Local & Entertainment info




Conference Entertainment
Top 10 Tips for Visiting Miami
Top 10 Sites to Visit in Miami


Conference Entertainment

Tuesday, June 19

 

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Recommended Pre-Conference Excursions


Arriving to the conference early? Don’t know what to do with your extra time? Why not check out Miami and all that it has to offer. MBA CSEA is excited to recommend a few pre-conference excursions that are a “must see” while in town. Please note, these pre-conference excursions are for those of you who want to gather a group of fellow conference attendees and explore on your own. No RSVP needed, just meet in the hotel lobby, find you excursion group (there will be signs!), and head out. Details are as follows: 

Meeting Location: Hotel Lobby 
 
Recommendations:
 
Perez Art Museum Miami
Feeling “artsy,” check out Miami’s newest art museum right down the street
Address: 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL. 33132
(1.6 miles from hotel; accessible from the Miami Metromover or taxi)
Admission: $16.00
 
Bayside Market Place
Is it shopping you seek? Then check out Bayside Marketplace. Right next door to the Intercontinental Hotel
Address: 401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL. 33132 (10-minute walk from the hotel)
Admission: Free! 
 
Miami Seaquarium
If sea life is your thing, then the Miami Seaquarium is a “must see.” Miami Seaquarium boasts a wide variety of marine life, remarkable educational programs and state of the art rescue and rehabilitation efforts. 
Address: 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL. 33149 (15-minute taxi ride from hotel)
Admission: $45.99
 
South Beach (SoBe)
Looking to check out South Beach and the famous Ocean Drive? Take a walking tour of this famous South Beach street and surrounding area where actors, models and other celebrities like to hang out. 
Address: Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL. (25-minute taxi ride from hotel) 
Admission: Free! 

6:00 - 7:30 pm
 
The “Rhythm is Gonna Get You” at the Opening Night Reception!  
Sponsored by: Liberty Mutual
Bayfront Ballroom, Lobby Level

Join us for the Conference Opening Reception taking place inside AND outside of the Bayfront Ballroom, located on the Lobby Level of the Intercontinental Hotel. This beautiful venue overlooks the crystal blue waters of Biscayne Bay, an aquatic preserve home to Florida wildlife, including dolphins and manatees. Embark on your conference journey towards “The Rhythm of Progress” with the smooth sound of Latin rhythms by “El Grupo H” and awaken your olfactory senses with flavorful hors d'oeuvres inspired by the islands. Come join your fellow colleagues in kicking off the conference in style!  Bienvenidos!

Wednesday, June 20

6:40 pm

Evening Dine-
Arounds
Please join your MBA CSEA conference attendees for a night out in Miami and an opportunity to take in some of the world-class cuisine that this city is famous for. From Caribbean to Brazilian, Italian to Latin, this year’s recommended restaurants offer the Miami flair you are looking for. Reservations have been made at the following restaurants, and are all within a few blocks walking/driving distance from The Intercontinental Miami hotel.
 
Sign up for the restaurant of your choice at the Conference Registration Desk. Meet in the lobby at 6:40 pm on Wednesday. Reservations are scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm. Dinner payment is the responsibility of each individual.
 
Big Easy Wine Bar & Grill
Food Type: South African Grill Food
Price Range: $$$
Distance from Hotel: 1 mile (16 minute walk)
Geographical Area: Brickell 
Maximum Reservation: 20
 
Kone Sushi
Food Type: Brazilian-influenced sushi/sashimi
Price Range: $$
Distance From Hotel: .4 Miles (9 minute walk)
Geographical Area: Downtown (near hotel)
Maximum Reservation: 20
 
Zest
Food Type: Caribbean/Island seasonal
Price Range: $$$
Distance From Hotel: .3 Miles (6 minute walk)
Geographical Area: Downtown (near hotel)
Maximum Reservation: 12
 
