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If you’re searching for the perfect destination to host your company’s next major event – close the google tabs, stop reading the TripAdvisor reviews, and book your flight to Miami.
The point is – while there are many cities in the world that could work for your organization’s next conference, convention, gala or retreat – there are absolutely none that contain the vibrant aesthetic and diverse environment exclusively offered by the city of Miami.
I mean, in what other city can you get a clean ocean, towering city, Caribbean culture, Spanish music, Cuban food, Mexican tequila, Parisian cafés, Italian wine, and Mediterranean architecture – all within the same one-mile radius?
As a midwestern-Kansas girl who grew up on apple pie, cowgirl boots, and country tunes, living in Miami for almost 4 years now has shown me that while this city may be geographically a part of the United States, culturally, it couldn’t be further from American.
Like the rest of the country, Miami was originally home to the Native Americans of the land until it was discovered by the Europeans. The Spanish owned the tropical hotspot until the state of Florida was ceded to the United States in the early 1800s.
Thanks to a wealthy widow and a million dollar man, the vision for the city of wealth and exoticism sprung to life once its official establishment in 1856. Soon after Henry Flagler brought his railroad down to Miami, the millionaire began investing in the city’s infrastructure – building roads and power systems. Practically overnight, Miami became what it was destined to be; a tourist hotspot and luxury vacation getaway.
While the earlier destination goers reached Miami via train, today, most of the city’s visitors come by plane or boat.
Because of the fast-paced lifestyle that Americans love to hate, Miami is undoubtedly the only place where Americans can escape their busy lives without the need for a passport. The city’s insanely large airport contains hundreds of airlines meaning that cross country Americans can travel to and from Miami with a direct flight from any other large metropolis in the U.S.
The travel time might be slightly longer – and the jet lag a bit worse – but Europeans can also find direct flights to Miami. London travellers have the most options, with five airlines offering non-stop flights between the two cities, but Paris, Frankfurt, Warsaw, Lisbon, Moscow, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Stockholm Arlanda, and Zurich also have options available.
While those from Sydney and Singapore can expect the longest travel time – making just one stop along the way – the vacation that awaits is more than worth the trip.
Regardless of where you’re coming from, as with any place, the weather is always something that should be factored in while booking a trip – especially when coming to The Sunshine State. Hurricane season in Miami technically runs from the beginning of June to the end of November, but as someone who lives here, I can tell you that the only time they really hit is between August through about Mid October.
Besides that, the weather here is consistently sunny, hot, and a bit breezy. Personally, I prefer the weather in Miami during the winter months (November through February) the most – with temperatures ranging between about 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
For slightly warmer days, May is a great month to be in Miami, but after that… let’s just say you’ll want to stock up on the deodorant. Alongside heat-stroke inducing temps, the summer months in Miami tend to come with more rain than shine, making outdoor activities sporadic and difficult to plan.
While March in Miami has some great weather as well, I never recommend travelling at this time due to the absurd number of American tourists who choose to make this their spring break destination. Take it from a Miamian who knows that March means hibernation. If you want to avoid bumper-to-bumper traffic, hour-long waits at restaurants and unusually crowded beaches, any other time of year is prime travel time.
Spring, summer, winter, or fall – the overdose of Vitamin D in Miami and the intoxicating energy rolling exuded by the culture will make that jet lag vanish like a shot of tequila on a Friday night.
While those from Sydney and Singapore can expect the longest travel time – making just one stop along the way – the vacation that awaits is more than worth the trip.
Regardless of where you’re coming from, as with any place, the weather is always something that should be factored in while booking a trip – especially when coming to The Sunshine State. Hurricane season in Miami technically runs from the beginning of June to the end of November, but as someone who lives here, I can tell you that the only time they really hit is between August through about Mid October.
Besides that, the weather here is consistently sunny, hot, and a bit breezy. Personally, I prefer the weather in Miami during the winter months (November through February) the most – with temperatures ranging between about 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
For slightly warmer days, May is a great month to be in Miami, but after that… let’s just say you’ll want to stock up on the deodorant. Alongside heat-stroke inducing temps, the summer months in Miami tend to come with more rain than shine, making outdoor activities sporadic and difficult to plan.
While March in Miami has some great weather as well, I never recommend travelling at this time due to the absurd number of American tourists who choose to make this their spring break destination. Take it from a Miamian who knows that March means hibernation. If you want to avoid bumper-to-bumper traffic, hour-long waits at restaurants and unusually crowded beaches, any other time of year is prime travel time.
