News Summary
Broward County has inaugurated its convention center expansion, poised to enhance tourism and economic growth in the region. Mayor Beam Furr hailed the occasion, highlighting new facilities such as a 350,000-square-foot exhibit hall and a 65,000-square-foot ballroom. The expansion aims to attract more visitors and create thousands of jobs, supporting the local economy. With plans for additional infrastructure improvements, including a new hotel and airport connector, this initiative is set to redefine South Florida’s position as a premier destination for conferences and major events.
Florida – Broward County has officially opened its convention center expansion, marking a significant milestone for tourism and economic growth in the region. This expanded facility is anticipated to attract more visitors and boost the local economy. The project is the result of renewed efforts by county commissioners, starting in 2014, culminating in its completion more than ten years later.
During the opening event, Broward County Mayor Beam Furr described the occasion as a moment for celebration and foresight into the future, emphasizing the positive impact this expansion is expected to have on the community and the local economy. The convention center, which originally opened its doors in 1991, has since hosted thousands of conferences and major events, establishing itself as an essential venue in South Florida.
Located on the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway and south of the 17th Street Causeway, the convention center occupies prime real estate near Port Everglades. The newly introduced “East Expansion” adds an impressive 1.2 million square feet to the existing structure. Among the major upgrades are additional meeting spaces, a 350,000-square-foot exhibit hall, and a 65,000-square-foot ballroom, enhancing the total capacity and versatility of the venue.
Broward County Administrator Monica Cepero commented on the upgraded facility, referring to it as South Florida’s premier waterfront conference center. The expansion is highlighted by its luxury, comfort, and environmental responsibility, aligning with modern expectations for event venues.
The convention center’s expansion is part of broader improvements in the area aiming to enhance the overall experience for visitors and locals alike. A new bypass connector road leading to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is also under construction, which is expected to facilitate smoother travel to and from the airport. Additionally, plans for a new Omni hotel project are underway. Although the opening of the hotel has faced delays, its completion is expected to further enhance the tourist experience in Fort Lauderdale.
According to county officials, these combined developments, including the convention center’s expansion and the new hotel, are projected to generate over $450 million in annual economic impact while creating more than 3,000 full- and part-time jobs in Broward County. This revitalization of the convention center is not only a step towards improving tourism but also serves as a long-term investment in the local economy, benefiting business owners and residents alike.
In summary, the Broward County convention center expansion represents a powerful catalyst for the region’s tourism and economic growth, enhancing the county’s position as a top destination for conferences and events. With a combination of state-of-the-art facilities and additional infrastructure improvements, the project is expected to pave the way for a new era of economic prosperity in South Florida.
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Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
