Just in time for its 70th anniversary, Fontainebleau Miami Beach celebrated the grand opening of its Coastal Convention Center, a new five-story luxury event venue boasting 45,000 square feet of meeting and convention space.  

Opened on December 11, the state-of-the-art facility made its debut with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, tours, and notable speakers, including Fontainebleau Development Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Soffer, who was joined by Fontainebleau Miami Beach executives, community dignitaries, local officials, and VIPs.   

“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,” Soffer said. “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 Coastal Convention Center, which was created to cater to both business and leisure events, includes a 16,500-square-foot ballroom, 15 meeting rooms, and a spacious 7,000 square-foot rooftop deck. By the end of Q1 2025, the venue will also be connected via sky bridge to Fontainebleau Miami Beach, which already boasts 200,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space.  

“Today we officially open the doors of the Coastal Convention Center, making this is a monumental occasion,” said Fontainebleau Development COO Philip Goldfarb, who kicked off the ribbon cutting event in the new venue’s Pearl Ballroom. “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.” 

New Chapter for Miami Beach’s Economic Growth 

According to David Whitaker, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, the new venue will serve as an asset for Miami Dade County and South Florida, allowing the region to attract larger and more flexible events.

“This hotel has always been the crown jewel of Miami Beach, but it didn’t stand still, it is constantly evolving, and the Coastal Convention Center is another great example of that evolution,” Whitaker said.   

Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brittnie Bassant expressed enthusiasm about the economic impact that the new center will bring to local businesses, the community and the city of Miami. 

“This Coastal Convention Center stands as a testament to the evolution of this amazing city, welcoming business travelers from all over the world to experience best in class design, service, and hospitality, and it is, of course, courtesy of Fontainebleau Miami Beach,” she said. “We are thrilled to add the Coastal Convention Center to the landscape of our community. This is the power of partnership and collaboration.” 

Evolution of Miami landmark 

Displaying a blend of Golden Era glamour and modern luxury, Fontainebleau Miami Beach has served as a revered landmark since its opening in 1954. The hotel offers 1,504 guestrooms and suites with lavish amenities; the world-renowned LIV Nightclub, 12 restaurants and lounges; a 40,000-square-foot Lapis Spa; an oceanfront pool-scape offering lush cabanas; and is home to the BleauLive concert series. The resort is located just nine miles from Miami International Airport and 28 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. 

“Fontainebleau has always been driven by innovation and evolution,” Soffer said. “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. Thank you to our incredible teams who helped bring this dream to life, and to my father, Don Soffer, who has always been the visionary of our family.” 

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