Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I go to Synapse Summit?
To celebrate, discover and engage with the most diverse group of Florida innovators you can find in one place! Find your next customer, client, investor, or partner in this high energy environment.
Who should go to Synapse Summit?
Anyone interested in innovation or growing businesses in Florida! You should be there if you want to meet Florida innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, incubators, accelerators, educators, students, service providers, startups, policymakers, service providers, creators, doers, makers and advocates. Oh, and some really great speakers, too!
What experiences can I expect?
You can expect to have an amazing day listening to incredible speakers, meeting hundreds of people who are also interested in innovation, and telling your story to people who want to know more about you and your company. There is a good chance you will meet dozens of people that you will want to keep in touch with. Have a plan for following up! Business cards, e-business cards, apps, notebooks… there are millions of ways to do this, but whatever you do: have a plan!
You can expect to see Amalie Arena like never before. Our partners, sponsors, and exhibitors will transform the arena into a celebration of innovation. Keep in mind that the Arena Floor is normally the hockey rink so expect to need a jacket or sweater… ice is cold, even here in Florida.
The exhibit hall is on three levels: the arena floor, and the 3rd and 4th floor so bring your walking shoes and get ready for a packed day with 7 stages, 300+ exhibitor experiences and lots of networking spread across these 3 levels of Amalie Arena. Many participants report getting 20K steps on their FitBit counters because they tried to see everything! Please wear comfortable shoes and be ready to have a great time.
When and Where is Synapse Summit?
Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa (401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602).
Where can I park?
Amalie Arena is in the heart of downtown Tampa. There are several paid-parking options available nearby. Please note that Amalie Arena does not offer free, discounted, or prepaid parking for this event, and parking is not included in your ticket price. You can learn more about parking options at Amalie Arena’s Parking Information page.
What else is going on in Tampa before and after Synapse Summit?
Check out the events during Tampa Bay Innovation Week, February 11-18, before and after Synapse Summit.
How do I download the event app?
The Synapse Summit Bizzabo event app is THE BEST way for you to meet fellow attendees, find exhibitors, sponsors and speakers and create a customized schedule to maximize your day.
Step 1:
iOS users, click here to download the Bizzabo App.
Android users, click here to download the Bizzabo App.
Step 2:
Open the app and enter the email you used to register for Synapse Summit. Select “Send Magic Link”.
Step 3:
Check your email for a confirmation link!
I have my ticket. How do I check in/register?
No printout or ticket is necessary to gain entrance to the Summit. Badges
General Attendee check-in is at the Amalie Arena’s main entrance plaza, to get your badge and attendee bag. Students and attendees with military discounts must bring their ID.
When you return on Tuesday, February 14th for the main event you can enter through the General Attendee entrance on Amalie Arena’s main entrance plaza, Thunder Alley. If you have a VIP ticket VIP check in is at the Ashley Furniture Lounge Entrance, which will lead you directly into the VIP Lounge.
Will food and drinks be available?
Complimentary water and coffee are available to all attendees at various stations located throughout Amalie Arena.
General Attendees & Exhibitors
Amalie Arena’s open-design kitchens and Grab & Go options will have a variety of food and drinks available for purchase throughout the event.
VIPs
Lunch, snacks, specialty coffees, soft drinks and happy hour drinks will be available in the VIP Lounge located on the 1st Level Arena Floor.
Lunches are catered by Inside the Box Catering, a social enterprise of Metropolitan Ministries, which provides culinary arts education and hands-on vocational training to men and women transitioning out of homelessness.
*Vegan options are available
I am a speaker and I need information.
All speakers receive a VIP ticket as a “thank you” for sharing your time and expertise!
Be sure to download the Synapse Summit Bizzabo app for the full agenda, arena map, and details.
All stages are located on the 4th Floor, Club Level, with the exception of Center Stage.
You may also check-in with a Synapse team member at the info booths located on the 3rd Floor and in the VIP Lounge on the 1st Floor Ice Level of the Arena or email Speakers@SynapseFL.com.
Is there WiFi and charging stations?
Amalie Arena has free wifi and charging stations located throughout the venue.
Does Amalie Arena provide Accessibility Accommodations?
Amalie Arena is proud to provide accessible parking and seating.
https://www.amaliearena.com/arena-info/accessibility
Please visit Amalie Arena’s F.A.Q. and A-Z Guide for Guest Services, Accessibility Information and Much more.
What are the benefits of a VIP Ticket?
- Your VIP ticket comes with lots of perks, made possible by our VIP sponsor, Skyway Capital Markets.
- Access to the exclusive VIP pre party on Monday evening, February 13th. (RSVPs are required; email info@synapsefl.com with questions).
- Rapid Registration
- Lunch, snacks, drinks and specialty coffee available all day in the VIP lounge
- VIP only programming
- Masterminds Tampa Bay has hired Esquire Photos to provide a complimentary headshot to VIP attendees of Synapse Summit 2023. Valued at $500. Sign up here.
