Why Do I Want to go?

Background & Motivation


With only one year remaining before I enter “real life” as a university graduate, I have a continuous feeling that my opportunities to have fun and party are declining day by day. This year, I plan on fulfilling my dream of attending the annual Winter Music Conference (WMC) in Miami & Miami Beach, Florida, USA. The WMC is a weeklong electronic music festival that attracts the world’s best DJ’s and party crowds. The parties associated with the WMC have been labeled the best in the world, and this is certainly an opportunity that I do not want to miss.

Dates (Tentative): While the dates for this year’s conference and parties have not been finalized, the conference traditionally runs from the last Tuesday-Sunday in March. Similarly, while the coinciding parties and DJ’s have not been finalized, they traditionally occur on the same days on an annual basis.

Flights: I will Depart from Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and arrive at Miami International Airport (MIA) on Tuesday, March 22, 2011. I will arrive back in Toronto on Monday, March 28, 2011.

Hotel:
Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach
4525 Collins Avenue – the epicenter of the Conference

Budget: $2,000 US

Goal:
My goal for this dream vacation is strictly fun. I will put aside the desire to experience the sights, culture, and other attractions Miami has to offer for another time. All I want to accomplish for this vacation is the experience of the music, parties, and fun. 



Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Strictly Defected Party @ Cameo


After settling into my Miami accommodations I will head to the nighttime “Strictly Defected” party. The Strictly Defected party at Cameo nightclub is the unofficial opening event of the WMC, and includes DJ sets from Defected Records artists including Dennis Ferrer, ATFC, Karisma, DJ Spen, Riva Starr and many more. Cameo nightclub is modeled after the disco clubs of the 1970s and provides a comfortable and welcoming feel to its patrons. The Strictly Defected party runs from 11pm-5am, which gives me ample time to have fun and enjoy the music.

Here is footage from last year’s event:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGTXuCRLLTs

Wednesday March 23, 2011

"Welcome 2 Miami" @ Nikki Beach:

Tuesday’s late night party at Cameo will certainly deprive me of some energy on Wednesday. As a result, I will spend Wednesday afternoon at the “Welcome 2 Miami” party at the Nikki Beach club. Nikki Beach club is a beach club on the shores of South Beach, and is designed to provide a casual, relaxing atmosphere for its patrons. The club’s features include furniture made of natural woods from Vietnam, throw pillows made of organic fabrics, free flowing white linen curtains, plush champagne beds and a signature teepee. 
(Picture of Nikki Beach Club):
http://askmissa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/nikki.jpg


While this party will still host great music and many partygoers, it also gives me the freedom to escape the dance floor and soak up the Miami sun in comfort. If I want to escape the party atmosphere completely, I can take the 1-minute walk to the beach and relax in peace and quiet.

Following the daytime festivities at Nikki Beach, I will then accomplish the only other non-partying desire of my vacation. I will attend dinner at the world famous restaurant called “The Forge.” At The Forge, executive Chef Dewey LoSasso presents a 65-item menu broken down by Savory Snacks, Starts, Pastas, Grains & Risotto, Principal Meats, Principal Fish & Crustaceans, Salads and Sides. What better way to finish off a relaxing day than with a wonderful meal at a luxurious restaurant.


Thursday, March 24, 2011

Size Matters Pool Party @ Eden Roc:


Thursday I’ll be well rested, well fed, and ready to get the party started again. This party is probably my most anticipated part of the vacation! Lead by Steve Angello of the Swedish House Mafia, the party will have DJ sets by many Size Records artists such as Angello himself, Afrojack, Christian Smith, Funkagenda, and many more.
Here is footage from last year’s party – this year promises to be bigger and better than ever and will continue well into the night.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8pD6SbToJc


….and the best part is, the party is located at my hotel – my backyard for the day will be home to the world’s best party!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Beatport Beach Party


Friday the party moves directly to the beach with the Beatport Beach Party. Beatport is the leading online resource for the best in electronic music and this party will surely host sets from the world’s most popular and relevant DJ’s/artists. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWhKYJJ-NIc


The Beatport Beach party begins at around 1pm and ends relatively early at night – a perfect setup for the weekend’s festivities…

Saturday, March 26, & Sunday, March 27, 2011

Ultra Music Festival


Ultra Music Festival is the staple of the Conference and is the official ending party. The massive two-day festival takes place across 12 different stages featuring over 200 artists and DJ’s. The festival will hold roughly 100,000 attendees and is quickly selling out. The video below will give perspective to just how big the festival is:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5UbNyZ89uU

I can't wait!

Monday, March 28, 2011


Pack up, check out, depart Miami, and head home to Toronto!
Drive straight from Pearson Airport to London.
Time for sleep and schoolwork while I cherish the memories of my dream vacation.