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GMCVB
 
 
 
Monday 26 JULY 2021
Today: 77° F/25° C Surf: 75° F/23.9° C
 
 
 
WHAT'S HAPPENING
 
 
Tourism Industry Research
GMCVB Racial Injustice Statement
WHAT'S HAPPENING
 
 
GMCVB executive update
 
 
Tourism industry veteran David Whitaker has been named President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). The appointment is a homecoming for Whitaker, who served as a member of the GMCVB team for 17 years (1990 - 2007), most recently as the organization’s Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer; prior to that, he was with the United Way of Miami-Dade. Whitaker has served as president and CEO for two of the industry’s premier destination marketing organizations, Choose Chicago, where he spearheaded sales and marketing of McCormick Place, the nation’s largest convention center, and Tourism Toronto, consistently named by meeting planners among North America’s leading CVBs. Whitaker will formally assume the role August 16, but is expected to be introduced to the community at large at the GMCVB’s annual meeting October 2021. The GMCVB’s Bill Talbert will remain as a Special Advisor through October 2022, working with Whitaker and the GMCVB executive team through the transition. 
 
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GMCVB Stands in Support of our Miami Cuban Family & Friends
 

Miami-Dade is a mosaic of cultures and one of the most diverse destinations in our country.  So many have immigrated from the Caribbean and Latin America to our community, including those from the Cuban diaspora, seeking opportunities and freedoms not granted in in their homeland.  We are witnessing a critical time in history where those oppressed in Cuba are ready and willing to stand up for basic human rights that should be universal for us all.  While our focus at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is the marketing and promotion of Greater Miami & Miami Beach, we are also aware and appreciate the importance of our local residents and heritage communities such as Little Havana, that are a core part of our overall destination’s attraction. We stand in support of our Miami Cuban friends and family and the quest for freedom of homeland and life. Patria y Vida. 

 
 
 
 
INDUSTRY NEWS
 
 
INDUSTRY NEWS
 
 
Celebrate Miami 125
 
Join the City of Miami for its 125th Anniversary celebration, Miami 125. The weeklong festival of food, fun, culture and innovation commemorates the Magic City’s founding on July 28, 1896. The celebration runs July 26 - 31 and features free and ticketed events offering a glimpse of Miami’s storied history and the residents who have had a significant impact on its progress. Click here for more information.
 
 
 
 
New Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professor at FIU
 
Brian Barker was recently appointed the first endowed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion professor of FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. The new position is part of the school's ongoing commitment to DEI within its curriculum and addressing inequities in the hospitality industry. In his new role, Barker will be focused on development of DEI curriculum, expansion of mentoring programs, and building a multi-institutional alliance. 
 
 
 
 
Last Call Comedy Show
 
Miami's longest-running standup showcase is back, featuring the best established and new comedians from South Florida and beyond. Join YoMiami and host DannyMiami Reyes July 28 at Beat Culture Brewery & Kitchen for a line-up that features local and touring comics, and food and beverage specials.  Click here for more information.
 
 
 
 
Candlelight Vigil held in Little Haiti for slain Haitian President
 
Community members gathered at the Little Haiti Cultural Center for a prayer vigil and memorial for slain Haitian President Jovenel Moïse on July 16th. The Little Haiti Cultural Center’s Sounds of Little Haiti, which typically takes place on the 3rd Friday of the month, was turned into a memorial with Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, City of Miami Commissioner Jeffery Watson and others joined in solidarity with South Florida’s Haitian American community. The GMCVB provided program support and flowers as an expression of sympathy. 
 
 
 
 
Vote Now for the Best in Miami
 
Voting is open for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Rock your vote between now and August 16 to help Miami win in Best Destination Resort, Best Pet-Friendly Hotel, Best Eco-Friendly Hotel, Best Hotel Spa and more. Click here for more information.
 
 
 
 
Miami Dolphins Unveil New Training Complex in Miami Gardens
 
The Miami Dolphins unveiled the team's state-of-the-art Baptist Health Training Complex in front of guests and media on July 20. The best-in-class venue was meticulously planned to create a contemporary, welcoming training environment for coaches, players, and staff. Located in Miami Gardens, the 217,200 square feet complex is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and football systems. Welcome Home!
 
