METROCON gladly complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. As such, trained animal assistants (“working animals”) are allowed in the public/function areas of the convention center and in the hotel. If you’ve never encountered a working animal before, please keep in mind that their owners have them to assist them in everyday life; they are not to be played with, called out to, or otherwise disturbed, as their primary function is to serve as guides. No other animals are permitted in the convention center at any time. According to Tampa Convention Center policy, if any animal (even service animals) becomes a safety or biological waste threat to the other inhabitants of the facility, the animal and its owner may be asked to leave the premises – this will be enforced by Tampa Convention Center security as necessary, and there is nothing we can do about their judgment on this policy.