Fort Lauderdale, FL

Key Highlights

Hotels	565
Total Sleeping Rooms	28,833
Committable Sleeping Rooms*	1,060
Committable Meeting Rooms*	39
Largest Exhibit Space	600,000 Sq. Ft.
Largest Ballroom	50,000 Sq. Ft.
Average Hotel Room Rate	USD $129
Average Daily Meal Cost	USD $71
Average Weekly Car Rental	USD $415
*Maximum for a single hotel

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Fort Lauderdale, FL Meeting Planning Overview

Welcome to the Cvent Fort Lauderdale meeting planning guide, where you can find hotels, restaurants, and other meeting space and a wealth of Ft. Lauderdale meeting planning information. With year-round sunshine and a fresh sophisticated vibe, it is no wonder that more than 10 million visitors flock to Fort Lauderdale's scenic shore each year. The city's reinvention has propelled it as a choice destination for meeting and convention groups.

Nowhere else is the self-proclaimed "beach chic" transformation more apparent than in the plethora of hotels – such as the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale, W Fort Lauderdale Hotel and Residences, Trump International Hotel & Tower Fort Lauderdale and the Marriott Hollywood Beach – which have cropped throughout the area.

Beyond the hotel boom, the city's convention facilities have also been enhanced. Furthering the city's status as a rising star, a $34 million expansion was completed at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in 2002. The newly expanded facility is meant for large-scale Ft. Lauderdale meeting planning and offers a total of 600,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and exhibit space and lavish banquet rooms.

Fort Lauderdale, FL Area Destinations

Dania Beach, FL

Hollywood Fort Lauderdale, FL

Pompano Beach, FL

About Fort Lauderdale, FL / Additional Info

The glistening beaches, sunny streets and winding waterways of Fort Lauderdale are buzzing with renewed spirit. Gone are the days when a steady stream of college students made their annual spring pilgrimage to this South Florida shore. Today, the area's revitalization efforts have made it a striking departure from the spring break retreat of yesterday. Fort Lauderdale has emerged as a culturally-rich, sophisticated beach destination with something-for-everyone appeal.

Located on the southeast coast of Florida overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the area that is now Fort Lauderdale was home to the Tequesta Indians for over a thousand years. First contact with Europeans began with Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Throughout history the area repeatedly changed hands, and the flags of the Spanish, British and U.S. Confederacy have all flown over the region. However, the land remained largely undeveloped until its incorporation as a U.S. city in 1911. Today, approximately 167,000 people live within the 36-square-mile city limits, and 1.8 million people call the 1,220-square-mile greater Fort Lauderdale metro area home.

With one quarter of the city's residents foreign-born, Fort Lauderdale is a diverse cultural mosaic with many offerings that celebrate its rich history and multiculturalism including the African American Library and Cultural Center, Old Dillard Museum and the Seminole Tribe's Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. The city's diversity is also reflected in its cuisine, ranging from exotic Latin fusion to warm and comforting soul food.

Known for the charming patchwork of canals that weave an extensive 300 miles throughout the city, Fort Lauderdale is nicknamed "The Venice of America." From its famous beachfront promenade to the seaside village of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Fort Lauderdale offers a relaxing getaway punctuated by warm blue waters and sparkling sands. Home to over 42,000 pleasure crafts, Fort Lauderdale is also known as the "Yachting Capital of the World." Visitors can experience the city's epic yacht culture at annual events such as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the world's largest in-water display of mega-yachts, and the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, a glittering display of yachts decked out for the holidays. Beyond the beauty of its beaches and picturesque waterways, Fort Lauderdale offers a number of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors such as kayaking through mangroves; exploring the Everglades on a swamp safari; observing local color at the many lush gardens; or taking a dive tour of the coral reefs.

Part of the city's vibrant transformation, Fort Lauderdale's art scene is bubbling with activity. From Broadway plays and musicals at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, to internationally-acclaimed exhibitions at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, the city is home to an array of stimulating exhibits. Plus, just half an hour from the spirited city of Miami, visitors to Fort Lauderdale can easily take advantage of the many offerings of the city's famous neighbor to the south. But with attractions such as the lively Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District, Las Olas Boulevard and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, it's unlikely visitors will find the need, or desire, to leave Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale, FL Key Stats for Meeting Planners

Time Zone: Eastern Time (ET)
Convention Center(s):

Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center

Hotel at Convention Center? No
Sleeping Rooms 1 Mile from Convention Center: 3,335

Airport(s):

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Destination Type(s):

Beach Destination
Golf Destination
Smoke-free Restaurants

Special Event Venues
235
Population
5,413,212
Restaurants
400
Country Code
1
Sales Tax
6.00%
Currency
U.S. Dollar
Standard Tipping Practice
10-20%
Electricity
120V / 60Hz
Official Languages
English

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques widely accepted? Yes

All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Fort Lauderdale, FL Area Destinations

	Population	Meeting Hotels	Hotel Rooms	Special Event Venues
Dania Beach, FL	28,831	14	2,251	8
Hollywood Fort Lauderdale, FL	141,740	20	5,000	10
Pompano Beach, FL	105,000	11	1,566	10

