SXSW 2025

Miami Beach Broke Up with Spring Break: A True Love Story

Description:

Miami Beach has long been considered an iconic destination for Spring Break. Despite efforts to tame behavior, the city has grappled with the disruption for years. In 2024, Miami Beach adopted an unexpectedly playful approach to the serious issue: a public breakup to discourage visitors. Many Spring Breakers are younger gen, people of color, and LGBTQIA+. The Miami Tourism Board had to make clear that certain behaviors were no longer welcome without making them feel unwelcome. The use of heartbreak and humor won hearts and online attention, initiating a true culture shift to improve safety.


Related Media

Other Resources / Information

No additional publicly available information.


Takeaways

  1. Humanize the Problem to Break Through: Unpack the art of reframing a challenge to connect with audiences and evolve the way they see the world.
  2. Use Humor as a Tool for Social Impact: Discover how a seemingly lighthearted approach can spark serious conversations and drive positive change.
  3. Embrace the Power of a Brave Stance: Learn how taking risks and defying expectations can lead to successful campaigns.

Speakers

  • La'Zette LaFontant, Vice President of Global Inclusion, Equity and Belonging, VML
  • Juan Mantilla, Managing Director of Strategy, VML
  • Jaime Baron, Group Director of Client Engagement, VML

Organizer

Tonisha De Witt, Project Manager, VML


Meta Information:

  • Event: SXSW
  • Format: Panel
  • Track: Advertising & Brand Experience
  • Track 2
  • Level: Beginner


Add Comments

comments powered by Disqus

SXSW reserves the right to restrict access to or availability of comments related to PanelPicker proposals that it considers objectionable.