About Miami
Located at the southeastern tip of the Florida where the Miami River flows into the Bay of Biscayne, Miami is the busiest cruise port in the world and is also a major player in the national and international business communities. The city is home to the country’s largest and most well-preserved Art Deco District, with more than 800 structures how dwarfed by more than 300 skyscrapers and high rises.
Because of its tropical climate, the city is a prime tourist destination all year long, with nearly endless outdoor activities, professional sports, concerts and cultural attractions. As one of the most diverse cities in the country – about 70 percent of residents identify as Hispanic – the city enjoys a distinctive Latin feel easily experienced in the eclectic and elevated food scene.
Because of its strong ties to the international business community, its location and proximity of a major airport hub, finding a Miami trade show venue suitable for your organization can be as easy as choosing a date – well in advance, since the city is such a popular destination. There are hundreds of local businesses available to support your event and help make it a success.
Trade Show Venue Options in Miami
Whether you’re hosting a small event for a niche market or welcoming hundreds of vendors and organizations, you’ll likely want to take advantage of the services offered by a few local businesses to support the event, vendors and guests at your Miami trade show venue before, during and after the event.
- Catering
Trade shows are often all-day events, with guests perusing vendors in a labyrinthine maze of booths or standing around demonstration kiosks. Sustenance is often required for both participants and the public, and Miami is home to thousands of restaurants, catering companies and food trucks that are available to feed the hungry masses. You’ll find a wide variety of offerings, from fresh seafood to innovative takes on staples such as tacos, sandwiches and more.
- Security
Depending on the type of trade show you’re organizing, vendors and demonstrators may have a lot of expensive technology, equipment or other items at their booths. Security professionals can help your team secure the site, keep track of both guests and personnel going in and out, and put vendors and organizations at ease knowing their valuable equipment is being monitored and protected.
- Printing Services
Along with trade shows and other large educational or sales-oriented events often comes a lot of paperwork. Maps of the facility, informational handouts, raffle tickets, receipts and other printed items may be needed by the thousands, as well as large-format items such as posters, banners and other signage. There are many printing services that can help you manage your printed materials, including graphic design and binding, if necessary.
Event Planning Companies in Miami
Unless you’re planning on hosting just a few vendors for a niche market, organizing a large trade show with potentially hundreds of participants is time-consuming and requires a lot of attention to detail. A professional event planner that specializes in trade shows and industry events can organize and manage the entire show, allowing you to participate stress-free.
- Style Hospitality
Whether it’s a luxury wedding, corporate meeting or industry event, Style Hospitality offers event solutions for gatherings of all types and sizes. The firm can help with venue selection, budgeting, marketing, full-service catering and beverage service, furniture and lighting, décor, professional security services and more. If you need a little help on the day of the event, Style Hospitality also contracts professional event staff to help you keep your trade show running smoothly.
- Solea Events
Founder Nathalie Merle has more than 15 years of experience in the special events industry in South Florida, coupled with a hospitality management degree from Florida International University. The firm offers customized event packages designed for any size of event, and staff can conduct business in English, Spanish and French. Services offered include budgeting, venue selection, logistical support and on-site event management.
- Skyline Trade Show Services
Skyline Exhibit Craft has been a national leader in providing innovative, professional and eye-catching trade show displays for more than 20 years. This business focuses on quality over quantity in both design and construction of a variety of deliverables, including portable displays, modular inline exhibits and custom island exhibits. Skyline also offers exhibit management services to help cut down on day-of-show stress.
Pros and Cons of Trade Show Venues in Miami
Miami is an international hot spot for both business and leisure, making it a great place for a trade show venue with a large audience. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of booking your next trade show venue in Miami.
Advantages
- Miami-Dade International Airport
The Miami-Dade International Airport is a major flight hub for attendees from all over the world.
- Location
Miami is the busiest cruise port in the world and the second-busiest international tourist destination in the country, and this means plenty of people in town may want to visit the trade show.
- Climate
Miami’s tropical climate makes it an inviting destination all year long. Mixing a holiday with a working visit is an option for attendees.
Disadvantages
- Expensive
This city can be pricey but if you work with a budget, it’s entirely manageable. Miami has a high cost of living, meaning you’ll pay more for food, lodging and transportation.
- Tropical storms
Miami is frequently impacted by severe weather. Keep hurricane season in mind and choose a venue not typically in the main path.
- Traffic
Commute times average more than 30 minutes, and even longer at some tourist attractions and cruise docks.
Famous Locations in Miami
- Calle Ocho and Little Havana
Miami is home to the largest Cuban population outside of the country itself, with more than 25 percent of residents with Cuban heritage. This population has given Miami much of its Latin vibe, which is centered in Calle Ocho in Little Havana. Visitors can experience authentic Cuban food, rum bars, cigar shops, art galleries museums and other cultural attractions, and the annual Calle Ocho Music Festival highlighting famous Latin acts.
- Bayfront Park
Originally known as Royal Palm Park, Bayfront Park was Miami’s first public park space as far back as 1896. Once just a stretch of open green space, today Bayfront Park features many installments of public art, a playground, a pavilion, and the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel. Visitors can also visit the outdoor Bayside Marketplace at the far end of the park, with its many shops, restaurants and bars, or take in a concert at the Tina Hills Pavilion or Maurice A. Ferre Park.
- Brickell City Center
Located in the heart of downtown Miami not far from Bayfront Park, Brickell City Center is one of the top places for upscale shopping in Miami. Located close to Bayfront Park, you’ll find Saks Fifth Avenue, Lululemon, Rolex and Coach, along with many other top of the line names. Terrific restaurants and bars can be found here, and the venue includes a luxury movie theater.
