Miami Rum Congress 2027: Miami Beach rum tasting, Feb 5-7.
Dates
5–7 Feb 2027
City / country
Miami Beach, United States
Venue
Miami Beach Convention Center
Time
Friday-Sunday 5 – 7 February 2027 · session times vary by ticket type
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
Miami Rum Congress 2027 runs February 5-7 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, bringing the eighth edition of the rum industry's Florida gathering to Miami Beach.
The three-day programme combines industry seminars, a Grand Tasting and Miami Rum Week satellite events.
Tickets range from $60 for the Grand Tasting to $155 for a three-day VIP pass.
TL;DR
Visit Miami Rum Congress 2027 to taste across more than 200 rum expressions in one Miami Beach hall and to meet the brand owners, blenders and distributors behind them. The three-day format separates industry seminars from public Grand Tasting sessions, so trade buyers can work the floor before the consumer crowd arrives. Miami Rum Week satellite events extend networking into the city's bars and tiki venues.
Exhibit to put a rum brand in front of US importers, distributors, bar buyers and Miami's influential bartender community in one February week. The congress pairs a trade audience with a paying consumer tasting, giving brands both route-to-market conversations and direct feedback. Miami's position as the US hub for Caribbean and Latin American spirits makes the show a practical launch pad for new expressions.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
Entrances & gates
Main lobby, Convention Center Drive
Registration and badge collection.
On-site garage at the convention center; rates vary by event. Rideshare drop-off is on Convention Center Drive.
The venue is ADA-accessible with elevators, ramps and accessible restrooms; contact the organiser for specific seating needs.
Food options
Convention center concessions
On-site diningParking: Use the convention center's on-site garage off Convention Center Drive; arrive early on Saturday when the public Grand Tasting draws the largest crowd.
Gate: Enter through the main Convention Center Drive lobby and follow event signage to the registration desk.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Grand Tasting
Entry-level tasting ticket; price reported by Rumporter.
Three-day VIP pass
Top-tier pass for the full three days; price reported by Rumporter.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Collect badges at the main lobby registration desk; bring photo ID matching the ticket name.
Ticket notes
Pricing is published by the trade press and subject to organiser change; check the official site before booking.
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Exhibitors: 40
Edition #: 7
This edition
2027
Visitors: 1,500
Exhibitors: 45
Next edition
Not announced yet
Growth over time
Edition recap
The 2026 Miami Rum Congress ran from 6 to 8 February at the Miami Beach Convention Center as the seventh edition. The organiser reported more than 40 brands and 200 unique expressions, with industry-only seminars alongside public tasting sessions and the first Miami Daq-off Daiquiri competition.
New this edition
Impact
The Miami Rum Congress matters because it is a small, focused meeting point rather than a mass trade fair. A floor of roughly 40 brands lets a buyer cover the premium rum category in a day, while the consumer Grand Tasting gives brands direct feedback from Miami's rum drinkers. For the 2027 edition, the eighth, the value is in concentrated access to Caribbean and Latin American producers plus US route-to-market conversations.
Audience quality
The audience splits between trade and paying consumers. Importers, distributors and bartenders attend the industry sessions, while the Grand Tasting draws enthusiasts and collectors from Miami and out-of-state visitors. The small floor means exhibitors get longer conversations than at a broad beverage show, though total buyer volume is limited and should be qualified by role in advance.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on distribution readiness. A brand with a US importer already in place can use Miami to support sell-through and meet bartenders; a brand still seeking representation should book meetings before the show rather than rely on walk-ups. Treat the 2027 exhibitor and visitor estimates as planning ranges, not audited returns.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Miami is the largest US consumer market for rum and the main bridge between Caribbean and Latin American producers and US buyers. A February congress sets the annual agenda for premium rum, giving importers, distributors and bartenders a single place to compare portfolios before spring listings.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Premiumisation and aged expressions
US rum buyers continue to trade up from mixing rums to aged, cask-strength and single-cask bottlings. Brands use boutique congresses to justify higher price points through provenance and ageing stories.
