Early Bird Registration Extended to May 31st!

join the flocc
AUG 1 – AUG 3, 2023
in tampa, florida
at the hilton downtown tampa

You are also invited to an opening cocktail reception on July 31st hosted by Yeoman’s Cask & Lion.

about THE florida out coast convention

The Florida Out Coast Convention (FLOCC) will launch in 2023 as the first and only conference focused on the Florida LGBTQ tourism industry.

There is no denying that it is a critical time in Florida for LGBTQ community members and travelers. Given that travel advisories are on the minds of tourism leaders throughout the country, especially in Florida, there is no better time to FLOCC together. Never before has there been a space for Florida’s tourism and LGBTQ leaders to come together to learn, network and collaborate.

If you are a DMO, hotel, attraction, business owner, LGBTQ organization, travel planner, influencer, media member or chamber and have a vested interest in supporting and learning about inclusive tourism, then this convention is for you!

FLOCC is primarily educational and offers several opportunities for networking within Florida’s tourism and LGBTQ leadership community. FLOCC is designed to help your brand better understand the specific needs and challenges around LGBTQ tourism topics. The majority of attendees are hotels, DMOs, and attractions in Florida. As such, we highly encourage hotels and attractions to ATTEND the convention rather than sign up for a vendor booth.

There will be a social gathering on July 31st and the convention will officially kickoff on August 1st. The convention will include general sessions, keynote speakers, performers and breakout workshops. On August 2nd, Flamboyance, a gala celebrating LGBTQ tourism accomplishments throughout Florida, will take place at the Florida Aquarium. The convention will wrap up with breakfast and giveaways on August 3rd. Guests will also be invited to dine around in Ybor City on the evening of August 1st.

UNITE, EVOLVE & FLOURISH AT FLOCC
why is flocc for you?
This inaugural event offers YOU an opportunity to:
  • Align your brand with equality.
  • Understand the concerns of LGBTQ travelers.
  • Tackle new hurdles faced by Florida’s LGBTQ laws.
  • Be a better ally to LGBTQ tourists and businesses.
  • Amplify the LGBTQ voices within your destination.
  • Learn about new LGBTQ travel trends.
  • Connect with LGBTQ leaders, influencers, pride organizations, travel planners, and event planners.
  • Identify best practices to market your brand to LGBTQ travelers.
  • Network and collaborate with colleagues in your industry.
  • Enjoy LGBTQ entertainment from around the state.
  • Celebrate Florida’s LGBTQ accomplishments.
featured HOSTS & Speakers
More to Come “Out” Soon!
Brianna Summers
Drag Queen/Performer
Farron Hipp
Co-Host of Daytime TV – WFLA
Jaime and Katie Filer
Influencers, Coaches
Greg-DeShields
Greg DeShields
Executive Director, Tourism Diversity Matters
Trevor Pettiford
Senior Reporter, Bay News 9
headshot-placeholder-female
TBD
featured Performers
Sarah Potenza
Singer/Songwriter
America’s Got Talent Season 16
Jay-Miah
Jay Miah
Singer/Songwriter/Performer
Alter Ego Season 1 Nevaeh King
headshot-placeholder-female
TBD
jesse-adair-RTcTaPXpWg8-unsplash
VENUe INFORMATION
about the hilton Tampa Downtown

Immerse yourself in the endless activity that surrounds the newly renovated Hilton Tampa Downtown. Ideally located in the heart of downtown, this LGBTQ-inclusive hotel places guests within minutes of the Riverwalk, Ybor City, the Florida Aquarium, Zoo Tampa, and Busch Gardens. Stroll to shopping, sail around the Hillsborough River via the Pirate Water Taxi or take a trolley car to the museums. For those in need of a connection, the hotel features free internet in lobby and lounge areas. Have time to play? Choose from dozens of golf courses and beaches close to the hotel, or cheer on your favorite champions: the Tampa Bay Lightning, Buccaneers and Rays. With contemporary guest rooms, delicious dining and award-winning staff, this hotel is the perfect choice for Florida’s 1st LGBTQ Tourism Convention.

Take advantage of our negotiated $185 per night FLOCC Rate from Sunday July 30th to Thursday August 3rd. Feel free to extend your stay beyond those dates to enjoy all that Tampa Bay has to offer.

Please let us know if you have any challenges with booking.

tampa-riverwalk-image
THE inaugural FLOCC GALA
schedule of events

Monday, July 31
Registration / 12 – 6 PM
Supplier Booth Setup / 12 – 6 PM
opening Social / Yeoman’s 7-9
(Included in FLOCC Registration)
tuesday, Aug 1
Welcome & Breakfast / 8 – 10 AM
Breakout Sessions / 10:45 – 11:45 AM
General Session & Lunch / 12 – 2 PM
Refreshment Break in Marketplace / 2 – 2:45 PM
Breakout Sessions / 3 – 4 PM
Cocktail Hour / 4 – 5 PM
Dine Around In Ybor City / Details TBD
(no tickets needed)
wednesday, Aug 2
Morning Session & Breakfast / 8 – 10 AM
Breakout Sessions / 10:45 – 11:45 AM
General Session & Lunch / 12 – 2 PM
Refreshment Break in Marketplace / 2 – 2:45 PM
Breakout Sessions / 3 – 4 PM
FLAMBOYANCE Gala / Florida Aquarium 6:30-10:30
(Not included in FLOCC Registration)
thursday, Aug 3
Morning Session & Bloody Mary Breakfast / 8 – 10 AM
Homeward Bound
Celebrate Florida’s out-standing
tourism leaders at…

noun: flamboyance; plural noun: flamboyances

“The tendency to attract attention because of one’s exuberance, confidence, and stylishness.”
“The quality of being bright, colorful, and very noticeable.”
“Describe a gathering of flamingos.”

flamboyance: THE inaugural FLOCC GALA
Join us for entertainment, special appearances and celebrations at our first annual FLAMBOYANCE Gala as we honor the accomplishments of inclusive tourism companies and LGBTQ organizations throughout the sunshine state.

In keeping with the theme, we request that you wear pink and/or teal. Most importantly, dress as your authentic self!

A portion of proceeds will benefit LGBTQ Nonprofit organizations in areas affected by the 2022 hurricane season.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023
6:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Florida Aquarium

Tickets are on sale now!
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