Miami Beach Convention Center Holds First Meeting Since Pandemic
October 28, 2020
On Oct. 21, Miami Beach Convention Center hosted The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau Annual Meeting, the first event to take place at the venue since it reopened in October after closing due to the pandemic in April.
The facility’s 60,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom was well-equipped to accommodate social distancing for 200 in-person guests. MBCC worked with Smart City Networks and Everlast Productions to also create a seamless livestream for an additional 478 virtual participants. All participants attending in-person were subject to a temperature screening, and facial coverings were required throughout the entire event.
“In hand with our GMCVB partners, the event was a great opportunity to successfully demonstrate proof of concept for hybrid events and venue safety measures,” said Freddie Peterson, general manager of MBCC.
At the event, the GMCVB announced two noteworthy events scheduled to take place in Miami-Dade County: the Latin Grammy Award Show (virtual, but filming in Miami at AmericanAirlines Arena) in November, and the Aesthetic Society convention in April 2021. Attendees also learned more about the status of Miami’s tourism industry and initiatives such as Miami Arts, Culture and Heritage Months, a collection of new virtual and in-person experiences launching in response to Art Basel’s cancellation this year.
For those attending in person, MBCC offered post-meeting tours of the expanded venue, which completed a $620 million renovation in fall 2018. Tours included its recently unveiled recording and livestream suite, Art Deco Studio; artwork from the City of Miami Beach’s Art in Public Places program; and the surrounding green spaces of Collins Canal Park, Pride Park and the Carl Fisher Clubhouse.
MBCC was awarded GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation this fall, providing comprehensive cleaning and disinfection protocols with third-party validation, and participates in the City of Miami Beach’s MB Standard program as well as following all CDC health and safety guidelines.
While November and December events previously scheduled at MBCC— such as America’s Food & Beverage Show, Emerge Americas and Cruiseworld — have been canceled or postponed, the convention center is scheduled to host multiple large events in early 2021. This includes the Natural Disaster Expo and Miami International Auto Show in February, and World of Travel Trade & Taste in March.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
Add new comment