LTC 184-2018 Miami Beach Convention Center Advisory BoardMIAMIBEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # LETTER TO COMMISSION
184-2018
TO: Mayor Dan Gelber and Members the City Cmission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: April 9, 2018
SUBJECT: Miami Beach Convention Center Advisory Board
The purpose of this Letter to the Commission (LTC) is to inform the Commission of two motions
passed by the Miami Beach Convention Center Advisory Board ("CCAB") during their Tuesday, April
3, 2018 meeting.
Members Present:
Mr. Laurence Herrup, Chairman
Mr. Peter Matos, Vice Chairman
Mr. Michael Goldberg
Mr. Andres Asion
Ms. Elizabeth Resnick
Mr. Lior Leser
Mr. Lee Zimmerman
Member Absent: Mr. Joshua Levy
MOTION #1: A motion to propose the suggested naming of Miami Beach Convention Center
Ballroom be named "Grand Ballroom."
Motion by Elizabeth Resnick
Seconded by Peter Matos
Motion Adopted 7-0 by voice
Absent: Mr. Joshua Levy
On March 21, 2018, the City Commission Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee ("NCAC")
discussed the naming of the new ballroom facilities in the Miami Beach Convention Center. In a
collaborative process, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, JLL and Spectra
suggested names for the five ballrooms. The thinking behind the proposed behind the naming was
to ensure that users had a sense of place when visiting the Miami Beach Convention Center
(MBCC).
The suggested names are: Carl Fisher Grand Ballroom, Collaboration Corner, Ocean Drive Room,
Lincoln Road Room and Sunset Vista Room. The NCAC accepted all suggested names except
"Collaboration Corner,". Requesting that staff present alternate names for this one space at the April
11, 2018 Commission Meeting.
The CCAB motion recommends "Grand Ballroom" instead of "Carl Fisher Ballroom" because the
members strongly feel that "Grand Ballroom" is more appropriate and simple. Likewise, "Grand
Ballroom" will also deter guest and client confusion with the "Carl Fisher Clubhouse."
MOTION #2: A motion to recommend that initial contracts with MBCC vendors, such as the valet
parking contracts, have shorter contract terms, with 30 day out clauses; and that the existing valet
company (1st Class Parking) put together a plan on how they are going to exceed the customer
expectations for every client that comes into the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Motion by Peter Matos to recommend that initial contracts with MBCC vendors, such as the valet
parking contracts, have shorter contract terms, with 30 day out clauses.
Seconded by Michael Goldberg, with the modification that the existing valet company (1st Class
Parking) put together a plan on how they are going to exceed the customer expectations for every
client that comes into the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Motion Adopted 7-0 by voice
Absent: Mr. Joshua Levy
Mr. Goldberg added that the current valet company should bring in a customer service plan, before
the CCAB, for approval.
The CCAB felt that the level of customer service from the valet operator had to be raised, with
scripts, performance plans, uniforms, etc. The Board feels the arrival and departure experience is
essential to the reputation of the Convention Center from opening and want to ensure that all
vendors understand and have the plans and capacity to deliver a world-class experience.
Please contact me should you have any questions.
CC: Kathie G. Brooks, Assistant City Manager
Eva Silverstein, Director, Tourism, Culture and Economic Development
Heather Shaw, Assistant Director, Tourism, Culture and Economic Development