TAMPA, Florida — August 28, 2012 — Thousands of delegates, guests, elected officials, and convention attendees gathered in Tampa for a large-scale welcome celebration produced by Corporate Magic as part of activities surrounding the 2012 Republican National Convention.

Commissioned by the 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee, the event transformed Tropicana Field into an immersive celebration designed to welcome convention attendees to the region while showcasing the hospitality, culture, and energy of the Tampa Bay community.

The project presented significant logistical challenges from the outset. Because Tropicana Field remained in use for a Tampa Bay Rays game until the evening before the event, Corporate Magic had less than a day to convert a professional baseball stadium into a fully functioning event environment capable of hosting between 15,000 and 20,000 guests.

Immediately following the conclusion of the game, Corporate Magic mobilized a production team of approximately 150 professionals to begin unloading 21 tractor-trailers of staging, audiovisual equipment, scenic elements, décor, and production infrastructure. Simultaneously, rehearsals began for more than 450 performers participating in the program.

The production included a 40-by-80-foot stage, a 40-by-60-foot American flag installation, large-scale video presentation systems, entertainment programming, themed environments, food and beverage service areas, and guest hospitality elements spread across more than 160,000 square feet of event space.

Additional complexity was introduced by extensive security requirements surrounding the convention. Production schedules were coordinated alongside multiple security agencies and event stakeholders, requiring careful planning and execution to maintain the project’s aggressive timeline.

The event also faced uncertainty from Hurricane Isaac, which threatened portions of the convention schedule during the final days of preparation. Corporate Magic developed contingency plans while continuing preparations until conditions allowed the event to proceed as planned.

Led by Jim Kirk, Chief Executive Officer and President of Corporate Magic, the production team balanced large-scale visual impact with practical execution, creating an experience that welcomed visitors while reflecting the host committee’s goals for the event.

For Corporate Magic, the project demonstrated the company’s ability to execute complex, high-profile productions under significant time constraints while coordinating large teams, multiple stakeholders, security requirements, and rapidly changing conditions.

The successful transformation of Tropicana Field from a Major League Baseball venue into a large-scale special event environment illustrated the level of planning, creativity, and operational precision required to deliver experiences of national significance.

About Corporate Magic

Corporate Magic is an award-winning creative agency specializing in creative services, strategic communications, live experiences, broadcast productions, and high-end events. Since 1986, Corporate Magic has partnered with leading organizations to create experiences that engage audiences, strengthen connections, and inspire action.