The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) won “Best Convention Center (U.S.)” at the 2024 Skift Meetings Awards, recognizing its innovation, sustainability, and exceptional event services.
MIAMI BEACH, FLA. – The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC), has been honored with the title of ‘Best Convention Center (U.S.)’ at the 2024 Skift Meetings Awards, further solidifying its position as a leader in the events industry. This prestigious accolade recognizes the MBCC’s commitment to excellence, innovation, exceptional service and delivering exceptional events in the highly competitive convention center landscape.
The Skift Meetings Awards, now in its second year, celebrates the most respected and innovative suppliers in the business events sector. The MBCC’s win underscores its unique understanding of planner needs, consistent delivery of exceptional customer service, and extraordinary offerings that leave a lasting impression on clients and attendees alike.
“Earning the title of Best Convention Center in the U.S. is a testament to the collective vision and tireless efforts of our MBCC team, the City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and our partners and contractors. This recognition not only celebrates the MBCC’s recent $640M reimagination and expansion, but reinforces Miami Beach’s status as a world-class destination for events,” said Freddie Peterson, General Manager of the Miami Beach Convention Center, managed by Oak View Group. “As we look to the future, this award inspires us to continue innovating and exceeding expectations, ensuring that every event at the MBCC is nothing short of exceptional while delivering memorable experiences for our guests.”
The MBCC’s recent $640 million renovation, completed in 2020, played a crucial role in securing this award. The extensive upgrades included:
- 500,000 square feet of configurable exhibition space
- A new 60,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom
- An expanded 98,495-square-foot Grand Lobby
- Up to 84 breakout rooms
- Four junior ballrooms
- Spacious pre-function areas
- 800 roof deck parking spots
Peterson added, “Our commitment to innovation extends beyond our physical spaces. We’ve launched a dynamic new website that offers virtual exploration of our center, emphasizing our focus on diversity, sustainability, and accessibility. The MBCC’s dedication to sustainability has also been recognized, with the center holding LEED Silver Certification and recently earning the Events Industry Council (EIC) Foundations Certificate for Sustainability and Social Impact. Sustainable practices include an herb & vegetable garden by Sodexo Live! promoting sustainable kitchen practices, food and beverage services made from renewable resources, a comprehensive composting program, and donations to the local community.
“We’re particularly proud of our sustainability initiatives,” Peterson noted. “From our nine acres of open spaces, Pride Park and Collins Canal Park, to our partnership with Sodexo Live! for sustainable food services, we’re committed to providing planners and guests with environmentally responsible events from the back to front of the house.”
Most recently, the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) has been named a Certified Autism CenterTM (CAC), awarded the designation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This comes on the heels of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau achieving its CAC designation in April.
The MBCC has also enhanced its technology offerings, featuring a state-of-the-art WiFi network, over 1,600 miles of fiber optic cabling, 80 digital signage screens, and 10 touchscreen kiosks. Recent safety and security upgrades, including the installation of security bollards at main entrances, further demonstrate the MBCC’s commitment to providing a secure environment for all events. “We are grateful to the City of Miami Beach for their ongoing investment into the MBCC and its Campus,” said Peterson.
Looking ahead, the MBCC is set to further enhance its offerings with a new onsite headquarter hotel, an 800-room Grand Hyatt which is set to open in 2027. “This hotel will feature 52 suites, a restaurant, a resort-style pool deck, and four floors of additional meeting space, further solidifying Miami Beach’s position as a top destination for conventions, trade shows, and events of all kinds,” mentions Peterson.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
