An architectural photograph by Amy Martz showing Fletcher Lounge at Plant Hall on the UTampa campus in Tampa, Florida. Captured in a wide panoramic shot looking across polished dark hardwood floors, the historic Moorish Revival-style ballroom features grand cream-colored horseshoe keyhole arches, keyhole-framed mirrors, and a dramatic oval skylight rotunda ceiling with an intricate decorative frieze, gold trim accents, and a brass chandelier under soft interior lighting.
Fletcher Lounge at Plant Hall on the UTampa campus in Tampa, Florida. Credit: Amy Martz

Contrary to what the journalism algorithm is telling you, it’s actually a swell time to work for a news publication.

There might be “less jobs” out there, but now more than ever communities need reporters working to bring important stories to readers. Those reporters continue to adapt to the changing news and information ecosystem, bringing fresh ideas and skill sets to newsrooms with decades of experience and values to share.

This month at the University of Tampa (now called UTampa), Creative Loafing Tampa Bay is looking to meet those future journalists during the college’s second annual Communication Professional Fair happening this month.

It happens inside UTampa’s Plant Hall Fletcher Lounge on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from noon-2 p.m. It’s free to attend and open to all.

Last year, the fair put journalism and communication students in front of magazines, newspapers, TV stations and websites working in every sector of the Tampa Bay market.

New in 2026 is the addition of UTampa’s advertising and public relations program, which is co-hosting the fair along with the school’s journalism program.

Just like last year, free sodas and pizza from Santoro’s will be provided for those who attend. The event is free and open to the public. 

Free parking is offered at the Thomas parking garage near UTampa’s campus safety office. A campus safety officer will be there to provide assistance if needed. 

No cover or registration is required for UTampa’s Communication Professional Fair happening Wednesday, Nov. 18.

We look forward to meeting you.

UTampa Communication Professional Fair


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Read his 2016 intro letter and disclosures from 2022 and 2021. Ray Roa started freelancing for Creative Loafing Tampa in January 2011 and was hired as music editor in August 2016. He became Editor-In-Chief...