Speakers and Panels

Keynote Roundtable

View from the Top and Up the Coast from Miami Beach to Sunny Isles

In a historic runoff race on November 21, 2023, Steven Meiner was decisively elected Mayor of Miami Beach, with a clear margin of victory. His journey to the mayoral office was preceded by an extraordinary four-year tenure as Commissioner, during which he distinguished himself through bold and innovative initiatives focused on public safety and the overall quality of life for Miami Beach residents. Meiner’s accomplishments include spearheading legislative changes that significantly increased the successful prosecution rate of municipal misdemeanor arrests, emphasizing accountability for repeat offenders. He advocated for enhanced law and order measures, such as increased police visibility and legislative actions against street-level drug dealing and dangerous biker/bicyclist groups. His commitment to responsible development was evident in initiatives requiring a higher commission vote for building size increases. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Steven Meiner was instilled with a sense of duty to public service and community. His parents, Sheldon Meiner and Dorothy Weiss, served as role models, with his father dedicating nearly four decades to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and his mother contributing to public education as a teacher and guidance counselor. Following in his parents’ footsteps, Steven has dedicated the majority of his 26- year professional career as an attorney to public service, specifically combating fraud. Steven practiced law in New York City, handling high-profile cases for prestigious international law firms Dewey Ballantine and Mayer Brown. After moving to Miami Beach in 2007, he served as an enforcement attorney with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He is now a senior management executive for The Farkas Group, Inc. Steven has been married to his wife Shanyn for 22 years, and they take pride in raising their two children, Matisyahu and Michal in Miami Beach. Academically, he earned his J.D. Cum Laude from Brooklyn Law School and graduated Summa Cum Laude with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Brooklyn College. Now as Mayor, Steven Meiner’s leadership promises to build upon this foundation, fostering transparency, accountability, and a profound commitment to enhancing public safety with a keen focus on Miami Beach residents.

Miami Beach

Mayor

Keynote

Steven Meiner

Mayor, Miami Beach

Keynote

Larisa Svechin

Mayor, City of Sunny Isles Beach

Moderator

Claudia G. Moreno

Public Relations Director, Levy Public Relations & Events

The Collins Catalyst: How One City Block Is Reclaiming the Beach for Residents and Visitors

Russell Galbut

CEO, Crescent Heights

Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos

Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos is the co-founder, President, and COO of Flag Luxury Group, a real estate development firm focused on luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and retail. Dayssi oversees all aspects of the firm’s initiatives, including site selection, finance, acquisitions, branding, management contracts, design, programming, zoning, construction, and asset management. Her renowned portfolio includes the 250-key Ritz-Carlton New York (named a “Best Hotel in New York” by Condé Nast Traveler), ICON Park (named among the “Best Things To Do in Orlando” by US News) and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, South Beach – a collection of “beach houses in the sky” setting a new standard of Miami luxury. Before joining Flag Luxury, Dayssi worked as a commercial real estate financial analyst and broker in New York. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, where she has served on the Board and as a guest lecturer in its 45th Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series. Dayssi is a valued member of the President's Council of Cornell Women and the Trustee Council of the University. She holds a Master’s in Real Estate Development and Finance from NYU. Dayssi is also the co-founder of Women’s Power Series, a nonprofit empowering women entrepreneurs through accessible networking events. She is the founder of The Friends of New Yorkers for Children, which supports children in foster care through education, mentoring, and career initiatives. She serves on the board of Save Venice, the largest private nonprofit dedicated to preserving the art and architecture of Venice. Dayssi has been honored with multiple industry accolades, including CRE Women in Real Estate, the Casita Maria Medal of Honor, and the Maryhaven Philanthropist of the Year, and has been inducted into Hospitality Design’s Platinum Circle for their lifetime achievement award. Website: flagluxury.com

