By: Ethan Rogers

Miami is no longer just a vacation hotspot; it’s increasingly emerging as one of the premier cities for corporate retreats and business gatherings. With its mix of luxury hotels, cultural experiences, and year-round pleasant weather, a growing number of companies are opting to host their teams in Miami. According to the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, the city saw a 30% increase in corporate events in the past two years, suggesting that businesses are exploring fresh ways to bring their employees together.

Marisa Wong, Founder and Chief Experience Officer of MW Experiences, is playing a key role in this evolving trend. She has spent years designing high-end corporate events that go beyond the typical conference room setting. “People don’t want another boring retreat with PowerPoint slides,” she says. “They want experiences that bring teams closer, spark creativity, and potentially make a meaningful impact.”

Her company specializes in curated, high-energy retreats that incorporate Miami’s ideal locations. Whether it’s a team-building event at a luxury sports venue, a private networking experience in Miami’s culinary scene, or a leadership summit on a yacht, Wong focuses on making every moment as memorable as possible.

Why Companies Are Choosing Miami

The rise in corporate retreats isn’t random. Business leaders are increasingly recognizing that face-to-face interaction still matters, even in a world of remote work and Zoom meetings. A 2023 study by the Harvard Business Review found that in-person collaboration can increase productivity by up to 25% and may strengthen team bonds.

Wong observes this firsthand with her clients. “A strong company culture isn’t built through emails,” she explains. “You need real connections, and that often happens when people are together in the right environment.”

Miami provides an ideal setting. The city has invested millions into its hospitality industry, with new hotels, event spaces, and restaurants opening every year. Venues like the Miami Beach Convention Center and private resorts in Key Biscayne are now popular choices for business retreats.

But what sets Miami apart is its energy. Unlike cities that only offer business-friendly spaces, Miami has a unique blend of entertainment, culture, and relaxation. “You can go from a high-level strategy meeting at a unique location in the morning to a team-building boat excursion in time for sunset,” Wong says. “That balance of work and play is a key reason why companies keep coming back.”

The Shift from Traditional Conferences to Experiences

The corporate world is gradually moving away from stiff, formal events. Employees increasingly prefer retreats that feel valuable—not just for their careers, but for their personal growth.

Wong builds her events around this mindset. Instead of just booking a venue and setting up a speaker lineup, she personalizes every experience. “A tech company’s retreat should look different from a finance firm’s,” she says. “One might need high-energy adventure activities, while the other might prefer a private VIP dinner with thought leaders.”

She has organized retreats that include:

• VIP sports experiences, where executives meet their childhood favorite professional athletes and train with premier coaches.
• Immersive cultural tours, taking teams behind the scenes at Miami’s premier art and fashion hubs.
• Wellness-focused retreats, blending leadership sessions with biohacking, spa treatments, and fitness challenges.

The goal isn’t just to entertain—it’s to help businesses create stronger teams and keep employees engaged. Research suggests that companies that invest in these types of experiences often see higher employee retention rates and stronger workplace relationships.

Wong puts it simply: “If people leave an event feeling inspired, they bring that energy back to their work. That’s when a retreat can truly deliver results. ‘Re-TREAT’ yourself.”

What’s Next for Miami’s Corporate Event Scene?

With more businesses looking for unique retreat locations, Miami’s event industry is experiencing rapid growth. Luxury hotels are adapting by offering full corporate retreat packages that include private spaces, curated experiences, and VIP services.

Wong predicts that this trend is likely to continue. “Companies want more than just a nice venue,” she says. “They want access to experiences that aren’t available to the public.” This means more exclusive partnerships with high-end restaurants, sports venues, and cultural institutions to create unique and memorable events.

Technology is also playing a bigger role. Wong’s MY WORLD EXPERIENCES app helps businesses plan events by curating great experiences. “We’re making it easier for companies to find and book high-quality events without spending months on research,” she explains.

The future of corporate retreats isn’t just about travel—it’s about building meaningful connections in environments that encourage people to think differently. And as Miami continues to establish itself as an ideal destination, My World Experiences is at the forefront of shaping what these experiences look like.

Final Thoughts

Miami’s rise as a corporate retreat hub shows no signs of slowing down. With its mix of business-friendly venues, cultural hotspots, and luxury experiences, the city offers something few destinations can match: the perfect balance of work and play under the sun.

At the heart of this shift is Marisa Wong, whose approach to corporate events is helping to redefine what a retreat should be. By focusing on curated, high-impact experiences, she’s demonstrating that when done right, corporate gatherings can be more than just meetings—they can be transformative moments that energize teams and potentially drive positive outcomes.

Published by Anne C.