A Message from Our President & CEO, Curtis J. Crider


As we move through the summer, GMBHA remains focused on strengthening our hospitality community through advocacy, education, connection, and collaboration. From workforce development and housing to sustainability and public policy, we continue working to ensure the voice of our industry is represented.


Thank you to our members and partners for your continued engagement and support. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming GMBHA event as we continue working together to build a stronger future for Greater Miami & The Beaches hospitality.

 
 
 
 

GMBHA recently brought together hospitality leaders, government officials, and industry partners for our Government Affairs Breakfast, featuring Senator Alexis Calatayud, Armando Ibarra, and GMBHA President & CEO Curtis J. Crider. The conversation focused on key issues impacting South Florida’s hospitality industry, including workforce housing and affordability, childcare and employee retention, transportation and infrastructure, environmental resiliency, regulatory updates, and workforce considerations related to immigration policy.


The discussion also emphasized the importance of continued advocacy and engagement between the hospitality industry and policymakers at the local and state levels. We extend a special thank you to Senator Alexis Calatayud for joining us and sharing her insights, and to our Chair, Amir Blattner, GM at the Hyatt Regency Miami for providing the location for this important conversation. We appreciate everyone who attended and continues to support GMBHA’s advocacy efforts.



 
 
 

Six Things Every Property Should Know


GMBHA continues to monitor and advocate on key issues impacting our hotels, employees, and the broader hospitality industry. Here are six important developments every property should keep on its radar:


1. TPS for Haiti

The end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti creates important workforce and compliance considerations for properties. GMBHA continues to monitor developments and advocate for our industry and the employees who help keep hospitality moving.


2. Florida Service-Charge Law

Florida’s new requirements regarding food and beverage service charges took effect July 1. Properties should ensure their operations and guest-facing communications are aligned with the new requirements.


3. GMBHA Member Survey

GMBHA recently surveyed members on the impact of TPS changes on their workforce. The results provide valuable insight into the challenges facing our industry and serve as an important tool in our ongoing advocacy efforts.


4. Local Elections & Referendum

The primary election is behind us, and the Marine Stadium referendum has passed. GMBHA will continue monitoring local developments that may impact tourism, hospitality, and our business community.


5. Miami-Dade County Budget

The County budget process continues to be an important issue for our industry, particularly as decisions can impact workforce resources, services, and the overall business environment.


6. Looking Ahead to November

November brings several important fiscal and policy decisions for voters. GMBHA will continue to keep members informed and engaged on issues that could have a meaningful impact on our industry.


GMBHA remains committed to keeping our members informed, representing the voice of hospitality, and advocating for policies that support our businesses, workforce, and destination.

 
 
 

Miami-Dade County is moving toward a Zero Waste future, with goals focused on reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills while increasing recovery, recycling, reuse, and composting.


For the hospitality industry, food waste is an important part of this conversation. Hotels generate organic waste throughout their operations—from restaurants and kitchens to banquets, buffets, room service, and events. Much of this material can potentially be recovered, diverted to animal feed, or composted rather than disposed of as trash.


As the County’s Zero Waste goals move forward, hotels have an opportunity to evaluate their current waste practices and identify where greater diversion may be possible. Beyond reducing landfill waste, measuring these efforts can provide valuable data to support sustainability initiatives, ESG reporting, and environmental certifications.


Fertile Earth, a South Florida food recovery and composting solutions provider, works with hotels, restaurants, arenas, schools, healthcare organizations, and other commercial operations to support these efforts. The company provides organic waste diversion programs, weighs collected material, and provides measurable diversion data.


Interested in Learning More?

Hotels interested in exploring food waste diversion or preparing for Miami-Dade County’s Zero Waste direction can connect with:



Ruben Hernandez

Senior Sales Executive, Fertile Earth

ruben@fertileearth.net

 
 


Miami Beach Parking Promotion: From August through October, Miami Beach is offering parking for just $1 per hour when using the ParkMobile app, giving visitors an affordable way to explore the destination. Whether you’re heading to the beach, enjoying a meal, shopping, or attending an event, take advantage of this limited-time promotion and make the most of your time in Miami Beach.

 

The Independent Hotel Show Miami is coming to the Miami Beach Convention Center on September 16–17, bringing together independent hoteliers, hospitality professionals, designers, suppliers, and industry innovators for two days of networking, education, and inspiration. GMBHA is excited to invite our members to take advantage of a complimentary registration using code GMBHA26. Please note that registration is required and attendance is subject to approval by the event organizers. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders and discover the latest ideas and innovations shaping independent hospitality.

 
 

This month, we're proud to spotlight InterContinental Miami, a landmark luxury hotel located along Biscayne Bay in the heart of Downtown Miami.


Known for its elegant accommodations, exceptional dining, sophisticated meeting and event spaces, and world-class service, InterContinental Miami offers guests an elevated experience surrounded by the energy and beauty of Miami. With its prime downtown location and stunning waterfront views, the hotel continues to be a premier destination for both leisure and business travelers.



We are proud to recognize InterContinental Miami as a valued GMBHA member and thank their team for their continued commitment to excellence, hospitality, and creating memorable experiences for guests throughout Greater Miami & The Beaches.

 
 

GMBHA President & CEO Curtis J. Crider and the GMBHA team have been busy connecting with hospitality leaders, community partners, and industry organizations across Miami. Recent stops included a Community News gathering with Grant Miller featuring Alina Garcia, Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections, the opening of Unframed, Autograph Collection with General Manager and GMBHA Board Member Alexina Beauperthuy, and the official topping-off ceremony for the new Grand Hyatt Miami Beach with GMBHA Executive board Member, Mary Rogers, Executive Vice President, Hospitality Operations, Turnberry.


The team also joined the GMCVB for a networking gathering at Doya Wynwood, attended the soft opening of the newly transformed Blue Matisse at the InterContinental at Doral Miami with GMBHA Board Member and General Manager Randal Pasut, and participated in the Miami-Dade County Zero Waste Master Plan launch and a GMCVB and Expedia Group workshop. Curtis also attended a special ceremony honoring Rocco M. Angelo for his extraordinary contributions to Miami’s hospitality industry, with GMBHA Board Member Peggy Benua also in attendance.


From celebrating industry milestones to staying engaged in important community conversations, GMBHA is proud to remain Around Town and connected with our members and partners.

 
 

We’re excited for another month of engaging programs and networking opportunities ahead. Stay connected and be on the lookout for upcoming events including educational panels, networking gatherings, and industry celebrations designed to connect and inspire Miami’s hospitality community.

 

📣 Events Sponsorships 2026


👉 Interested in sponsoring our 2026 events? We’d love to share opportunities with you!

Please reach out directly to Paula Ortiz, Business Development & Events Manager, at paula@gmbha.com for details and sponsorship packages.

 

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