On September 27, 2012, the Miami City Commission approved the selection of SMG to manage the James L. Knight Center effective October 24, 2012. The unanimous decision to change management firms follows a request for proposals issued by the city earlier this year.
“As we transition this important downtown asset, we will immediately seek to improve service levels, and key relationships with strategic partners including local hoteliers and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. By providing staff with additional resources we will help grow market share in both the meetings and entertainment sectors served by the Knight Center,” said Gregg Caren, SMG Senior Vice President for Strategic Business Development.
The Knight Center includes the Miami Conference and Conference Center, 28,000 square foot Riverfront Hall, and a 4,600-seat proscenium theater that has hosted everyone from Ricky Martin to Lady Gaga. Directly connected to the 612-room Hyatt Regency Miami, the complex has been at the heart of Miami's vibrant downtown since 1982.
“We are very pleased to see The Knight Center join the SMG network. SMG has an incredible legacy of more than 30 years of first-class management, commitment to its clients and employees, and highest quality service standards. We look forward to working with SMG and their team as they take Knight Center to the next level,” said Henry Torre, Director of Public Facilities for the City of Miami.
SMG will take over operational responsibilities from Global Spectrum, who held the contract since 1997.
During the RFP process, a professional selection committee unanimously ranked SMG as the most qualified firm to manage the center. “We are pleased to partner with SMG,” said Miami City Manager Johnny Martinez.” The Knight Center provides world class meetings, conventions and concerts and SMG is the leader in each of these sectors. This is a partnership that will benefit everyone in the Greater Miami area.”
