WHAT'S HAPPENING - GMCVB news

NTTW in Miami & Miami Beach

The GMCVB kicked off National Travel & Tourism Week announcing another year of unprecedented growth and positive economic impact to nearly 600 stakeholders gathered for the annual State of the Travel & Tourism Industry event at loanDepot park, then celebrated Florida’s Michelin 2023 honorees, including nearly 30 recommended restaurants in Greater Miami and Miami Beach. Click here to download the 2022 Visitor Industry Overview and State of the Industry presentation.

IPW 2023 showcase

GMCVB tourism sales and communications teams head to U.S. Travel’s IPW May 20-24 in San Antonio. Among the many Greater Miami and Miami Beach offerings showcased, the GMCVB hosts the IPW Media Breakfast with more than 300 press in attendance. IPW 2023 features 1,200+ U.S. supplier destinations representing all regions and segments, 1,300+ international buyers from more than 70 countries and nearly 400 of the world’s leading global press.

Spotlighting food culture & MICHELIN Guide

The communications team hosted content creators specializing in food culture – @succulentbite (1.4M & 897.3K IG & TikTok), @MrEats305 (186K IG) and @thenaughtyfork (1.3M IG) – promoting the destination’s culinary scene and Florida's 2023 MICHELIN Guide, celebrating the best restaurants in Miami, Orlando and Tampa.

Industry works together in Miami and Miami Beach

The GMCVB hosted its annual Hotel Hurricane Preparedness program, helping partners navigate the upcoming season and learn from industry experts – including Miami-Dade and City of Miami Beach Emergency Management specialists and NBC 6 meteorologist Ryan Phillips – on how the industry works together to ensure guests a comfortable and safe visitor experience. Click here for a copy of the presentation.

Art of Black Miami podcast with Carl–Philippe Juste

May’s Art of Black Miami Podcast Series III highlights Haitian-born and Miami-based artist Carl-Philippe Juste. Tune in to hear his experiences and artistic expression influenced by Miami’s cultural landscape. The Art of Black Miami Podcast shares the stories of emerging and experienced artists who make Miami an exciting place to live and visit.

New team member joins us in Chicago

Estefani Aguirre is joining the convention services team as our new director of convention sales based in Chicago, promoting the destination throughout the Midwest. She brings more than 15 years of industry experience and has held leadership roles in important sales organizations such as Hinton + Grusich, American Association of Diabetes Educators, Associated Luxury Hotels International, Smithbucklin and recently at Meeting Professionals International where she held the position of vice president, business development. She is a graduate of University of Illinois at Chicago where she earned a degree in marketing.

The GMCVB’s diverse voices

The GMCVB’s Dan Rios has been named one of South Florida Business Journal’s 2023 Diversity & Inclusion program’s Diverse Voices. The program honors tri-county leaders making a difference in advancing diversity, inclusion and equality in the business world. He’ll be profiled in the publication’s June 16 edition and recognized at a breakfast that day. Last year, the GMCVB’s Connie Kinnard was also honored with this special distinction.

May partnership lunch

Join us for lunch and great networking at our next GMCVB partnership lunch, May 24, at the AC Hotel Miami Dadeland. Check out the area’s newest Marriott plus a special “GMCVB Passport” shopping tour at Dadeland Mall immediately following.

Florida Sports Summit meets

The sports & entertainment team joins the Florida Sports Foundation for their annual summit, May 22-24, in Palm Beach. The GMCVB’s Mat Ratner speaks on a panel highlighting the legacy impact of major events on communities as sports commissions and stakeholders from throughout the state meet to capitalize on Florida’s key role as a world-class sports destination.

Convention sales to IMEX

Convention sales travels to IMEX Frankfurt promoting the destination, May 23-25. IMEX attracts more than 3,000 meeting planners and 2,500-plus suppliers from every corner of the globe. The team will be connecting with existing clients, targeting new business and sharing the many meeting experiences available in Greater Miami and Miami Beach. https://imex-frankfurt.com/

Focus on family travel

The communications team welcomes culinary content creators and influencers @foodbabyny (307.5K - IG) and @mikejchau (114.3K – IG) May 26-30, exploring the destination to create content around family vacations during Memorial Day weekend.