Fort Lauderdale Convention Center - Your Next Event Spot
When you think about places where big ideas come together, or where folks gather for something truly memorable, the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center really stands out. It's a spot that, you know, has been growing and getting better, offering a warm welcome to all sorts of get-togethers. From business meetings to fun shows, this location provides a wonderful setting for almost anything you can imagine. It's a place that seems to just naturally draw people in, making it a very popular choice for many.
This big project to make the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center even larger is actually happening right now, which is pretty exciting. When it’s all done, this place will have well over a million square feet of room, giving everyone so much more space to spread out and do things. It will also feature a really big room for dancing or talks that looks out onto the water, which is quite a lovely touch. There's also going to be a large outdoor area with places to eat and a nice park-like feel, making it easy to just walk around and enjoy the fresh air, so.
The whole idea behind this place is to bring together the serious side of work with the sheer joy of being in a beautiful spot. It's truly a destination where, in a way, you can mix important discussions with the simple pleasure of a sunny Florida day. This venue, set against the bright background of Fort Lauderdale, creates the perfect stage for a wide range of happenings, from big conferences to sporting events, and even smaller, more private company gatherings, too.
Table of Contents
- What Makes the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center So Special?
- The Fort Lauderdale Convention Center's New Look
- How Does the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center Support Events?
- Planning Your Visit to the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center
- Where Can You Stay Near the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center?
- The Fort Lauderdale Convention Center's Place in the Community
- What's Next for the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center?
- Getting Around the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center Area
What Makes the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center So Special?
The Broward County Convention Center, which some people call the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, or simply the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center, is a really unique spot. It sits right next to the Intracoastal Waterway, giving it a rather lovely view of the water. This location, you know, makes it quite different from many other places where big gatherings happen. It's not just a building; it's a setting that adds something extra to any event, making it feel a bit more special.
This convention spot is where the serious work of business meets the relaxed vibe of a vacation destination. It’s a place that allows for both important discussions and a bit of fun, all in one go. You can have your meetings, and then, you know, step outside to enjoy the warm air and beautiful scenery. This combination is what truly sets the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center apart, making it a premier choice for folks looking to get things done while also enjoying their surroundings.
The Fort Lauderdale Convention Center's New Look
The work to make the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center bigger and better is well on its way. Once everything is complete, the venue will offer more than 1.2 million square feet of usable space. This means a lot more room for various activities and gatherings, which is pretty exciting. The biggest room for events in South Florida will be right here, offering a view of the water, which is a really nice touch, honestly.
Beyond the indoor areas, the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center is also getting a wonderful outdoor area. This spot will feature places to eat and a pleasant, open space that feels like a park, making it easy to walk around and enjoy the sunshine. This addition means that events can spill outside, offering a refreshing change of scenery for attendees. It's about creating an experience that goes beyond just the indoor halls, allowing for a more relaxed and open feel, too.
How Does the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center Support Events?
The Fort Lauderdale Convention Center is set up to host a wide range of events, making it a very versatile spot. From large conferences where many people gather to share ideas, to exciting sporting events that draw big crowds, it can handle it all. It’s also a great place for displays where companies show off their products, or for smaller, more private company get-togethers, so. The way it’s laid out, it can truly adapt to the needs of different kinds of happenings, which is quite useful.
To help you keep track of what’s coming up, there’s a full list of upcoming events and activities at the Broward County Convention Center. This calendar helps people discover what’s happening and plan their visits accordingly. It’s a simple way to see what the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center has on its schedule, making it easier for visitors to find something that interests them, you know, and make arrangements for their trip.
Planning Your Visit to the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center
When you're thinking about visiting the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center, there are some helpful resources available. You can take a look at a three-dimensional tour of the venue, which gives you a good sense of the space before you even arrive. There are also answers to common questions and information about how the venue accommodates everyone, including details about access for people with disabilities, too. This helps make planning your visit a bit smoother, actually.
The current layout of the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center offers a significant amount of room for various activities. It has about 600,000 square feet of space in total, which is quite a lot. Within that, you’ll find four large areas for displays, two big rooms for gatherings, and thirty-one smaller rooms for meetings. This variety of spaces means that the venue can host multiple events at the same time or accommodate different parts of a single, very large gathering, you know.
Where Can You Stay Near the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center?
Right next to the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center, there’s a hotel that’s part of the Omni Hotels & Resorts group. This is the very first time the Omni brand has opened a property in Fort Lauderdale, which is a notable addition to the area. Having a place to stay so close means that people attending events at the convention center have a very convenient option for their accommodations, making their trip a little easier, so.
This close connection between the convention center and the Omni hotel means that attendees can move between their lodging and their event with great ease. It’s a setup that really supports the idea of mixing business with pleasure, as you’re just steps away from where all the action is. This convenience is a big plus for anyone visiting the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center for a meeting, a show, or any other kind of gathering, you know.
The Fort Lauderdale Convention Center's Place in the Community
The Fort Lauderdale Convention Center sits right in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, a place known for its lively atmosphere. Its position here means it’s a central point for many happenings in the area. It serves as a spot where business folks can come together, and where pleasure seekers can find something fun to do, all within the same general area. This location helps make it a key part of what makes Fort Lauderdale such a welcoming place, too.
Being located in Fort Lauderdale means the convention center is just a short drive from many popular spots. You can quickly get to the airport, which is super helpful for visitors flying in. The beautiful beaches are also nearby, offering a chance to relax by the ocean. And, of course, the Las Olas downtown area, with its many places to eat, shops, art displays, and entertainment options, is also very close by. This makes the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center a really convenient base for exploring the city, you know.
What's Next for the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center?
The expansion of the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center is a big project, and while some parts are finished, work is still going on. The part with the connected display space is now complete, which is a major step. However, the rest of the 1.2 billion dollar expansion project will continue through the year 2025. This means that the center will keep growing and improving over the next few years, offering even more for visitors, so.
When the full expansion of the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center is done, it will be even bigger and better than it is now. This growth means that the venue will be even more suited for gatherings of all different kinds and sizes. It’s positioned to be a top choice for anyone planning an event, offering a wide range of spaces and services to meet various needs. The ongoing work truly shows a commitment to making this a premier spot for years to come, you know.
Getting Around the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center Area
One of the nicest features of the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center is its direct view of the Intracoastal Waterway. The building has a tall glass wall that allows for wide, open views of the water, which is pretty stunning. This connection to the water adds a very pleasant feeling to the venue, making it a bright and inviting space for everyone inside, too. It’s a detail that really makes the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center feel like a part of its beautiful surroundings.
The design of the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center, with its emphasis on views and accessibility, means that moving around the area is quite pleasant. Whether you are inside enjoying the water views or stepping out to the new plaza, the experience is meant to be easy and enjoyable. The proximity to other parts of Fort Lauderdale also means that getting to and from the convention center is generally simple, allowing visitors to easily explore the city’s many attractions, you know.
The Fort Lauderdale Convention Center is undergoing a significant expansion, which will make it a truly impressive venue with over 1.2 million square feet of space, including a large ballroom with water views and an outdoor plaza. It is known for blending business and leisure, hosting a variety of events from conferences to trade shows. The center is conveniently located next to the Intracoastal Waterway and an Omni hotel, and is a short distance from the airport, beaches, and downtown Fort Lauderdale's dining and entertainment areas. Current facilities include 600,000 square feet, four exhibit halls, two ballrooms, and 31 meeting rooms. The expansion, which includes a completed contiguous exhibit space, is expected to fully finish by 2025, further enhancing its capacity and appeal.

Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center - Edlen

Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL - Wahaso

Fort Lauderdale Convention 2023 - NATCA