Fontainebleau Miami Beach has officially expanded its legacy with the grand opening of the highly anticipated Coastal Convention Center on Wednesday, December 11. The momentous occasion, marked by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, speeches, and tours, celebrated the culmination of a visionary project aimed at solidifying the resort’s position as a premier destination for conventions and events. Fontainebleau Development Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Soffer, alongside community dignitaries, local officials, and notable VIPs, presided over the unveiling of this state-of-the-art facility.
“When we bought Fontainebleau Miami Beach back in 2005, we purchased this piece of land with it because it was always part of our plan to build something amazing here,” stated Soffer, highlighting the long-term vision behind the project. “After two years of design and construction, we are excited at the possibilities of what the Coastal Convention Center will bring to the community.”
The opening ceremony, held within the convention center’s elegant Pearl Ballroom, underscored Fontainebleau’s commitment to innovation and evolution. “Fontainebleau has always been driven by innovation and evolution,” Soffer emphasized. “We set out to be the number one convention hotel in Florida and beyond, and this Coastal Convention Center further cements our dedication to that goal. Our main priorities have always been to do what is best for the city, and to bring jobs and tourism to Miami.”
Fontainebleau Development Chief Operating Officer Philip Goldfarb welcomed attendees, emphasizing the significance of the event. “Today we officially open the doors of the Coastal Convention Center, making this is a monumental occasion,” Goldfarb stated. “This celebration combines the connection between our rich legacy, our dedication to excellence, and the vibrant community which we are very proud to be part of.”
The Coastal Convention Center, designed in partnership with Fontainebleau Development’s Executive Vice President of Design, John Rawlins, Jeffrey Beers International, and Nichols Architects, spans five stories and 45,000 square feet. This impressive space includes a 7,000 square-foot rooftop deck, offering stunning views and a unique venue for events. The facility is designed to cater to both business and leisure events, providing a versatile and luxurious setting for a variety of gatherings.
The strategic location of the convention center, just nine miles from Miami International Airport and 28 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, ensures convenient access for attendees. A sky bridge connects the new facility to the existing Fontainebleau Miami Beach, seamlessly integrating it with the resort’s 200,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space.
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David Whitaker, President and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, highlighted the economic impact of the new facility. “The Coastal Convention Center is an asset for Miami Dade County, and all of South Florida,” Whitaker stated. “It is going to open the door for tremendous possibilities for us to attract larger and more flexible events.”
Brittnie Bassant, President and CEO of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the positive impact on local businesses and the community. “The economic impact that this center will have will benefit our local businesses, our community, and our entire city,” Bassant stated. “We are thrilled to add the Coastal Convention Center to the landscape of our community. This is the power of partnership and collaboration.”
As Fontainebleau Miami Beach approaches its 70th anniversary on December 21, the opening of the Coastal Convention Center signifies a new chapter in the resort’s storied history, reinforcing its commitment to luxury hospitality and its role as a vital economic driver for South Florida.
Credits
- Photographs courtesy of World Red Eye
- On-site Publicists Rossetti PR