The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) has been recognized among the world’s top venues, winning the 2025 IAVM Venue Excellence Award, the highest honor from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).
The award, presented July 31 during IAVM‘s 100th VenueConnect conference, celebrates exceptional leadership, operational innovation, and community impact in public assembly venue management. MBCC General Manager Freddie Peterson, of Oak View Group, accepted the award on behalf of the team.
These awards represent the highest honors in our industry. Our winners not only lead by example in their venues and communities, they also inspire and shape the future of venue management.
said Trevor Mitchell, IAVM President & CEO.
Peterson called the recognition a reflection of collective effort:
This achievement belongs to every MBCC staff member, the City of Miami Beach, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, and our partners. It reaffirms our commitment to exceptional events, memorable guest experiences, and strong economic and social impact.
A Powerhouse for South Florida’s Economy
Since reopening in 2020 after a $640 million overhaul, MBCC has become a linchpin of Miami’s tourism and business ecosystem. The center now hosts major international events such as Art Basel, Adobe MAX, Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, and World Health Expo. In the first half of FY2025 alone, MBCC staged 52 regional, national, and global events, drawing 344,490 visitors and generating an estimated $25 million in economic impact from Adobe MAX alone. In 2023, Miami-Dade welcomed 27 million visitors and produced $21 billion in tourism revenue.
Modern Infrastructure & Strategic Growth
The MBCC campus spans 1.4 million square feet, featuring a 60,000 square feet Grand Ballroom, four junior ballrooms, nearly 500,000 square feet of exhibit space, 84 breakout rooms, rooftop parking for 800 cars, and two public green parks, Pride Park (5.8 acres) and Collins Canal Park (3 acres). Signature spaces include Venu, an elegant private event venue, and Rum Room, a 1920s-inspired restaurant with local rum offerings and catering by Sodexo Live!.
Investments in Technology & Sustainability
The venue is investing $19 million in FY2025 on cybersecurity, security systems, and operational upgrades. Enhancements include 41 new security cameras and four LED video walls for immersive event branding. MBCC leads in sustainability, earning a 4 Green Keys rating, EIC Silver, and LEED Silver certification, reflecting its commitment to energy efficiency and waste reduction.
Construction is underway on the 800 room Grand Hyatt Miami Beach, a $392 million project slated for late 2027. The 17-story hotel will connect to MBCC via skybridge, boosting capacity for international conventions and anchoring Miami Beach as a walkable convention hub near Lincoln Road, the Bass Museum, and the Fillmore Theater.
Why It Matters
For South Florida’s booming tech and startup scene, MBCC is increasingly the venue of choice. Conferences like iConnections and Adobe MAX underscore its role as a catalyst for business networking and innovation. The IAVM award cements MBCC’s status as not just a venue, but a strategic economic anchor for Miami’s growth.