Miami Magic with SOBE

Miami is full of things to do in February 2016. The South Beach Food and Wine Festival welcomes Miami Magic With SOBE, a fun-filled event with food, wine, VIPs and celebrities all together in one venue for a huge party for the record books! This is a multiday event that flows throughout the festival taking place February 25-28, 2016. Sections decorated like famous restaurants and cooking shows are a highlight of this party, with hosts and hostesses dressed up like chefs. Free food, wine tastings and other goodies keep the party going all day and night from the festival to the party. Specially designed for those VIPs from sponsor organizations and VIP ticketholders, special cooking demonstrations and autograph signings will be available from the more than 350 chefs who will flow through the party.

Guests will enjoy a variety of musical performances, complete with prizes and souvenirs from chefs and sponsor organizations. Vendors and retailers will be able to showcase their culinary accessories and products, wine distributors and manufacturers will have a wine area where they will host short informational sessions on wines and how to select one, and snippets of the 75-plus events taking place during the festival will be highlighted.

Celebrating its 15th year, the festival is poised to top last year’s exciting opening of the Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Laboratory and Mel Dick Wine Tower at Florida International University. Hosting more than 60,000 guests every year, the excitement for this private event is quickly growing. With so many different culinary offerings, there is something to please any palate.

Previous sponsor organizations include The Food Network, Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida, Delta Airlines, Barilla, Loews Miami Beach, MasterCard, Fiji Water, Badia, Amstel Light, Bank of America, The Hard Rock Café and Miami-Dade County, along with hundreds of others.

MasterCard presale tickets for this event and the festival go on sale October 5, and general tickets go on sale October 19. Every year gets bigger and better, and this 15th anniversary is guaranteed to deliver! What a great way to bring in the spring and experience Miami Magic! Four days of food and four days of fun!

The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE is a national, four-day destination event showcasing talents from the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities. Hosted by Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida and Florida International University, the festival benefits FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center.

Miami International Car Show 2015

There’s always more than one way to bring in the holiday season. In Miami, November is full of fun! During November 6-15, the city will be taken over by patrons and residents who all flock to the Miami International Car Show to see the latest concept cars, performances and drivers we know and love. This will be a two-day event series with a car showroom theme, complete with a driving track and simulation area that mirrors the actual venue. Food, drinks and giveaways will be themed based on the car dealer, concept car, or sponsor. Open to the public, this venue will have a special VIP area where autographs and pictures can be taken with the drivers, and a separate paid photo area where patrons can take pictures with the concept cars.

In its 44^th year, the auto show will capitalize on its success in 2014 with popular returning exhibits, including Topless in Miami’s display of convertible cars, Havana Classics, a spin-off of Memory Lane celebrating nostalgia of the 50’s and Camp Jeep, part of the Ride & Drive events. This year’s attractions include the first ever “Cars Meet Art” exhibit showcase featuring several world-famous urban artists who have painted a variety of cars and matching murals. A smaller version of Million Dollar Alley, complete with simulation screens for a reality-based drive will be one of the main attractions, complete with million dollar keys and trinkets for those who win the driving game.

Vendors and retailers will be able to showcase and sell their car accessories, with major performances by local and national artists. Celebrity spokespeople from each car dealer will be on hand to shoot live commercials and video interacting with attendees.

Specialized areas will feature each car on display from the manufacturers, simulating their “world” and all the perks that go along with being a part of their family. The event will be hosted in conjunction with the South Florida Automobile Dealers Association and the Miami Beach Convention Center. Tickets for this multiday party go on sale on September 1 and start at $35 dollars, with one-day tickets priced at $15 each. VIP tickets start at $50, with an increase based on certain attractions.

The Miami International Auto Show started in 1971 and is recognized as one of the largest and most prestigious in the world. The main events are held at the Miami Beach Convention Center every year and spans over a period of ten days each year.