Flag Luxury Group

Co-Founder, President, COO

Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos

Co-Founder, President, COO, Flag Luxury Group

Ben Leahy

Partner, Ceder Capital Partners

Alex Fernandez

Commissioner, City of Miami Beach

Sandor Scher

Sandor Scher is an accomplished entrepreneur and real estate development professional with over 25 years of experience. He has distinguished himself as one of the most respected industry leaders in Florida. Sandor is the founding principal of Claro Development, a Miami based real estate development services firm specializing in development, owner's representation, project management, and asset advisory. Since 2002, Claro Development has advised on over 180 projects in over 70 cities, successfully delivering over $1B of new development in the hospitality, residential, commercial and historic restoration sectors. Claro has led some of the most notable ocean front hospitality projects over the last decade, including the repositioning and development efforts for the Standard Miami Beach, the Raleigh Hotel, Costa d' Este Hotel in Vero Beach for Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Soho Beach House, the Thompson Hotel (later rebadged the Confidant), Faena Hotel, Faena House (Residences) and the Faena Arts district, the Ritz Carlton Residences Miami Beach, the Peter Miller Hotel – Lennox Hotel, the Greystone and the Santa Barbara Hotels. Current projects are the Delano Hotel, the Prince Michael Hotel, the Newport Beach Hotel, Home 2 Suites Jacksonville, and recently completed in 2025 Ascent Naples (multifamily residential) and Shelborne Hotel. In 2014, Sandor co-founded Ocean Terrace Holdings, for the purpose of assembling and developing 2.2 Acres of ocean front in Miami Beach. The $700MM project consists of luxury residential, resort residences, 5-star hotel, spa and street front retail. The creation of the Ocean Terrace district is a catalyst for the transformation of North Beach and includes the construction of a world-class five-acre ocean front public park. Sandor is also deeply committed to the community, having supported dozens of local organizations in Miami Beach, greater Miami areas and throughout Florida. The firm has provided its leadership to The Overtown Youth Center and Chabad of Venetian and Sunset Islands. Sandor has received the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Champion of Business Award and the 2017 City National Bank Better Beach Citizen of the Year Award, Dade Heritage Trust’s 2016 Annual Historic Preservation Award and has received a proclamation from the City of Miami Beach in gratitude for his involvement and contributions to the City. Sandor currently serves on the advisory board of directors for the University of Miami Real Estate Development program and is actively involved with numerous charities, such as Overtown Youth Center, Kristi House, Colel Chabad and is a member of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors.

Ocean Terrace Holdings

Managing Director / Founder

Sandor Scher

Managing Director / Founder, Ocean Terrace Holdings

Moderator

Ryan Bailine

Shareholder, Greenberg & Traurig

Built for the Beach: Coastal Construction, Design & Development Strategies

Isaac Toledano

CEO, BH Group

Michael Patrizio

Managing Director, Mast Capital

Eduardo Otaola

Managing Principal, Constellation Group

Jeff Rossely

Jeffery Rossely is one of the industry’s most distinguished real estate and development executives, with more than five decades of global experience leading transformative projects across Australia, Asia, the Middle East, and the United States. Over the course of his career, he has held senior roles with both private corporations and government entities, shaping landmark developments worth billions of dollars that blend innovation with cultural integrity. As Senior Vice President of Development for DAMAC International, founded by Hussain Sajwani, Jeff oversees The Delmore – an ultra-luxury condominium in Miami’s Surfside community designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and poised to redefine the city’s skyline. In addition, he serves as Chairman & Director of Turner Walker Robinson in Australia, guiding the firm’s expansion across Melbourne, Sri Lanka, and the UAE. He was previously the Deputy Chairman of Bunyan, an Oman government-owned development company, where he led the planning and delivery of key tourism projects throughout the country. Jeff also spearheaded iconic destinations for Majid Al Futtaim, delivering signature projects such as Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai, Bahrain City Centre, The Wave Muscat, and Deira City Centre, while negotiating complex public-private partnerships and joint ventures across the Middle East and North Africa. He has advised the Bahraini government on national tourism strategy and oversaw the redevelopment of the Four Seasons Park Lane in London, along with several other flagship hospitality projects. A former member of both the Urban Land Institute and the International Council of Shopping Centers, Jeff remains an influential voice in global property and design. His ability to unite heritage and modernity, coupled with deep operational expertise, continues to shape some of the world’s most celebrated developments. Jeff earned a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and completed Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.

DAMAC International

SVP, Development

Jeff Rossely

SVP, Development, DAMAC International

William O’Donnell

Partner and Managing Principal, Desimone Consulting Engineering

James Galvin

Founder, Miami Coastline Management

Moderator

Kobi Karp

President, Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design

Why Attend The Future of The Beaches

Why this Matters:

A bold public-private partnership centered on the 100 block of Lincoln St. anchored by the Ritz-Carlton and supported by both city, state, and private funding is laying the groundwork for one of the most transformative chapters in Miami Beach’s modern history. This initiative is creating the conditions for new housing development, with a focus on making it attainable for full-time residents who are deeply invested in their community. These residents will help drive demand for cleaner, safer streets and reenergize once-thriving corridors like Lincoln Road. As the revitalization of Collins Avenue ripples into the 200 and 300 blocks, Billionaire’s Beach is also taking shape, with over $2.5 billion in renovations underway at the Shelborne, Sagamore, Raleigh, and Seagull. With incentives and upgraded city services in motion, this strategic effort is shaping a more livable, economically diverse, and vibrant future for Miami Beach. Meanwhile on the second panel we will discuss how the coastline is alive with new development. From next-generation beachfront condos to luxury hotels, developers are raising the bar to match South Florida’s iconic views all while navigating rising costs, tight site constraints, and the complexities of building on the sand. This event offers a behind-the-scenes look at the landmark projects reshaping the waterfront, featuring the developers, engineers, and permitting experts driving innovation, agility, and resilience in high-risk coastal zones.

