampa at Lowry Park for an exclusive experience at one of the nation's most acclaimed zoological parks. Recognized for its leadership in wildlife conservation, animal care, and immersive guest experiences, ZooTampa provided a remarkable setting for networking, fellowship, and industry connection.
Guests enjoyed time exploring the zoo and were among the first to experience ZooTampa's new Manatee Critical Care Center. The facility highlights the zoo's nationally recognized role in rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for Florida's beloved manatees. The evening also included a buffet dinner, beverages, and countless opportunities for attendees to reconnect with colleagues and build new relationships while enjoying one of Florida's premier attractions.
The conference concluded Tuesday evening with a special celebration at The Florida Aquarium. Consistently ranked among the nation's leading aquariums, The Florida Aquarium is renowned for its innovative exhibits, marine conservation initiatives, and exceptional guest experiences.
Attendees explored the aquarium's exhibits and enjoyed a first look at The Tide Pool, the aquarium's newest exhibit inspired by the rugged beauty and marine life of the Pacific Northwest. Against the backdrop of one of Tampa's most iconic attractions, guests shared dinner, drinks, and conversation while celebrating another successful Annual Conference.
Reflecting on the two evenings, FAA Chairman Samantha Palmer noted, "One of the greatest strengths of the Florida Attractions Association is the opportunity to learn from one another while building meaningful relationships. Our evenings at ZooTampa and The Florida Aquarium showcased two extraordinary attractions, but more importantly, they brought our members together to celebrate the innovation, hospitality, and passion that define Florida's attractions industry. These experiences remind us why our industry is so special and why our association continues to thrive."
Together, these two OnStage events demonstrated the very best of Florida's attractions industry—world-class guest experiences, innovation, conservation leadership, and the spirit of collaboration that brings FAA members together. The FAA extends its sincere appreciation to the teams at ZooTampa and The Florida Aquarium for their generous hospitality and for creating unforgettable experiences for our conference attendees.