Sail Away Sunday

All hands on deck! February always brings warmer weather and beautiful days on the water. In Miami, 2016 gets even hotter with the Miami International Boat Show coming February 11-15. A huge event, this year promises to be better than ever with a new location and venue for their 75^th anniversary. This event is one of the nation’s premier events, drawing visitors from all over the world. This will be a huge party, simulating the newly remodeled bays and boating areas at Virginia Key Beach and Marine Stadium Park & Basin. A mega-sized yacht with additional boats around the “marina” will be the centerpieces of this event, with a “floating” barge where food and drinks will be served, on deck patios for dancing, and national artists to help attendees sail away.

With thousands of exhibitors ready to converge on the new marina and basin, this event is an excellent pre-cursor for displaying the new air-conditioned bays and walk-up boat displays. Attendees will be able to view photos and tour the boats on display via simulated technology for an enhanced experience. Vendors and retailers will be able to sponsor booths where attendees can sit and relax while viewing the items and accessories on display.

An entire children’s area will feature water safety, offer short demonstrations on tying boat knots and certain areas of the boat, and offer games and prizes for participants. Vendors specializing in children’s boating gear and accessories will be featured in this area, with a cartoonish “captain” for photo ops.

Previous vendors include Standard Horizon, Sunbrella, Stingray Boat Company, T-Top Boat covers, Technografic and thousands of other boat manufacturers, companies featuring accessories and upgrades, and retailers for a variety of boats. Tickets for this event and the Miami International Boat Show go on sale in December. Tickets for this event start at $30, with VIP areas at $50. Destined to be a memorable experience for this 75^th year of celebration, the boat show has a new venue, new look and new feel. This is an event you don’t want to miss!

The Miami International Boat Show is sponsored by The National Marine Manufacturers Association, Progressive Insurance, Boating Writers International and the Miami Beach Convention Center. The Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Associate, which is the world’s largest producer of shows and the leading association representing the recreational boating industry.

Nike Women’s Half Marathon San Francisco

A runner’s life has never been more exciting as entrants gear up to participate in the Nike Women’s Half Marathon San Francisco October 18, 2015. Part of a nationwide runner’s event, Miami is one of the locations where Nike will feature their challenges, triumphs and successes. This event will feature Nike and their community support for runners. A party held for runners from Miami participating in the event, and local running organizations, the venue will be decorated like a huge track with Nike paraphernalia all over. Big screen televisions will cover one wall, as the San Francisco half-marathon will be televised for everyone to watch. Drinks will be available in mini water bottles, food will be served buffet style and the entire atmosphere will be inspiring to runners from all walks of life.

With over 20,000 women participating in San Francisco, and hundreds of runners here in Miami, this event is an excellent showcase opportunity for Nike to conduct runners’ workshops. Attendees will be able to try out the newest technology for runners and participate in simulations. Attendees also get information on the latest women’s training shoes, clothes and apps all designed to help runners’ track their routes and learn how to run smarter.

Runners who will be heading out to San Francisco to take part in the marathon will receive a special gift pack from Nike and their sponsors, while local runners will have an opportunity to hear about other upcoming marathons taking place all over the world. Attendees and participants will also become a part of the Nike training club, with an opportunity to participate in a full-day training challenge featuring the world’s best fitness experiences led by Nike Master Trainers.

Popular musical artists will perform, with celebrity chefs creating and demonstrating healthy lean meals, making this a celebration of fun and fitness. Tickets for this event will start at $40, with tickets for runners participating in the San Francisco marathon priced at $20. This event marks the 12^th annual half marathon for the San Francisco area.

The Nike Women’s Race Series occurs every year and is the largest women’s race series in the world with distances ranging from 5K to 15K. The locations for 2015 are Nagoya, Hong Kong, Lima, Mexico City, Guangzhou, Taipeu, Manila, Quito, Seoul, Amsterdam, Medellin, Istanbul, Milan, Moscow, Stockholm, Berlin, Toronto, London, Paris and San Francisco.

