Photo by Ron Everdij

What to do, where to stay, what to experience — Greater Miami is a city on the move. As such, it is a dynamic, diverse and desirable destination for meetings and events. For planners looking to keep Miami in their rotation, the Greater Miami Conventions & Visitors Bureau has the insider scoop with an extensive list of all things new in the city.

Good airlift is always critical, the CVB reports, especially for global groups. In December, Porter Airlines launched service between Miami and Toronto’s international airport. Alaska Airlines, Gol, Volaris and American all started new or added service, as did Level Airlines and Condor Airlines, which launched new service to/from Barcelona, Spain and Condor, respectively.

Kimpton Surfcomber, InterContinental Miami, Ritz-Carlton South Beach, W South Beach and Shelbourne South Beach are among the 16 hotels that recently underwent renovations. Small groups or executive boards on retreat with an interest in nature and/or sustainability will be pleased to know that Flamingo Lodge, inside Everglades National Park, opened last fall with 24 guest rooms, a restaurant and all that the national park offers.

Nearly 50 new restaurants have recently opened or will soon open in the area, including Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen Miami and Piegari Ristorante, the famed Buenos Aires eatery’s first North American edition. Bottom line: It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been to Greater Miami. Every time you return, you’ll have something new to experience. And if you’ve never booked a meeting in Miami — is that possible? — get ready to be wowed!

From amazing venues with remarkable beach or city views to restaurants that will give you a taste of something new, to famous shopping, nature adventures, Miami’s top attractions and diverse neighborhoods, to an eclectic nightlife, beach scene and rich culture, there are many reasons to choose this coastal metropolis for meetings and events.

Christopher Luksic business analyst with Lucknow-Highspire Terminals (LHT), a Harrisburg, PA-based liquid energy terminal and wholesaler, set the organization’s February leadership retreat with 29 participants at Trump International Beach Resort.

“There were two significant reasons for choosing the Miami area,” he says. “First, getting the team outside of the office and into an unfamiliar location has profound effects on inspiring creativity and honest discussions. LHT is a Pennsylvania-based company, so it was also nice to treat the leadership and their spouses to a warm location by the beach so everyone could relax and enjoy the beautiful weather.”

All official events of the two-day conference were held on resort property. They utilized the outdoor lawn for a welcome reception and dinner, conference room space for their meeting, and the lawn once more for their team-building activity.

Luksic says his team reached out to several resorts and hotels in the Miami area. “We found that Trump International Beach Resort’s pricing versus quality for food packages, onsite services and overall appearance of the hotel was a perfect fit for our corporate retreat. The resort’s menu offered luxurious treats like stone crab claws, oysters, steaks and fresh seafood.”

High-quality food was definitely a priority. So, Luksic was intentional with picking the highest-tiered food options for breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day, and ensuring all dietary needs were met.

“One recommended addition to add-on is an omelet bar for breakfast,” he says. “The initial cost may seem high; however, it was a massive hit at our event and really added a personal touch seeing a chef hand-prepare the food.”

Having more food than you anticipate needing put guests at ease and helps alleviate the stress of feeling like you might miss out on the ‘best’ item at the table. The hotel worked very closely with Luksic to ensure the best food selections and his group was absolutely blown away by the assortment of food.

“This event was a leadership retreat, and as such the setup needed to be done in a way in which everyone felt comfortable sharing with ‘radical candor,’” Luksic says. “I would encourage future planners to do what I did and assign seats so that the executive leadership team is peppered throughout the seating areas instead of at a head table so that optimum conversations occur.”

The resort’s staff was topnotch, too, which Luksic notes was of huge importance given that planning the meeting took place in an incredibly short timeframe. “Melissa and Lyzzette were rockstars to work with! I don’t believe we could have pulled off this event in three-and-a-half weeks without their complete understanding of my group’s needs. It was a miracle an event of 19 leaders and 10 spouses could be put together at the speed we were moving.”

