Sargassum Overview for Tourism Industry Stakeholders

Event Title
Sargassum & Hospitality: Beach Management and Guest Communication in Miami-Dade

Event Type
Virtual Educational Session | GMBHA

Date & Time
Tuesday October 20, 2026 | 9:00AM  Eastern Time

Location: Virtual Video Call

Location Details:

The meeting link will be provided in your registration confirmation email. Registration is required to receive access details.

Event Description

Miami’s beaches are central to the guest experience, and understanding how sargassum is managed helps hotels prepare their teams, respond to guest questions, and set clear expectations.

Join the Greater Miami & the Beaches Hotel Association for a virtual conversation with Amy Knowles, Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Miami Beach, and Chris Bumpus, Chief of Conservation for Miami-Dade County. Our speakers will provide an overview of sargassum management, including operational practices, regulations, and available informational resources.

Designed for hospitality professionals, this session will explore how sargassum can affect our beaches and why it matters to hotel operations and guest communication. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and discuss practical considerations for their properties.

Why This Matters to Hotels

Beach conditions can influence guest expectations and their overall impression of a destination. Understanding local sargassum management practices and knowing where to find reliable information can help hotel teams:

• Prepare front desk, concierge, and guest services staff to answer questions.
• Communicate clearly with guests about beach conditions and local management efforts.
• Set informed expectations before arrival and during a stay.
• Direct guests to relevant informational resources.
• Share operational concerns and feedback with local government representatives.

Discussion Topics

• An overview of sargassum and its effects on local beaches.
• Operational practices for managing sargassum in Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County.
• Regulations and considerations that shape management practices.
• Informational resources available to hospitality teams.
• Communicating with guests about sargassum and beach conditions.
• Audience questions and feedback.

Featured Speakers

Amy Knowles
Chief Resilience Officer and Director, Environment & Sustainability Department
City of Miami Beach

Chris Bumpus
Chief of Conservation
Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department
Office of PROS Destinations & Conservation

Who Should Attend

Hotel general managers, operations leaders, front office and concierge teams, guest services professionals, sales and marketing teams, and sustainability professionals.

Proposed Agenda

• Welcome and introductions
• Sargassum management overview and local practices
• Implications for hotels and guest communication
• Audience Q&A and feedback
• Closing remarks and resources

Registration

Complementary for GMBHA  Hotel Members

Register to gain a clearer understanding of local sargassum management and help your hotel team communicate confidently with guests.