Miami to Move Forward with Convention Center Headquarter Hotel Project
November 19, 2018
Last week, an overwhelming majority of voters from the City of Miami Beach approved the lease of public land for a privately-funded convention headquarter hotel that will be connected to the newly renovated and reimagined $620 million Miami Beach Convention Center.
The yes vote on ballot item No. 388 sets the completion of Greater Miami’s convention center district in motion, according to City officials.
“The City of Miami Beach residents have spoken loud and clear,” said City of Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “A super majority of nearly 64 percent is no easy feat and this is a huge victory for the City and for the community.”
He added, “The new privately-funded headquarter hotel will generate funding for educational programs, traffic reduction measures and environmental resiliency projects.”
Considered the missing ingredient in the destination’s meetings and convention package, the privately-funded, 800-room convention headquarter hotel will be an integral part of the convention district that will make Greater Miami more competitive in securing meetings business, thereby fueling more travel and tourism jobs and increasing economic impact to the community, according to William Talbert III, CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB).
“The headquarter hotel connected to the re-imagined Miami Beach Convention Center has been the missing piece in our destination’s world-class meetings and conventions offerings (and) now, the approved HQ hotel will bring important associations and conventions to Miami and the Beaches that would not have considered us an option before,” Talbert said.
He continued, “Now that the voters have spoken, the private developer will go through the City of Miami Beach’s Design Review Board and permitting process. This decision is a landmark moment for meetings in Miami – and meetings mean business!”
As the anchor to Greater Miami’s meetings and conventions industry, the reimagined and expanded MBCC includes a new 60,000 square foot grand ballroom, 500,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 84 breakout rooms and a six-acre public park capable of serving as incremental event space.
In September, Miami and the Beaches welcomed The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), the first citywide convention to take advantage of the newly transformed MBCC, followed by The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) Congress, held Oct. 31-Nov. 4.
In just two short months, these conventions generated approximately $10 million in economic impact for the local community, according to GMCVB officials.
“We were fortunate to have early adopters like AHIMA who believed in the destination and booked the reimagined MBCC without a headquarter hotel,” said William D. Talbert III, president and CEO of the GMCVB.
He continued, “We knew they and others like them would not book again without a connected convention hotel. We have a world-class destination and now a world-class convention center package to offer meeting planners and clients.”
Don’t miss any event news! Sign up for any (or all) of our e-newsletters HERE & engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn & Instagram!
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