From recommending meeting and reception spaces to helping plan the necessary food and beverages, no detail was overlooked, adds Luksic. The staff helped them shorten the check-in process for their attendees by setting up a master account for all the attendees and their rooms, which meant that they didn’t need to provide a credit card at check-in. Luksic says the company directed all attendees to feel free to use all amenities available including dining, spa, gym, water activities, etc. “Spouses who attended were encouraged to schedule spa appointments, and team members were able to do so during a brief period of free time on the last day of the conference as well.”

He believes planners working on corporate events shouldn’t be afraid to push the budget. He says he is grateful to work for an organization where he can go back to leadership after signing the banquet event order and say, “I think we need to add a few more premium items to the bar, and the appetizers should include a higher level of seafood,” and get permission to add on to the existing order.

He knows that that kind of flexibility isn’t possible at every company. The hotel mentioned that they had never had anyone add items to an event; usually it’s the opposite — taking away items to meet a hard budget number. But when it comes to leadership retreats, Luksic says, “the idea is to provide a luxurious experience, to get away from the office and facilitate creative discussions. Your attendees are not going to get that if they feel the company has gone the cheap route, and it will be apparent that you underspent at a facility like Trump International. Everyone on the trip should leave with an amazing memory and a refreshed vision of where the company needs to go next.”

Barb Feds is senior director, operations, strategic meetings, Americas, at American Express Global Business Travel (AMEXGBT). She’s based in Milford, OH. The company’s January Strategic Meetings and Travel for Meetings Q1 leadership meeting was based at Kimpton EPIC Miami with 10 in attendance.

She says the hotel worked perfectly for her attendees, who came from the United States, UK and Australia. “With its vibrant atmosphere, luxurious accommodations and convenient location in downtown Miami, it offers a cosmopolitan experience that appealed to our group. Plus, Miami’s diverse culture, beautiful beaches and exciting restaurant options made it an attractive destination for our travelers from all over the world.”

The hotel easily met the needs of the group’s avid walkers. “Our attendees love to start the day with a brisk walk,” Feds says. “The Kimpton EPIC was the perfect place to walk every morning due to its location overlooking Biscayne Bay and proximity to Miami Riverwalk. We enjoyed breathtaking views of the water as we walked along the scenic pathway, took in the refreshing sea breeze and soaked in the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Miami. We also loved seeing all the pups out in the morning enjoying their walkies! I also loved that the hotel had bicycles available for us to use right at the front door.” Feds’ group had functions at other Miami hotels as well, including an amazing dinner at Toro Toro at InterContinental Miami and a beachside dinner at Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel. Their team also participated in a community/team-building event by preparing a meal at the Lotus House in Miami. The evening promoted social responsibility, which gave them a sense of purpose and fulfillment. They left knowing that they had made a small difference in the lives of others for the evening.

The group enjoyed a relaxation experience at Kimpton EPIC, where yoga instructors provided a 20-minute mini yoga class in their meeting room. “The session enhanced our well-being and focus, which ultimately made for a more productive and positive afternoon,” says Feds.

AMEXGBT has a strong relationship with IHG hotels, which includes the Kimpton brand. “We selected the Kimpton EPIC Miami based on our relationship with IHG Hotels & Resorts. Our account director, Sherise Stanford, worked with us to curate an agenda that worked well for our team.”

Stanford assisted in the room design, catering options and additional services that were tailored to their specific needs of this event, such as ability to stay on property on night one since some had long travel days. They enjoyed a delicious dinner at the hotel’s Area 31 restaurant, which featured outdoor seating and a great selection of seafood options.

Stanford also arranged a team-building event on the last night. “We competed to create the best libations,” Feds says. “The event was managed by the hotel bar staff, and we learned how to make some very tasty drinks!”

According to Feds, the meeting facilities are remarkable. The spaces are not only spacious and well-equipped but also exude a sense of sophistication and modernity. The group was impressed by the state-of-the-art technology and seamless functionality of the meeting rooms, which contributed to the overall success of their meeting.

One aspect that stood out was the culinary experience. The catering team surpassed all expectations with exquisite culinary creations, incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients into every dish. The presentation was impeccable, and the flavors were extraordinary, which impressed and satisfied the attendees.

