Face Off: How Tampa venues are evolving to meet rising demand for events and tourism
September 2025 — Serving as more than a community hub, the Shanna and Bryan Glazer Jewish Community Center is a landmark and one of Tampa’s most versatile venues. From hosting the world’s most influential leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy, to its state-of-the-art upgrades designed for today’s event organizers, the center is a welcoming space for all.
Invest: caught up with General Manager Jade Webb and Director of Sales Andrea Banovic to get their insights on how the JCC is adapting to Tampa’s rising profile, balancing affordability with world-class amenities, and positioning itself as both a home for community growth and a magnet for visitors.
Jade Webb, General Manager, Shanna and Bryan Glazer Jewish Community Center
How do you balance the needs of your core local members with growing interest from visitors, event organizers, and tourism-focused partnerships across Tampa?
We strike that balance by keeping our pricing accessible for the local community while showcasing the venue’s extraordinary cultural legacy to attract visitors. Our building has hosted defining moments in history — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke here, Elvis Presley performed, and President John F. Kennedy delivered his second-to-last speech before his assassination. This legacy gives us a unique story that resonates far beyond Tampa, while our commitment to affordability ensures we remain a home for local organizations. By honoring our past and staying approachable in our pricing, we bridge local needs with global appeal.
In what ways are you adapting operations or programming to align with Tampa’s increasing visibility as a destination city?
We are making strategic investments in infrastructure to keep pace with Tampa’s growth and the expectations of today’s event organizers. Upgrades such as modern lighting, advanced AV technology, and new seating enhance the guest experience and ensure flawless event execution. These improvements not only allow us to remain competitive with top-tier venues but also position us as a preferred choice for regional and national events drawn to Tampa’s rising profile.
How does the facility’s location, amenities, and inclusive programming uniquely position it to support both community development and the region’s tourism goals?
Our location is one of our greatest advantages. We’re centrally positioned in Tampa — just minutes from downtown, the airport, and the transformative Gas Worx Project. This accessibility makes it easy for local guests while giving out-of-town visitors the convenience they need to fully experience the city.
What is your outlook on the role that SBGJCC can play in shaping the future of tourism in Tampa Bay as the city continues to evolve?
As a non-profit, our mission extends beyond hosting events — we exist to help other non-profits succeed. By providing them with a platform, resources, and a welcoming environment, we create opportunities for diverse organizations to connect with their audiences. In doing so, we cultivate inclusivity, strengthen community bonds, and reinforce Tampa as a city where culture, collaboration, and service thrive together.
Andrea Banovic, Director of Sales, Shanna and Bryan Glazer Jewish Community Center
As Tampa becomes a more prominent destination for travel and events, how are you positioning the Glazer JCC as a unique venue for both local and out-of-town clients?
We provide a truly full-service experience. Our on-site event coordinator ensures seamless execution, while our in-house chef delivers customized menus made from scratch — down to the sauces. With built-in AV and lighting options, and one of the largest venue capacities in the city, we eliminate the stress of managing multiple vendors. This streamlined, premium approach allows clients to focus on their event while we deliver excellence at every level.
What types of events or experiences have gained the most traction with visitors, and how are you tailoring your outreach to capture that growing demand?
Our versatility and reputation speak for themselves. We host everything from a Halloween celebration drawing over 2,000 guests to live sporting events like MMA and boxing. What attracts organizers is our combination of competitive pricing, flexibility, and hands-on planning support. Word-of-mouth is one of our strongest drivers — clients trust us to deliver, and that trust fuels repeat business and referrals across industries.
How does the Glazer JCC’s combination of cultural, wellness, and event offerings give it an edge as a venue within Tampa’s tourism and hospitality market?
We align cultural programming with Tampa’s tourism momentum by curating experiences that reflect the city’s diversity and vibrancy. From large-scale entertainment to wellness and heritage-focused events, we provide a stage that celebrates community while drawing visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences. By doing so, we reinforce Tampa’s reputation as both a thriving destination and a community that values connection, history, and innovation.
As someone engaging directly with planners and groups, what trends in Tampa’s tourism landscape are shaping your sales strategy for the next three years?
We found the hospitality market to be competitive in Tampa. Primarily, clients and planners are balancing wanting to create memorable experiences for their guests. They want every event to feel exciting and unique. For our corporate clients this is a key element when planning their event. Shana Bryan Glazer JCC has perfected its hospitality landscape, as we offer a large event space, chef-created menus, and a historic and convenient location. Most importantly, we take care of our clients like their family, and that is always a winning strategy.
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