 
 
 
GMCVB UPDATES
 
 
GMCVB UPDATES
 
 
Celebrate Grove Heritage and Bill Talbert Day July 31
 
Miami 125 citywide celebrations culminate with Grove Heritage Day, July 31. The interactive street fair honors Coconut Grove as Miami’s legacy village and residents who have had a significant impact on the city’s progress. Also designated “Bill Talbert Day,” the City will honor Coconut Grove resident and GMCVB President & CEO William D. Talbert, III for stewarding Miami’s meteoric rise as a global brand for more than three decades. Click here for more information.
 
 
 
 
Last Chance to Register! 
 
Register now for the GMCVB Annual Partner Marketing Workshop on July 30. Join us for a fantastic opportunity to share input and ideas as part of our annual planning process. Participate in a morning general session, followed by a variety of breakout sessions and lunch session. Plus enjoy great networking at the Business Expo and more. Click here to RSVP. For event sponsorship and expo table opportunities, click here.
 
 
 
 
Travel Industry Sales Attends N.Y. ASTA
 
The Travel Industry Sales Team attended and co-sponsored the N.Y. American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) annual travel trade event in Scarsdale, N.Y. Attended by ASTA members, as well as travel advisors from throughout Greater New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, the event targets Greater Miami and Miami Beach’s key feeder markets.
 
 
 
 
Convention Sales Welcomes Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
 
The Convention Sales Team, in partnership with the Miami Beach Convention Center, welcomes a preliminary site visit delegation considering Greater Miami and Miami Beach for their 2025 Conclave.  The 2025 summer event expects to draw 2,500 attendees and approximately 5,000 total room nights.
 
 
 
 
GMCVB President & CEO Welcomes Participants to Chamber’s Senior Executive Orientation Class 
 
GMCVB President and CEO William D. Talbert, III, CDME, joins Airport Section Passenger, Trade & Logistics Development Chief Emir Pineda and Port Miami Director of Global Trade & Business Development Eric Olafson on July 31 to welcome participants of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Senior Executive Orientation Class.  The session focuses on helping newly relocated executives gain a deeper understanding of our community by learning about South Florida’s leading economic engines – Tourism and Trade – and market opportunities and challenges.
 
 
 
 
GMCVB Communications Assisting Travel Influencer/Blogger
 
The Communications Team will be working with travel influencer and blogger Colleen Lanin, July 30 – Aug 2, to produce content for her travel social media platforms where she shares family travel tips, destination guides, grown-up getaways and global lifestyle topics (Blog / Website / UVPM: 163.6K, IG: 37.7K, Facebook: 7.1K, Twitter: 25.8K / Combined Followers: 234.2K).
 
 
 
 
Travel Industry Sales to participate in CLIA’s Cruise360 Conference
 
Cruise360, the largest and only official conference of the cruise industry, is scheduled to take place July 29 - August 2 at the Diplomat Beach Resort.  The Travel Industry Sales Team, along with PortMiami and GMCVB partners, will have the opportunity to meet with more than 250 travel advisors expected to attend the multiday conference. In addition, 120 travel advisors are expected to participate in Greater Miami Mini-FAMs August 1 - 2. 
 
 
     
GMCVB DEPARTMENTS
 
 
HEALTH & WELLNESS
 
Visitors and residents can enjoy a relaxing staycation in one of many alluring hotels in the destination. June through September, resorts throughout Greater Miami and the Beaches are featuring special offers on rooms, packages, amenities and inclusions. These appealing offers include discounted stays, resort credits, complimentary meals and more.
 
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Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
 
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The Art of Black Miami Podcast Series with Devora Pérez – grounded in real life, Devora Peréz makes her abstract art accessible to all with poetic statements about the human condition created by everyday materials. Tune into ArtofBlackMiami.com to listen to how she tells how the environments, urban architecture, and the Miami landscape inspire her work.
 
greatermiamicvb
Welcome home! David Whitaker, has been appointed President & CEO of the GMCVB, effective August 16th. Prior to stints as President & CEO for Choose Chicago and Destination Toronto, David served as Executive VP & CMO at the GMCVB and was a part of the organization for 17 years.
BIRTHDAYS
 
BIRTHDAYS
 
The GMCVB wishes a happy birthday to our friends and family...
 
See The Latest Birthdays
 
 
 
 
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William D. Talbert III, CDME
  About the Publisher
 
William D. Talbert III, CDME
President and CEO, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
 
@BillTalbert   @GreaterMiamiCVB
 
 
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
 
 
Greater Miami
Convention &
Visitors Bureau

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