fy 2014 annual report

The Miami Beach Convention Center dedicates the 2014 Annual Report in

memory of our beloved former General Manager, Bob Balsam.

1

Table of Contents

Introduction

2 Statement of Purpose

3 Message from the Mayor

4 Message from the Contract Administrator

5 Message from the Convention and Visitors Bureau

6 Message from the General Manager

Facility

7 Facility Overview

8 Floor Plans

At the MBCC

9 Our Team

10-11 Year in Photos

12 Partners

13 How You Doin’?

14 Client Surveys

Accomplishments & Events

15 Summary of Accomplishments

16 Signature Events

17 Event Services Highlights

Finance

18 Financial Performance

19–20 Market Segment Summary

21 Total Gross Operating Revenue MBCC

22 Colony Theatre Net Operating Income &

cccExpenses

General Information

23 The Colony Theatre

24 Sales and Marketing

25 The National Marketing Plan

26 MBCC Capital Improvements

27 Colony Theatre Capital Improvements

28 Sustainability

29 Community & Organizational Involvement

30 Client Testimonials

31 Future Outlook

2

Statement of Purpose

Global Spectrum’s mission at the Miami Beach Convention Center and Colony Theatre is to provide

our clients and guests with an experience that exceeds their expectations while generating a signifi-

cant economic impact for the City of Miami Beach and Greater Miami. The Miami Beach Convention

Center team strives to ensure that our venue’s professionalism and personal touch pushes us above

and beyond our competition. We believe this is what makes us South Florida’s premier event venue

and one of the best Convention Centers in the world.

3

Message From the Mayor

4

Message From the Contract Administrator

5

Message From the Convention and Visitors Bureau

6

Message From the General Manager

Max Sklar

Tourism and Cultural Development Director/Contract Administrator

City of Miami Beach

1700 Convention Center Drive

Miami Beach, FL 33139

Dear Max,

On behalf of Global Spectrum and our team at the Miami Beach Convention Center and Colony Theatre, it is our pleasure to present to

you our FY 2014 Annual Report. It was a busy and exciting year for the team in Miami Beach.

Although we were faced with a number of challenges at the beginning of FY 2014, the Sales Department, led by Ileana Garcia, booked 52

new events in the year for the year, bringing in additional revenue of $1,045,177. This new business was a good mix of corporate, con-

sumer, and tradeshows; both domestic and international. The total number of events held at the Miami Beach Convention Center was 173

and the total attendance was 752,832; an increase of 58 events and 31,038 people over FY 2013!

The Operations department, led by Angelo Grande, continued to find ways to strategically reduce expenses and utilize the Step Up Pro-

gram to promote sustainability. This program which includes a single-stream recycling system and continuous training for all employees

creates a healthier community in which to live, work, and play.

While we can attribute much of the success to our long-term staff, there were important additions to and promotions for the staff during

the year:

-Matt Hollander, General Manager

-David Nunes, Director of Finance

-Brooke Millea, Marketing Manager

-Yela Mas-Sanchez, Sales Manager

While FY2014 was generally a positive year, the end of the calendar year brought with it

the very sad news of the passing of Bob Balsam, Global Spectrum’s long time General

Manager in Miami Beach and a highly regarded member of this community. Bob’s con-

tribution to the success of the Miami Beach Convention Center is immeasurable and he is

sorely missed by his friends and colleagues. It is in his proud memory that we dedicate

this annual report.

We now move into FY2015 with the energy and determination needed to manage one of

the best convention centers in the world. We are continuously learning and improving as

a team which can be seen by our 99.44% positive customer surveys. We are proud of

what we have accomplished and are looking forward to the opportunity to continue to

support this wonderfully diverse community with our efforts at the Miami Beach Conven-

tion Center and the Colony Theatre.

