Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a Front Drive Ambassador?
Am I required to have a Paramedic during my event?
When is a fire inspector required?
How much security is required during move-in & out?
What are TCC’s Exclusive Services?
Who are TCC’s preferred vendors?
Do you allow rigging?
Do you cover classroom tables?

Additional FAQs of Interest (Utilities)

Is there a minimum amount of power I can order?
Will there be a service desk on the show floor?
Can I just plug my equipment into existing outlets?
Does the power stay on 24 hours?
Can I keep the electrical extension cord?
Do you provide rooftop access?
What are your connection speeds?
How do I get additional Internet connections?
Will I be guaranteed an Internet connection?
 

Do I need a Front Drive Ambassador?
A front drive ambassador is required for all events with fifty (50) attendees or more and/or events that serve alcoholic beverages. Ambassadors are required to be on site one-half hour prior to event activity and during all event hours. Additional ambassadors may be required for directional and screening purposes depending upon the nature of the event.

Am I required to have a Paramedic during my event?
Events with 500 people or more are required to have a licensed paramedic on duty. Additional paramedics may be required for larger events. Paramedics will be coordinated through your convention services manager and must be ordered from the City of Tampa Fire Department. Events with exhibits in the ballrooms and/or the exhibit halls will need coverage during load in/out activities.

When is a fire inspector required?
A fire inspector is required to be on site if your event involves any of the following:

• Three or more vehicles on display
• Other fuel powered equipment on display
• A fog machine is in use
• Pyrotechnics are employed
• Certain types of candle centerpieces
• When cooking is part of the event

How much security is required during move-in & out?
For any load-in/out of exhibits, a minimum of one security officer is required for the ballroom and a minimum of two security officers are required in the exhibit hall. Your specific security needs shall be addressed with you once we receive the details of your program.

What are TCC’s Exclusive Services?
These services are provided exclusively by TCC or one of its approved partners.

• Advertising network (marquee, in-house system)
• Booth Cleaning
• Box Offices Services
• In-house sound system
• Food and beverage, both sales and service
• First aid, medical and all life safety personnel
• Utilities - HVAC, electric, Internet, plumbing, telephone
• Security/ambassador personnel at loading docks and front drive

Who are TCC’s preferred vendors?
TCC has preferred vendors that supply the following services.

Audio/Visual - Five-Star AudioVisual is our preferred in-house audio/visual company. Use of the in-house sound system is exclusive to Five-Star AudioVisual. While you may use any vendor for other needs, some pricing for Five-Star AudioVisual includes basic electrical charges.

Event Security - Our preferred in-house company is Andy Frain Security. They will be pleased to work with you to arrange a security schedule to cover all your event needs.

Ambassadors - Supplied through Innovative Parking, our preferred vendor, we can provide badge checkers, ushers and greeters for your event, or you may elect to use a company of your choice.

Do you allow rigging?
There are numerous rigging points available in the exhibit hall. Rigging points in our meeting rooms and ballrooms are available only along the air wall tracks. Please see complete the Rigging Request form.

Do you cover classroom tables?
For schoolroom sets, TCC uses Mity-Lite tables, which do not require tablecloths. Should you elect to have your tables covered, please contact ARAMARK Catering Sales.

How do I determine how much power to order? On the back of all electrical equipment you will find a UL listing plate that identifies the quantity of power that the equipment requires. To determine the amount of power you will need for multiple pieces of equipment, simply add the total Amperage or Wattage to arrive at a total amount of power required. Is there a minimum amount of power I can order? Yes. The minimum power order is 500 watts. Is there a maximum amount of power I can order? If you require a level of electrical service not listed in the selection cart or order form, please contact Exhibit Services at 813-274-7757 (local) or 800-426-5630 (toll free). Will there be a service desk on the show floor? Yes. The Exhibit Services Representative assigned to your event will be available during all move-in hours, show hours and during the first hour of move out time for your convenience. Are ceiling drops available? Yes, ceiling drops are available. Are there additional costs for ceiling drops? There is a fee for each drop installed from the ceiling, in addition to your other electrical power needs. Can I just plug my equipment into existing outlets? No. You should only plug into the outlets that have been provided inside your booth. If you require additional outlets, additional power, or an extension cord, please visit our exhibit service desk on the show floor. Periodic audits will be performed during the show to ensure that booths using power have made the necessary payments for the show. Does the power stay on 24 hours? For an additional fee (double the amount of power ordered), Tampa Convention Center will provide an on-site electrician to remain on the property to ensure your booth receives 24 hour power, if required. Why do I need to supply floor plans for my island booth? Special installation is required on island booth orders. All utility installation should occur prior to carpet installation and display equipment installation. Island booth orders and floor plans should be provided a minimum of 14 days in advance for proper planning and installation. Orders and floor plans not received prior to first move in day will be serviced on a first come, first serve basis. Can I keep the electrical extension cord? No. All equipment issued to you during the show is the property of Tampa Convention Center and must be returned to the Exhibit Service desk within one hour of show closing to avoid additional charges. What should I do if I need lighting? If you need lighting for your booth, please contact Five-Star AudioVisual at 813-274-7840 or click on (link to Computer & Audio Visual Equipment Order Form) Do you provide rooftop access? If you have a satellite dish or other equipment requiring rooftop access, you must provide advance notification to ensure proper placement of equipment. There is a $250.00/hour rooftop access fee for each satellite dish or other piece of equipment placed on the rooftop. Internet Services What do I get with my Internet connection? All Internet connections are provided through Verizon DSL services. With each unit rented, you will receive a modem/router and data cable for one computer connection. What are your connection speeds? Our platinum connection is 7.1meg download and 768k upload. Our bronze connection is 2.5meg download and 768k upload. How many Internet connections do I get with my order? With each order, you receive 1 Internet Protocol (IP) address. How do I get additional Internet connections? Simply order additional connections with our Internet service order form. A 4-port modem is provided with your order. Additional connections, beyond 4 computers, require the rental of an 8-port hub. Please remember to provide a floor plan for multiple installations. Can I have the cable installed under the carpet? All services will be terminated at the back of the booth or where identified on the floor plan. Unless ordered as an “under carpet installation,” all computer cables will be on top of the carpet terminating at the floor port. Will I be guaranteed an Internet connection? TCC