UTampa Fair: 2 Hours, Free Pizza, and a Shot at a News Job

The news industry claims it is shrinking, yet Creative Loafing Tampa Bay is telling its readers the opposite. The publication argues that communities need reporters more than ever, even if the total number of positions has dropped. To find those future journalists, the staff is heading to campus.

The outlet will participate in the University of Tampa’s second annual Communication Professional Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 18. The event runs from noon to 2 p.m. inside the Plant Hall Fletcher Lounge. Admission is free, and the doors are open to the public.

Last year, the fair connected students with local magazines, newspapers, television stations, and websites. This year, the scope has expanded. UTampa’s advertising and public relations program is now co-hosting the event alongside the journalism department, broadening the pool of potential hires for local media companies.

The organizers have kept the hospitality package consistent with the 2025 edition. Attendees will receive free sodas and pizza from Santoro’s. For those driving, free parking is available in the Thomas parking garage, which sits near the campus safety office. A safety officer will be stationed there to assist visitors.

Creative Loafing says it wants to meet students who are adapting to the changing information ecosystem. The company believes these new hires will bring fresh skill sets to newsrooms that have long-standing values. The booth will be one of many where students can pitch themselves to local media leaders in the Tampa Bay market.