- To upgrade to a VIP ticket, please purchase a new ticket and send an email to info@synapsefl.com.
I’m an exhibitor and need info about set up, registering my attendees, my exhibit placement, breaking down my exhibit, etc.
Once your exhibit contract is complete and paid, you will receive communication from exhibitors@synapsefl.com with your unique registration code, exhibit placement, load-in/out details and more.
LOAD-IN: Exhibitor load-in will be open on Monday, February 13th from 2-6pm only at the Amalie Arena loading dock, accessible on Old Water Street, Tampa, at the back entrance of the arena. Exhibitors will be given a temporary pass to unload their vehicles at the arena loading dock. Once your materials are unloaded, you will have to move your vehicle to a nearby garage and return to complete set up.
LOAD-OUT: Exhibitors should not break down before 5pm on Tuesday February 14.
We strongly suggest you bring a cart to transport your materials as the venue is extremely large and carts will NOT be supplied for you.
Staff joining your exhibit MUST be registered to gain access to the event. If you cannot locate your unique registration code please email exhibitors@synapsefl.com. We suggest bringing at least 2 people per exhibit space to enable you to take turns enjoying the event!
What nearby hotels do you recommend?
- Click here to take advantage of a special event rate at the Aloft Tampa Downtown, just a few blocks from the Amalie Arena. This reduced rate expires on January 23, 2023.
- Additional nearby hotels include:
What are the COVID protocols for the Synapse Summit?
Covid-19 Policy and Attendee Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability
Synapse Florida, Inc. (“Synapse”) refers to the CDC guidelines for how best to host Synapse Summit 2023. See: COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation | CDC
We care deeply about the health and safety of all attendees, so if you are feeling ill, have taken a positive COVID test within 5 days, have a fever over 100.4, or show any symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home. We look forward to a safe and fun Summit on February 14, 2023!
Attendee Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability
I acknowledge the contagious nature of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 and that the CDC and other public health authorities still recommend practicing social distancing. I further acknowledge that Synapse has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus/COVID-19. I further acknowledge that Synapse cannot guarantee that I will not become infected with the Coronavirus/COVID-19 while attending the Synapse Summit and associated gatherings (collectively, the “Event”). I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to and/or infected by the Coronavirus/COVID-19 at the Event may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, Synapse staff, contractors, and people in attendance at the Event. I acknowledge that by virtue of my attendance at the Event, I am increasing my risk to exposure to the Coronavirus/COVID-19.
I acknowledge that I must comply with all set procedures to reduce the spread while attending the Event. Further, I acknowledge that by attending I am attesting to and may be required to confirm at the Event, that:
- I am not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., a fever of 100.4⁰F or higher, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking, muscle pain/achiness, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, nasal congestion, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, or any other symptoms associated with COVID-19 identified by the CDC) and have not experienced such symptoms in the last 24 hours.
- No one I live with or knowingly have had close contact with has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 5 days. Close contact means being within 6 feet of someone for 15 or more minutes in a 24-hour period.
- I have not been contacted by a local public health authority within the last 14 days due to having had a close contact with an individual infected with COVID-19.
- I have not been directed to quarantine by a physician or local public health authority.
- I have not tested positive for, or been diagnosed with, COVID-19 within the last 10 days and/or have not received clearance from a physician to discontinue isolation.
I hereby release and agree to hold Synapse, Synapse employees, contractors, Synapse Impact Board members, Synapse Board of Directors, and other third parties involved in the Event as well as Tampa Bay Arena, LLC, VSG Enterprises LLC, Lightning Hockey LP, the National Hockey League and any Event promoters, sponsors, operators, contractors, agencies, advertisers, and/or vendors, and each of their affiliated companies, and any of the respective present and future parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, members, officers, directors, employees, stakeholders, shareholders, agents, insurers, representatives, successors and assigns of each of the foregoing entities and persons (collectively, the “Group”) harmless from, and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs (including any attorneys’ fees), expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act of the Group, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with my attendance at the Event. I understand that this release discharges the Group from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives may have against the Group with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any services received from the Group.
What NOT to bring?
As the Summit will take place at Amalie Arena, the following items cannot be brought into the Arena:
- Binoculars are permitted.* Binocular bags are not permitted
- Video or audio recording devices
- Laser pointers
- Weapons of any kind
- Bottles, cans, or containers of any kind
- Sharp objects, sticks or poles of any kind
- Fireworks
- Pepper spray or mace
- Food or beverage items
- Drugs or controlled substances
- Chairs, folding chairs or any other type of individual chair for use
- Wrapped gifts
- Large banners or signs, banners or signs with objectionable language banners or signs on a pole of any kind
- Noisemakers and horns
For more information, please visit:
My question is not listed here. Who do I contact?
mail info@synapsefl.com