Miami Shoot

Pitbull

Business, MSM Online, Tech

eMerge Yourself into the World of Technology

By Gisel Habibnejad Now in its third year, eMerge Americas is a two-day event hosting technological innovations through EXPO space experiences, networking interactions, and conferences. The EXPO floor included exhibitor booths, through which the latest innovations were displayed; a “Launchpad” of entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and inventions; a Hackathon where about 125 coders had 24 hours to decode complex challenges built by API sponsors for a chance to win more than $50,000 in cash and prizes; and a hiring fair. The summit talks incorporated various topics fit to inspire innovators of all journeys in technology. The Government Innovation Forum (eGOV) brought together leaders of government and business to discuss “how public-private partnerships leveraging disruptive technologies are transforming our communities” and to deliberate on transforming our communities into smart cities. Made up of over 100 startups from around the world, the eMerge Americas Startup Showcase provided a point for these companies to interact with hundreds of investors and partners. The Women, Innovation, and Technology Summit (WIT) is a one-day summit that united powerful women of the industry to inspire and motivate event goers by presenting leaders “who are bridging the gap between the creative and tech industries” and also featured a Technology and Innovation fashion show. Other conferences consisted of the Textpert Stage, which allowed visitors to engage with experts who discussed the latest innovations and trailblazing technologies. This year’s keynote speakers were comprised of General Colin L. Powell, Monica Lewinsky, Tony Hawk, Pitbull, Chairman of CNBC Mark Hoffman, Chairman of NBCUniversal International Group and NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises Cesar Conde, Co-Founder of America Online Steve Case, CEO of AT&T Ralph de la Vega, Co-Founder of Netflix Marc Randolph, and many more. Of course, we can’t forget the VIP parties, live entertainment shows, and cocktail soirees. Each offered special ways to interact and network with peers who are involved and enjoy the same technological industry. These events were hosted at Lincoln Road, the Paris Theater in South Beach, and the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). eMerge Americas takes place in the growing tech community of Miami hosting industry leaders, government officials, and investors from North America, Latin America, and Europe. The year’s biggest B2B event of the Americas was aired nationwide courtesy of CNBC and Telemundo, and was also broadcasted live to other countries such as Europe, Africa, and Asia. For more information, please visit www.emergeamericas.org

Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Fashion, Health & Fitness, MSM Online, Music, Sports

The Weekend Guide: 3/3-3/6

Miami Heat vs Phoenix Suns When: Thursday, March 3rd at 7:30pm Where: AmericanAirlines Arena Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com Feast with the Beasts When: Friday, March 4th at 8:00pm Where: Zoo Miami Tickets: Main event passes-$250; Backstage passes-$500 Additional Information: Attendees must be 21+; Cocktail attire www.zoomiami.org La Nuit en Rosé When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday – All day Where: Mondrian South Beach Tickets: $85-$250 Additional Information: Friday night-wine pairing dinner; Saturday-sunset rosé party; Sunday-afternoon rosé brunch; Over 50 varieties of rosé; Wear white or pink attire www.nuitrose.com Carnaval on the Mile When: Saturday, March 5th at 10:00am Where: Miracle Mile Admission: Free Additional Information: Featuring 3 main stages, 30 musical groups, paintings, sculptures, photography, food, & wine; Family & dog-friendly; Benefitting Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation Future Leaders through Education Scholarship Fund www.eventbrite.com Destination Fashion 2016 When: Saturday, March 5th at 8:00pm Where: Bal Harbour Shops Tickets: $300 Additional Information: Includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, access toasters, auction items, Brunello Cuccinelli Spring 2016 Designer Fashion Show; Celebrity appearances by MC Savannah Guthrie, Gloria & Emilio Estefan, Tommy Lee Jones, Christian Slater; Performance by Pitbull www.themiamiproject.org Nicky Jam Concert When: Saturday, March 5th at 8:00pm Where: AmericanAirlines Arena Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com Bends & Brunch at Hyde Kitchen + Cocktails When: Sunday, March 6th at 10:00-11:00am (yoga) & 11:00am-3:00pm (brunch) Where: Hyde Kitchen + Cocktails Tickets: $12 per person; $30 bottomless rosé Additional Information: One-hour long yoga session lead by Waleska Marquez followed by brunch series Waves & Rosé www.beachwalkresortfl.com/beach-club/ Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers When: Sunday, March 6th at 6:00pm Where: AmericanAirlines Arena Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com

