The ASCE 2024 Convention in Tampa, Florida, is coming up quickly.
Beyond the technical program, this booming city offers diverse and exciting opportunities for civil engineers.
Here are five reasons for civil engineers to get excited about Tampa.
1. Authentic Cuban bread
La Segunda Bakery, which opened in 1915, has been run by the Moré family for four generations. The bakery makes more than 18,000 loaves of Cuban bread per day. Local restaurants and bakeries source their bread from here, too. La Segunda makes some of the most authentic Cuban bread, sandwiches, and pastries in the country.
Try it during the Convention optional Ybor City Foodie Tour 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6.
2. Iconic football stadium
Tampa’s football stadium may be best known for its “iconic pirate ship, permanently harbored in Buccaneer Cove.” The ship’s cannons fire seven times for a Buccaneers touchdown and three times for a field goal. Named after local firm Raymond James Financial, the stadium expands to 75,000 seats and boasts state-of-the-art technological systems.
The Convention features a tour of Raymond James Stadium, 1:45-4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9.
3. Historical cigar factories
America’s oldest family-owned cigar maker, J.C. Newman Cigar Co., was founded in 1895 and is headquartered in Ybor City’s “El Reloj” cigar factory. It’s the final standing cigar factory in operation, while others have been transformed into offices or apartments. Ybor City is still considered the country’s cigar capital, where aficionados can try a wide range of authentic, bold, hand-rolled options.
Join the Convention's cigar factory tour, 1:45-5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9.
4. Vibrant transportation system
Tampa has an incredibly robust and diverse transportation system featuring more than nine unique options. Tampa’s vintage streetcar and water taxi transport passengers between downtown and the city’s Channelside district, among other stops. The system also offers bicycle, electric scooter, and electric boat rentals.
A technical tour exploring Tampa’s downtown will be 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6.
5. Port’s regional influence
Port Tampa Bay serves not only as a cargo and container hub but also as a ship repair center and a major port for cruises and fertilizer exports. It carries more than 30 million tons of cargo per year and supports over 80,000 jobs in central Florida.
To close out the Convention, tour the port harbor via pirate water taxi to explore numerous expansion and construction projects underway and learn about future industry trends.
Learn more about the ASCE 2024 Convention and register today.
