Partake in the Magic of Miami this Fall

The destination of Miami Beach awaits your arrival for the AAO-HNSF 2024 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO. With all that the host city offers, perhaps you are considering arriving a few days early? Well, we think that is a fantastic idea! Whether you want to take in an artistic wonder, explore nature, enjoy some tasty, local cuisine, or lounge on the beach, Miami has a little bit of everything for everyone.

¡Bienvenidos a Miami!

A big part of Miami’s past that has helped shape its present is its Hispanic and Latino roots. The earliest known Hispanic presence in the city dates to the 1500s, but it was during the 1950s and 1960s that Cuban immigrants began migrating there. During the 1970s and 1980s, thousands of Nicaraguans followed suit and relocated to Greater Miami. Today, practically all countries in Latin America have citizens living in South Florida. As of 2020, approximately 70% of Miami’s population was Hispanic and Latino, and the cultural influences reverberate throughout the city.¹ Experts have even argued that Miami has its own dialect, a unique form of Spanglish (Spanish and English mixed together) spoken by local residents, as reported in The New York Times.²  

Try Some Delicious, Local Cuisine

With Miami being one of the most ethnically unique cities in the United States, it’s no surprise that its food options are just as diverse as its population. The Hungry Post highlights some favorites in The Old School Miami Restaurant Guide spotlighting institutions, such as Joe’s Stone Crab and Graziano’s, that will provide you with authentic Miami cuisine. Naturally, Miami also has many internationally acclaimed restaurants—such as the award-winning Japanese restaurant, Zuma—regularly frequented by celebrities, sports icons, and rock stars. If you’re in the mood for something more lowkey, though, a food hall might fill those cravings. There are also a variety of vegan and healthy options to choose from throughout the city. 

Take in the Region’s Nature and Culture

Everglades National Park at sunset.If you plan on bringing your family during the Annual Meeting, take time to explore one of Miami’s natural wonders such as Everglades National Park or Biscayne National Park—both of which are located one to two hours from the city by car or public transportation. If you’re in the mood for something more mentally stimulating, family-centric attractions such as the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science or the Gold Coast Railroad Museum are a perfect mix of education and fun. For the artistically minded, visit the Miami Design District with its world-class museums, private collections, galleries, and exhibitions.

And Don’t Forget the Beaches!

Known for its warm turquoise waters, soft sand, and sun, Miami has its fair share of world-renowned beaches, most notably, Miami Beach, which will be the epicenter for all the Annual Meeting programming and events.

A slender, nine-mile-long barrier island along the Atlantic Ocean, Miami Beach is divided into three distinct neighborhoods: South Beach, Mid Beach, and North Beach. South Beach offers the quintessential Miami Beach scene; Mid Beach has swanky hotels, stylish restaurants and lounges, and its own arts district; and North Beach is known for its striking architectural style known as Miami Modernism (MiMo) architecture. Each neighborhood has its own unique vibe, so if time allows, be sure to visit all three to experience each for yourself.

As you can see, the entertainment and exploration options are bountiful in Miami. For more information and potential options for what to do during your time there, visit our Annual Meeting Welcome to Miami page.

We can’t wait to see you there to “Experience the Extraordinary” together!

References

1. De Varona, Frank. “Miami’s Hispanic History and Heritage.” Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1AD. https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/things-to-do/history-and-heritage/miami-s-hispanic-heritage.
2. Mazzei, Patricia. “Speaking of Miami, The Spanglish There May Be a Dialect, Bro.” The New York Times, July 28, 2023. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/26/us/miami-dialect-english-spanish.html.