The Issue, Traveler

Miami International Airport Welcomes American Express Centurion Lounge

By Gisel Habibnejad Photography Courtesy of American Express Do you have a fear of flying? American Express cardholders not only hold a card, they now hold the solution too. Last month, the American Express Centurion Lounge opened at the Miami International Airport. Now, flyers have a place to relax before and in-between flights. Located at the North Terminal near Gate D14, the lounge and all its amenities are complimentary for Amex Platinum and Centurion cardholders. For all other Amex cardholders, a $50 day pass must be purchased. Not too shabby! Upon entrance, guests are instantly greeted with a beautiful backdrop of the Amex signature luscious greenery at the front desk. It is only a few steps away from the Exhale Spa, made-up of 15-minute services such as chair massages, acupuncture, and mini manicures. Beyond that, the lounge area includes a bar, tables with seating, and couches for comfort. But who can forget that breathtaking view of the runway where you can watch airplanes takeoff and land? Across the way, a floor-to-ceiling window playroom for children is available where parents can watch from the lounge area. The bar comes equipped with a bartender who is ready to fix-up signature cocktails, or serve top shelf premium spirits and wines. Guests will also enjoy delicious meals by Miami’s very own chef Michelle Bernstein – so you know you can expect nothing less than top-rated dishes. Among the various options are: sour cream pancakes with candied pecans and caramelized bananas for breakfast; slow braised short rib of beef with natural jus and green faro as an entrée; and banana tres leches with dulce de leche pudding and fresh cream for dessert. Frequent flyers will be pleased to know the menu items rotate often. A conference room and several workspaces are dedicated to the business inclined, where flyers have a quiet area to work and also have access to high-speed Wi-Fi (available throughout the lounge). Personal computers, printers, fax and copy machines, and buffers to filter out the noise are among the other amenities available for use. In addition, guests can freshen up with shower suites and have access to luggage lockers. If that wasn’t enough, Amex concierge services are available to assist with flight information, changes, and future trip planning at your request. The 8,000 sq ft Centurion Lounge really commits to satisfying every need in order to ensure a relaxing atmosphere. You can find other American Express Centurion Lounges in Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, New York’s La Guardia Airport, and San Francisco International Airport. Each location contains artwork specific to the culture found at each destination. As you might’ve guessed, Miami’s is pleasantly decorated with photographs of Latin artists such as Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull. For more information on the American Express Centurion Lounge, please visit www.thecenturionlounge.com/locations/MIA Click here to view this post in the July/August digital issue. Click here to view the online issue.

AroundTown, Events, MSM Online

11th Annual IRIE Weekend Recap

Photography by Omar Vega and Thaddeaus McAdams The annual IRIE Weekend took place from June 18th-20th and included a multitude of events and sponsors with one goal in common: to raise funds and awareness for great causes. One of them being the IRIE Foundation which provides at-risk youth with various programs to help them lead positive lives.  IRIE Weekend kicked-off with the #Inspire Kids Golf Clinic at the Miami Beach Golf Club with Austin Mahone as the special guest. Benefitting IRIE Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, The Motivational Edge and South Florida After School All Stars, the children supported by these extraordinary causes were also in attendance. The night concluded with a dinner honoring DJ IRIE by Merrill Lynch, and later with the Hublot VIP concert in which included performances by Natalie La Rose and Wyclef Jean.  The JEEP 11th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament took place on Friday with Target On The Green Tent. The long list of celebrity golfers included Anthony Mackie, Omar Benson Miller, Alonzo Mourning, and Reggie Bush. The day ended with Stoli Elit at LIV Nightclub, with a performance by Jermaine Dupri to cap the night off.  On Saturday, a special appearance was made by Pitbull at the IRIE Weekend BBQ Beach Bash, presented by Mountain Dew. The event consisted of delicious treats made by Chef G. Garvin and cocktails by Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey. The wonderful weekend came to a close with DJ IRIE’s birthday hosted by Timbaland and presented by Beck’s with music by Lil Jon.  With all the fantastic events and celebrity appearances, it’s still safe to say the best part about IRIE Weekend was raising over $50,000 in proceeds. For more information on the IRIE Foundation, please visit www.IrieFoundation.org

Entertainment, The Issue

One on One with Up and Coming Music Artist Veronica Vega

MSM: At what age did you start singing? I’ve been singing since I was about 3-4 years old but I started professionally doing it at the age of 13. MSM: What artists inspired you to start singing? I’m inspired by many artists not just one or two. Culture really intrigues me so any artist that offers talent and culture is inspiring. MSM: Pitbull is like family to you. How did you meet and what important role does he play presently in your life? I met Pitbull when I was 15 years old through doing music and recording in the studio. Pitbull and I have an awesome working relationship. He and I come from the same background as we are first generation Americans with Latin parents. He sees a lot of himself in me as I do in him. That makes our connection strong. MSM: Tell us what it was like to have Pitbull collaborate on your recent single “Wicked”? Collaborating with Pitbull on Wicked is of course nothing but an honor and a blessing. For me it was a great learning experience as well because I got to see the way he works as well as his attack on records and approach in business which is quite impressive. MSM: How would you describe your style of music? I would describe my style of music as a blend of cultures. Its a fusion of sounds and melodies found in different genres of music. I’ve mixed tropical music with hip-hop, dance, and reggae. It’s untapped so it’s refreshing. But a person who probably couldn’t describe it would say its pop music. MSM: What is your next single? Album? Is it in Spanish or English? When is it slated to be released? My next single will be announced very soon. Currently I’m recording a few more records for my album both in English and Spanish and collaborating with producers and artists from around the world. Greatness takes time! 😉 MSM: Legendary producer Polow Da Don who has worked with some of the big names in the music industry such as Usher, Chris Brown, Nelly, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, among many others, has been working with you… How did you both meet and how long have you been working with him? Working with Polow Da Don is a dream. Aside from being undeniably talented and recognized for his success in music, he’s been an incredible mentor for me. Working with him has motivated me and taught me hard work and dedication. He inspires me to be better everyday. He pushes me to the limit and his expectations for me keeps me on my toes. Musically, I can’t even explain how genius he is. What he’s done for me musically has no words. I can’t wait for the world to hear it. In short, working with Polow has been one of my greatest blessings. MSM: What is your sense of style and who are your favorite fashion designers? My sense of style ranges depending on my mood. For the most part, I like to be comfortable. I’m from Miami so anything that shows some skin is a winner to me! (laughs). I’m a girly girl but I do dabble in boy apparel as well. I like young, fresh, and colorful things. I have a bipolar style lol. MSM: What is in store for the future of Veronica Vega? New music and visuals for my fans. I pray to change peoples lives and inspire others like great artists have inspired me. Through music and culture I hope to represent a group of people like me (Young Latin Americans) and help create awareness about our culture throughout the world. Photography by IMANI OGDEN Hair by ESTHER JIMENEZ  Click here to view post on the Sept/Oct 2014 issue.

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