Ristorante Fratelli Milano
Food Type: Italian
Price Range: $$
Distance from Hotel: .4 miles (9 minute walk) 
Geographical Area: Downtown (near hotel)
Maximum Reservation: 12

CVI.CHE 105
Food Type: Latin American/Peruvian/Seafood
Price Range: $$
Distance from Hotel: .3 miles (6 minute walk)
Geographical Area: Downtown (near hotel)
Maximum Reservation: 20

Thursday, June 21

6:30 - 10:30 pm

Gala Reception – Summer Heat on the Bay  

Sponsored by VMock
601 is Miami's new waterfront dining, 11,500 square feet, multi-level event space that is unique and versatile, sophisticated and chic. It is located on the waterfront at American Airlines Arena. The two-level venue features floor-to-ceiling glass windows with a spectacular view of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline.

Join MBA CSEA for this year’s Gala, Summer Heat on the Bay in your vibrant cocktail attire, at the 601 Lounge, showcasing Miami’s Latin flavor, live entertainment, salsa dancers, a photo booth, delicious food and drinks (partial cash bar).

Ladies and gentlemen, dress your best in vibrant cocktail attire, Miami style.  This party will be hot, the Heat is On! See you there!

Schedule for the evening:
6:15 – 6:45 p.m. Buses travel from Intercontinental to 601 Lounge
6:30 p.m.            Gala begins – enjoy music from a live band.                   
    Food and drinks are served.
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Enjoy live salsa dancing performances and mini-lessons  
8:30 p.m.            D.J. spins our favorite tunes from all genres
10 – 11:00 p.m.  Buses travel from 601 Lounge to Intercontinental 
10:30 p.m.          Gala ends


Top Tips for Visiting Miami
  1. The rainy season begins in June, so bring your umbrella for those afternoon showers. 
  2. Be sure to pack cool (temperature cool) clothes, as Miami tends to be high in humidity this time of year.
  3. English, Spanish, French and Portuguese are the main languages spoken in Miami. Be ready to practice what you learned! If English is your first and only language, don't fret...you'll be fine!
  4. Come Hungry...Miami has some of the world's most exciting foods and famous restaurants.
  5. Make dinner reservations. Fridays through Sundays get very busy.
  6. Just like any city...have patience. Getting around in traffic can take some time.
Top 10 Sites to visit in Miami
 
1.  Art Deco District  
Take a self-guided audio tour or regularly scheduled walking tour of one of the world’s greatest concentrations of 1930’s architecture.

2.  Little Havana
One of the best places to experience Miami’s Latin flavor. Be sure to check out Domino Park and take on a local in dominoes. Located on Calle Ocho (Southwest Eight Street)

3.  SoBe (South Beach)
Whether you want to shop, eat, or just hit the beach, South Beach has it all! Be sure to check out Ocean Avenue, Washington Avenue and Lincoln Road for all that South Beach has to offer.

4.  Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Ten acres of gardens set along Biscayne Bay

5.  Miami Seaquarium
Swim with the dolphins and play around with other sea animals

6.  Jungle Island
Meet and greet exotic animals on this tropical island of adventure

7.  Miami Club Scene
Miami’s club scene is legendary. On South Beach, check out spots such as Mynt and LIV. In downtown, be sure to head for Space and Grad Central.

8.  Island Queen Cruises - Downtown
Hit the open water and tour Biscayne Bay and Intracoastal waterways on this fun sightseeing yacht.

9.  Shop Miami
There is no shortage of shopping in Miami. Be sure to check out Bayside Market Place (walking distance from hotel), Cocowalk, Shops at Merrick Park, and The Shops at Mary Brickell Village (walking distance from hotel) for some of the world's famous shops.  

10. Perez Art Museum Miami
Within walking distance of the InterContinental-Miami, be sure to spend time at one of Miami’s newest museums of modern and contemporary art.  

Local Excursions Check out the Miami Pocket Guide for all that Miami has to offer, both before the conference and after.