What it changes: Suppliers with premium liquid can meet buyers who are actively rebalancing portfolios away from value rum.
Provenance and cane-to-glass storytelling
Distillers are putting fermentation, cane variety and distillation method at the centre of the pitch. Rhum agricole, Jamaican funk and single-estate molasses rums each carry a distinct origin story.
What it changes: A Miami audience with strong Caribbean links rewards brands that can document origin and production method.
Cocktail-led consumer discovery
Rum is being repositioned beyond tropical and tiki serves into modern classics and premium cocktail menus. Tasting events pair neat pours with bartender-led serves to broaden the category's appeal.
What it changes: On-premise validation in Miami can translate into national cocktail-list placements and consumer pull.
Miami is the February anchor of a US circuit that moves through Washington DC, Chicago, New York, Atlanta and Dallas before returning to Florida and California later in the year.
Washington DC Rum Festival
Washington DC, United States
Announced on the organiser's 2027 tour calendar.
websiteChicago Rum Festival
Chicago, United States
Announced on the organiser's 2027 tour calendar.
websiteNew York Rum Fest & Conference
New York City, United States
Announced on the organiser's 2027 tour calendar.
websiteSpring US circuit
Three stops in six weeks; a single US trip can cover them.
Dates taken from the organiser's published 2027 rum tour calendar.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Miami International Airport
Closest major gateway; taxis and rideshare pick up on Level 1 of the arrivals area.
About 10 miles
to venue
20-30 minutes
by car
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Useful for domestic and low-cost carriers; allow extra time in winter traffic.
About 26 miles
to venue
35-50 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 120–190 / night
Walkable or a short bus ride to the convention center; February is high season, so book early.
USD 220–340 / night
Boutique and full-service options within 10-20 minutes of the venue.
USD 400–650 / night
Large resort properties with dining and beach access; best for hosted buyers and longer stays.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Metrobus
Cash or contactless; frequent service but slow during beach traffic.
Rideshare or taxi
Use the designated rideshare area at the convention center; surge pricing during events.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor visa | Visitors from countries without a US visa waiver or ESTA eligibility | $185.00 | Weeks to months; apply early | |
| ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | Eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries | $21.00 | Usually minutes to 72 hours |
US citizens and lawful permanent residents do not need a visa. Canadian citizens generally enter with a passport; check current rules before booking.
The US accepts ATA carnets for temporary admission of professional equipment and display goods; confirm the specific commodity with US Customs and Border Protection.
Official visa pageWeather
February is Miami's dry, mild high season: daytime highs around 24C (75F), overnight lows around 18C (64F), with low rainfall and occasional breezy evenings.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks and hotel Wi-Fi are widely available; the convention center provides event Wi-Fi, but buy a local eSIM or roaming plan for backup.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 18-20% before tax; bartenders typically receive $1-2 per drink.
Beach and venue dress
Resort-smart dress works for the Grand Tasting; bring a light layer for air-conditioned seminar rooms.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: MIA (Miami International Airport)
Book 6-10 weeks ahead for February high season. FLL can be cheaper for domestic routes but adds a 35-50 minute transfer.
Book flightsVisa-free or ESTA for eligible nationalities; others need a B-1 business visitor visa. Carry registration confirmation and an invitation letter.
Estimated cost: $21 ESTA or $185 B-1 visa fee
Processing: ESTA usually within 72 hours; B-1 visas can take weeks or months
Rules depend on nationality and passport; verify before booking flights.
OfficialPartnerGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: MIA to the convention center is about 10 miles and 20-30 minutes by taxi or rideshare; expect $25-45.
Hotel → venue: Most South Beach and Mid-Beach hotels are 10-20 minutes by rideshare or a short Metrobus ride.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate across Miami; use the convention center's designated pickup zone.
Public transit: Metrobus routes along Collins Avenue connect South Beach with the convention center for $2.25 per ride.
Parking: On-site garage at the convention center; arrive early on Saturday because the public tasting fills the lot.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February
Temperature: 18-24C (64-75F)
Seasonality: Dry high season with low rainfall and occasional breezes.
