Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Annual H.O.T. Challenge Golf Tournament

The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (GMCVB) annual H.O.T. (Hospitality Opportunities for Training) Challenge Golf Tournament is set for May 9 at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort and Spa in Aventura.

Now in its 33rd year, the tournament brings together hospitality leaders for a day of world-class golf and networking—all in support of scholarships for students across Miami-Dade County pursuing careers in tourism and hospitality.

This year’s tournament comes as the GMCVB expands the board of its Black Hospitality Initiative (BHI), adding new voices from Miami-Dade’s education, civic, nonprofit, and business communities. The 22-member board will focus on strengthening workforce development pipelines, expanding scholarships, and creating more equitable access to opportunities within Miami’s $20 billion hospitality sector.

“Our future depends on developing a vibrant, motivated tourism and hospitality workforce,” said David Whitaker, GMCVB President & CEO. “The new board of directors will help guide strategic programs that give students the tools to thrive in one of Miami-Dade’s most important industries.”

Board Chair U. Desmond Alufohai echoed the importance of outreach. “There are few things more rewarding than helping people discover this industry and watch them grow into it,” he said. “We want to reach those who may not even be aware of what hospitality has to offer and show them a path to long-term success.”

Tournament Impact and Registration

Over the past three decades, the H.O.T. Challenge has raised more than $3.5 million and awarded 450 scholarships to local students. To register a team or learn how to support this year’s event, visit HotChallenge.com.

To register a team or support the initiative, visit HotChallenge.com.

BHI Board of Directors

Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB):

David Whitaker – President & CEO
Joseph Yarzabal – Chief Financial Officer
Connie Kinnard – Senior Vice President, Multicultural Tourism & Development

Miami-Dade County and Miami Beach:

U. Desmond Alufohai – Chairman of the Board, Protocol & International Affairs Division, Miami-Dade Aviation Department
Retha Boone-Fye – Vice-Chair, Program Director, Black Affairs Advisory Board
Rick Beasley – CEO, CareerSource South Florida
Bill Diggs – Executive Director, Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust
Debra Owens – Director, Government and International Affairs, PortMiami
Heather Shaw – Interim Director, City of Miami Beach Economic Development Department

Education and Workforce Development:

Julie Kennedy – NAF Career Academy Facilitator, Academy of Hospitality and Tourism
David Countin – Career Specialist, Miami Dade College
Katheryn Martin – Assistant Director, Career Development, Florida International University
Dr. Samer Hassen – Program Director for Culinary Arts, St. Thomas University
Allison Auston – Executive Director, Educate Tomorrow

Corporate and Nonprofit Sector:

Ed Ponder – Founder, Rednop MG LLC
Gale Nelson – President & CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami
Nashara Frazier – Director, Expedia Group
Karen Hunter-Jackson – CEO, One Community Alliance Network, LLC & Foundation

Community and Advocacy:

Yvette Harris – President & CEO, Harris Public Relations
Carole Ann Taylor – Chair Emeritus, BHI
William Anderson – Consultant, Research and Evaluation
G. Eric Knowles – President & CEO, Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce

BHI Executive Director:

Conclusion

The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau’s annual H.O.T. Challenge Golf Tournament is a significant event that supports the development of a vibrant and motivated tourism and hospitality workforce in Miami-Dade County. With the expansion of the Black Hospitality Initiative board, the event is poised to have an even greater impact on the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the H.O.T. Challenge Golf Tournament?

A: The H.O.T. Challenge Golf Tournament is an annual event hosted by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau to support scholarships for students pursuing careers in tourism and hospitality.

Q: How can I register for the tournament or support the initiative?

A: To register a team or learn how to support this year’s event, visit HotChallenge.com.

Q: What is the Black Hospitality Initiative (BHI)?

A: The Black Hospitality Initiative (BHI) is an initiative of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau that aims to strengthen workforce development pipelines, expand scholarships, and create more equitable access to opportunities within Miami’s $20 billion hospitality sector.