What You Will Learn:

How a public-private partnership on Collins Avenue is setting the stage for year-round housing and renewed community investment in Miami Beach.
The role of full-time residents in activating safer, cleaner streets and revitalizing iconic corridors like Lincoln Road.
A look at the $2.5B+ transformation of Billionaire’s Beach, including major renovations of legacy hotels like the Shelborne.
Challenges and opportunities of restoring versus rebuilding and the long-term returns on revitalizing mid-century architecture
How developers are overcoming challenges like rising costs and site limitations to deliver luxury coastal product.
Key permitting, engineering, and design strategies for building resilient, high-performing assets along Miami’s evolving waterfront.

For questions regarding content and speaking, please email our Event Producer, Elizabeth Herrgott, at elizabeth.herrgott@bisnow.com. Want to get involved? Contact Jordan.Hinsch@bisnow.com to get information on sponsorship, pricing and availability at this event.

Venue

The Shelborne by Proper
1801 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Ballroom: Calico Ballroom and Cerith Lounge
Floor: Second Floor

Parking Information:

Valet parking from 0-4 hours: $30 and 4-8 hours: $35

Get Directions

Agenda

Time	Activity
8:00 AM 9:00 AM	Registration, Breakfast & Networking
9:00 AM 9:25 AM	Keynote Address
9:30 AM 10:15 AM	The Collins Catalyst: How One City Block Is Reclaiming the Beach for Residents and Visitors Transforming Miami Beach requires more than just city planning, it takes strategic collaboration and investment from the private sector. This panel brings together city officials and visionary developers driving high-impact public-private partnerships, including the revitalization of the 100 Block of Collins Avenue. We’ll explore how this momentum is reshaping Billionaire’s Beach, Lincoln Road, and surrounding districts. Discover how legacy hotels and new residential anchors are helping usher in a bold new era for Miami Beach.
10:15 AM 10:45 AM	Networking Break
10:45 AM 11:30 AM	Built for the Beach: Coastal Construction, Design & Development Strategies From luxury towers to boutique hotels and adaptive reuse projects, developers along Miami Beach’s coastline face unique challenges and opportunities. This panel dives into the structural and financial realities of beachfront development, including permitting bottlenecks, climate resiliency, and design innovations that meet the demands of both high-net-worth buyers and regulatory agencies. Hear from developers and all the stakeholders of the project lifecycle as they break down what it takes to deliver successful projects in one of the most competitive and complex environments in South Florida.
11:30 AM 12:00 PM	Post-Event Networking

Unlock Your Career Potential with SelectLeaders

Looking for the next step in your career or aiming to discover top talent? SelectLeaders is your destination! Whether you're seeking your next role or searching for exceptional talent, SelectLeaders connects ambitious professionals with industry-leading employers. Choose SelectLeaders to elevate your career search or talent acquisition.

PS - Looking for quality commercial real estate prospects?

Biscred helps CRE professionals grow their network and close more deals with access to 4.4 million real estate contacts and filters built for how you actually prospect — by asset class, property count, location, and more.

Book a demo to get 25 custom-matched prospects based on your go-to-market focus.

Want to get a recap of everything covered at the event?

Purchase the post-event summary and get the highlights sent to you in a post-event summary. Purchase here.

Call:	202-684-2034
Email:	eventregistration@bisnow.com

The Future of the Beaches Forum [SOLD OUT]

Ushering in Miami Beach’s Next Golden Era From Transformative Public-Private Partnerships to Iconic New Developments

Speakers and Panels

Keynote Roundtable

View from the Top and Up the Coast from Miami Beach to Sunny Isles

Steven Meiner

Larisa Svechin

Claudia G. Moreno

The Collins Catalyst: How One City Block Is Reclaiming the Beach for Residents and Visitors

Russell Galbut

Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos

Ben Leahy

Alex Fernandez

Sandor Scher

Ryan Bailine

Built for the Beach: Coastal Construction, Design & Development Strategies

Isaac Toledano

Michael Patrizio

Eduardo Otaola

Jeff Rossely

William O’Donnell

James Galvin

Kobi Karp

Why Attend The Future of The Beaches

Venue

Agenda

Sponsors

Unlock Your Career Potential with SelectLeaders

Want to get a recap of everything covered at the event?

Don't Forget!