Spring, summer, winter, or fall – the overdose of Vitamin D in Miami and the intoxicating energy rolling exuded by the culture will make that jet lag vanish like a shot of tequila on a Friday night.
While those from Sydney and Singapore can expect the longest travel time – making just one stop along the way – the vacation that awaits is more than worth the trip.
Regardless of where you’re coming from, as with any place, the weather is always something that should be factored in while booking a trip – especially when coming to The Sunshine State. Hurricane season in Miami technically runs from the beginning of June to the end of November, but as someone who lives here, I can tell you that the only time they really hit is between August through about Mid October.
Besides that, the weather here is consistently sunny, hot, and a bit breezy. Personally, I prefer the weather in Miami during the winter months (November through February) the most – with temperatures ranging between about 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
For slightly warmer days, May is a great month to be in Miami, but after that… let’s just say you’ll want to stock up on the deodorant. Alongside heat-stroke inducing temps, the summer months in Miami tend to come with more rain than shine, making outdoor activities sporadic and difficult to plan.
While March in Miami has some great weather as well, I never recommend travelling at this time due to the absurd number of American tourists who choose to make this their spring break destination. Take it from a Miamian who knows that March means hibernation. If you want to avoid bumper-to-bumper traffic, hour-long waits at restaurants and unusually crowded beaches, any other time of year is prime travel time.
Spring, summer, winter, or fall – the overdose of Vitamin D in Miami and the intoxicating energy rolling exuded by the culture will make that jet lag vanish like a shot of tequila on a Friday night.
While those from Sydney and Singapore can expect the longest travel time – making just one stop along the way – the vacation that awaits is more than worth the trip.
Regardless of where you’re coming from, as with any place, the weather is always something that should be factored in while booking a trip – especially when coming to The Sunshine State. Hurricane season in Miami technically runs from the beginning of June to the end of November, but as someone who lives here, I can tell you that the only time they really hit is between August through about Mid October.
Besides that, the weather here is consistently sunny, hot, and a bit breezy. Personally, I prefer the weather in Miami during the winter months (November through February) the most – with temperatures ranging between about 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
For slightly warmer days, May is a great month to be in Miami, but after that… let’s just say you’ll want to stock up on the deodorant. Alongside heat-stroke inducing temps, the summer months in Miami tend to come with more rain than shine, making outdoor activities sporadic and difficult to plan.
While March in Miami has some great weather as well, I never recommend travelling at this time due to the absurd number of American tourists who choose to make this their spring break destination. Take it from a Miamian who knows that March means hibernation. If you want to avoid bumper-to-bumper traffic, hour-long waits at restaurants and unusually crowded beaches, any other time of year is prime travel time.
Spring, summer, winter, or fall – the overdose of Vitamin D in Miami and the intoxicating energy rolling exuded by the culture will make that jet lag vanish like a shot of tequila on a Friday night.
On your adventure of the island, you’ll find one of the most all-encompassing venues that the city has to offer. Perfect for the company that wants to provide a place to host, sleep, eat and entertain, the Faena Hotel Miami Beach offers a variety of spaces and experiences for hosting up to 1,000 guests.
From private, more intimate celebrations held in the 1920s styled Saxony Bar, to the Faena Forum, which includes a rose marble amphitheatre, 2 exhibition halls, and five meeting rooms – the Faena hotel undoubtedly contains some of the more artistic spaces designed specifically for each unique event.
Those who opt to stay at the resort will find themselves in oceanside suites that boast an intense red theme elegantly mellowed down with turquoise undertones and wood finishes that aid in the brand’s mission to inspire “personal expression and cultural interaction.”
But if red’s not your vibe, don’t worry.
The National Hotel is an oceanfront and adult only (no kids here!) historic resort with 36 cabanas surrounded by palm trees and Miami’s largest infinity pool – which for a city practically branded by infinity pools, is pretty impressive.
This hotel sports a neo-classical yet somehow modern vibe as a part of the Art Deco Historic District, an architectural jaw-dropping aspect of South Beach that is best described as a balance of “historic, retro, and fabulous.” The hotels, shops, and condos that make up the Art Deco district were built between the 1920s and 1940s and are what give Miami its true colour. With radiant yellows and oranges, elegant pinks, soft blues, and modest greens, the terra cotta and concrete buildings take on odd geometric forms that often contain elements of straight lines disrupted by elegantly rounded shapes.
Even better, the sleek golden painted National Hotel is located just across the street from Rosetta Italian Bakery – one of my personal favourite spots for a day of writing emails whilst sipping a foamy cappuccino and enjoying the best Focaccia sandwich the city has to offer.
