A Record-Breaking Year for Events
A first-class convention center experience showcasing the world
With 2023 and 2024 as record-breaking years, the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) has solidified its position as an award-winning venue for world-class events, industry-leading conferences, and cultural showcases. The MBCC has expanded its global footprint, attracting top-tier events that contribute significantly to the local economy. The venue has become a dynamic hub that drives economic impact, fosters community engagement, and upholds a strong commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.
The economic ripple effect
“For 2023 and into 2024, we had a record-breaking year,” says Freddie Peterson, General Manager. “Right now, we have 30 annual events, including some of the most significant gatherings in the world.”
The MBCC hosts prestigious events such as Art Basel Miami Beach, one of the most renowned art fairs globally, and the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, the world’s largest boat and yacht show. These high-profile events elevate the center’s global reputation and generate significant economic impact to the local economy.
Expanding and diversifying its event lineup, the MBCC welcomed 60 new major events in 2023-2024, including groundbreaking gatherings in the tech, finance, and medical industries. The Cisco Partner Summit and Adobe Max are notable additions, highlighting Miami Beach’s emergence as a global hub for technology and fintech. Adobe Max, typically held in Los Angeles, chose Miami Beach in 2024, bringing 10,000 digital marketing professionals and generating nearly $23 million in economic impact.
“These events represent more than just numbers,” Peterson emphasizes. “They contribute to job creation, tourism growth, spending in retail stores, shops and restaurants as well as heavily contributing to the overall economic vitality of Miami Beach, Miami and Miami-Dade County.”
Staying ahead of the technology curve
Ongoing substantial investments in the MBCC’s infrastructure, technology, and overall visitor experience have driven its success. Peterson highlights the significance of a $640 million reimagination completed in 2020: “The city of Miami Beach made an unprecedented investment to transform the venue and its campus into a premier convention destination.”
The renovation and expansion introduced 1.4 million square feet of enhanced event space, including a 60,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, approximately 500,000 square feet of flexible exhibition areas, 4 junior ballrooms, 3 large outdoor terraces, 800 roof deck parking spaces and 84 breakout rooms, six-acre (Pride Park) and three-acre (Collins Canal Park) public green spaces that can serve as incremental event space. The MBCC Campus includes two new event spaces: Venu, a space for elegant private events and upscale meetings, and Rum Room, a 1920s restaurant with an enticing tapas-style menu and local South Florida rums. These upgrades have positioned the MBCC as a competitive player on the regional, national and international stage, allowing it to host a diverse range of industry-leading conferences, meetings, conventions, events and tradeshows
Beyond physical enhancements, technology plays a crucial role in the MBCC’s evolution. Investments in digital infrastructure include a $1.5 million initiative to install 4 large LED walls in the Grand Lobby, providing an immersive and sustainable experience for attendees as well as advertising and sponsorship revenue for show organizers and the venue. Moreover, collaborations with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) have resulted in interactive, state-of-the-art floor plans that offer a 360-degree view of event spaces.
“We never want to be in front or behind the wave; we want to be riding it,” Peterson asserts. “Technology is integral to the future of the events industry, and we are committed to staying ahead.”
Sustainability and social responsibility
As a leader in the overall convention, meetings, conferences, tradeshows and events industries, the MBCC is setting new sustainability and social impact standards. Achieving Event Industry Council’s (EIC) Silver Certificate for Sustainability and Social Impact in 2024, the center has implemented comprehensive initiatives aimed at environmental conservation, waste reduction, and community support.
“When we talk about sustainability and social impact, it’s not just about compliance—it’s about making a real difference and frankly it’s a given for our customers,” says Peterson. “we are extremely proud of our CARE program, which stands for Community Assistance by Responsible Events, ensures that leftover food, product and event giveaways are donated to local nonprofits.”
Additionally, the MBCC has made significant strides in water conservation, waste management, and energy efficiency. The venue continues to adopt best practices that align with global sustainability goals, further enhancing its reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking convention center.
A commitment to accessibility and inclusion
Ensuring all visitors have a seamless and welcoming experience is a top priority at the MBCC. Ariane Hiltebrand, Director of Sales & Marketing, highlights the center’s recent efforts in this area: “We were just certified as an Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. This is a major milestone in our commitment to inclusion, demonstrating our dedication to ensuring all guests feel comfortable and accommodated.”
