Research has shown that meetings in a specific industry are far more successful when they’re held in a destination that offers a high concentration of talent, investment and innovation within that industry segment. And attendees are more energized and engaged when they meet in a destination that can tap into local thought leaders, conduct site tours and offer other immersive experiences that leverage that destination’s intellectual property.

Miami and Miami Beach have long been known for business meetings and events focused on the cruising, fashion, entertainment and arts and culture segments, but meeting planners might not be as aware of Miami’s rapid rise to prominence as a center for conventions in the finance and technology industry.

In the past year alone, more than 10,500 new tech jobs were added in Florida – the second-highest level of growth for all states – with the majority landing in Miami-Dade County. A major international hub and the gateway to Latin America, Miami was recently awarded the top spot in the inaugural FT-Nikkei Investing in American ranking as the best U.S. city for foreign businesses, and Miami has risen sharply as a destination for domestic investors as well.

Within the United States, there has been a pronounced migration of financiers from the Northeast as well as technology talent from California who have relocated to Miami and Miami Beach’s warm sunshine and very favorable tax rates. Foreign investors have also taken note and joined the movement. Although foreign direct investment across the United States fell sharply in 2020, it skyrocketed in Miami, increasing by 70 percent.

It's no wonder that the mayor of Miami likes to call his city “the Capital of Capital.” Miami Mayor Francis Xavier Suarez has played a big role in creating a favorable climate for finance and technology companies and employees alike, and his efforts are definitely paying off.

As part of this influx, large financial and tech companies including CI Financial, Thoma Bravo, Microsoft, Citadel and AerCap have opened or are opening major offices in Miami. Added to that, the world’s largest Bitcoin conference was relocated from Los Angeles to Miami in 2022, joining FinTech Nexus, J.P.Morgan and other major companies in hosting events in Miami. And with more companies shifting to work-from-anywhere models, Miami’s rise as a place for workers to get their jobs done while enjoying the sun has added to the big shift in corporate office relocations.

Clearly they’re onto something, and you should be too. If you’re planning a convention, corporate meeting, conference or event within the finance and technology industries, be sure to keep Miami – and the newly reimagined Miami Beach Convention Center specifically – top of mind. The Convention Sales team is your best resource for connecting you with great venues, local business leaders and other resources to help you plan a successful event within the fin-tech segment.