Regardless of where you stay, after a day spent socializing with clients, those who want the full Miami Experience should venture a few blocks south of Faena to the ever-so iconic ‘South Beach,’ which spans the southernmost 2.5 miles of the island from fifth to 24th street.
Here, is where you can find the high-end clubs that give the city its famous nightlife reputation such as LIV, located in the basement of the hotspot hotel for the rich and famous, the Fountain Bleu; Mynt, a restaurant turned club that has some killer Spanish music; and Story, where you’re sure to see at least one celebrity.
Typical of the Latin spirit that characterizes so much of the city, business and social often reside together, which makes it no surprise that The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) lies in the middle of the party on South Beach.
Located just two blocks north of Lincoln Road Mall, the futuristic event space totals 1.4 million square feet and has both a grand ballroom and a junior ballroom, along with more than 80 breakout rooms for events spanning from 10 to 20,000 people.
Even better, however, is that the convention centre offers ‘meeting services’ which give you the opportunity to meet with their team of “award-winning Convention Sales and Services Specialists” who will help you plan your meeting by finding speakers, booking entertainment, and providing programming.
And for those worried about COVID safety, the MBCC has been awarded the GBAC Star Facility Accreditation, meaning that they have the highest level of practices to prevent, prepare for and actively respond to COVID-19.
In your time spent between the convention centre and the beach, head over to Lincoln Road Mall for some retail therapy paired with a glass of wine as you pull off those sunglasses and engage in the people-watching of your dreams.
The 14 block strip is a combination of local and chain restaurants, designer and boutique stores, and is one of the few places in the city where you can see an equal combination of both tourists and locals.
A couple blocks south, Espanola Way is about a block long and follows a style similar to that of Orlando’s Epcot. In the mood for some chips and Guac? Check out ‘Oh Mexico!’ so see those avocadoes being smashed right in front of you while you share a pitcher of margs with the boss. Or if you want something a bit more intimate, walk down the block to ‘A la Folie’, one of Miami’s most exquisite French restaurants where you can enjoy the escargot or foie gras of your dreams.
Also in this area is 1111 Lincoln Road – a Swiss architectural masterpiece that combines office and retail space. With an indoor-outdoor combination event space, 1111 is home to a variety of events including both fashion and art shows, corporate showcases, weddings and other social events for the planner seeking a futuristic vibe and city views. With an open rooftop structure, the 25,0000 square-foot window-less space provides a covered outlook on top of the city, making for beautiful sightseeing and an unforgettable experience.
Also notable about this visionary cultural space is that it has its own parking built into the structure, which is heaven on earth in this part of town where finding a parking spot is worse than searching for a needle in a haystack.
Closer to the ground and offering a bit more versatility in terms of style is The Bass event space. Located practically on the beach and just off Collins Avenue, the former library is now known for its contemporary twist on a historical landmark.
The Bass is accessible to both individuals and corporations for dinner parties, wedding receptions and conferences for anywhere from 10 to upwards of 600 guests who are seeking a spot that combines modern design with vintage touches, and is malleable to fit any desired aesthetic the client desires.
Although it’s a little touristy, walking on the cobblestone street under the golden string lights that run between the rustic Spanish styled buildings is what made me fall in love with the city that so easily felt like home.
But as someone who needs both fresh air and a social night out, Miami is the perfect mixture of nature and city. Look one way and you can see all the aquas of the Atlantic with the taste of salt right on your lips, the silent sound of waves crashing on the shore, and the distant thudding of spring-breakers still partying from the night before.
Looking towards the ocean, your eyes might even cross over the seven houses that account for the Stiltsville Trust. These astonishing shack-like structures sit a mile off the coast in the shallow seagrass waters of Biscayne Bay National Park.
One of Miami’s hidden gems, these houses can be rented for small conferences and for small group stays lasting up to a week upon request – although you will need to rent a boat for transportation.
But honestly, Stiltsville is undoubtedly one of the more secluded Miami venues that could stage a more intimate event, providing a prime opportunity for any clients looking to boost their Instagram feed.
Venture back to the mainland and take a look to the west and you’ll find yourself gaping at the skyscraping buildings touting a distinctly modernist style that combines to create an intense city skyline overlooking a bay filled with yachts of millionaires and celebrities from all over the world.
Here on the mainland, Brickell, Downtown, Wynwood, Midtown and the Design District make up what could best be described as the actual ‘city’ part of Miami. These neighbourhoods each have their own cultural history and provide for a much different vibe than the Hollywood-renowned South Beach experience.
At the south end of the city is Brickell. Described most Interestingly by my German-turned-Miamian roommate, Brickell is where you see “skinny influencers shopping with their sugar daddies and walking their dogs on a $2,000 Prada leash.” Now while this obviously isn’t true of everyone you’ll find in Brickell, the bougee vibe that inhabits those in this district is undoubtedly sure to turn your head more than a few times.
Equitable to the New York’s FiDi district, Brickell is where financial towers occupied by bankers and financial gurus gracefully clash with Miami’s Latin spice to create a tropical city paradise.
When it’s a rainy day in Miami, I like to take my out-of-town visitors to Brickell City Centre for a day of high-end shopping and top-notch Italian food. Whether you decide to start with a brunch at Ch’I (Chinese and Latin food combined) or an early dinner at Luna Park, you can walk around this mall for hours draining your wallet at designer boutiques or people-watching in the open structured environment.
Head slightly north across the river and you’ll find yourself at the FTX Arena right next to the carousel at Bayside Market Place.
Home of the Miami Heat, the FTX Arena is also a grand event space that hosts more than 80 other world-class and sophisticated events every year.
With a commitment to sustainability, the FTX Arena is one of two arenas in the U.S. that has been awarded the LEED Green Building Certification, meaning that this large event space that overlooks the bay on one side and shadows the city on another has an environmentally friendly structure and highly efficient energy system.
Also, the earthy epicentre’s location at the centre of Downtown means that event attendees can choose between a tour of the modern City Centre or the more edgy Wynwood Arts District after their time at the Arena.
Considered “Miami’s Art and soul” the neighbourhood of Wynwood – characterized by its concrete buildings covered in some of the most interesting street art I’ve personally ever seen is now Miami’s most Instagrammable spot. Walking through Wynwood could best be described as walking through an art gallery that has taken the form of local eclectic shops, vegan cafés, hip restaurants, and exotic bars.
Not only have all the buildings themselves in Wynwood been painted by artists from all over the world, but the district also contains more than 70 galleries for art seekers of all ages and nationalities.
For those event planners seeking to please a younger crowd, hosting an event at the five-acre multi-venue Mana Wynwood Convention Center might be your go-to move.
Offering a 100,000 square foot event hall, and a 40,000 square-foot Sound Stadium Hall along with seven other niche venues, the Convention Center is a prime spot for festivals, art galleries, live performances, fashion shows, formal galas, trade fairs, photoshoots, tech exhibitions and any art-based events you’re looking to throw. Home to iconic events such as Miami Music Week and the Tuner Evolution Car Show, Mana’s 24-hour on-site security combined with aesthetically transformative indoor spaces and professionally graffitied outdoor areas make it a great place for those aiming to host an event that will enhance creativity and ignite passion.
A short Uber ride from Wynwood is the spot for a different type of artform – The Adriene Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.
As someone who grew up surrounded by loud, obnoxious, eccentric, dramatic theatre kids who were always singing show tunes and throwing together improv shows on Friday nights, entering the Adrienne Arsht Center (AAC) transports me back to those days by drowning me in all the magical feelings of passion and enthrallment that come from complete being completely immersed into an exceptionally executed performance.
But I’m not the only one who gets tingles walking into this Argentinian architected heaven. Since its rebranding in 2010, the AAC has become home to the Florida Grand Opera, Miami City Ballet, and New World Symphony, as well as a hotspot for music education.
Located just blocks away from my own place in Edgewater, the Adrian Arsht Center sits in the heart of Downtown and stands out with its elegantly distinct architectural design. The 12 venue options – including club rooms, conference lobbies and performance rooms – encompass two separate buildings.
Connected by an indoor pathway that runs across the street, the Knight Concert Hall which lies in the West building features state of the art acoustics with a main stage, festival floor, box office services and green room facilities. While the Hall is built for performances and concerts, it also hosts exhibitions, product launches, dinner shows, press conferences, film screenings and awards ceremonies for up to 2,200 people.
The East Building of the AAC holds the Ziff Ballet Opera House. With multiple stages able to be utilized as a singular unit or broken up into smaller sections for multiple events held simultaneously, the Opera house can stage up to 2,400 guests.
Just across the interstate from the AAC is the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.
Now, I won’t lie. I’ve never been a super sciency kind-of gal (let’s just say I passed biology with a D in high school and then almost burned down the entire chemistry classroom). But I will be the first to say that this museum is actually pretty cool.
