Author: Jay Taylor

  • Westin Beach Resort Fort Lauderdale

    Westin Beach Resort Fort Lauderdale

    The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

    Oceanfront Skybridge Resort Near the Convention Floor

    Distance & Drive Times

    • Distance: 2.8 miles from the Broward County Convention Center.
    • Drive Time: 7-to-9-minute drive via A1A and 17th St Causeway.
    • Address: 321 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, FL 3304
    • Airport Proximity: 6 miles (15 mins) to FLL Airport.

    Skybridge Beach Access

    • Pedestrian Skywalk: Walk directly from pool deck over A1A to the beach.
    • Oceanfront Pool: Heated outdoor pool and whirlpool facing the Atlantic.
    • Marriott Bonvoy: Earn points and elite nights for conference stays.
    • Heavenly Beds: Signature Westin Heavenly Bed in all guestrooms.


    Heavenly Spa & Coastal Mexican Dining

    Heavenly Spa by Westin

    • Full-Service Spa: Signature body wraps, deep-tissue massage therapy, and aromatherapy steam rooms.
    • WestinWORKOUT Fitness: 24-hour fitness center equipped with Peloton bikes, TRX trainers, and free weights.
    • RunWESTIN Concierge: Guided scenic 3-mile and 5-mile beach running routes.

    Lona Cocina & Tequileria

    • Lona Cocina: Acclaimed coastal Mexican cuisine, outdoor oceanview terrace dining, and an extensive tequila selection.
    • Waves Pool Bar & Grill: Poolside craft cocktails, fresh flatbreads, and casual lunch bites.
    • Starbucks On-Site: Full-service morning espresso bar and pastry bakery in the main lobby.


    Convention Attendee Transit Tip: The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort offers an oceanfront setting while remaining just 7 minutes from the Broward County Convention Center. Take A1A (Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd) south directly to the 17th Street Causeway entrance to avoid highway congestion. Valet parking and electric vehicle charging are available on-site.

    Quick Reference Guide



    Book Room & Check Rates

    Reserve Your Stay at The Westin Beach Resort

    Google Hotel Search

    Compare live room rates, oceanview room availability, and verified guest reviews for The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.

    Dining & Transit Info

    Explore restaurants along 17th Street Causeway or review parking garage payment options.



  • Ballrooms & Meeting Spaces | Broward Convention Center

    Ballrooms & Meeting Spaces | Broward Convention Center

    Ballrooms

    Level 3 Grand Waterfront Ballrooms

    Atlantic Ballroom (Waterfront)

    • Total Space: 65,136 sq. ft. (Largest waterfront ballroom in the Southeast).
    • Theater Capacity: Up to 7,159 attendees.
    • Banquet Seating: Up to 4,340 guests.
    • Classroom Setup: 3,600 seated attendees.
    • Waterfront Views: Floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the Intracoastal.
    • Pre-Function Concourse: Expansive waterfront registration lobby.

    Grand Ballroom (Divisible)

    • Total Space: 31,872 sq. ft. column-free space.
    • Theater Capacity: Up to 3,808 attendees.
    • Banquet Seating: Up to 2,120 guests.
    • Breakout Sections: Divisible into 8 independent rooms (Sections A-H).
    • Ceiling Height: 28 ft clear clearance with dead-hang rigging.
    • Lighting: Programmable multi-zone architectural LED presets.


    Mid-Sized Ballrooms & Executive Suites

    Floridian Ballroom (Skylit)

    • Total Space: 20,316 sq. ft. on Level 3.
    • Theater Capacity: Holds up to 2,400 attendees.
    • Banquet Capacity: Accommodates up to 1,350 seated guests.
    • Natural Daylight: Features an expansive pre-function lobby that pulls in natural daylight via integrated ceiling skylights.