Sincerely,

Matt Hollander, General Manager

7

Facility Overview

Proudly managed by Global Spectrum, the Miami Beach

Convention Center is located in the heart of Miami Beach

and boasts over 1,000,000 square feet of flexible space, in-

cluding over 500,000 square feet of exhibit space, over

100,000 square feet of versatile pre-function area space, and

70 meeting rooms comprised of 127,000 square feet.

Amenities at the Miami Beach Convention

Center include a business center, board

room, cyber café, box offices, four concierge

desks, concession stands, numerous show

offices, and a uniquely designed skywalk that

features a center pod with unrestricted views

of all four exhibit halls.

Opened in 1957, the Miami Beach Conven-

tion Center has been the heart of Miami

Beach for over 50 years. It served as the site where Cassius Clay (later known as Muhammad Ali)

defeated Sonny Listen for his first Heavyweight Championship of the world in 1964. In 1968, the Mi-

ami Beach Convention Center hosted the Republican National Convention and more then 20,000

delegates, while in 1972, more than 45,000 delegates visited the facility for both the Republican and

Democratic National Conventions.

The demand for exhibition spaced increased, and in 1989, the facility underwent a $92 million reno-

vation and doubled in size. Beginning in December 2015, the facility will undergo a complete inte-

rior and exterior renovation.

8

Floor Plans

9

Our Team

12

Partners

Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau

The GMCVB is a major partner of the MBCC. Over this year,

we have strengthened our relationship to attain new business

for 2015 and beyond. Standing by their mission to attract,

encourage, and induce all persons and organizations to visit

Greater Miami and its Beaches for conventions, business, and

pleasure, this partnership will continue to play a part in the

success of the facility.

Centerplate

Centerplate is our exclusive in-house caterer at the Miami

Beach Convention Center. Their professional and creative on-

site team ensures our clients’ culinary experience is unsur-

passed. Whether we are hosting a corporate meeting, trade-

show, or social function, Centerplate’s personal touch makes

our event organizer’s dreams become a reality.

Smart City/Priority Networks

Smart City offers the most reliable and secure managed infra-

structure combined with a range of competitive internet, net-

working, and telecommunications products at the Miami

Beach Convention Center. Smart City is also MBCC’s supplier

of Wi-Fi throughout the venue.

13

Global Spectrum wants every visitor’s first impression to be a positive one. The “How You Doin’?”

Customer Service Program employs 10 goals to help maintain a first-rate facility by providing top-

notch customer service to our customers. The “How You Doin’?” program encourages the staff to

go out of there way to ensure every visitor feels at home at the Miami Beach Convention Center and

during their stay in the Greater Miami Area.

Customer First

Use all resources available to serve

internal and external customer

interactions.

Golden Rule

Treat co-workers and customers

with complete respect, fairness,

and courtesy.

Listen

Ask open-ended questions, be

attentive, and clarify understand-

ing to improve accuracy of re-

sponses.

Think “YES”

Consistently demonstrate a can-do

approach in thoughts and actions.

Be Professional

Represent Global Spectrum in an

ethical and positive manor with all

interactions.

Positive Attitude

Solve Problems creatively by

making decisions that positively

impact the entire organization.

24-Hour Rule

Act with an appropriate sense of

urgency when responding to any

an all requests.

Everybody Sells

Suggest and implement new

ways to drive and improve busi-

ness.

Enthusiasm

Work with a passion towards

achieving individual, team, and

organizational growth and suc-

cess and encourage others to do

the same.

Do It Now

Deliver on the things you have

committed to doing and/or are

accountable for producing.

14

Client Surveys

15

Summary of Accomplishments

During the 2014 Fiscal Year, the Miami Beach Convention Center sales staff booked fifty two new

events in the year, for the year, bringing in a revenue of $1,045,177. Five of these fifty two new

events were notable conventions including 4Life International Convention, Team Global Convention,

and 5Linx, and had a combined attendance of over 24,000.