With a whole planetarium, aquarium, and interactive health exhibit, this is the ideal spot for guests travelling with families to take the kids on a rainy afternoon.
Not to mention, the Hilton Downtown and The Gabriel Miami are great places to stay for those wanting to explore these Downtown events and activities. In fact, my apartment lies directly across from the Hilton, so I can truthfully tell you that the views of the city and Bay area are nothing less than astonishing.
On your adventure of the island, you’ll find one of the most all-encompassing venues that the city has to offer. Perfect for the company that wants to provide a place to host, sleep, eat and entertain, the Faena Hotel Miami Beach offers a variety of spaces and experiences for hosting up to 1,000 guests.
From private, more intimate celebrations held in the 1920s styled Saxony Bar, to the Faena Forum, which includes a rose marble amphitheatre, 2 exhibition halls, and five meeting rooms – the Faena hotel undoubtedly contains some of the more artistic spaces designed specifically for each unique event.
Those who opt to stay at the resort will find themselves in oceanside suites that boast an intense red theme elegantly mellowed down with turquoise undertones and wood finishes that aid in the brand’s mission to inspire “personal expression and cultural interaction.”
But if red’s not your vibe, don’t worry.
The National Hotel is an oceanfront and adult only (no kids here!) historic resort with 36 cabanas surrounded by palm trees and Miami’s largest infinity pool – which for a city practically branded by infinity pools, is pretty impressive.
This hotel sports a neo-classical yet somehow modern vibe as a part of the Art Deco Historic District, an architectural jaw-dropping aspect of South Beach that is best described as a balance of “historic, retro, and fabulous.” The hotels, shops, and condos that make up the Art Deco district were built between the 1920s and 1940s and are what give Miami its true colour. With radiant yellows and oranges, elegant pinks, soft blues, and modest greens, the terra cotta and concrete buildings take on odd geometric forms that often contain elements of straight lines disrupted by elegantly rounded shapes.
Even better, the sleek golden painted National Hotel is located just across the street from Rosetta Italian Bakery – one of my personal favourite spots for a day of writing emails whilst sipping a foamy cappuccino and enjoying the best Focaccia sandwich the city has to offer.
Regardless of where you stay, after a day spent socializing with clients, those who want the full Miami Experience should venture a few blocks south of Faena to the ever-so iconic ‘South Beach,’ which spans the southernmost 2.5 miles of the island from fifth to 24th street.
Here, is where you can find the high-end clubs that give the city its famous nightlife reputation such as LIV, located in the basement of the hotspot hotel for the rich and famous, the Fountain Bleu; Mynt, a restaurant turned club that has some killer Spanish music; and Story, where you’re sure to see at least one celebrity.
Typical of the Latin spirit that characterizes so much of the city, business and social often reside together, which makes it no surprise that The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) lies in the middle of the party on South Beach.
Located just two blocks north of Lincoln Road Mall, the futuristic event space totals 1.4 million square feet and has both a grand ballroom and a junior ballroom, along with more than 80 breakout rooms for events spanning from 10 to 20,000 people.
Even better, however, is that the convention centre offers ‘meeting services’ which give you the opportunity to meet with their team of “award-winning Convention Sales and Services Specialists” who will help you plan your meeting by finding speakers, booking entertainment, and providing programming.
And for those worried about COVID safety, the MBCC has been awarded the GBAC Star Facility Accreditation, meaning that they have the highest level of practices to prevent, prepare for and actively respond to COVID-19.
In your time spent between the convention centre and the beach, head over to Lincoln Road Mall for some retail therapy paired with a glass of wine as you pull off those sunglasses and engage in the people-watching of your dreams.
The 14 block strip is a combination of local and chain restaurants, designer and boutique stores, and is one of the few places in the city where you can see an equal combination of both tourists and locals.
A couple blocks south, Espanola Way is about a block long and follows a style similar to that of Orlando’s Epcot. In the mood for some chips and Guac? Check out ‘Oh Mexico!’ so see those avocadoes being smashed right in front of you while you share a pitcher of margs with the boss. Or if you want something a bit more intimate, walk down the block to ‘A la Folie’, one of Miami’s most exquisite French restaurants where you can enjoy the escargot or foie gras of your dreams.
Also in this area is 1111 Lincoln Road – a Swiss architectural masterpiece that combines office and retail space. With an indoor-outdoor combination event space, 1111 is home to a variety of events including both fashion and art shows, corporate showcases, weddings and other social events for the planner seeking a futuristic vibe and city views. With an open rooftop structure, the 25,0000 square-foot window-less space provides a covered outlook on top of the city, making for beautiful sightseeing and an unforgettable experience.