    Sandpiper & Palm Ballrooms

    • Sandpiper Ballroom (Level 1): 14,979 sq. ft. | Theater: 1,163 | Banquet: 1,000 | Ground-floor access with private breakout dividing wall.
    • Palm Ballroom: 9,527 sq. ft. | Theater: 1,120 | Ideal for corporate luncheons, awards ceremonies, and board retreats.
    • Executive Conference Suites: Outfitted with high-speed fiber drops, ergonomic seating, and multi-display presentation tech.


    All ballrooms at the Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center are supported by dedicated culinary service corridors, exclusive banqueting kitchens managed by Legends Global, and integrated high-load overhead rigging points for elaborate lighting and sound production.

    Related Campus Spaces



    Ballroom Inquiries & Hotel Block Planning

    Book a Ballroom & Reserve Accommodations

    Ballroom RFPs & Availability

    Submit an RFP to check ballroom date availability, banquet catering menus, and AV rigging specs.

    Attendee & VIP Lodging

    Coordinate room blocks at the connected Omni headquarters hotel or walking-distance properties on 17th St.



  • Waterfront Plaza

    Waterfront Plaza

    6-Acre Outdoor Waterfront Plaza | Broward Convention Center

    Open-Air Waterfront Event Park & Activation Plaza

    Plaza Features & Footprint

    • Total Acreage: 6 acres of landscaped outdoor event grounds.
    • Intracoastal Promenades: Shaded walking paths along the water.
    • Event Lawns: Open turf areas for stages, tents, and lounges.
    • Connected Hotel: Direct pedestrian access to the 801-room Omni.
    • Marina Access: Overlooks mega-yacht docks and water channels.
    • Lighting & Power: Integrated underground event power drops.

    Ideal Event Formats

    • Welcome Receptions: Sunset cocktail parties with marina backdrops.
    • Live Concerts & Shows: Staging for live bands and entertainment.
    • Food & Wine Festivals: Space for culinary booths and mobile carts.
    • Outdoor Vehicle Displays: Hardscaped staging for boats and auto expos.


    Outdoor Event Production & Catering

    Outdoor Banquets & Bars

    • Legends Global Catering: Custom chef-driven outdoor banquet menus, live culinary stations, and raw oyster bars.
    • Mobile Bar Setups: Full liquor licensing and portable cocktail bars configured across the lawns.
    • Tented Gala Pavilions: Engineering accommodates large-scale clear-span air-conditioned event tents.

    Audio-Visual & Utilities

    • Concert Power: Dedicated high-amperage 3-phase power drops built into outdoor ground vaults.
    • Wi-Fi & Telecom: High-density outdoor Wi-Fi coverage for mobile ticketing and live streaming.
    • Perimeter Security: Controllable access gates for ticketed private events.


    The Waterfront Plaza serves as the outdoor centerpiece of Fort Lauderdale’s expanded convention campus. Connecting the 1.2M sq. ft. indoor facility to the Intracoastal Waterway, event organizers can transition attendees from indoor sessions to outdoor sunset galas seamlessly.

    Related Campus Spaces

    • Exhibition Halls: 350,000 sq. ft. contiguous trade show space on Level 1.
    • Atlantic Ballroom: 65,136 sq. ft. waterfront ballroom directly overlooking the plaza.
    • Floor Plans & Specs: Complete capacity charts and campus layouts.


    Outdoor Event Inquiries & Hotel Blocks

    Book the Plaza & Reserve Accommodations

    Plaza RFPs & Availability

    Submit an RFP to check date availability, outdoor staging guidelines, and catering packages for the Waterfront Plaza.

    Nearby Accommodations

    Stay steps away from the outdoor plaza at the connected Omni headquarters hotel or along 17th Street Causeway.