Google's Startup Grind Hosts Ben Baldanza, Spirit Airlines

July 14th in Miami features Ben Baldanza of Spirit Airlines for Google’s own Startup Grind: a tech community harnessing entrepreneurial approaches to technology, innovative solutions and global resources. Google’s well-known dedication to globalized information, of course, paves the way, empowering over 54 chapters across 20 different countries.

Big-Name Speakers, Big-Name Connections

Google’s Startup Grind compiles, organizes and enriches monthly events for city chapters, featuring industry leaders like Atari, Pintrest and Y Combinator. Startup Grind’s founder and CEO, Derek Anderson, has depicted Google’s plan for international expansion via the event’s baseline “Google for Entrepreneurs” marketing feature. Google for Entrepreneurs provides access to Google’s technology, increasing distribution, financial support and outreach.

Google’s Startup Grind intends to achieve over 100 chapters within the next 12 months, matching its powerful applications with great locations, centralized industry markets and new horizons. Requests are plentiful, and over 350 inbound applications have been received within the last year alone. Accepted applicants are instated as chapter directors, promoting Silicon Valley values above all else. Google’s Startup Grind aims to expand startup culture itself, reaching the world’s largest cities.

The Power of Startups

Google’s empowerment of startups is both novel and noble. Startup companies have become the industry’s newest, high-caliber resources. In Silicon Valley, entrepreneurs harnessing startups connect to a valuable industry niche most large-scale companies can’t acquire.

Startup support, worldwide, isn’t necessarily a foreign concept, but Google’s direct approach derives value immediately—whereas most startup enrichment programs require expanded timeframes to complete. Google For Entrepreneurs has already partnered with several global entrepreneurs, creating powerful partnerships. KStartup and Campus Tel Aviv are among these, creating a notable startup incubator and accelerator.

Past Designs and Professional Connections

Google’s great marketing leaps have been drafted to design, educate and inspire entrepreneurs, and Startup Grind has been featured in both USA Today and Forbes for its innovative outreach methods. Labelled the “Ted Talks for Entrepreneurs”, Google’s Startup Grind acquires valuable solutions and creations as the tech world becomes further optimized. While optimization is important, large companies must stay connected with new minds to create multifaceted marketing environments.

Google’s approach to fireside talks further reflects the online world’s resource redistribution to one-on-one consumer relationships and in-depth marketing access. Google’s own algorithm changes have recreated SEO policies, shifted the way search engines proves information, heightened inbound marketing’s potential and have created new, world-class solutions. Google’s Startup grind exemplifies the company’s ideologies, connecting industry newcomers with tasty dinners, behind-the-scenes interviews, question sessions and panels.

Panel Selection and Google’s Values

Each chapter’s application process is intentionally rigorous, too, to keep Google’s pinpoint mindset a priority. Anyone can access Startup Grind’s speeches and events, but chapter direction is reserved for communities capable of furthering Google’s angle. Available at the Arizona Historical Society’s Papago Park Museum, June 6 will further Google’s trajectory towards modern culture value, empowered networking and entrepreneurial leadership.

Where branding visibility is considered, Startup Grind is Google’s big-league toolbox tailored to a smaller crowd. Google’s dedication to nurturing new industry entrants is inspiring, as is its purist approach to technology marketing and the need for innovative industry minds.

Miami Art Walk and Ikea Brand Promotion

On July 11, Second Saturday’s famous appearance in Miami Art Walk ensures a collection of wide-ranging brands, awesome events and professional industry recommendations. Miami Art Walk is expansive, and both newcomers and return visitors are welcome. This year, Ikea features a panel surrounded by gourmet food, artistic creations, new restaurants and contemporary inclusions—furthering its industry presence as a classy, stylistic provider.

Second Saturdays and Promotional Events

NW 2nd Ave is the location, and top-industry art galleries, contemporary locations and the famous Wynwood Walls are the reason. Pan American Art Projects, Praxis Fine Arts and Frederic Snitzer make an appearance, as do musical guests, gourmet food trucks and event-recommended restaurants. Located off of I-95, Second Saturdays draws consumers to Miami Art Walk with ease of accessibility.

