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Tampa Bay is excitedly preparing to welcome the esteemed members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for their 84th Grand Conclave. This marks the first time since 1982 that Florida will host the event, heralding a historic return after over four decades.

With registration numbers already exceeding the fraternity’s centennial conclave in 2011, over 10,000 individuals are set to attend. Total attendance is anticipated to be between 20,000 and 25,000, potentially making this the largest conclave in the fraternity’s history. The event has already secured 12,000 room nights, indicating a substantial economic boost for the local community.

“The Grand Conclave is a landmark event for Tampa Bay in that it sends a strong signal how prepared and welcoming Hillsborough County, its residents, and its facilities are to host groups that are as diverse as we are,” said Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “As the second of the Divine Nine to host their national convention in Tampa Bay, we are proud to support such a meaningful and historic gathering that stresses community engagement, social impact, and economic growth.”

This year’s Conclave, themed “Conclave with a Purpose,” is set to be the largest in over a century. While conducting the fraternity’s essential business, the event will emphasize giving back to the community hosting this grand gathering, focusing on key areas of community support and engagement.

“The decision by Fraternity leadership to bring our Grand Conclave to Tampa was influenced by the eagerness of the city leadership to embrace our vision of a ‘Conclave with a Purpose’,” said Dallas Thompson, Special Assistant to Omega Psi Phi’s Grand Basileus, Ricky Lewis. “We’re grateful for the support we’ve received and the willingness of city and county leadership to align with, and accommodate, our efforts. This will be a festive and celebratory gathering, but our aim is to be deliberate in providing a forum where tools to shape a more equitable future can be discussed, leveraged, and amplified.”

The Divine Nine organization has announced a series of engaging initiatives planned for their Tampa event. The initiatives include financial empowerment, voter registration and mobilization, book drives, a youth symposium, and a community forum. Here is a breakdown of the diverse events scheduled:

Thursday, June 27th:

• Youth Leadership Conference at the Tampa Convention Center, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• African American History Book Drive at the Tampa Convention Center, 8:30 a.m.-Noon.
• Voter Registration, Education, and Mobilization at the Tampa Convention Center, 9-11 a.m.

Friday, June 28th:

• The Julliard School Master Class at the Tampa Convention Center, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Silent March on the Tampa Riverwalk, 9 a.m.-Noon.
• African American Museum & Artifacts Exhibit at the Tampa Convention Center, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Omega Mixer at Curtis Hixon Park, Noon-6 p.m.
• Career Fair at the Tampa Convention Center, 1-3 p.m.
• Youth Symposium at the Tampa Convention Center, 1-3 p.m.
• Public Program at the Tampa Convention Center, 3:15-5:15 p.m.
• 84th Grand Conclave Stepshow at the Tampa Convention Center, 8:30-11:30 p.m.