  • Exhibition Halls & Floor Specs | Broward County Convention Center

    Exhibition Halls & Floor Specs | Broward County Convention Center

    Exhibition Halls

    350,000 Sq. Ft. Contiguous Exhibition Space

    Level 1 Exhibit Hall Metrics

    • Total Exhibit Area: 350,000 contiguous sq. ft.
    • Hall Configurations: Divisible into 4 separate halls (A, B, C, D)
    • Ceiling Clear Heights: 30 ft to 33 ft throughout
    • Floor Load Capacity: 350 lbs per sq. ft. live load
    • Standard 10×10 Booths: Accommodates up to 1,800+ booths
    • Registration Concourses: Expansive daylight-lit lobbies

    Floor Utilities & Rigging

    • Utility Floor Boxes: 30-ft grid spacing (Electric, Water, Air, Drain)
    • Electrical Service: 120V, 208V, and 480V 3-phase power
    • Data & Telecom: High-density Gigabit fiber & Wi-Fi 6 coverage
    • Overhead Rigging: Engineered dead-hang points across all halls


    Loading Docks, Marshaling & Freight Logistics

    Freight Bays & Drive-In Doors

    • Loading Docks: 19 covered freight bays equipped with hydraulic dock levelers.
    • Drive-In Access: Direct roll-up door access allowing semi-trucks and heavy equipment directly onto the floor.
    • Door Clearances: Oversized overhead doors up to 20 ft in height for massive marine displays and boat show tenders.

    Marshaling Yard & Security

    • Marshaling Yard: Dedicated off-street staging yard accommodating multi-rig queues during move-in/move-out.
    • Exhibitor Freight Elevator: Heavy-duty service elevators servicing Level 2 and Level 3 ballroom pre-function areas.
    • 24/7 Security Gate: Controlled checkpoint access via Eisenhower Blvd.


    In addition to the 350,000 sq. ft. main exhibit floor, the Broward County Convention Center campus features over 1.2 million sq. ft. of total versatile meeting space, including four expansive ballrooms and an outdoor waterfront activation plaza.

    Ballroom & Outdoor Activation Capacities

    • Atlantic Ballroom (Waterfront): 65,136 sq. ft. — holds up to 7,159 attendees with panoramic Intracoastal views.
    • Grand Ballroom: 31,872 sq. ft. — divisible into 8 breakout sections for general sessions up to 3,800 guests.
    • Floridian Ballroom: 20,316 sq. ft. — natural daylight pre-function area, holding up to 2,400 guests.
    • Outdoor Waterfront Plaza: 6-acre open-air park for evening concerts, receptions, and outdoor exhibits.


    Event Planning, RFP & Hotel Blocks

    Submit an RFP & Coordinate Staging

    Event Sales & Date Availability

    Request space availability, floor plan CAD files, and banquet pricing for trade shows and conferences.

    Exhibitor & Attendee Lodging

    Secure room blocks at the attached 801-room Omni Fort Lauderdale headquarters hotel or along 17th Street.



    Exhibition Halls & Trade Show Space

    350,000 Sq. Ft. Contiguous Exhibition Floor

    Floor Dimensions & Layouts

    • Total Exhibit Area: 350,000 sq. ft. contiguous ground-level floor.
    • Divisible Configurations: Flexible air-walls divide into Halls A, B, C, and D.
    • Ceiling Clear Heights: 30 ft clear to the low steel throughout.
    • Booth Capacity: Accommodates up to 1,800 standard 10×10 exhibit booths.

    Floor Loads & Utility Grids

    • Floor Load Capacity: 350 lbs per sq. ft. heavy-duty load rating.
    • 30-Ft Utility Grid: In-floor boxes with power, water, air, and data.
    • Rigging & Lighting: High-density rigging points and programmable LED bays.
    • Heavy Machinery Ready: Engineered for boats, yachts, and vehicles.


    Loading Docks, Freight & Logistics

    Loading Docks & Marshaling

    • 23 Covered Loading Bays: Dedicated rear loading docks with automatic levelers for rapid multi-carrier freight turnaround.
    • Drive-In Freight Doors: Direct drive-on roll-up freight access directly into the main exhibit halls.
    • Staging & Marshaling Yard: Expansive secured on-site truck staging perimeter inside Port Everglades.

