TAMPA (970 WFLA) -- Some six thousand members of the Moose fraternal organization are expected in Tampa this weekend, as Moose International holds its annual convention at the Tampa Convention Center, Friday through Monday (July 3rd).
It's the second time the Moose have convened in Tampa. The first time was in 2012.
About a million members belong to Moose lodges in the United States, Canada, Britain and Bermuda.
Moose CEO Scott Hart says members are staying at 19 different area hotels. He has a lot of praise for Tampa's hospitality, after what he calls is a "fantastic" experience five years ago.
"We love the opportunity to come back... We know that Tampa's raised their game... I know that any organization looking for a convention city that will treat you very, very well, Tampa's a place to look at," Hart tells Newsradio 970 WFLA.
Monday, Moose members will organize a blood drive and make financial and food donations at Metropolitan Ministries.
Hart says Moose have made similar contributions in other cities hosting Moose conventions over the past several years. "When we come to a convention city... we want to be able to give back", Hart says.