Also notable about this visionary cultural space is that it has its own parking built into the structure, which is heaven on earth in this part of town where finding a parking spot is worse than searching for a needle in a haystack.
Closer to the ground and offering a bit more versatility in terms of style is The Bass event space. Located practically on the beach and just off Collins Avenue, the former library is now known for its contemporary twist on a historical landmark.
The Bass is accessible to both individuals and corporations for dinner parties, wedding receptions and conferences for anywhere from 10 to upwards of 600 guests who are seeking a spot that combines modern design with vintage touches, and is malleable to fit any desired aesthetic the client desires.
Although it’s a little touristy, walking on the cobblestone street under the golden string lights that run between the rustic Spanish styled buildings is what made me fall in love with the city that so easily felt like home.
But as someone who needs both fresh air and a social night out, Miami is the perfect mixture of nature and city. Look one way and you can see all the aquas of the Atlantic with the taste of salt right on your lips, the silent sound of waves crashing on the shore, and the distant thudding of spring-breakers still partying from the night before.
Looking towards the ocean, your eyes might even cross over the seven houses that account for the Stiltsville Trust. These astonishing shack-like structures sit a mile off the coast in the shallow seagrass waters of Biscayne Bay National Park.
One of Miami’s hidden gems, these houses can be rented for small conferences and for small group stays lasting up to a week upon request – although you will need to rent a boat for transportation.
But honestly, Stiltsville is undoubtedly one of the more secluded Miami venues that could stage a more intimate event, providing a prime opportunity for any clients looking to boost their Instagram feed.
Venture back to the mainland and take a look to the west and you’ll find yourself gaping at the skyscraping buildings touting a distinctly modernist style that combines to create an intense city skyline overlooking a bay filled with yachts of millionaires and celebrities from all over the world.
Here on the mainland, Brickell, Downtown, Wynwood, Midtown and the Design District make up what could best be described as the actual ‘city’ part of Miami. These neighbourhoods each have their own cultural history and provide for a much different vibe than the Hollywood-renowned South Beach experience.
At the south end of the city is Brickell. Described most Interestingly by my German-turned-Miamian roommate, Brickell is where you see “skinny influencers shopping with their sugar daddies and walking their dogs on a $2,000 Prada leash.” Now while this obviously isn’t true of everyone you’ll find in Brickell, the bougee vibe that inhabits those in this district is undoubtedly sure to turn your head more than a few times.
Equitable to the New York’s FiDi district, Brickell is where financial towers occupied by bankers and financial gurus gracefully clash with Miami’s Latin spice to create a tropical city paradise.
When it’s a rainy day in Miami, I like to take my out-of-town visitors to Brickell City Centre for a day of high-end shopping and top-notch Italian food. Whether you decide to start with a brunch at Ch’I (Chinese and Latin food combined) or an early dinner at Luna Park, you can walk around this mall for hours draining your wallet at designer boutiques or people-watching in the open structured environment.
Head slightly north across the river and you’ll find yourself at the FTX Arena right next to the carousel at Bayside Market Place.
Home of the Miami Heat, the FTX Arena is also a grand event space that hosts more than 80 other world-class and sophisticated events every year.
With a commitment to sustainability, the FTX Arena is one of two arenas in the U.S. that has been awarded the LEED Green Building Certification, meaning that this large event space that overlooks the bay on one side and shadows the city on another has an environmentally friendly structure and highly efficient energy system.
Also, the earthy epicentre’s location at the centre of Downtown means that event attendees can choose between a tour of the modern City Centre or the more edgy Wynwood Arts District after their time at the Arena.
Considered “Miami’s Art and soul” the neighbourhood of Wynwood – characterized by its concrete buildings covered in some of the most interesting street art I’ve personally ever seen is now Miami’s most Instagrammable spot. Walking through Wynwood could best be described as walking through an art gallery that has taken the form of local eclectic shops, vegan cafés, hip restaurants, and exotic bars.
Not only have all the buildings themselves in Wynwood been painted by artists from all over the world, but the district also contains more than 70 galleries for art seekers of all ages and nationalities.
For those event planners seeking to please a younger crowd, hosting an event at the five-acre multi-venue Mana Wynwood Convention Center might be your go-to move.
