Hi, my name is Craig Nieman, and I’m the Co-Chair of the Local Organizing Committee for AIESEP 2025 and an assistant professor of instruction at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL, USA. In this blog, I’m going to walk you through a few things you should know about the upcoming AIESEP conference in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
In the upcoming blog(s) (and podcasts that myself, Risto Marttinen and Dr. Sara Flory will be a part of), we’ll take you from booking your flight to finding the best spots to explore outside the conference in beautiful Saint Petersburg, FL.
I first want to share a little bit about my own background. I have lived in Florida for the past 8 years and up until 5 months ago, I lived within 10 minutes of the University of South Florida’s Saint Petersburg campus (the location of AIESEP 2025!). While I have moved over to Tampa to be closer to the “main” campus, this gives me some “authority” to tell you what is awesome, not-awesome, and really worth doing in the area.
Arriving in Saint Petersburg, Florida
You’ll likely be flying into Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is about a 25-minute drive from downtown Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg, FL also has its own International Airport (St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE)), but it mainly services Allegiant (a low budget airline carrier) with flights throughout the US. Another option is Orlando (Orlando International Airport (MCO)). This would be about a 1 hour and 40-minute drive from Saint Petersburg, Florida.
My personal recommendation is to fly into Tampa. Tampa is very accessible, and it has great connections to many U.S. cities, as well as international hubs. Not to mention, you may get to see Phoebe –– the large flamingo statue in the airport!
Transportation from the Airport:
From Tampa International Airport (TPA) or St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) to Downtown Saint Petersburg, you have a few options:
- Taxi/Uber/Lyft: The most direct and convenient, especially if you’re heading straight to your hotel. *my recommendation*. If you have not heard of Uber or Lyft, they are apps that can be conveniently downloaded to your phone that offer a rideshare service. The prices will fluctuate based on how busy it is, but they range between $30-$55 one-way depending on the size of car you request. This may be more expensive but you’ll know the fare before you book.
- Rental Car: If you want to explore the area at your own pace, renting a car might be a good idea, especially since Florida is known for its scenic drives along the water.
- Some other ground transportation options (specifically from TPA): https://www.tampaairport.com/ground-transportation However, it’s important to note that the connections via bus although cheaper than Uber take much longer. A 25min Uber will take you from Tampa Airport to St. Petersburg but it will take nearly 2hrs by bus with 2 or 3 transfers.
Exploring Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg, often referred to as “The Sunshine City,” is known for its beautiful beaches, art scene, and vibrant downtown. Here are some things I recommend checking out during your visit:
- The Dali Museum: One of the most impressive collections of Salvador Dalí’s work outside of Spain. The building itself is a work of art, with a stunning glass atrium.
- Pete Pier: A recent renovation has turned this iconic landmark into a great spot for dining, shopping, and enjoying views of Tampa Bay.
- Fort De Soto Park: If you’re a nature lover, this park offers pristine beaches, kayaking, and birdwatching. It’s one of the most beautiful parks in the area.
- Sunshine Skyway Bridge: This massive bridge connects St. Petersburg with the rest of the Gulf Coast, and it’s one of the most scenic drives in Florida.
If you’re a fan of art, there are also countless galleries and street murals to explore, and the local food scene is top-notch, especially for fresh seafood! I have found St. Pete Foodies to be a particularly good website for food recommendations: https://stpetersburgfoodies.com/.
Side Trips to Explore Nearby
If you have some extra time before or after the conference, there are several exciting destinations within easy reach of Saint Petersburg.
Tampa: Just a short drive away, Tampa offers a range of attractions, from Busch Gardens theme park to the Florida Aquarium and historic Ybor City. It’s also a great place for a night out, with vibrant nightlife, great restaurants, and sports events.
Clearwater Beach: Known for its white sand beaches and clear water, Clearwater Beach is a perfect day trip from Saint Petersburg. You can relax by the beach, go on a dolphin-watching tour, or visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Orlando: If you’ve never been, Orlando is about a 2-hour drive east and is home to world-famous attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. If you’re into theme parks, this is an unmissable stop.
Everglades National Park: For a completely different experience, take a trip south to the Everglades. The Everglades offer unique wildlife, airboat tours, and a chance to explore one of the most unique ecosystems in the U.S.
Key West, Florida: A vibrant, tropical island at the southernmost point of the U.S., known for its laid-back atmosphere, colorful architecture, and stunning sunsets. With a rich history, lively arts scene, and miles of pristine beaches, it’s a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure. Probably too far to drive (8 hours), but there is a direct flight from PIE to Key West that is usually fairly affordable.
Conference Details:
Now, back to the AIESEP conference. The event will kick off on Sunday, May 18, 2025, with pre-conference sessions. The full conference will start on Monday, May 19, and run through Thursday, May 22.
You can register for the conference on the https://www.aiesepstpete2025.com/ website, and if you’re looking for a hotel, I recommend checking out the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront –– we have an exclusive rate available to conference goers for a fraction of what it would normally cost (https://www.aiesepstpete2025.com/lodging-options). This hotel is within .3 miles of the conference and is in the heart of downtown. Please book directly through our website for this exclusive rate! Finally, the early bird registration deadline is January 16, 2025, so make sure you sign up early!
A Note about Lodging…
The city of St. Petersburg has specific rules around short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.) that limit how frequently a property can be rented out. In most residential areas, a property can only be used as a short-term rental (defined as less than 30 days) a maximum of 3 times per year, unless it is in a zone that specifically allows hotels/motels or has a special exception. Some areas of Saint Petersburg, like Coastal Islands Overlay districts, prohibit short-term rentals entirely. Hosts must obtain a business tax receipt, collect required taxes, and follow all rules to legally operate. While some short-term rentals fly under the radar, St. Pete is generally considered a strict market for short-term rentals compared to other cities.
Please be advised that some short-term rentals may be operating illegally due to these laws in place, and there is no way to definitively say as a prospective short-term renter who is operating legally or illegally. As a local organizing committee, we encourage you to find housing other than short-term rentals, such as the two options we provide in dorm rooms and the conference hotel to avoid any situations where you “lose” your lodging reservation prior to/close to the conference. Short-term rent at your own risk.
Key Logistics
- Flights: The two nearest airports are Tampa International Airport (TPA) (best option) and St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE). From there, it’s a short drive to USF Saint Petersburg/the conference.
- Local Transportation: Saint Petersburg has good local transport options, but having a rental car can give you more flexibility for exploring nearby beaches and attractions. Check out the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Association (https://www.psta.net/) and the SunRunner (https://psta.net/services/sunrunner/) that connects the beaches to Downtown Saint Petersburg.
In our next blog, we’ll talk a little bit more about the city. Until then, get excited to experience everything Saint Petersburg has to offer—whether it’s the conference or all the amazing side trips!
Craig Nieman
Assistant Professor of Instruction, University of South Florida
niemanc@usf.edu
Links:
- Conference Website: https://www.aiesepstpete2025.com/
- Tampa International Airport: https://www.tampaairport.com/
- Lodging with exclusive rates: https://www.aiesepstpete2025.com/lodging-options
