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Miami Beach committee recommends $75,000 sponsorship for new Swimwear Icons Hall of Fame
Summary
The Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee voted to recommend that the City consider a $75,000 sponsorship request tied to an expanded Miami Swim Week element — the Swimwear Icons Hall of Fame — to be considered during the FY26 budget process.
The City of Miami Beach Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee voted 3-0 on May 7 to recommend that the City consider a $75,000 sponsorship for the Swimwear Icons Hall of Fame, a new element tied to Miami Swim Week, with the funding to be considered during the fiscal year 2026 budget process.
The item, MB 28, was presented by Sarah Rogante, director of tourism and culture, who described Miami Swim Week as a multi-event showcase for international swimwear brands that will take place in Collins Park and adjacent hotels. Rogante told the committee that Swim Week had previously received $57,000 in event funding from the city’s Visitor and Convention Affairs (VCA) budget for 2025 and that organizers are seeking an additional $75,000 specifically to support the new Hall of Fame element.
Organizers said the Hall of Fame will recognize figures in swimwear and fashion and that they plan related marketing and programming to promote the city as an arts-and-events hub. Sean Vardy, CEO of Think Hospitality, and representatives from the event’s production team described the event’s economic and promotional benefits, including global social-media impressions and year-round marketing materials that could be used in city rebranding efforts. The organizers also said they run school outreach and upcycling programs that connect local students and designers to Swim Week activities.
Committee members questioned the budgetary details and asked staff to confirm what funds have already been allocated. Rogante confirmed the $57,000 funding from the VCA was separate from the $75,000 sponsorship request and that the Hall of Fame is a distinct element of Swim Week. The committee moved a recommendation that the City Commission consider special-event funding of $75,000 for the Swimwear Icons Hall of Fame during the FY26 budget process.
The motion was made on the record by Commissioner Carlos Suarez and seconded; the committee recorded a unanimous vote in favor and the recommendation will be forwarded to the full commission for consideration during the FY26 budget cycle. No additional financial commitment was made at the committee level; the action directs staff to include the request in the forthcoming budget deliberations.
Community members and staff noted potential community benefits beyond immediate tourism impacts, including youth outreach, ocean-cleanup programming and marketing that highlights Miami Beach. Rogante and event representatives said they will finalize a press announcement and provide further details to staff for budget and contract review.