“What truly sets Kimpton EPIC apart is its exceptional level of service,” says Feds. “From the moment we arrived until the conclusion of our meeting, the staff went above and beyond to ensure that every need was met promptly and courteously. Their genuine hospitality and attention to detail made our experience truly unforgettable.”

On the weekend, Feds took time to enjoy Miami, too.” I indulged in a boat cruise around Biscayne Bay, reveling in breathtaking views and glimpses of the opulent homes along billionaire row. I also checked out the Bayside Market, which has great options for shopping, dining and entertainment.”

To other planners, Feds says, “I wholeheartedly recommend the Kimpton EPIC Hotel to meeting planners seeking a sophisticated and memorable venue for their events. With its stunning facilities, exceptional cuisine, prime location and unparalleled service, Kimpton EPIC exceeded all expectations.”

The elegantly designed Fontainebleau Miami Beach is a cultural landmark not far from the Art Deco District in South Beach, a coastal environment that glitters with trendy nightlife, luxury oceanfront hotels and fine dining. Courtesy Photo

Jennifer Perez, DMCP, of Cooper City, FL, is senior account manager with Cream of the Crop Events & Logistics (COTC). She works with many groups that choose Miami as their meeting destination and says the city has endless options for incentive groups, among others.

“Currently, we’re deeply engaged with an incentive group of about 150, assisting in organizing an upscale yacht lunch and curating an array of activities, from a captivating Little Havana Culinary Tour to an exhilarating Bike Architecture Tour of Miami Beach. We’re crafting unique decor themes for each evening dinner, including the prestigious awards ceremony, and incorporating interactive elements such as branded coconuts and a captivating smokey bourbon cart. And, to kick off the night in unforgettable style, we’re planning an electrifying Hora Loca to set the tone for an evening of celebration and excitement.”

She believes the city is a standout for multiple reasons. With convenient access to major international and private airports, alongside a diverse array of activities spanning land and sea adventures, biking excursions and swamp treks, there’s an experience tailored for every visitor.

“Miami boasts an impressive culinary scene, with over 11 Michelin-starred restaurants, and serves as a vibrant melting pot of culture and cuisine,” says Perez. “Miami presents an abundance of options across diverse neighborhoods. You can explore the flavors of Little Havana on a culinary tour, immerse yourself in the vibrant street art of Wynwood Walls and savor local brews. Dance the night away at Margaritaville or perfect your swing at South Florida’s premier golf course, The Blue Monster.”

And there’s always something new, she says. Miami continually captivates with a flurry of new restaurant openings. Alongside these culinary ventures, new bars, clubs and experiential venues regularly emerge, adding to the city’s dynamic nightlife and entertainment scene. Notable additions include innovative concepts like the recently opened Puttery Miami in Wynwood Walls, offering an exciting fusion of miniature golf and socializing.

Perez has relationships with many of the city’s top hotels. Depending on their needs, she says planners might consider Nobu Eden Roc, the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, The Miami Beach Edition, 1 Hotel South Beach, Ritz-Carlton South Beach, JW Marriott Marquis, Loews Miami Beach and the Diplomat Hotel Beach Resort.

For offsite functions, her favorite top pick right now is Café La Trova. “Here, attendees can savor a refined Cuban-inspired dinner accompanied by elevated cocktails and participate in a cocktail-making demonstration,” Perez notes. “Once the night deepens, they can head over to the ‘80s-themed bar to dance the evening away while savoring a Chancleta cocktail (a popular Cuban cocktail).”

Her advice to planners, if budgets allow, is to partner with local organizations, including the CVB and DMCs, in order to jointly create an experience that truly embodies Miami’s diverse cultures and known, as well as less known, offerings.

Miami is a city lit by sunshine and brilliant colors. Its beaches, clubs, music, culinary diversity and evocative art and multicultural scenes are enough to draw visitors in. But make no mistake; Miami is also a place for serious business. Do the work, then get out and play. Miami offers the best of both worlds. C&IT