Additional FY14 new business included the following:

America’s Got Talent Casting Call

17th Annual Pediatric Board Review Course

Florida Supercon

Hosting Con

Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Congress

Informex

eMerge

Bitcoin Miami

The Miami Beach Convention Center maintained its highly sought after appeal for international

meetings, conventions, and conferences and secured the Maison Et Objet booking for 2015; a

prestigious French home fashion show making its United States debut at the Miami Beach Conven-

tion Center.

16

Signature Events

-AIDS Walk Miami 2014

-Americas Food & Beverage Show

-Art Basel Miami Beach

-Asia/America Consumer Electronics

-Children’s Holiday Party

-China/India Sourcing

-Cruise Shipping Miami

-FIME International Medical Expo

-Florida Supercon

-Graphics of the Americas

-HD Americas

-Impact Conference at Sustainatopia

-International Congress of Esthetics

-ITEXPO 2014

-Jeweler’s International Showcase

-LE Miami

-MIAGREEN Expo & Conference

-Miami Beach International Fashion Week

-Miami Home Design & Remodeling Show

-Miami International Auto Show

-Monster Energy DUB Show Tour

-NACA Save the Dream Tour

-NAF-AOHT Student/Industry Conference

-Miami Marathon and Half Marathon Total

cHealth & Fitness Expo

-Progressive Insurance – Miami International Boat

cShow

-South Florida Boat Show

-Sweat USA Fitness & Wellness Festival

-Swimwear Show

-Tissue World Americas

-Winter Music Conference

17

Event Services Highlights

The 2014 fiscal year was a busy one with the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) hosting 134 events (31

Consumer Events, 24 Trade Shows, 5 Conventions, 34 Meetings, 19 Social Events, and 21 Special Events) with

737,594 attendees from around the world visiting our facility. This was an increase of 19 events and 15,800

attendees over FY13. Our annual events once again experienced unprecedented growth, and our first time

conventions and tradeshows witnessed attendance records driven by a very strong Latin American market.

The economic impact on the City of Miami Beach and the region resulting from MBCC events continued at a

high level. It reaffirmed once again why we are considered the third largest economic generator in South

Florida behind the Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami.

The MBCC Event Services dept. went through a couple of changes in Fiscal year 2014 with the addition of a

new Guest Services (Goodwill Ambassadors) dept., the promotion of Joel Guzman to Operations Manager,

Carlos Hernandez to Assistant Operations Manager, and a new quality control program to ensure impeccable

service and building cleanliness for our guests. These changes have proven to be a tremendous benefit to the

MBCC as Global Spectrum continues to strive for excellence.

The Miami Beach Convention Centers staff of seasoned Event Managers, Alethea Cole-Smith, Joy Martin, Pau-

lina Rugg, and Andrew Cusick, along with Operations Manager Joel Guzman, Assistant Operations Manager

Carlos Hernandez and Security Manager Jac White, once again kept the Event Management department’s

customer survey scores at an impressive 99.44% positive; a .23 increase over FY13!

Some first time events handled by our events team during FY14 included:

-The International Surfaces Event -eMerge

-Discover the Dinosaurs -Hosting Con

-The International Cancer Care Symposium -The Miami New Construction Show

-SuperCon -The Pediatrics Board Review

Our annual events; Jeweler’s International Showcase, Cruise Shipping, Miami Beach International Fashion

Week, The Miami International Boat Show, Swimwear Show, America’s Food and Beverage Show, The South

Florida International Auto Show, The Home Design and Remodeling Show, The Original Miami Beach Antique

Show, and Art Basel in Miami Beach all continue to thrive and bring unprecedented crowds to Miami Beach

hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.

We look forward to hosting and providing exceptional service for our old friends and new one’s in fiscal year

2015!