Wynwood Art Walk, itself, is a directory dedicated to showcasing art institutions and Miami’s finest sculptures, paintings, photography, installations, ceramics and multimedia. It’s high focus on advertising assists aspiring brands, ranging from art supply sellers to framing companies. Banners are an exclusive platform for most, and live events fuel the event’s organic economy.

Ikea’s Presence

Ikea’s brand promotion is unique in its approach. Dedicated to local market outreach, Ikea generates numerous jobs for those aspiring in marketing and communications. Its high outreach into retail counties inspires its brick-and-mortar locations’ consumer attendance. Ikea utilizes numerous channels, both inside and outside, to explain the brand’s full offer. Starting points begin at consumer needs and are enriched by artistic merit and durable design. Publications, websites, PR and brochures harness Ikea’s potent brand imagery, and Wynwood Art Walk’s attribution to tour-based marketing is incredibly effective in such a realm.

The Wynwood Art District will host Ikea designs and sponsorship, and advertised tours empowered through Ikea’s products further the brand’s industry visibility. Banner advertisement, blogs, community pages and social media appearances, too, increase Ikea’s potency.

Combined Marketing and Brand Identity

Ikea’s brand identity is one of stylistic merits and class. Art Walk’s many galleries feature the brand’s furniture, furthering Ikea’s presence beyond sponsorship. Private Wynwood gallery tours, the Second Saturday Guided Gallery Tour and even the Wynwood Graffiti Tour exhibit the brand’s iconic edges, composure and design.

The Miami Art District, itself, has become a contemporary location for brand display and advertisement. Well-known for its conservative appeal when compared to its southern counterpart, the Wynwood Gallery District has appealed to hundreds of aspiring artists and local business owners. The Miami Art Walk provides a slew of Saturday events for locals, creating a forum for those not readily accessible to marketing spheres. Second Saturdays is a powerful extension event—capable of increasing volume of consistent, local events while remaining true to the area’s natural advertisement capabilities.

The area has consistently appeared in top-ten lists featuring Instagram locations, museums, art walks and scenic roads. Regardless of industry, visibility is vital, and the location’s fine-tuned artistic merits have become a suitable resource for brands like Ikea. News, art, fashion, school events and more have profited from the Miami Art Walk, and will likely continue as contemporary art expands.

Winter Music Conference Presents Music Mania

Winter has never been better in Miami! The Winter Music Conference is full of events featuring new artists, guest speakers and other industry professionals as they come together in celebration with a multi-day kickoff of parties, activities and events. The 2015 Winter Music Conference celebrates 30 years with music enthusiasts, artists, DJs and industry delegates from over 70 countries coming to celebrate with over 400 events, parties, seminars and workshops in Miami Beach. Established in 1985, WMC is the largest longstanding EDM and dance music industry gathering of its kind in the world. As one of the most publicized annual events in the industry, WMC generates over a billion unique viewer media impressions each year.

Held at the Deauville Beach Resort on Miami Beach, there were four packed days of excitement and entertainment. Featured events included the WMC DJ Spin-Off, Remixing & Editing workshops and VJ Challenges while every day participants enjoyed workshops like Music and Industry, Distribution, Radio Exposure, Legal Issues and Advice, Foreign Markets, Media, Revenue Streams and Innovations in DJ and Production Technology. There were also demo listening events, exhibits and a number of parties and extras.

Events were held all over Miami Beach at venues including E11even roof top; Dream Hotel South Beach; Nikki Beach; The Clevelander, Cibo Wine & Bar; The Social Lubricant; Hush Bar and Lounge; The Stage-Miami and The Musette. Performers at some of these events included: DJ NVS, Deville, DJ Blondie, Chris Duano, DJ Playboi, DJ Ronix, DJ Serafin, Scooter And Lavelle, Scotty Boy and Kristina Sky; London Porrazse, Cikxhei, Annishka, Gabriel de los Reyes, Jerome Melo, Rebecca Butterfly Vaughns, Satori Kings, DJ Tegan, Hermosa Veronica, Ayiiti, DJ Turn Up, Anthony Kulture Smith, and Kazilla for a Mixed Experience of music and poetry; and DJ Dan, R.o.n.n Aka Ron Carroll, DJ Mes, Phunk Investigation, divaDanielle, Loopity Goofs for an ultimate funk session.