    Pre-Function & Concessions

    • Expansive Pre-Function Lobby: Glass-enclosed registration concourses with natural sunlight and digital wayfinding screens.
    • Retail Food Courts: Permanent on-floor concession cafes and specialty coffee kiosks operated by Legends Global.
    • Exhibitor Service Centers: On-site show decorator offices, utility support, and dedicated exhibitor lounges.


    The ground-level exhibition halls at the Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center serve as the epicenter for major global gatherings including the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), the Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE), and major trade conventions. Connected directly to the parking garage via an enclosed Level 2 skybridge and featuring seamless street-level access to the 801-room Omni headquarters hotel.

    Planning & Space Resources



    Book Space & Inquire About Exhibit Dates

    Reserve Exhibit Halls & Nearby Accommodations

    Exhibit Hall Space RFPs

    Check calendar availability, request hall floor plans, or submit a formal event RFP to the venue sales team.

    Exhibitor Accommodations

    Book exhibitor and staff room blocks at walking-distance hotels along 17th Street or the connected Omni Hotel.



  • Restaurants

    Restaurants

    Restaurants Near Broward County Convention Center

    17th Street Causeway & Waterfront Dining

    Waterfront Seafood & Steaks

    • Boatyard: Premier upscale waterfront dining with dockside patio seating and fresh local seafood.
    • 15th Street Fisheries: Historic marina restaurant serving Florida stone crab and seafood chowders.
    • Southport Raw Bar: Casual, iconic dockside raw bar famous for oysters and cold draft beers.
    • Bistro 17: Contemporary American cuisine overlooking the Renaissance Marina.

    Casual Dining & Pubs

    • Quarterdeck Restaurant: Lively neighborhood seafood bar with craft brews and sushi.
    • Kelly’s Landing: Authentic New England seafood tavern serving Maine lobster and clam rolls.
    • Carlos & Pepe’s: Local favorite serving traditional Mexican plates and fresh margaritas.
    • Duffy’s Sports Grill: Expansive sports bar with waterfront views and daily two-for-one drinks.


    Quick Lunch & Fast Casual Options

    Harbor Shops Plaza

    • Publix Super Market Deli: Famous grab-and-go sub sandwiches, hot fried chicken tenders, and fresh salads, located 0.5 miles west on 17th St.
    • Chipotle Mexican Grill: Fast custom burritos, bowls, and tacos for a fast turnaround between afternoon breakout sessions.
    • Panera Bread: Fresh soups, artisan sandwiches, clean salads, and rapid mobile pick-up options.

    Coffee & Breakfast Cafés

    • Starbucks (Harbor Shops & Marina): Full-service coffee and espresso drinks within walking distance.
    • Einstein Bros. Bagels: Fresh baked breakfast bagels, egg sandwiches, and premium drip coffee on 17th St.
    • Legends Concessions: Multiple on-site specialty espresso bars and grab-and-go snack stations located inside the convention concourse.


    The 17th Street Causeway corridor provides over 35 distinct restaurants and bars within walking distance of the Broward County Convention Center. Whether coordinating a large client dinner or grabbing a 15-minute lunch between session tracks, attendees have immediate pedestrian access to varied culinary options.

    Attendee Dining Highlights

    • Water Taxi Dining: Take the Water Taxi from Stop #3 (Hilton Marina) directly to downtown Las Olas Boulevard or Fort Lauderdale Beach for open-air patio dining.
    • Private Dining Rooms: Reserve private boardrooms and banquet spaces at Boatyard, Bistro 17, and 15th Street Fisheries.
    • Cashless Operations: Most local establishments and all on-site convention center food outlets accept only credit cards and mobile payments.


    Explore Nearby Hotels & Event Maps

    Plan Your Meals & Accommodations

    17th St Restaurant Map

    Explore interactive dining maps, customer reviews, and live business hours along 17th Street Causeway.

