The Tampa/Hillsborough International Protocol Office (THIPO) is the result of the vision, leadership and partnership of the following eight organizations: City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, Tampa Port Authority, Tampa Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, University of South Florida and University of Tampa. 

The Tampa/Hillsborough International Protocol Office:

•  Acts as an official host to visiting international government dignitaries and international
   visitors.
•  Is the official liaison with the Tampa Bay Consular Corps.
•  Works with the members of the Tampa Bay Consular Corps and assists the consular
    representatives in their interaction with the Tampa/Hillsborough County community with the
    objective of facilitating their stay in this area.
•  Encourages and assists the members of the Tampa Bay Consular Corps in their efforts to bring
    visiting government dignitaries and business dignitaries and business delegations to the
   Tampa Bay region.
•  Facilitates greater intra-organizational coordination among the principal eight organizations
    when hosting international delegations to our area, leveraging the collective resources of all of
   the entities involved.
•  Serves as the primary point of contact and acts as advisor for these organizations on
   international issues and protocol.
•  Organizes welcoming ceremonies for dignitaries arriving at either the Tampa International
    Airport or the Port of Tampa.
•  Creates meetings and events so that trade delegations and other foreign dignitaries are
   introduced throughout the business community.
•  Coordinates security and transportation, as needed, with the Tampa Police Department, the
   Secret Service, and the State Department.


Please contact THIPO if you:

•  Are planning the visit of an international government dignitary.
•  Need information on a Consul or a Consulate.
•  Wish to obtain a complete listing of the foreign consular offices in this region.
•  Would like information on international protocol, customs or cross-cultural communications.
•  Need a speaker on consular or international relations, cross-cultural training or protocol
   regulations.
•  Would like to have some information on internship opportunities.


Contact Information:

Irma C. Bridgeford
Director
Tampa/Hillsborough International Protocol Office
615 Channelside Drive, Suite 108
Tampa, FL  33602
Telephone:  (813) 276-9457 - Fax:  (813) 221-6095