As the largest convention center and economic engine for South Florida, the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) is proud to showcase its history of expansions and renovations. As part of current and future capital investments by the City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County, the MBCC continues to focus on delivering world-class event experiences and robust economic impact to the entire region.

To future-proof the convention center and attract premier national and international events, impressive modernization and innovation projects are continuously planned and implemented, including a connected Grand Hyatt headquarter hotel, improved green spaces and sustainability features, enhanced safety and security programs, upgraded technology and campus infrastructure, and much more.

Reimagination (2015-2020): The largest expansion and renovation project in the history of the MBCC

To maintain its reputation as a world-class convention center, the MBCC underwent a $640 million transformation between 2015 and 2020, introducing beautiful modern architecture, state-of-the-art technology, and sustainability-focused enhancements.

This comprehensive renovation delivered 1.4 million square feet of flexible event space, a new 60,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom (largest grand ballroom in South Florida), upgraded meeting rooms with high-tech AV capabilities, and an eco-conscious design that achieved LEED Silver Certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

Arquitectonica designed the Miami Beach Convention Center’s façade inspired by the ocean waves, using angled aluminum sunshades to reduce thermal load and provide views of the new parks and green spaces as part of the campus development. The interior design reflects nautical elements, with finishes inspired by coral reefs, resulting in the "tropicalization" of the convention center.

Architecture Awards:

• 2023 Winner of Urban Land Institute’s Southeast Florida/Caribbean “Vision Award – Project of the Year”
• The American Architecture Award 2021 for “Miami Beach Convention Center Expansion and Renovation” to Fentress Architects – Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design /The European Centre Architecture And Urban Studies
• 2021 Design Excellence Special Recognition Award "Built" to Fentress Architects – AIA Western Mountain Region
• 2021 Design + Honors Awards "Award of Merit" to Fentress Architects for “Miami Beach Convention Center Renovation and Expansion" – AIA Colorado

Key Features of the Reimagination:

• Increased total venue size from 1.2 million sq. ft. to 1.4 million sq. ft.
• 500,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space across four halls.
• Grand Ballroom (60,000 sq. ft.) – the largest ballroom in South Florida with outdoor terrace
• Sunset Vista Ballroom (20,000 sq. ft.) with skyline views and an outdoor terrace
• Three additional junior ballrooms ranging from 12,000-16,000 sq. ft.
• Up to 84 meeting rooms with flexible configurations
• 10 acres of outdoor space, including Pride Park & Collins Canal Park.
• 800 rooftop parking spaces
• LEED Silver Certification, recognizing MBCC’s sustainability efforts.
• Over $10.2 million investment in public art to date, curated by Miami Beach’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) Program.

New Restaurant and Event Space (2023): Rum Room and Venu

The City of Miami Beach purchased the historic Carl Fisher Clubhouse and Annex in 1983, and approved an over $3.2 million interior and exterior renovation in 2018. The clubhouse reopened in 2023 as Rum Room Miami Beach and its private event space Venu on the campus of the Miami Beach Convention Center. Custom menus include handcrafted rum cocktails, flavorful tapas and family-style plates of whole fish, steak, chicken and specially-created sides. Able to host a flexible indoor-outdoor configuration of up to 200 guests, Venu was designed in the spirit of the 1920s and 1930s, an ode to the days of Al Capone and speakeasies on Miami Beach. Guests enjoy world-class cuisine served in a cozy atmosphere with direct views of Collins Canal.

Ongoing & Upcoming Innovation Projects

Headquarter Hotel (2027): Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Center Hotel

The new, connected 800-room Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Center Hotel, breaks ground in May 2025, and vertical construction begins shortly thereafter. It is slated for opening in late 2027. The new hotel will be connected to the MBCC via a skybridge and it is located at 17th Street and Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach. Nearby attractions include the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, the New World Center, and Fillmore Theater. The hotel will only be a few blocks away from famous Ocean Drive and South Beach, and the popular restaurants and shops of Lincoln Road. More info about the Grand Hyatt.

Digital Technology (2025): New High-Definition LED Video Walls

As part of a $1.5M technology investment by the City of Miami Beach, the MBCC will install four high-definition LED video walls in the West Lobby by summer 2025. The video walls provide enhanced sponsorship and branding opportunities and will be placed in front of Halls A and B, in front of Halls C and D, and along the center wall. The two largest video walls will measure approximately 28 feet wide by 16 feet high.

MBCC’s ongoing/PLANNED improvements:

• Smart technology integration and enhanced connectivity to improve energy efficiency and guest experience
• LED lights installation in the 500,000 sq.ft. exhibit halls
• Roof replacements
• Continued sustainability upgrades, reinforcing MBCC’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

History (1958-2015): Transformation of the Miami Beach Convention Center

• 1958: Completed MB Convention Hall for $ 4 million

• 1974: $ 15.7 million expansion of the Center

• 1988 - 89: $ 54 million expansion of the Center

• 2015: Groundbreaking of the latest MBCC renovation, a $ 640 million investment

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