    Nearby Accommodations

    Stay steps away from these top restaurants at hotels along the 17th Street Causeway or connected to the venue.



  • Pet Friendly Hotels

    Pet Friendly Hotels

    Complete Guide to Pet Friendly Hotels in Fort Lauderdale

    Traveling with four-legged companions demands clear planning and verified property policies. Locating the premier **Pet Friendly Hotels in Fort Lauderdale** makes all the difference when attending events at the Broward County Convention Center, preparing for a cruise departure from Port Everglades, or taking in the South Florida coastline. Our comprehensive directory of **Fort Lauderdale Pet Friendly Hotels** delivers clear, factual details on pet fees, weight limits, check-in schedules, dining options, and airport transfer services.

    From full-service properties along the 17th Street Causeway to oceanfront stays among **Pet Friendly Hotels Fort Lauderdale Beach**, each **Pet Friendly Hotel Fort Lauderdale** maintains distinct rules for domestic animals. Checking **Fort Lauderdale Hotels Pet Friendly** guidelines prior to arrival ensures a smooth check-in without unexpected surcharges or transit obstacles. Whether you are actively seeking **Dog Friendly Hotels Fort Lauderdale** or specialized **Dog Friendly Hotels in Fort Lauderdale**, review our curated selection of 8 trusted accommodations below to find the ideal **Pet Friendly Hotel in Fort Lauderdale** or **Dog Friendly Hotel Fort Lauderdale** for your upcoming trip.

    Top 8 Pet Friendly Accommodations in Greater Fort Lauderdale

    • 1. Aloft Fort Lauderdale Airport
      • Address: 501 SE 24th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
      • Phone: (754) 285-4848
      • Hours of Operation: 24/7 Front Desk
      • Check-in: 3:00 PM
      • Check-out: 12:00 PM
      • Miles to Cruise Port: 1.5 miles
      • Miles to Airport: 2.0 miles
      • Free Shuttle Service to Cruise Port: No
      • Free Shuttle Service to Airport: Yes (Complimentary airport shuttle)
      • Shuttle Service Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily
      • Pets Allowed: Yes (Dogs up to 70 lbs allowed, maximum 2 per room; pet fee applies)
      • Onsite Restaurants: W XYZ Bar & Lounge, Re:fuel Grab-and-Go


    • 2. Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port & Convention Center
      • Address: 1851 SE 10th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
      • Phone: (954) 763-7670
      • Hours of Operation: 24/7 Front Desk
      • Check-in: 4:00 PM
      • Check-out: 12:00 PM
      • Miles to Cruise Port: 0.8 miles
      • Miles to Airport: 3.2 miles
      • Free Shuttle Service to Cruise Port: No (Third-party shuttle transfer available for a fee)
      • Free Shuttle Service to Airport: No (Third-party shuttle transfer available for a fee)
      • Shuttle Service Hours: Scheduled morning departures daily
      • Pets Allowed: Yes (Dogs up to 50 lbs each, 75 lbs combined max for 2 dogs; $100 fee for 1–6 nights)
      • Onsite Restaurants: The Placery, Complimentary Breakfast Bar, 24/7 Market


    • 3. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
      • Address: 1881 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
      • Phone: (954) 463-4000
      • Hours of Operation: 24/7 Front Desk
      • Check-in: 4:00 PM
      • Check-out: 11:00 AM
      • Miles to Cruise Port: 0.5 miles
      • Miles to Airport: 3.5 miles
      • Free Shuttle Service to Cruise Port: No
      • Free Shuttle Service to Airport: No
      • Shuttle Service Hours: N/A
      • Pets Allowed: Yes (Dogs allowed up to 25 lbs; $75 non-refundable fee per stay in designated rooms)
      • Onsite Restaurants: Anwa Waterfront Dining, Dockside Bar & Grill, Marina Market