18

Financial Performance

FY 2014 FY2014 FAV(UNFAV)

ACTUAL BUDGET VARIANCE

Number of Events

Attendance

Rental Revenue

Service Revenue

Ancillary Income

Total Gross Operating Revenue

Other Revenue

Total Gross Revenue

Service Expense

Ancillary Expense

Total Event Expenses

Total Net Event and Other Income

Personnel Expenses

Operating Expenses

CMB Billed

Total Expenses

Net Operating Income (Loss)

173

752,832

$4,022,959

$6,204,529

$6,388,865

$16,616,352

$106,144

$16,722,496

$5,436,226

$4,898,123

$10,344,350

$6,388,146

$4,228,251

$2,452,756

$1,252,841

$7,933,848

($1,545,702)

99

728,672

$4,062,868

$5,894,371

$6,012,957

$15,970,196

$88,000

$16,058,196

$5,125,192

$4,419,099

$9,544,291

$6,513,905

$3,968,804

$2,433,000

$1,218,000

$7,619,804

($1,105,899)

74

24,160

($39,909)

$310,158

$375,900

$646,150

$18,144

$664,300

($311,034)

($479,024)

($790,059)

($125,759)

($259,447)

($19,756)

($34,841)

($314,044)

($439,803)

FY 2014 FY2014 FAV(UNFAV)

ACTUAL BUDGET VARIANCE

41%

19

Market Segment Summary MBCC

Events

Attendance

The total events held was 173 and the total attendance was 752,832. While Consumer Shows only

made up 14% of our events, they accounted for 65% of our total event attendance!

21% 14%

4%

14%

6%

12% 17%

3%

2%

1%

65%

20

Market Segment Summary MBCC (Continued)

Event Income

Gross Revenue

48%

1% 3% 4%

34%

10%

1% 3% 4%

33%

12%

47%

21

Total Gross Operating Revenue MBCC

Fiscal Year

$

22

Colony Theatre Net Operating Income & Expenses

Net Operating Income

Expenses

Fiscal Year

$

Fiscal Year

$

23

The Colony Theatre

The Colony Theatre had a strong 2014 fiscal year in terms of notable events and exposure. The venue

was fortunate to continue to be the home of shows such as the Miami International Piano Festival,

the Brazilian Film Festival, the Miami International Ballet Festival, the Miami Lyric Opera, and the Mi-

ami Gay Men’s Chorus.

There were many memorable events throughout the year:

The Colony Theatre hosted its first annual Summer Camp “The Colony Theatre Performing Arts

Camp” to much success. The program included dance, acting, and singing with a showcase at

the end of the camp.

The Colony Theatre also co-produced “The Vampire Circus.” This event ran for 4 days and was

successful.

The Royal Shakespeare Company, The Public Theatre, and Gables Stage Theatre ran a four

week residency of William Shakespeare’s “Antony and Cleopatra”.

The Colony Theatre had the privilege of hosting large name performers such as Jon Anderson

in concert from “Yes”, the Rick Ross Listening Party, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as they filmed

a scene of “Ballers” at the Colony Theatre, and internet sensation, Todrick Hall.

The Colony Theatre also served as a venue for movie premieres such as National Geographic’s

“Wicked Tuna” and HBO’s “Ghetto Klown” among others.

24

Sales and Marketing

MBCC/Global Spectrum representation at industry events: International Association of Exhibitions

and Events (IAEE), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), American Society of

Black Meeting Planners (NCBMP), Destination Showcase, and IMEX Americas.

Working with Global Spectrum on GPS Leads (Global Prospecting System) a lead database with

access to 15,000+ client accounts.

Continue to work closely with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau in a Co-op pro-

gram to place advertisements in various industry publications.

MBCC National/Local Advertisements were featured in ConventionSouth, IAEE, EXPO Magazine,

and Smart Meetings.

FY2014 Sponsors included: Chai Seafood, Lucky Strike, Macy’s, Villa Azur, the Opium Group, Fogo

de Chao, and The Clevelander.

Placed international advertisements with Mash Media, including ads in Conference & Meetings

World and Exhibition World, as well as web banners and newsletter advertisements. All packages

included bonus distribution at key industry trade shows.

Further marketed the venue internationally by attending IMEX Frankfurt, Exhibition for the Incen-

tive Business Travel and Meetings (EIBTM) in Barcelona, and Confex International in the UK.

