LTC 319-2012 R7N-Convention Center Managementm MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO.
LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Matti H. Bower and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Kathie G. Brooks, Interim City Manager '
DATE: December 11, 2012
SUBJECT: R7N — Convention Center Management and Catering Solicitation
This Letter to the Commission (LTC) is provided in response to a request for additional
information from Commissioner Weithorn regarding item R7N — Convention Center
Management and Catering Solicitation, which will be considered at the December 12,
2012 City Commission meeting.
As stated in the Commission Memorandum, SMG has a ten (10) year management
agreement with Broward County for the Broward County Convention Center. The
current term of the their agreement with Broward County Convention Center expires
December 21, 2019, with an additional 10 year renewal term at Broward County's sole
discretion. The Agreement includes a provision that restricts SMG from submitting a
proposal or entering into a similar management agreement for the operation of a similar
type facility within a one hundred (100) mile radius of Fork Lauderdale unless the
agreement is with Broward County or agreed to by Broward County.
In light of this provision, City staff contacted Nickii Grossman, President of the Greater
Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau and contract administrator for the
Broward County Convention Center Agreement with SMG, to determine if Broward
County will agree to allow SMG to submit a proposal to manage the Miami Beach
Convention Center. Ms. Grossman indicated that they have not been asked by SMG for
permission to bid on the Miami Beach contract and would make a determination if, and
when, SMG formally requests permission from Broward County.
It should also be noted that Broward County did grant SMG permission to bid on the
management of the James L. Knight Center. Ms. Grossman indicated that permission
was granted to SMG because the two (2) facilities do not compete for similar business.
The City of Miami recently awarded a Professional Services Agreement to SMG for the
provision of professional management services for the James L. Knight Center. The
Agreement has an initial period of three (3) years, with an option to renew for three (3)
additional one (1) year periods.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
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