According to the Miami New Times, "You will realize your wildest WMC and MMW dreams. You will fist-pump underwater. You will ascend to VIP status at SoBe's glossiest megaclubs. You will ride in a banana yellow limo with a rosé champagne fountain. And you will see the sun rise from an alley off NE 14th Street in downtown Miami after maxing out your credit card on Red Bull and knockoff couture sold from a shopping cart."

2016 promises to bring just as much fun and excitement as 2015, with plenty of events and opportunities for marketing and sponsorships. The dates have not been announced yet, so stay tuned!

Miami Heat Presents It’s Hot in Here!

Who wouldn’t want to party with NBA champions? In April 2016, the season will be winding down in preparation for the playoffs, where viewers and season ticket holders will be ready and waiting. The Miami Heat presents It’s Hot in Here! event, where dedicated season ticket holders will personally meet and mingle with the team. This event will mirror a basketball court, complete with Heat dancers and cheerleaders dressed like the players. Varied dessert stations and food courts named after players, cupcakes in the shape of basketballs, and other food and drinks will provide the ultimate experience for those who love all things Miami Heat, and for those special visitors randomly selected to participate.

Highlights of winning championships and current games will be displayed on large rotating screens. Enjoy Heat karaoke with the players and other inclusive activities that break down the barriers between players and people. There’s something there for everyone – imagine a Heat carnival all in one place for season ticket holders and their families.

Sponsors and vendors will join the excitement with giveaways and special booths to say thanks throughout the event. Appearances from local and national celebrities, the entire front office, and former Heat notables will all be a part of the exclusive venue, such as Alonzo Mourning, James Posey, Shaquille O’Neal, Glen Rice, Tim Hardaway, Jamal Mashburn, PJ Brown, Eddie Jones, Gary Payton, Rony Seikaly, and Udonis Haslem. Personal autograph signings will be available for pre-purchased material and other items on sale at the event.

Standard tickets for the event start at $40, while VIP incentives starting at $60. Tickets are available through the Heat office, with additional tickets going on sale shortly thereafter through Ticketmaster.

The NBA’s regular season ends mid-April every year, and the NBA Playoffs begin, which run through the middle of June. The Miami Heat holds three season championship rings for the years 2006, 2012 and 2013, with Dwyane Wade as part of the dream team for all three championships, and Chris Bosh as part of the dream team for the last two.

The Miami Book Fair International

There’s nothing like being surrounded with books, authors and fun! November 15-22, 2015 welcomes the Miami Book Fair International, where patrons, book lovers and authors from all over the world will converge in Miami for lectures, purchases and exciting events. The Fair announces Books and More Books, a signature event for Friends of the Book Fair and other VIPs. This event will have a number of areas, mimicking every genre being presented at the fair, with hosts and hostesses dressed like characters from books in the genre. The entire venue will simulate that of an interactive library, with an open feel. A multi-day event taking place right before the three day street-fair, publishers and other sponsors will come together, bringing food, drinks and fun for a remarkable time.

Private, exclusive appearances from national authors for book readings, autographs and one-on-one conversations will take place, in addition to musical entertainment from local and national artists. Enjoy book giveaways and trinkets any bibliophile would love from national companies like Levenger and Cafepress.

Specialized booths and VIP sections will be hosted by sponsors, with some areas being invitation only. Standard tickets for these events start at $75, with exclusive events at $125. Tickets are available through the Miami Book Fair International office.

Previous sponsors of the Miami Book Fair International include the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, American Airlines, The Miami Foundation, Publix, Holtz Children’s Hospital, Miami Marlins Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, The Children’s Trust, Geico, TD Bank, and Macy’s.

