SOUTHCOM Conference Center of the Americas

Conference Center of the Americas (CCA) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is authorized to use the CCA?

All USSOUTHCOM employees, DOD organizations, federal agencies, and state and local agencies.   Public/private entities, academia, and international organizations that are partnering with USSOUTHCOM may also use the CCA.

2. How far in advance can I get a reservation?

CCA’s scheduling policy is determined by strategic goals as follows:

Strategic goal 1 – Enable key leader engagements and strategic/operational level conferences

Strategic goal 2 - Advance USSOUTHCOM’s Command Strategy, Theater Campaign Plan, and IMOs

• Priority #2  -  Schedule up to 6 months in advance on a space available basis. Priority 2 events can bump lesser priority events.

Strategic goal 3 – Strengthen DoD and interagency partnerships aimed at whole-of-government solutions

• Priority #3 - Schedule up to 5 months in advance on a space available basis. Priority 3 events can bump lesser priority events.

Strategic goal 4 – Support outreach to Non-Federal Entities (NFEs) such as public organizations, academia, and local government

• Priority #4 - Schedule up to 4 months in advance on a space available basis.

Strategic goal 5 – Support specialized and mandatory trainings that would enhance the knowledge and capabilities of USSOUTHCOM’s strategic partners and work force.

• Priority #5 - Schedule up to 3 months in advance on a space available basis. If directed by the Command, then it can be scheduled on a space available basis.

Strategic goal 6 - Enhance the quality of life of the installation’s workforce.

• Priority #6 - Schedule up to 3 months in advance on a space available basis.

3. What are the modes of transportation to get to the facility?

You are permitted to use your personal mode of transportation as well as government vehicles. Buses are encouraged to transport large group of people.

4. What are the available lodging accommodations?

There are no lodging accommodations available at the Conference Center of the Americas. 

5. What are the hours of operation?

The CCA’s regular hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.

6. What are the options for coffee breaks and lunches?

There is a variety of restaurants in the local area available for lunch.  We will also provide a list of available caterers upon request, as there is no on-site catering.  There is a food court on site for breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks.

7. Do you have breakout/meeting rooms?

Breakout/meeting rooms are available under the reservation timelines described above.

8. What is the weather like in the area?

The CCA is located in the heart of South Florida. Known for its tropical climate, you should expect sunny days with a serene breeze.

9. How many people can the CCA accommodate?

The main conference room seats 240 people (approximately 190 in main area and 40 in the balcony) and is available for groups of 60 or more. The medium conference room seats 70 people.  There are 8 breakout/meeting rooms seating 20 people each, which are available for small events. These eight rooms can be combined to create three medium conference rooms:  two accommodate up to 75 and one will accommodate up to 40.

10. Can we cook our own food?

No.  Food preparation at the facility is not authorized, although the CCA staff can facilitate food storage.

11. What is the cost to hold an event at the CCA?

At present, there is no charge to use the CCA for approved events.

12. Do you accommodate children?

The CCA does not accommodate children.

13. Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is prohibited except in areas designated by SOUTHCOM.  To find a designated area, please contact a CCA staff member.  Please ensure that all participants fully put out their cigarettes before disposing of them into the cigarette butt collector to prevent a fire.

14. What is the meeting room reservation process?

Anyone who has access to the USSOUTHCOM internal portal may reserve a meeting space.  Outside partner agencies and organizations may reserve through their USSOUTHCOM liaison officer.  Otherwise, a request may be submitted via the event inquiry form located in the CCA website page on the main USSOUTHCOM website. All customers will have to meet with the Events Coordinator in order to coordinate event details, discuss CCA policies, and sign an organizer agreement.

15. What is the cancellation policy?

To ensure maximum capacity/use of the CCA, cancellations must be made at least two weeks prior to the event start date.

16. What is the liability policy?

a. For DOD POCs: financial liability may be assessed, should there be damage to government property.

b. For non-DoD POCs/organizations:  the organization’s senior official will be notified of the noncompliance, and the organization may be prohibited from holding an event in the CCA until reimbursement is made or the liability is assessed. POCs must work directly with the CCA until the situation is resolved.

17. Do you provide internet access?

Internet access is available in the Internet Café on the first floor.

18. Do I need to/may I provide security for my conference?

The POC must enforce applicable security measures, in accordance with DoD 5200.1-R, Information Security Program Management, and ensure attendees adhere to all security measures when classified material is present.

19. What is the “bumping” policy?

The USSOUTHCOM Commander may “bump” an event, as necessary, to fulfill USSOUTHCOM’s mission.  The CCA staff will endeavor to secure other meeting space if a priority bump is necessary.

20.  Am I responsible for clean-up after my event/meeting?

Yes. Customers must return their meeting space to its original state under CCA staff supervision.

21. Who sets up and breaks down?

The individual(s) reserving space will set up and break down approved layouts under a CCA representative’s supervision.

22. Are administrative supplies provided (e.g., copying, printing)?

50 copies are permitted per event.  However, you are required to provide all administrative supplies such as easels, markers, staplers, etc. 

23. Could I have a private function (e.g., baby shower, graduation, etc)?

The CCA does not accommodate private functions, as those types of activities do not support the SOUTHCOM mission.

24. Where are you located?

The CCA is located at 9301 NW 33rd St., Doral, FL in close proximity to three major highways: the Palmetto Expressway (SR-826); the Dolphin Expressway (SR-836); and the Florida (Ronald Reagan) Turnpike.

25. Do you provide telephone access?

Telephone banks are available on the first and second floors.

26. Am I able to do a “walk-through” of the facility?

Yes.  Final walk-throughs should be made 24 hours prior to the event.  All walk-throughs must be scheduled with the CCA in order to ensure access to the required areas.

27. Do you have a lost and found?

We keep found unclaimed items for 30 days.  After 30 days, those items will be turned over to the DOD Police on-site.

28. Do you provide photography?

The CCA does not provide photographic services.

29. What is your cell phone policy?

Cell phones and mobile devices are only permitted in areas that are not authorized for the processing of classified information. They are not permitted in the conference rooms. Cell phone lockers are provided on a first-come / first-served basis.