Co-sponsored by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, this certification ensures that MBCC staff receive specialized training to support individuals with sensory sensitivities. The training covers best practices in communication, facility navigation, and assisting to ensure a more inclusive environment. To further this commitment, the MBCC has introduced sensory guides that provide detailed information about lighting, sound levels, and potential sensory triggers within the venue. Designated quiet spaces have also been incorporated to offer guests a calming environment when needed. Additionally, the MBCC offers complimentary AIRA service designed to assist visually impaired attendees by providing real-time audio descriptions and step-by-step navigation throughout the venue.
“We are continually working to enhance our accessibility initiatives,” Hiltebrand adds. “We’ve also received the ‘Wheel the World’ badge which provides guests with mobility needs the assurance that all convention center areas are easily accessible, including ramps, elevators, and accessible seating arrangements. Furthermore, we have added private nursing pods, built by a local women-owned business, to assist parents with a safe and comfortable space for lactation.”
These advancements align with MBCC’s mission to create a venue that is welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to all visitors, setting a new benchmark for convention centers worldwide.
Culinary innovation and local sourcing
The MBCC is also making waves in the food and beverage industry, strongly emphasizing sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. Danny Medina, Regional Vice President from Sodexo Live, explains: “Our approach to food and beverage is about more than just serving meals—it’s about creating memorable experiences while minimizing our environmental footprint.”
Sodexo Live! prioritizes farm-to-table sourcing, ensuring that ingredients are procured within a 50- to 200-mile radius whenever possible. This practice enhances freshness and quality and supports local farmers and businesses.
“We customize about 80% of our menus based on client preferences,” Medina shares. “We also work with small, minority-owned businesses to source ingredients, allowing us to deliver unique and culturally rich culinary experiences.”
A standout feature of the MBCC’s dining experience is the Rum Room restaurant and venue. “The Rum Room is a hidden gem on our campus,” Medina says. “It’s a Latin-Caribbean fusion restaurant featuring over 80 different rums worldwide.”
Transforming the convention experience
The Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Hotel is one of the most anticipated developments for the MBCC. Scheduled for completion in 2027, this 800-room luxury hotel will be seamlessly integrated with the convention center via a state-of-the-art sky bridge. This direct connection will provide unparalleled convenience for attendees, reducing travel time and enhancing their overall event experience.
“This hotel is truly a game-changer for us,” Peterson states. “Having 800 rooms directly connected to the convention center will further increase our ability to attract top-tier events, international and national conferences, tradeshows and conventions. It’s not just about adding hotel space; it’s about creating an environment where event planners, attendees and exhibitors can enjoy a fully immersive experience without logistical challenges.”
The Grand Hyatt Miami Beach will feature world-class amenities, including multiple dining options, fitness facilities, and meeting spaces to complement the MBCC’s Campus offerings. Integrating advanced technology and luxury accommodations will set a new benchmark for convention hotels, ensuring that Miami Beach remains at the very forefront of the global convention industry.
The addition of this hotel is expected to significantly boost attendance numbers by providing seamless accommodations, enticing larger city-wides, international and national events, and further strengthening Miami Beach’s position as a global hub for business, innovation, and tourism. The hotel’s strategic location, just minutes from Miami Beach’s vibrant nightlife, world-class dining, picturesque and world-renowned beaches, will further enhance its appeal, offering guests an experience well beyond the convention center.
The people behind the success
Despite its cutting-edge facilities and impressive events, Peterson insists that the MBCC’s greatest asset is its team: “At the end of the day, it’s about the people. Our team is what truly differentiates us as they truly emulate excellence in customer service and venue management.”
The MBCC’s staff consists of industry professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences. Every team member, from event coordinators to culinary experts, plays a fundamental role in the center’s continued success.
“Recruiting, retaining, and recognizing our employees is at the heart of what we do,” Peterson adds. “Our culture is built on teamwork, collaboration, commitment, and excellence.”
A premier destination for global events
The Miami Beach Convention Center and its Campus has cemented itself as a premier global venue for events, conventions, and industry gatherings. Through record-breaking growth, strategic investments, sustainability initiatives, and a commitment to accessibility, the MBCC continues to set new benchmarks in the convention industry.
“We’re not just a venue—we’re community partner, an economic driver, and a global leader in events and innovation,” Peterson concludes. “The future remains bright for the Miami Beach Convention Center, our campus and this amazing destination.”
At a Glance
Who: Miami Beach Convention Center
What: A state-of-the-art, multi-purpose event venue in Miami Beach, Florida, hosting world-class conventions, trade shows, corporate gatherings, and cultural events.
Where: Miami Beach, Florida
Website: www.miamibeachconvention.com
