MBCC Appoints Bethael Gabriel as Director of Public Safety & Transportation

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MBCC Appoints Bethael Gabriel as Director of Public Safety & Transportation

3/31/2025
MIAMI BEACH, FL — The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC), owned by the City of Miami Beach and privately managed by Oak View Group, has appointed Bethael Gabriel as its new Director of Public Safety & Transportation.

Bethael will oversee all aspects of safety, security, and transportation at the MBCC and its campus, ensuring a secure and seamless experience for events, attendees, staff, and contract partners. A seasoned safety and security professional with over 20 years of experience, he has managed security operations, trained staff, and developed security strategies across the hospitality industry.

He has worked with top brands in the hospitality and security industries, including The Ritz-Carlton South Beach in Miami Beach and Park Hyatt Chicago. He has managed security operations for high-profile guests and events, including dignitaries, celebrities, sports teams, and bands, ensuring their safety and confidentiality. His experience also includes collaborating with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and building strong relationships with first responders.

Bethael’s ability to lead security teams, coordinate with multiple agencies, and implement high-level security protocols ensures the safety of guests and staff. While at Park Hyatt Chicago, his department was recognized as Department of the Year for its exceptional performance and leadership in security and safety operations. Before joining MBCC, he served as the Director of Safety and Security at Hilton Grand Vacations – The Fountains Resort, where he managed security for a 55-acre property with multiple facilities and guest accommodations. His expertise in crisis management, operational coordination, and emergency response planning will be instrumental in further strengthening MBCC’s security operations.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Bethael to the Miami Beach Convention Center team,” said Freddie Peterson, General Manager of MBCC. “Our primary focus is safety and security while delivering excellence in customer service and venue management. With Bethael’s extensive background, we will maintain the highest standards and ensure effective management for our MBCC campus, staff, contract partners, and guests. His expertise will help us elevate our entire operation to new heights.”

Bethael will focus on assessing and enhancing existing safety protocols for the MBCC campus. He will review security technologies, such as advanced surveillance systems and access control measures, to improve both security and operational efficiency. Additionally, he will implement advanced training programs for MBCC’s security and transportation teams, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle a variety of scenarios.

He will work closely with other departments to ensure that all safety measures align with the venue’s operational needs, including cybersecurity, and support both daily activities and high-profile events. His strategic approach will also include collaboration with the City of Miami Beach, the Miami-Dade County first responder community, and emergency management teams on comprehensive emergency preparedness procedures and security strategies.

“As a proud Miami native, I am deeply committed to serving my community and ensuring that the Miami Beach Convention Center remains not only a safe and secure destination but also a welcoming space for all. My goal is to foster an environment where safety and hospitality go hand in hand, contributing to the success of every event and experience at MBCC,” said Bethael.

Bethael holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and safety studies from Miami Dade College.

About The Miami Beach Convention Center & Campus
Re-imagined following a $640-million-dollar renovation, the award-winning MBCC includes a new 60,000 square-foot Grand Ballroom, four junior ballrooms, almost 500,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, an expanded Grand Lobby, pre-function areas that are bathed in natural light, up to 84 breakout rooms, approximately 800 roof deck parking spaces, almost 2,100 miles of cabling to support all IT communications, $10.2 million dollars’ worth of art curated by the City of Miami Beach Art in Public Places program and a six-acre (Pride Park) and three-acre (Collins Canal Park) public green spaces that can serve as incremental event space. The MBCC Campus includes two new event spaces: Venu, a space for elegant private events and upscale meetings, and Rum Room, a 1920s restaurant with an enticing tapas-style menu and local South Florida rums. The MBCC is proud to have earned Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ Facility Accreditation, and LEED® Silver Certification as part of the venue’s $640-million-dollar expansion project, which includes many environmentally friendly features. A new connected headquarter hotel, a Grand Hyatt, is under development and slated to open in 2027. For more information, visit www.miamibeachconvention.com.

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