Curtis J. Crider, President & CEO of GMBHA, joined Chairman Amir Blattner, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Miami, and the GMBHA Board of Directors for 30 Years • 30 Connections, an opportunity to strengthen relationships, exchange perspectives, and advance the Association’s priorities on behalf of Greater Miami’s hospitality community.

The meeting featured special guest speaker Florida Representative Mike Redondo, who joined board members for an important discussion on issues affecting our region and the hospitality industry. GMBHA also welcomed new GMBHA ex oficio board member Jonathan Daniels, Director and Chief Executive Officer of PortMiami to the family.



Engagement with elected officials and community leaders remains central to GMBHA’s advocacy efforts, ensuring our members’ voices are heard as we work together to support the continued growth and success of Greater Miami’s hospitality industry.

A special thank you to Nikolay Hotze, General Manager of Eden Roc Miami Beach, for hosting the gathering and welcoming our board members. We also extend our appreciation to our event sponsors, Aquadise Furnishings and Parking Management Company, and Casa Maestri Tequila for their support in making this event possible.

Through continued collaboration and meaningful dialogue, GMBHA remains focused on building stronger connections and a more impactful future for our industry.

On October 8, GMBHA partnered with Expedia Group to bring hospitality leaders together at Four Seasons Hotel Miami for an insightful discussion on strategic revenue growth, premium guest experiences, and destination storytelling as Miami’s upscale and full-service hotels prepare for 2027.

Moderated by Peggy Benua, the panel featured Francisco Scarpitto of Expedia Group B2B, Harry Carr of Davidson Hospitality Group, David Whitaker of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Mary Rogers of Turnberry. The conversation explored curated packages, room upgrades, balanced business mix, and informed distribution strategies—all while preserving rate integrity and strengthening Miami’s competitive position.

Thank you to Haytham Said, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Miami, for hosting this important gathering, and to Expedia Group, our panelists, and all participating hotel leaders for contributing to this valuable industry conversation.

GMBHA is proud to celebrate President & CEO Curtis J. Crider, who was honored as the 2026 South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year at the 35th Annual South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year Starlight Gala & Auction.

This well-deserved recognition celebrates Curtis’s leadership, dedication, and ongoing commitment to advancing Greater Miami’s hospitality and tourism community. Through his work with GMBHA, Curtis continues to champion our members, strengthen industry partnerships, and support initiatives that contribute to the success of our destination.

Congratulations to Curtis on this outstanding achievement! We also extend our congratulations to all the nominees whose leadership, passion, and contributions continue to make a meaningful impact on South Florida’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Local elections play an important role in shaping the future of Greater Miami, influencing decisions that affect our communities, businesses, tourism, and hospitality industry. As the November 3, 2026, General Election approaches, GMBHA encourages members to stay informed, review the issues that matter to them, and make their voices heard.

Important Election Dates:

• Early Voting: October 19–November 1, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily
• Vote-by-Mail Request Deadline: October 22 at 5:00 p.m.
• Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

We encourage members to review their sample ballots, confirm their polling locations, and learn more about the candidates and local ballot measures that may impact our region.

For official election information, including early voting locations and voting options, visit the Miami-Dade County Office of the Supervisor of Elections.

GMBHA will continue to advocate for the interests of our members while keeping our hospitality community informed about the local issues and decisions that shape our industry’s future.

GMBHA is pleased to welcome our new and upgrading Allied Members:

Alliant Insurance Services, Aquadise Furnishings, Mission Morph, SMARTLINEN, Blue Coast Group, Breakwater Hospitality Group, Parking MGT, LastKeys.ai (formerly FillUltima, Inc.), US Security, Somo AI, Ecosante Consulting LLC, Miami Yellow Cab, CocoOne,THE OUTLET CENTER OF FLORIDA, INC, RAK Porcelain USA

Thank you for investing in GMBHA and becoming part of our growing hospitality community. We look forward to building meaningful partnerships, creating new opportunities, and connecting you with hotel leaders and industry professionals throughout Greater Miami and the Beaches.

GMBHA President & CEO Curtis J. Crider continued to strengthen community relationships by attending the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce’s 12th Annual Heroes Breakfast at Loews Miami Beach Hotel and the Doral Summit at InterContinental Doral Miami, hosted by Mayor Christi Fraga. He also attended the Miami-Dade County League of Cities Board Meeting and Dinner at the Miami Realtors headquarters, engaging with civic and community leaders on issues shaping our region.

GMBHA also enjoyed opportunities to connect beyond traditional meetings and events, thanks to Allied Member ABC Home & Commercial Services, which invited the Association to a Miami Marlins game. Additionally, Curtis attended the 2026 White Glove Awards, presented by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Southern Florida Concierge Association, celebrating exceptional service professionals who help create 

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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