WMC 2010: Winter Music Conference FAQ

What is the best area to stay in for WMC?

It depends on your objective. If you're planning on attending the actual conference you best bet if you can afford it is to stay at the Eden Roc Hotel where WMC is actually taking place. If not your second best option would be to stay in north beach, anywhere on Collins between 23rd and 53rd St. Keep in mind Eden Roc is 45th and Collins.

If your here to party and not attend the actual conference, south beach is the way to go. Anywhere below 18th and Collins is fine.

Another option would be downtown, if you know your way around and have been to WMC before. Also if you’re only coming in for the weekend and if most of the events you’re attending are in the Miami downtown area.

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Do I need to rent a car?

No, there are cheap transportation options. Taxis are inexpensive; there is easy public transit between South Beach and Downtown. The beach is only 2 miles long and less than half a mile wide, you can walk everywhere.

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Is the WMC badge worth it?

Do not buy the badge if you are not planning on attending the actual conference seminars and workshops. If your main objective is to go to events outside of the actual conference, do not get the badge.

First off the badge is expensive and time consuming to go pick up. The longer you wait to purchase the badge the more expensive it becomes. In reality the badge offers few discounts for the "good" events.

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When is the best time to book a hotel? Where can I find a cheap place to stay?

For hotel bookings the earlier the better. Hotels tend to fill up quickly after the closer to WMC and become increasingly more expensive.

For smaller groups sharing a hotel or small rental would be the best option. And if your on a real budget Hostels are usually priced under 45$ a night per person.

Groups of 6 +

Although it might be more difficult to organize for large groups, a vacation rental might be a cheaper and more private option. Keep in mind you will have to collect money from each of the members in your party. Many vacation rental properties will ask for a deposit to reserve.

Bidding for a hotel room

Bidding for a hotel room can be risky because you never know what your going to end up with. This might be a good option for couples but not for groups. Priceline guarantees a room that sleeps 2 people, this can mean 1 king or 2 standards. Hotwire will allow to choose the number of guests, but this means you might end up with a higher bid.

Do your research to find the best choice for you.

Vacation rentals:
http://www.airbnb.com/
http://www.homeaway.com/
http://www.vrbo.com/
http://miami.craigslist.org/
http://www.miamilodge.com/
http://www.miamihabitat.com/

Hostels on South Beach:
http://www.clayhotel.com/
http://www.southbeachhostel.com/
Ohana Hostel
http://www.hostelmiamibeach.com/

FACT: The two busiest times for South Beach are New Years and WMC.

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Is it better to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Miami Airport?

Honestly if your not saving over $100+ on your ticket, its not worth flying into Ft Lauderdale. From FLL Airport to South Beach is a 45 min drive with no traffic, with traffic time ranges from 45 min to over an hour. Apart from the longer travel time you will also need to calculate extra money spent the ground transportation to Miami. Public transit is the cheapest option. Be warned transportation to FLL can take over an hour to get from and can be unreliable. You will have to transfer several times to get to Miami MetroRail to the Tri-Rail.

Here are some shuttle companies if you do decided to fly in from FLL, you will need to call to make reservations ahead of time:

Share Shuttle http://www.floridalimo.com/
Private Shuttle (2 person minimum) http://www.shuttlediscount.com/

Public transit:
Tri-Rail http://www.tri-rail.com/
Miami Public Transit http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/metrorailstations.asp