MIAMI — What do Lionel Messi, Tony Robbins, Rafael Nadal, Donald Trump, Will Smith, María Corina Machado, and JP Morgan's Jamie Dimon have in common?
They'll all be under the same roof in Miami for the America Business Forum, a one-of-a-kind event with a lineup worthy of Davos or the Oscars, but with a price tag that starts at just $100.
And that's exactly the point.
"We wanted this to be a gift for the people of Miami," said Mayor Francis X. Suárez in an exclusive interview with The Latin Times. "It's not just a business conference. It's a transformational experience. We want everyone to leave inspired, to believe they can dream bigger."
A Latin American Vision Comes to the U.S.
The America Business Forum was founded by Ignacio "Nacho" González over a decade ago in Punta del Este, Uruguay. It grew to become the largest leadership event in Latin America. Now, with the support of Suárez and the city of Miami, it makes its U.S. debut on November 5 and 6 at the Kaseya Center.
"This is not just another summit," González said. "It's the mother of all events. We're fusing fútbol with Fórmula 1, politics with entertainment, and Latin America with the United States."
The event promises to host an unprecedented combination of guests: from Messi, who has never participated in an event of this kind, to Nadal, to Donald Trump, and Argentinian president Javier Milei, to business titans like Ken Griffin and Jamie Dimon, to inspiring figures like María Corina Machado, fresh off receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
Why Only $100?
When asked why an event of this magnitude, with its star-studded lineup and Oscar-style production, would be so affordable, Suárez didn't hesitate.
"My first mission was that this event had to be democratic," he said. "That's why the ticket prices are what they are. It's about access. I don't want people to just watch these figures on TV or social media.I want them to feel their energy live, here in Miami."
González echoed that commitment: "You'd pay hundreds or thousands to see just one of these people speak. Here, you get two full days, multiple stages, major announcements, and a level of energy you can only feel in person. For $100. That doesn't exist anywhere else in the world."
From Latin America to the World
The collaboration between González and Suárez began years ago, when the mayor was invited to speak at a past edition of the forum in Punta del Este. According to González, "Francis is a rockstar in Latin America. He has more influence than many heads of state."
Suárez was moved by González's vision, and the partnership was born.
"This is an investment," said Suárez. "An investment in my political career, yes. But more than that, it's an investment in the people of Miami. This is a city of dreamers and doers, and we want to give them something world-class."
González confirmed the forum has a long-term vision for the Magic City: "We're already planning to align the next edition with the G20, when global leaders will be in town. We have a plan to stay in Miami."
Not Just Speeches:Stories of Survival
One of the most striking aspects of the America Business Forum is that it doesn't ask speakers for polished, rehearsed TED Talks. Instead, they are invited to speak from the heart.
"What we ask is simple," said Suárez. "Tell us your story. Tell us how you failed, how you doubted, how you overcame adversity. Tell us what you're working on now. And most importantly, tell us how you see the future."
The result? Raw, emotional, and inspiring moments. "This is not a stage for politics or division," González added. "It's a platform for leaders to share their truth. We're bringing people to the table to unite, not divide."
And with speakers like Steve Wyckoff, the U.S. negotiator in the Middle East, joining at the last minute, the forum is also poised to break news.
"These are people shaping history right now," Suárez said. "And they'll be telling their stories right here in Miami."
Miami as Global Stage—With Latin Flavor
As Miami continues to grow as a global capital for business, tech, and culture, events like this one solidify its place on the world stage. But for its organizers, the forum is also about Latino pride.
"We're bringing the best of Latin America and fusing it with the world," said González. "This event was born in Uruguay, inspired by our centrist, unifying politics, and now it's flourishing in a city built by immigrants."
And what's the only thing González promises to import from Uruguay?
"El saborcito," he said with a smile.
Tickets for the America Business Forum are available at www.americabusinessforum.com. Prices start at $100.
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