Previous authors include President Barack Obama when he was a senator, Terri McMillan, Molly Ringwald, Judy Blume, and Eric Jerome Dickey. The Miami Book Fair International takes place in downtown Miami on the campus of Miami Dade College, making South Florida home of one of the largest book fairs in the world. Book lovers travel from all over to come and celebrate the love of reading and literacy. Thousands of people attend the event over seven days each year, with the largest influx over the three-day street festival.

The first Miami Book Fair International, founded by Miami Dade College and community partners, took place in 1984. Since then, it has been recognized as the nation’s finest literary festival. In 2001, the Fair became part of The Center for Literature and Theatre at Miami Dade College, a cultural and academic initiative that promotes the advancement and appreciation of literature throughout the year.

Build Your Own Tough Mudder Team Sweepstakes

Monster Energy Drink has expanded its promotional efforts to the Tough Mudder world—and its January 1 to December 31 sweepstakes combines remote marketing and live-action events with great teamwork and flair. With over 15 obstacles, 10 miles of madness, adventure and new product reveals, Monster Energy provides its consumers with an unparalleled, high-energy trip.

The Sweepstakes

The Monster Energy Drink Build Your Own Tough Mudder Team Sweepstakes has already begun, and it runs until late 2015. Available through brand purchasing, the sweepstakes awards the winner with a six-person trip in a selected 2016 Tough Mudder event. Consumers are instantly entered into the sweepstakes by accessing Monster Energy Drink’s website promotional banner or by scanning its in-store, specially marked displays.

Of course, smartphone access is required for QR code access, pairing Monster Energy Drink with mobile industry app giants. The sweepstakes page, once accessed, proposes instructions necessary to complete the process. Page visitors then submit their entries, procuring any requested information. One entry per person is awarded, and participants may enter once per sweepstakes period—regardless of entry method. Eligibility is evenly distributed, ensuring fair play amongst all consumers.

The Event, Prizes and More

The event weekend offers grand access via its Trip Prize Package. Winners receive a round-trip, economy class airfare ticket package for themselves and five others, departing from nearest airport. Upon arrival, sweepstakes winners are then provided with ground transportation before events begin.

The 2016 Tough Mudder, itself, is a team-oriented obstacle course designed to test mental grit and physical strength. Incredibly popular among several age groups, Tough Mudder is renowned for its world-class obstacles, exhilarating experiences and memorable events. Monster Energy Drink, a previous sponsor, gains quite a bit by procuring participants through its program.

Sweepstakes grand prize winners are also awarded $1,000 in spending money, three nights of hotel accommodations and six Muscle Monster gear packages. Another 100 other winners each obtain one Monster Energy wind breaker, worth approximately $100.

Monster Energy Drink’s Brand Proposal and the Tough Mudder Pledge

Monster Energy Drink’s experimental Build Your Own Tough Mudder Team Sweepstakes combines camaraderie with the brand’s intense identity. Tough Mudder, itself, is well-known for its hardcore dedication to “overcoming all fears” and completing hardships. A worthy arena for Monster Energy Drink’s appearance, it additionally propels monster’s top-ranking marketing efforts.

Monster Energy Drink’s company sales are expected to expand by 53 percent approaching 2017, beating other U.S beverage companies valued over $50 million. The multi-million dollar company has claimed the energy drink world, utilizing effective marketing strategies to further increase their budget, advertising promotional ventures alongside excellent competition opportunities. Monster Energy Drink further fuels its brand with fitness and respective athleticism—making Tough Mudder a fine resource for brand promotion.

Free promotional giveaways are a Monster Energy cornerstone. Like Red Bull, the brand exceeds in realms related to physiological functions and presentation. Few Monster-sponsored events lack company representatives, and few high-energy events like Tough Mudder lack social atmospheres and outdoor environments capable of enhancing great brand contact. Where Tough Mudder is considered, Monster Energy Drink will likely hit a home run, remaining its industry’s powerhouse brand.