Offering a 100,000 square foot event hall, and a 40,000 square-foot Sound Stadium Hall along with seven other niche venues, the Convention Center is a prime spot for festivals, art galleries, live performances, fashion shows, formal galas, trade fairs, photoshoots, tech exhibitions and any art-based events you’re looking to throw. Home to iconic events such as Miami Music Week and the Tuner Evolution Car Show, Mana’s 24-hour on-site security combined with aesthetically transformative indoor spaces and professionally graffitied outdoor areas make it a great place for those aiming to host an event that will enhance creativity and ignite passion.
A short Uber ride from Wynwood is the spot for a different type of artform – The Adriene Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.
As someone who grew up surrounded by loud, obnoxious, eccentric, dramatic theatre kids who were always singing show tunes and throwing together improv shows on Friday nights, entering the Adrienne Arsht Center (AAC) transports me back to those days by drowning me in all the magical feelings of passion and enthrallment that come from complete being completely immersed into an exceptionally executed performance.
But I’m not the only one who gets tingles walking into this Argentinian architected heaven. Since its rebranding in 2010, the AAC has become home to the Florida Grand Opera, Miami City Ballet, and New World Symphony, as well as a hotspot for music education.
Located just blocks away from my own place in Edgewater, the Adrian Arsht Center sits in the heart of Downtown and stands out with its elegantly distinct architectural design. The 12 venue options – including club rooms, conference lobbies and performance rooms – encompass two separate buildings.
Connected by an indoor pathway that runs across the street, the Knight Concert Hall which lies in the West building features state of the art acoustics with a main stage, festival floor, box office services and green room facilities. While the Hall is built for performances and concerts, it also hosts exhibitions, product launches, dinner shows, press conferences, film screenings and awards ceremonies for up to 2,200 people.
The East Building of the AAC holds the Ziff Ballet Opera House. With multiple stages able to be utilized as a singular unit or broken up into smaller sections for multiple events held simultaneously, the Opera house can stage up to 2,400 guests.
Just across the interstate from the AAC is the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.
Now, I won’t lie. I’ve never been a super sciency kind-of gal (let’s just say I passed biology with a D in high school and then almost burned down the entire chemistry classroom). But I will be the first to say that this museum is actually pretty cool.
With a whole planetarium, aquarium, and interactive health exhibit, this is the ideal spot for guests travelling with families to take the kids on a rainy afternoon.
Not to mention, the Hilton Downtown and The Gabriel Miami are great places to stay for those wanting to explore these Downtown events and activities. In fact, my apartment lies directly across from the Hilton, so I can truthfully tell you that the views of the city and Bay area are nothing less than astonishing.
Still. I think that one of the best parts of Miami and something that makes it so unique is that once you’re in one area, you can pretty much walk to wherever you need to go. I mean, take notes from the locals who use the sunny sky and humid air to naturally construct their bodies into walking pieces of art.
This brings me to another inexplicable yet strangely exhilarating aspect of Miami – the diversity of the people. From the young to the old, the rich to the poor, no matter where you go in Miami, you’re sure to be surrounded by at least a dozen different countries, a quadruple of languages, and a myriad of attractive people.
While you’re sure to meet at least one born-and-raised Miamian in your journey around the Magic City, you’re just as likely (if not more) to encounter a drop-dead-gorgeous Latina or Hercules’s dopple-ganger while sipping a chilly strawberry daiquiri during happy hour at Jaguar Son or ice-cold beer at Lost Boy.
These happy, sun-kissed Miamians are everywhere, and you can even join some of them in your tour of the city in Edgewater, where locals walk their dogs in strollers around Margaret Pace Park or ride Olympic-grade bikes across the Venetian Causeway.
Still. I think that one of the best parts of Miami and something that makes it so unique is that once you’re in one area, you can pretty much walk to wherever you need to go. I mean, take notes from the locals who use the sunny sky and humid air to naturally construct their bodies into walking pieces of art.
This brings me to another inexplicable yet strangely exhilarating aspect of Miami – the diversity of the people. From the young to the old, the rich to the poor, no matter where you go in Miami, you’re sure to be surrounded by at least a dozen different countries, a quadruple of languages, and a myriad of attractive people.
While you’re sure to meet at least one born-and-raised Miamian in your journey around the Magic City, you’re just as likely (if not more) to encounter a drop-dead-gorgeous Latina or Hercules’s dopple-ganger while sipping a chilly strawberry daiquiri during happy hour at Jaguar Son or ice-cold beer at Lost Boy.
These happy, sun-kissed Miamians are everywhere, and you can even join some of them in your tour of the city in Edgewater, where locals walk their dogs in strollers around Margaret Pace Park or ride Olympic-grade bikes across the Venetian Causeway.