Packing: Light layers, comfortable shoes for the tasting floor, and a light jacket for air-conditioned seminar rooms.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Saturday, 6 February 2027
Saturday carries the fullest public Grand Tasting and the widest brand presence, while the trade seminars have already set up the week's contacts. Arrive early to work the floor before the afternoon crowd.
Book flights and hotel — February is high season; aim for South Beach or Mid-Beach and confirm cancellation terms.
Buy Grand Tasting or VIP ticket — Check current pricing and session times on the official site.
Plan seminars and booth meetings — Shortlist brands and leave gaps for the tasting floor.
Check visa or ESTA status and pack — Carry registration confirmation, ID and a light layer for seminar rooms.
Confirm transport and badge collection — Save the Convention Center Drive address and allow 30 minutes for registration.
Registration and badge collection
Main lobby, Miami Beach Convention CenterIndustry seminar or buyer meeting block
Seminar roomsLunch and informal networking
Convention center concessionsGrand Tasting floor and brand meetings
Tasting hallSouth Beach and Ocean Drive
Beach and Architecture
10-15 minutes by rideshare
Art Deco architecture, beach walks and a dense cluster of bars and restaurants.
Wynwood Walls
Art and Food
20-25 minutes by rideshare
Street-art murals, galleries and a strong independent food and bar scene.
The Broken Shaker
Cocktail bar
Award-winning bar at the Freehand Miami; good for informal evening conversations.
Sweet Liberty
Cocktail bar
South Beach bar known for creative cocktails and a late-night industry crowd.
Miami's small floor rewards disciplined follow-up: most conversations are short, so a fast, specific email with pricing and next steps stands out. Use the 2027 circuit dates to keep warm leads moving.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 60–90 / m²
Raw space
USD 30–45 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
No 2027 tariff was published; ranges reflect US beverage-event norms and should be confirmed with the organiser.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Booth shell
exhibitor · standard
USD 5400–8100 / 9 sqm
Hotel
both · mid
USD 220–340 / per night
Per diem
both · standard
USD 60–90 / per day
Visa or ESTA
visitor · standard
USD 21–185 / per person
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booth shell | exhibitor | standard | USD 5400–8100 / 9 sqm | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Hotel | both | mid | USD 220–340 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Per diem | both | standard | USD 60–90 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Visa or ESTA | visitor | standard | USD 21–185 / per person | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Answer six quick questions to see whether Miami Rum Congress 2027 is best to visit, exhibit at or skip.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What do you want from the show?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You can attend at least one full day and have specific brands or buyers to meet.
Best for
Importers, distributors and bartenders sourcing premium rum
Min. budget
$500.00
Timeline
2-4 weeks
Risks
Limited floor size
February hotel rates
exhibit
You have US market ambitions and can staff the booth for all three days.
Best for
Rum brands seeking US distribution or consumer feedback
Min. budget
$6,000.00
Timeline
8-12 weeks
Risks
Small audience
No published exhibitor list
skip
Rum is marginal to your portfolio and a broader beverage show fits better.
Best for
Buyers with no rum category interest or no travel budget
Timeline
None
Risks
Missing Miami Rum Week networking
Book with
Miami Beach Convention Center
The event venue at 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach.
Public venue website; not a confirmed commercial partner.
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Official destination marketing organisation for Miami and Miami Beach.
Public tourism body; useful for travel planning.
Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
US trade association representing distilled spirits producers.
Public industry body; no partnership with this event confirmed.
Miami-Dade Beacon Council
Miami-Dade County's public-private economic development partnership.
Public economic development body; not a confirmed event partner.
Recommended providers
Official visa and ESTA guidance.
Filter for South Beach and Mid-Beach; confirm cancellation terms.
Compare MIA and FLL fares; February is high season.
Event logistics contractor; confirm the official 2027 handler with the organiser.
Compare travel and exhibitor liability cover.
Book South Beach, Wynwood or Everglades excursions.
Badge-scanning and lead-capture option; no official event integration confirmed.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
6 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
4
References
2
Publishers
4
Date checked
Miami Rum Congress
Rumporter
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