    • 4. Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street
      • Address: 1100 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
      • Phone: (954) 527-2700
      • Hours of Operation: 24/7 Front Desk
      • Check-in: 4:00 PM
      • Check-out: 11:00 AM
      • Miles to Cruise Port: 1.0 mile
      • Miles to Airport: 2.5 miles
      • Free Shuttle Service to Cruise Port: No ($12 per person transfer service available)
      • Free Shuttle Service to Airport: No ($12 per person transfer service available)
      • Shuttle Service Hours: Morning and afternoon scheduled intervals
      • Pets Allowed: Yes (Dogs and cats up to 75 lbs; $75 fee for 1–4 nights, $125 for 5+ nights)
      • Onsite Restaurants: E-Spot Restaurant & Bar, Complimentary Evening Reception


    • 5. Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel
      • Address: 1617 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
      • Phone: (954) 626-1700
      • Hours of Operation: 24/7 Front Desk
      • Check-in: 4:00 PM
      • Check-out: 11:00 AM
      • Miles to Cruise Port: 0.6 miles
      • Miles to Airport: 3.0 miles
      • Free Shuttle Service to Cruise Port: No
      • Free Shuttle Service to Airport: No
      • Shuttle Service Hours: N/A
      • Pets Allowed: Yes (Up to 2 pets per room, maximum 25 lbs each; $100 non-refundable fee per stay)
      • Onsite Restaurants: Bistro 17, R Lounge, Poolside Bar


    • 6. The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
      • Address: 321 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
      • Phone: (954) 467-1111
      • Hours of Operation: 24/7 Front Desk
      • Check-in: 4:00 PM
      • Check-out: 11:00 AM
      • Miles to Cruise Port: 3.2 miles
      • Miles to Airport: 6.0 miles
      • Free Shuttle Service to Cruise Port: No
      • Free Shuttle Service to Airport: No
      • Shuttle Service Hours: N/A
      • Pets Allowed: Yes (Dogs up to 40 lbs welcome; $100 non-refundable pet fee per stay)
      • Onsite Restaurants: Lona Cocina Tequileria, Waves Bar & Grill, Starbucks


    • 7. Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
      • Address: 4801 Anglers Ave, Dania Beach, FL 33312
      • Phone: (954) 989-3636
      • Hours of Operation: 24/7 Front Desk
      • Check-in: 4:00 PM
      • Check-out: 11:00 AM
      • Miles to Cruise Port: 3.5 miles
      • Miles to Airport: 2.2 miles
      • Free Shuttle Service to Cruise Port: Yes (Complimentary scheduled shuttle)
      • Free Shuttle Service to Airport: Yes (Complimentary scheduled shuttle)
      • Shuttle Service Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily
      • Pets Allowed: Yes (Dogs and cats up to 50 lbs; $100 non-refundable fee per stay)
      • Onsite Restaurants: The Market (24/7 grab-and-go), Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet


    • 8. W Fort Lauderdale
      • Address: 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
      • Phone: (954) 414-8200
      • Hours of Operation: 24/7 Front Desk
      • Check-in: 4:00 PM
      • Check-out: 11:00 AM
      • Miles to Cruise Port: 3.8 miles
      • Miles to Airport: 4.8 miles
      • Free Shuttle Service to Cruise Port: No
      • Free Shuttle Service to Airport: No
      • Shuttle Service Hours: N/A
      • Pets Allowed: Yes (Pets Are Welcome program accepts dogs up to 40 lbs; $100 fee + $25/night)
      • Onsite Restaurants: Steak 954, El Vez Mexican, WET Deck Pool Bar & Grill, Living Room Lounge


    Book Flights & Pet-Friendly Hotels

    Google Flights

    Find direct flights and compare competitive airline rates arriving at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) or Miami International Airport (MIA).

    Google Hotels

    Browse real-time room availability, pet fee policies, and location maps for properties across Fort Lauderdale and along the 17th Street Causeway.

  • Cruise Ports

    Cruise Port Everglades Next Door to BCCC