Know Before You Go

Before you pack your bags, review this quick guide for where to be, what to bring, and how to make the most of your time in Jacksonville.

Where It’s All Happening

Tourism Academy is hosted at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront (225 E Coastline Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202).

All sessions, meals, and meetings will take place here unless otherwise noted. Stop by the registration desk to grab your badge and say hi to the Tempest team.

Get the Full Agenda

Plan your sessions, keynotes, and evening events.
The full schedule is live online. Note your top picks and build your personal itinerary before arrival.

There will not be printed agendas at the conference, so we recommend reviewing the full schedule in advance or bringing a digital/printed copy with you.

View Agenda

Print-Friendly Agenda

Pick Up Your Badge

Registration Hours:

• Tuesday, May 12th | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Pre-Conference)
• Wednesday, May 13th | 6:00 AM – 4:45 PM
• Thursday, May 14th | 6:00 AM - 4:45 PM
• Friday, May 15th | 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

You will find the registration desk in the hotel's Grand Foyer.

Dress the Part: Weather & Attire

Business casual or comfortable is just right. Jacksonville in May means average highs in the upper 80s and lows in the mid 60s, with a slim chance of afternoon rain.

• Most evening activities are outdoors so we sure to pack for warm weather
• Meeting rooms may run cool, so dress in layers
• Comfortable shoes are encouraged for walking to nearby venues
• Toss in sunscreen and a bathing suit if you plan to sneak away to the beach

Here’s What’s Cooking

Fuel up, meet up, and taste what Jacksonville has to offer.

• Tuesday | Welcome Reception: Fresh bites and good company await aboard a private yacht on the St. Johns River with JAX Yacht Charter. Come hungry.
• Wednesday | Dinner at Hoptinger Bier Garden & Sausage House: Craft brews, cocktails, and a rooftop bar set the scene in Five Points, one of Jacksonville's most eclectic and walkable neighborhoods.
• Thursday | Dinner On Your Own: Enjoy a meal at one of Jacksonville's amazing restaurants or sip your way through the Jax Ale Trail. Cap the night at Decca Live for the Tourism Academy closing party with Travel Jam, the Lip Sync Battle, and lite bites starting at 7:00 PM.
• Daily: Hot breakfast is served each morning to start your day. Wednesday & Thursday lunch will be served along keynote speakers each afternoon.

Coffee Before Content

Need a caffeine fix or a morning treat? Check out these local coffee shops to fuel up before sessions. We've mapped them out for you so you won't have to walk far to grab a cup.

Getting Around Jacksonville

Plan your route to every event. If you're looking to explore Jacksonville after hours or beyond the conference, we’ve rounded up the easiest and most affordable transportation options for attendees. (For shuttle service information, see below.)

Evening Events & Entertainment

We’re not all business! Join us for fun and connection.

From cruises and rooftop parties to the epic Lip Sync Battle, Tourism Academy nights are not to be missed. See What’s Happening After Hours.

Shuttle Service Notes

• Tuesday Pre-Conference Reception and Cruise: No shuttle needed — The departure dock is located just steps from the hotel, near the Main Street bridge.
• Wednesday Evening Reception: Transportation will run between the hotel and Hoptinger from 6 PM to 9 PM.
• Thursday Closing Party: There will be a limited, looping shuttle service between our hotel and Decca Live.

Don’t Forget Your Cruise Tickets

Before the conference begins we're setting sail on the St. Johns River aboard a private yacht from JAX Yacht Charter for an evening of food, drinks, and stunning views.

To accommodate all attendees, two cruise times are available, each with space limited to 150 guests:

• Cruise 1: 5:30–6:30 PM (Board at 5:00 PM)
• Cruise 2: 8:30–9:30 PM (Board at 8:00 PM)
  

Reserve your spot and select your preferred departure time by CLICKING HERE.

Tickets ARE REQUIRED to board so be sure to sign up prior to Tuesday's event.

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A Few Quick Notes:

• No dress code or strict shoe policy, but flat, comfortable footwear is recommended and expect a light breeze once you're out on the water.
• Registered for the later departure? Head up to Mathews (4th Floor via the SkyBridge) for the First Timers Happy Hour until 7:00 PM.
  
• Dinner will be available on both cruises.

Destination Marketplace

Swap it. Share it. Show it off.
The Destination Marketplace is your chance to explore and collect swag from fellow destinations. From t-shirts and tumblers to stickers and souvenirs, it's a showcase of creativity and community pride. Bring your extras, drop them off, and take home something fun from another place.

Join the Conversation

Spread the excitement and let your network know you're attending, speaking, or sponsoring. We've created this Social Media Toolkit so you make some noise and be the hype-man for this year's conference.

@tempestim | @tourismacadamy | @tourismacademyhq | @TourismHQ

For more helpful resources check out our blog.