Miami Begins With Me

The Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, in partnership with Forbes Travel Guide, is proud to provide this free resource, and available to all hospitality employees. These online webinars are offered for employees in both Frontline and Leadership roles, with training conducted by a Forbes Travel Guide Executive Trainer. Digital Badges are issued upon successful participation.

• Available to all Hospitality Employees
• Cost: Free
• Provided by The Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA), in partnership with the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association (GMBHA)
• Online Webinar Classes to be held on the dates that appear below.

January 12, 2026 | Leadership Session
Designed for Managers & Leadership

Recognition is more than a gesture—it is a strategic leadership tool that inspires excellence, strengthens team bonds, and cultivates a culture of purpose. In this engaging free 90-minute virtual session, participants will explore how intentional recognition practices can elevate motivation and performance across all levels of an organization.

Whether you lead in hospitality, public service, or any collaborative environment, this session will offer practical strategies to:

• Harness the power of recognition to drive positive behavior and team engagement
• Foster a workplace culture rooted in appreciation, trust, and shared success

Participants will leave with actionable techniques to reinforce motivation, celebrate contributions meaningfully, and lead with authenticity and impact.

January 12, 2026 | Front-line Session 
Designed for Staff/Front-line Level Employees

Recognition among colleagues is a powerful catalyst for motivation, collaboration, and a thriving workplace culture. In this dynamic free 60-minute virtual session, participants will explore how everyday acts of appreciation can strengthen team spirit and elevate performance across roles and departments. Designed for front-line professionals in hospitality, public service, and other team-based environments, this session will offer practical insights to:

• Cultivate a culture of mutual respect and encouragement through peer-to-peer recognition
• Reinforce positive behaviors that contribute to shared success and service excellence

Participants will leave with simple yet impactful techniques to celebrate one another’s contributions, foster a sense of belonging, and build a more motivated and connected team.

*Note: In order to receive your digital badge, interested participants must register individually and include an email address*

Next session dates are as follows: May 11, 2026 and September 14, 2026.

Purpose

The Pink Flamingo Hospitality certification explores how hospitality professionals can deliver exceptional, inclusive experiences for LGBTQ+ travelers. The program emphasizes the economic importance of this market segment and the organizational benefits of fostering inclusivity across teams and guest interactions.

Context

LGBTQ+ tourism significantly impacts the Miami economy, generating an estimated $1.7 billion annually from 1.65 million domestic visitors (2023). Despite their economic value, 59% of LGBTQ+ travelers worldwide experienced discrimination in 2024, and 43% canceled trips to destinations perceived as unsupportive. These figures underscore the need for trained empathetic hospitality professionals.

Program Overview – The Pink Flamingo Certification

The Pink Flamingo Hospitality Program trains and certifies staff to ensure respectful and inclusive service to all guests. Certification includes:

• Training in sexual orientation awareness
• Tools for appropriate communication and interaction
• Recognition through website listings, display stickers, and chamber membership

The program strengthens Miami’s brand as a welcoming destination, advancing inclusion and respect across the hospitality industry.

Workshop Objectives - Participants learn to:

• Understand the principles of inclusion, fairness, and the difference between equity and equality
• Recognize internal culture and external guest interactions
• Foster social engagement and allyship within their properties
• Discuss inclusion goals that promote measurable progress
• Remain cognizant of how excellent customer service increases revenue through higher occupancy rates

Key Takeaways

• LGBTQ+ awareness is essential in tourism: fosters safety, equity, and respect. • Inclusive practices benefit both guests and staff, improving morale, retention, and brand reputation.
• Equality vs. Equity: recognizing and addressing unique needs ensures fairness and access for all.
• Inclusion builds loyalty and emotional well-being, allowing individuals to bring their authentic selves to work.

Interactive Scenarios

Participants discuss real-world hospitality situations, such as handling same-sex couple reservations or gender-neutral bathroom concerns, to reinforce inclusive decision-making and communication.

Conclusion

By adopting Pink Flamingo certification and inclusive hospitality practices, Miami Beach hotels will enhance guest satisfaction, strengthen brand image, promote a culture of belonging that supports both business success and community pride. These initiatives not only elevate the guest experience but also drive higher occupancy rates, increased repeat visits, and stronger customer loyalty, resulting in measurable growth in revenue and long-term profitability.

Provided by Greater Miami LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC).