Inside GMBHA: 30th Annual Inn Key Recap & June Industry Updates

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

As we move into the summer season, I am incredibly proud of the momentum and accomplishments we continue to achieve together as a hospitality community. Last month, we celebrated a major milestone with our sold-out 30th Annual Inn Key Awards Luncheon, recognizing the outstanding individuals who help make Greater Miami & the Beaches a world-class destination.

As we look ahead, GMBHA remains committed to providing valuable networking opportunities, advocacy efforts, educational programs, and events that support the continued growth and success of our members and industry. Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership as we work together to strengthen Miami's hospitality community.

On behalf of our GMBHA President & CEO, Curtis J Crider, our Board Chair, Amir Blattner, General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Miami and our amazing Board of Directors, the Greater Miami & the Beaches Hotel Association proudly celebrated a milestone achievement with the sold-out 30th Annual Inn Key Awards Luncheon, bringing together more than 800 hospitality professionals, industry leaders, community partners, and supporters.

For 30 years, the Inn Key Awards have recognized the outstanding individuals who help make Greater Miami & the Beaches a world-class destination. This year's event honored exceptional employees across numerous hospitality categories, celebrating their dedication, passion, leadership, and commitment to delivering outstanding guest experiences.

The luncheon provided an opportunity to recognize the remarkable talent within our industry while fostering meaningful connections among hospitality professionals from across the region. The energy and enthusiasm throughout the event reflected the strength and continued growth of Miami's hospitality community.

We extend our sincere congratulations to all nominees and winners and thank our sponsors, attendees, volunteers, and partners for helping make this milestone celebration such a tremendous success. Together, we continue to celebrate the people who make hospitality excellence possible every day.

Photo Gallery

GMBHA President & CEO Curtis J. Crider recently participated as a member of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's MIA Flight Team during the MIA Forward Flight Beautification Unveiling & Airport Uplighting Event.

Joined by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami-Dade Aviation Department Director & CEO Ralph Cutié, attendees celebrated the unveiling of Miami International Airport's new MIA logo and experienced the airport's impressive new lighting enhancements.

These improvements represent an important step forward in modernizing one of our region's most important economic engines while enhancing the experience for millions of visitors who travel through Miami each year. The MIA Forward initiative demonstrates Miami-Dade County's continued investment in infrastructure, tourism, and the future growth of our hospitality industry.

GMBHA remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen our destination and elevate Greater Miami & the Beaches as a premier global travel destination.

Biscayne Bay is one of South Florida's most important natural resources and plays a vital role in our environment, tourism industry, and quality of life. One of the easiest ways businesses and residents can help protect the Bay is by using fertilizers responsibly. Excess fertilizer can wash into waterways during rain events, contributing to poor water quality and harming marine ecosystems.

Miami Beach prohibits fertilizer application from May 15 through November 1 and encourages sustainable landscaping practices that help reduce runoff and protect local waterways. By making small changes today, we can all help preserve the beauty and health of Biscayne Bay for future generations.

GMBHA is pleased to welcome our newest Allied and Allied Upgrade Members to the Association , including Independent Hotel Show Miami, Luxury Group Miami, A Cleaner World Dry Cleaner, Alliant Insurance Services, AMP Fit, Aquadise Furnishings, Croux, Enigma – Bulwark Security, FillUltima, Inc., Miami Doors and Locks, Inc., Mission Morph, PRIMA VIP, Skyscraper Construction, Standard Textile, 1st Class Parking, and US Security.

These organizations represent a diverse range of industries and services that help support and strengthen Greater Miami & The Beaches’ hospitality community.

We look forward to their involvement in GMBHA and encourage our members to connect with these outstanding companies as they join our growing network. Together, we continue to build a stronger hospitality community through collaboration, innovation, and shared success.

This month, we are proud to highlight Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport, a valued GMBHA member known for its spacious all-suite accommodations, exceptional guest service, and convenient location just minutes from Miami International Airport. Offering complimentary made-to-order breakfast, flexible meeting space, and a variety of guest amenities, the hotel provides a comfortable and welcoming experience for both business and leisure travelers visiting Greater Miami & the Beaches.

Book Your Stay

President & CEO Curtis J. Crider has been actively engaged throughout the community this month, representing GMBHA at a variety of industry, civic, and hospitality events across Greater Miami & The Beaches.

Highlights include attending the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce hosted at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, participating in the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Travel & Tourism Committee Meeting, and visiting the Miccosukee Casino & Resort where he met with Board Member and General Manager Brad Rhines and Hotel Manager Francesca Butera to strengthen ongoing industry connections. His engagement also included attendance at the Human Trafficking Summit, emphasizing continued collaboration around awareness, prevention, and safe travel practices within the hospitality industry.

Additional highlights include a visit to the newly opened Solei Beach Club at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel with General Manager , and GMBHA Board Member Mohan Koka, participation in Marriott Connection at the Miami International Airport Marriott alongside GMBHA Board Member and Area General Manager Chade Brunton, attendance at the Italian National Day Celebration hosted at the The Biltmore Hotel, and participation in the Miami-Dade County League of Cities 72nd Annual Gala Dinner at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, celebrating strong partnerships and collaboration across Miami-Dade County’s municipal and hospitality communities.

We are also proud to share that Curtis J. Crider was inducted into the 2026 Public School Alumni Achievement Program, recognizing his leadership, professional accomplishments, and continued commitment to serving the South Florida community.