During the evenings of most ad:tech conferences, we have to troll around the host city to make sure we cover the extensive party scene each night yields. Not so during the first night of ad:tech Miami. While there may have been smaller parties around town, none likely compared to the scale of the Batanga-hosted opening night party held at the Royal Palm Hotel on Miami Beach.
Quite possibly, this was the best party we’ve attended in the four years we’ve covered ad:tech conferences. Firstly, the party planners made use of all the hotel had to offer: two pool bars, one long outdoor courtyard area on which food was served, one upper bar overlooking a pool with white linen covered tables and lounge beds, one conference/club room in which the band Tartara performed and several hallways with food stations. This was no Crobar.
Secondly, the service was stellar. There were no long waits for a drink as each bar was properly staffed with a smiling bartender and Apple Martinis freely flowed from the trays of wait staff who were readily available at every turn. Thirdly, the food was great and in endless supply both at well stocked serving stations with pork, roast beef, chicken and various pasta dishes as well as from servers who roamed the venue with a varying assortment of niblets from sushi to crab meat stuffed shells to deliciously filled, batter covered delights. Fourthly, it was Miami and the warmth causes people to dress far more interestingly then the people in New York or Chicago.
In sum, no one was left wanting for anything. It was always within arm’s reach as it should be at a well-hosted party of any kind.
With all the room and everything within one’s reach, time wasn’t wasted standing in line for food or drink rather it was spent talking with industry associates or gracefully performing all manner of Latin dance steps on the dance floor. This is, after all, Miami and this is a trade about Latin and Hispanic marketing. For sure, it was far more interesting to experience than a Crobar throb fest.
Having only to take an elevator ride to one’s room after the party gets big points too. Especially for those who chose to continue the party in their room as did those in the room next door.