If you want to pick up some funky modern designer furniture with a South American flair for the office or your new vacation home, then definitely check out the Design District, which is the furthest north you’ll need to venture on the mainland before you leave the city.
Self-proclaimed as Miami’s “creative neighbourhood,” this shopping district is committed to its quirky exhibition of fashion, architecture, design and art.
Due to the unpredictability of the weather, like all other event spaces in the city, the Design District’s seven venues are constructed to satisfy both indoor and outdoor needs. My personal favourite is the District’s Jungle Plaza, a spot frequented alongside my friends for zen-sational yoga classes offered by the city’s top yogis.
Even better is that this 20,000 square-foot open concrete space named for its enormous ‘Jungle’ mural that portrays luscious tropical greens alongside exotic bird-life, has the option to be covered by an air-conditioned tent with vinyl/glass walls for those hosting events in the rainy season.
But when I’m not feeling particularly flexible or, on the occasion that I begin to miss the more lowkey-traditional- an atmosphere of my Midwest upbringing, I opt for the most stereotypical-materialistic-American place I can think of; the outlet mall.
Now, Midtown Miami is only partially an outlet mall. In my opinion, it’s more like a cute hangout spot with a bunch of fancy little restaurants for millennial influencers to snap a few pics of the new purse they just got from Guess, whilst sipping a soy latte at the Starbucks located across from the central lawn where dog walkers unleash their beasts and families share Saturday picnics.
But who am I kidding – I love this place. It’s the perfect mixture of American retail (Bath and Body Works, Home Goods, Dick’s) and international cuisine (I highly recommend the vegetable samosas from Ayesha).
Oh – and, Midtown has a Target. Enough. Said.
Down the street between midtown and Wynwood is home to Lagniappe House. This canopied rustic wine garden that offers live music every night is the perfect place to go for a romantic date with your S/O or for a tipsy wine Wednesday with your colleagues.
Regardless of where you come from or how you end up here, there’s no doubting that your time in Miami will be well spent, your brain never bored, and your experiences unforgettable.
If you choose to host your event in any other city and that’s all you’ll get – that one city. But bring your company’s excursion to Miami, and you can have the whole world.
So rest up, travel safe, and I’ll see you soon… (Oh, and don’t forget to pack the sunscreen 😉
If you want to pick up some funky modern designer furniture with a South American flair for the office or your new vacation home, then definitely check out the Design District, which is the furthest north you’ll need to venture on the mainland before you leave the city.
Self-proclaimed as Miami’s “creative neighbourhood,” this shopping district is committed to its quirky exhibition of fashion, architecture, design and art.
Due to the unpredictability of the weather, like all other event spaces in the city, the Design District’s seven venues are constructed to satisfy both indoor and outdoor needs. My personal favourite is the District’s Jungle Plaza, a spot frequented alongside my friends for zen-sational yoga classes offered by the city’s top yogis.
Even better is that this 20,000 square-foot open concrete space named for its enormous ‘Jungle’ mural that portrays luscious tropical greens alongside exotic bird-life, has the option to be covered by an air-conditioned tent with vinyl/glass walls for those hosting events in the rainy season.
But when I’m not feeling particularly flexible or, on the occasion that I begin to miss the more lowkey-traditional- an atmosphere of my Midwest upbringing, I opt for the most stereotypical-materialistic-American place I can think of; the outlet mall.
Now, Midtown Miami is only partially an outlet mall. In my opinion, it’s more like a cute hangout spot with a bunch of fancy little restaurants for millennial influencers to snap a few pics of the new purse they just got from Guess, whilst sipping a soy latte at the Starbucks located across from the central lawn where dog walkers unleash their beasts and families share Saturday picnics.
But who am I kidding – I love this place. It’s the perfect mixture of American retail (Bath and Body Works, Home Goods, Dick’s) and international cuisine (I highly recommend the vegetable samosas from Ayesha).
Oh – and, Midtown has a Target. Enough. Said.
Down the street between midtown and Wynwood is home to Lagniappe House. This canopied rustic wine garden that offers live music every night is the perfect place to go for a romantic date with your S/O or for a tipsy wine Wednesday with your colleagues.
Regardless of where you come from or how you end up here, there’s no doubting that your time in Miami will be well spent, your brain never bored, and your experiences unforgettable.
If you choose to host your event in any other city and that’s all you’ll get – that one city. But bring your company’s excursion to Miami, and you can have the whole world.
So rest up, travel safe, and I’ll see you soon… (Oh, and don’t forget to pack the sunscreen 😉
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