Attire:  Business casual for daytime events and consider business attire or cocktail for Saturday’s Best in Business Celebration. Comfortable walking shoes are a wise consideration for any conference. Don’t forget to pack your sunblock, it is sunny St. Pete.

Flights: You will want to fly into the Tampa International Airport.  It is about a 40-minute drive to Poynter.

Poynter: Learn more about the conference host and the campus.

Hotel:  Courtyard St. Petersburg Downtown, 300 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL. Hotel block with group rate of $131 per night closes March 15, or when capacity is reached

Host hotel shuttle option: The conference host hotel is a 20-minute walk to Poynter. There will be a shuttle in the morning and evening. Times will be posted.

Format:  Thursday, April 20 — Saturday, 22: Thursday late afternoon begins with a program and opening cocktail reception; Friday offers all-day programming with an awards reception and celebration in the evening. Saturday’s programming ends in the early afternoon.

Virtual option?
This is an in-person-only conference.

Refunds: We understand plans can change. If you can’t attend #SABEW23, we’ll do our best to support you. Refund requests are due by April 5; we will charge a $50 cancellation fee after that, as we will have incurred costs for registrants by that time. Please consider sending a substitute. Anyone who registered for #SABEW23 and tests positive or incurs a medical emergency on or after April 10 will be eligible to receive a full conference refund. Please email SABEW@SABEW.org with your request.

Social Outing Options:

Poynter is a few quick miles from world class beaches. St. Pete Beach is a 10 minute drive. Pass-a-Grille is my personal favorite. The Visit St. Pete/Clearwater site can provide additional resources.

Thursday Night:  Wilco at Ruth Eckerd Hall

Except a 40 minute Uber ride to REH in Clearwater. Wilco should go on stage around 9 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall has the best acoustics in town – great venue for live music.

Good Spots for a Cocktail

  • Pier Teaki:  At the end of the new St. Pete Pier destination/attraction. Rooftop bar with a stunning view of downtown St. Pete — especially at sunset. Scenic walk up/back with views of Tampa Bay across to Tampa and over to the Skyway Bridge.
  • The Canopy at the Birchwood:  Rooftop bar on Beach Drive with great views, good drinks and good vibes.

Wine/Dine on Beach Drive

  • Cassis:  French American, great food, good happy hour
  • Parkshore Grill:  Contemporary American. Excellent chef. Select an outside table – perfect for people watching along Beach Drive.
  • Bella Brava:  Consistently great Italian food
  • Bacchus Wine Bistro:  If wine’s your thing. Good wine list, decent happy hour, small bites

Near Poynter

  • Red Mesa Cantina:  Outdoor courtyard under party lights; beautiful outdoor bar; good Mexican/Spanish food.

Friday or Saturday nights 

In the Warehouse Arts District (short Uber ride)

  • Urban Stillhouse:  Restaurant of the Horse Soldier bourbon makers. Exceptional food, sophisticated atmosphere, wide variety of exceptional bourbon.
  • 3 Daughters Brewing:  Just a block away from Urban Stillhouse. Microbrewery, warehouse, outdoor space, live music on weekend nights.
  • Floridian Social Club:  Good spot for live music and entertainment. Mid-way up Central Ave. They don’t have a show booked yet for the conference Friday or Saturday nights – check back.

Downtown St. Pete 

  • Beach Drive – affluent, wine/dine options
  • Central Avenue – independent restaurants, shops, bars

Transportation Option Around DTSP

  • Sunrunner – Rapid Transit (Downtown St. Pete – Beaches)
  • Ubers/Lyfts are readily available and fairly inexpensive
  • Crossbay Ferry to Tampa

For anyone who wants to extend their stay and visit Tampa by ferry to walk the Riverwalk. If you go, eat at Ulele or check out Armature Works.