2026 Professional Programs

February 11-12

US-Japan Global Government-to-Government Partnership (G3P)

"NOAA - Japan Meteorological Agency" Technical Exchange

Japan

This G3P project centered on an exchange of technical knowledge focused on the application of marine observations to weather forecasting and weather prediction in the United States, including those used in hurricane observations. The Tampa Bay visit took place in Lakeland, where the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center is based.
June 7-10

"Ensuring Artificial Intelligence Innovation"

Montenegro

This project brought together Montenegrin ministry officials with Tampa Bay entrepreneurs, innovators, academics and policy researchers to examine how the U.S. maintains a pro-innovation approach to AI policy that is compatible with free expression, and economic growth.   Participants explored how to leverage AI technologies to drive prosperity and quality-of-life improvements for citizens and strengthening Montenegro’s AI governance capacity. The participants engaged  with companies and officials at the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub in the St. Petersburg Innovation District; Lonestar Data Holdings; the ARK Innovation Center and spARK Labs; the new Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence; Global National Security Institute, University of South Florida; CyberFlorida;  and the USF Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. 
July 2-9

"Cultural Heritage Preservation and Celebration" 

Kyrgyz Republic

This program brought senior cultural ministry officials, a museum executive, an artist-in-residence and an archeologist from Kyrgyzstan to explore state-of-the-art cultural heritage preservation and the use of new technology around the Tampa Bay region, including indigenous sites, art museums, and historic buildings. The group engaged with experts and government officials including: Sacred Lands Preservation and Education at the Jungle Prada Mound Complex; the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts; The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club; the St. Petersburg Police Department; the Salvador Dalí Museum; Planning Department, City of St. Petersburg; the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (Sarasota); the Leepa-Rattner Museum; and The Florida Holocaust Museum. Our guests also enjoyed St. Petersburg's day-long "America 250" celebration on the downtown waterfront on the Fourth of July.