Miami, FL, Friday 11 July 2025. As we enter the second half of the 2025 calendar year, SAMA held its 7th Board Meeting of the year. It took place on Thursday 10 July at the World Trade Center in Miami. All officers were present: Daniel Álvarez (president), Joaquín Ruhi (vice president), Jorge “Nacho” García (secretary) and Marcello Serrato (treasurer). Other members present were SAMA president emeritus Paul Borden; board director Jaime Florez and board advisor María Ravani. Specially invited guests were Albert Collazo (Hispanic Communications Director for Ford), Ariel García-Linares (Vice President, Transportation Sector at Ketchum) and Tony Serrato of Prestige Auto.
Although July and August promise to be relatively quiet months for SAMA activities, September will see a flurry of activities. Preliminary planning for those were the focus of our July Board Meeting.
Upcoming events
On Saturday 6 September 2025 from 10 AM to 12 noon, we will be hosting our second Hot Wheels Fun Day in conjunction with the Miami Cancer Institute. This spiritual successor to SAMA’s Rides and Smiles will bring some of our hottest rides for the enjoyment of children undergoing cancer treatment. The Hot Wheels Fun Day will also serve as a kickoff for National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month events at the Miami Cancer Institute.
With the 2025 Miami International Auto Show moving to late September, there will be a number of related activities. SAMA’s 2nd annual ChargedUp Miami drive and awards event for electrified vehicles will take place on Wednesday 24 September. It will again take place at The Athletic Club Miami. The proposed contract for the 2025 event was approved by the Board. Also approved was again making the Marriott AC Hotel Miami Wynwood the official hotel for out-of-town guests attending ChargedUp Miami and the Miami Auto Show. Negotiations for best rates are forthcoming.
The 2025 Miami Auto Show press day schedule for Friday 26 September has yet to be announced. Also pending are any manufacturer events that might take place on Thursday 25 September.