Global Spectrum staff joined the City of Miami Beach and GMCVB in Paris to finalize the contract

with Maison Et Objet for FY2015.

Sales and Marketing Highlights

International Sales and Marketing

25

The National Marketing Plan

The National Marketing Plan is Global Spectrum’s corporate based advertising initiative that allows

the MBCC to have advertising exposure at a national level for a reduced cost. The total value of the

program in 2014 was over $230,000 and the MBCC was represented in all components for an annual

investment of only $45,000.

Advertising

The Miami Beach Convention Center received exposure in the corporate advertising program, which

is valued at $104,000 annually. This included listings in full page ads in publications such as Trade

Show Executive, Small Market Meetings, EXPO Magazine, and Facilities and Destinations, plus the

ability to purchase exclusive MBCC ads at reduced costs.

GPS Database

Global Spectrum sales staff at the venue have access to the GPS database of over 20,000 contacts for

prospecting and lead sharing. If another GS venue has a piece of business that would work well in

our market, the lead is routed properly through this system to be prospected here locally.

Communications

The MBCC received exposure in the monthly eNews blast to over 6,800 industry contacts including

event and meeting planners. It allowed us to promote our hot dates and rates and feature our venue

in regional spotlights. This also included our venue listing in the digital and printed Convention Cen-

ter brochure, which is distributed at industry trade show events and promoted interactively online.

Trade Shows

The MBCC was represented in the National Trade Show Program. For relevant shows in certain mar-

kets, sales staff at the MBCC attended shows in the Global Spectrum booth to represent the venue.

26

MBCC Capital Improvements

MBCC Capital Improvements and Projects

Installed new, larger restroom signage above all restrooms.

Installed (25) Samsung 22” LED HDTV’S in box offices C&D to include above A/B box office.

Inspected and tested of all the remaining buss duct in the facility.

Budget: $400,000.00

Actual cost: $297,000.00

Replaced the variable frequency drive for the South west kitchen air handler.


Replaced one four ton package unit that cools the North East sound equipment room with a new Lennox

four ton package unit.


Replaced one six inch chilled water valve and actuator located in the South chiller plant for the Fillmore

Theater.


Replaced several variable frequency drives throughout the venue.


Performed the replacement/repair of one 1600amp breaker and the repair of one 600amp breaker both

for the West side of the facility.


2) new digital repeaters with all supporting equipment were purchased.


(40) new CP200D radios were purchased.


(1) new self-priming lift station pump for D dock lift station was purchased along with two new check

valves.


The landscape was replaced and improved.

Budget: $150,000.00

Actual cost: $122,518.

27

Colony Theatre Capital Improvements

Colony Theatre Capital Improvements

Replaced all air conditioning filters throughout the theater.

Zoom H4 Recorder was connected to Audio Console for recording of shows and PSA House.

15” MacBook Pro for Easy DCP software.

Roof maintenance and repairs to include coating the upper backstage roof has been completed.

Actual cost:$27,000.00

Replacement of the fabric on all the awnings.


Exterior painting and water proofing has been completed.


(1) domestic pump and motor. Was replaced


28

Sustainability

Global Spectrum’s Operations Team began implementing an

extensive recycling program entitled STEP UP (Global Spec-

trum’s Total Environmental Plan). This plan, which included

the development of a single-stream recycling system, has

saved the MBCC thousands of dollars in expenses while cre-

ating a better and healthier community in which to live, work, and play. In 2014, we continued to

make the following improvements:

Usage of a local sorting facility (Broward County) to ensure recycling efforts are not negated by the impact

of the emissions associated with lengthy transportation distances.

The effectiveness of a recycling program is driven by the users; MBCC users can use seven different con-

tract cleaning companies – the easier the process the higher the volume of recycled materials and the more

effective the program.

(2) 34 yard recycling compactors were installed - one at each of the north and south loading dock areas.

Each compactor is equipped with a monitoring device to ensure they are pulled at full capacity.

Signage in English, Spanish, and Creole was installed at each of the recycling compactors.

Purchased new recycling containers and installed throughout the show floor and offices.

Staged program starting of Air Handling Units.

New lighting control system was implemented along with lighting upgrades in the halls.

Replaced sensor operated hand towel dispensers for manual operation.

Installed instructions on light switches to turn off when not in use.

Continuous training and education for all employees to reduce energy consumption.

29

Community and Organizational Involvement

Senior Citizen Events

Global Spectrum partnered with the City of

Miami Beach to host four senior citizen

events during the 2014 fiscal year. The MBCC

opened its doors to 700 seniors per event for

themed outings like a Luau, Bingo Night, and

a Holiday party. These complimentary events

gave Miami Beach seniors the opportunity to

mingle and meet new friends, as well as enjoy

an evening of food, fun, and dancing.

The Education Fund

The Education Fund is a non-profit organization that works side-by-

side with the private sector to direct resources where they are

needed most in Miami-Dade county public schools. Global Spectrum

works with show organizers and their exhibitors to ensure that all unwanted materials that would

otherwise be discarded are donated to local teachers for educational purposes.

Academy of Hospitality and Tourism

The MBCC once again participated in the AOHT Program. Global Spec-

trum donated funds and became Business and Education Champions to-

wards this terrific cause. AOHT was launched in 1987 to prepare high

school students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the Hospitality In-

dustry.

30

Client Testimonials

“Joy is a professional and very sharp. She gets things done and will find a solution when curve balls

are thrown her way. She is cool under pressure. I very much enjoyed working with her and trusted

our program in her hands.” -Leslie Dunn (4Life International Convention)

“It is always a pleasure to work with a professional. Ileana is as concerned for the client as she is for

the MBCC which makes for a very good sales experience. Drew is always there and goes the extra

mile for the client while still watching out for the interests of the MBCC.” -Michael Breslow (Jeweler’s

International Showcase)

“Stephanie Anderson was on point since day one. Step by step, as we were building our show, she

walked us thoroughly through everything. Well explained. We are looking forward to working with

Stephanie again on our upcoming shows.” -Garnet Reid (Hang Suites Tradeshow)

“Andrew's attitude is key to his success. His calm demeanor makes a "NO" acceptable. Additionally,

his knowledge base allows him to think on his feet and provide excellent solutions/options that are

workable. Another Gem on your Team.” -Nia Salandy-Gaskin (NACA Save the Dream Tour)

“Joy has been a huge part of the success of this show and we have always appreciated her willing-

ness to go the extra mile for us and our exhibitors.” -Dan Darby (Miami Beach Antique Jewelry &

Watch Show )

“Alethea is our rock!! She has worked closely with Derrick and our team to insure that HDA is pro-

duced successfully. Thank you Alethea!” -Lori Jenks (HD Americas)

http://eautofeedback.com/PreviewSurvey.jsp?surveyTemplateId=160&surveyId=327181#Q_5013



31

Future Outlook

The future of the Miami Beach Convention Center is extremely bright. Through the FY2015 operating

year, the Global Spectrum team will continue to work with the City of Miami Beach in preparing for

the major renovation that will redefine the venue’s stature in the convention marketplace. With

groundbreaking anticipated to start in the second quarter of FY2016, our focus over the coming

months will include establishing a process for best practices of communication with our clients

throughout the project, a thorough review and communication of our event operating practices, and

active participation with the City of Miami Beach in updating the venue’s booking policy. All of this

will be accomplished to ensure that the new Miami Beach Convention Center serves the needs of the

City and provides a maximum return on the City’s significant investment to create a world class

venue befitting of the destination.

We are also excited about the continued contribution we will be making to the quality of life for the

citizens of Miami Beach. From exciting cultural programming at the Colony Theatre to the highly

successful senior dances, Global Spectrum will continue to be an active part of the Miami Beach com-

munity in the coming year and long into the future.

fy 2014 annual report

Documents