Cities Near Fort Lauderdale, FL

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Miami, FL	30 mi	36 min	4 hr 21 min	USD $400+
West Palm Beach, FL	47 mi	55 min	4 hr 7 min	USD $449+
Cape Coral, FL	154 mi	2 hr 30 min	N/A	N/A
Orlando, FL	216 mi	3 hr 23 min	55 min	USD $149+
Tampa, FL	266 mi	4 hr 6 min	1 hr 4 min	USD $115+
Atlanta, GA	360 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 48 min	USD $220+

Fort Lauderdale, FL Climate Information

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. High (°F)	78	78	80	83	86	89	90	91	89	86	81	78
Avg. Low (°F)	59	59	61	65	69	72	73	74	73	70	64	60
Rec. High (°F)	88	90	94	97	96	97	99	100	99	95	91	90
Rec. Low (°F)	30	28	32	40	49	57	65	77	63	44	35	29
Rainfall (in)	2.5	2.0	2.8	4.2	5.9	7.3	6.0	6.8	8.8	9.2	3.5	2.7

Fort Lauderdale enjoys a tropical climate characterized by year-round sunshine and an annual average temperature of 77°F. Summers are humid and wet with frequent but short tropical showers, and ocean breezes coming off of the Atlantic quell some of the summer heat. August sees the most precipitation and is the hottest month with temperatures frequently in the 90s. Winters are relatively dry and mild; the coldest month is January with average low temperatures in the high 60s. Fort Lauderdale's hurricane season lasts from June to November, with most activity typically occurring between September and October.

Although Fort Lauderdale enjoys beautiful warm weather year-round, the absolute best time to visit is during winter. With plenty of sunshine, very little rain and temperatures in the 70s, Fort Lauderdale offers a tropical refuge from chillier climates.

Meeting Planning in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center

Situated overlooking Fort Lauderdale's beautiful Port Everglades seaway, this Fort Lauderdale meeting facility offers bountiful amenities, stunning vistas and world-class service. The center features 600,000 square feet of flexible function space, capable of providing the latest in audio and video services. In addition, the 1,300-square-foot Executive Teleconference Suite is well equipped for high-end video conferencing.

The five-star food service department is available to design a customized menu to tempt the taste buds and delight the senses. Ice sculptures, buffet service, or fine dining can all be provided by the expert chefs and dutiful staff.

The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center is easily accessible from both I-95 and US 1, and is situated minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and the Port Everglades, the 2nd largest cruise port in the world. Parking is available at the 2,500-space Port Everglades parking garage, easily accessible through two enclosed skywalks.

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Fort Lauderdale, FL Airport Information

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Approximate taxi fare: $18 USD

The 1,380-acre Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport opened in 1959 and is today one of the fastest growing major airports in the country. Located in Broward County, three miles southwest of the Fort Lauderdale business district and 21 miles north of Miami, it serves over 21 million passengers each year. Its location, fewer than two miles from Port Everglades and 25 miles from the Port of Miami, makes it an ideal airport for cruisers.

The airport's four terminals offer non-stop service to more than 55 U.S. cities and international service to Canada, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico, Latin America and South America. On a typical day, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International serves as the gateway for an average of 741 commercial flights and 67,000 passengers.

As a participant in the Broward County Public Art and Design Program, the airport is home to numerous commissioned pieces of artwork including prints, collages, photography and sculpture. These stunning displays, many inspired by the area's tropical landscape, are dispersed throughout the airport welcoming visitors to South Florida. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, as well as a meditation room, business services, numerous gift shops and a wide range of dining options including Chili's Too, Cruzan Rum Bar, Pizzeria Uno and Sbarro's.

Airline carriers serving Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Air Canada
Air Jamaica
Air Transat
Airtran Airways
Allegiant Air
American Airlines
American Eagle
Avianca Airlines
Bahamasair
Canjet Airlines
Chautauqua Airlines

Comair
Constellation
Continental Airlines
Continental Connection
Delta Air Lines
Freedom Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Gulfstream International Airlines
JetBlue
Midwest Airlines
Northwest Airlines/KLM

Skybus Airlines
Skyservice Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Spirit Airlines
Sunwing Airlines
Ted
United Airlines
US Airways
USA 3000 Airlines
West Jet Airlines

Fort Lauderdale, FL Train Information

Fort Lauderdale Amtrak Station

Amtrak provides rail service to Fort Lauderdale via the Silver Star and Silver Meteor lines. The Silver Star makes 37 stops in cities including Washington, DC, Raleigh, Savannah, Tampa and Orlando. The Silver Meteor shares most of its track with the Silver Star, but bypasses Tampa and runs further east through North Carolina and South Carolina. Amtrak's Silver lines depart New York daily.

Fort Lauderdale, FL Public Transportation

Broward County Transit (BCT) Bus Line

Visitors and residents of Fort Lauderdale can maneuver through the city using the bus lines operated by Broward County Transit. With a daily ridership of over 128,000 passengers, and over 39.2 million passenger trips annually, BCT operates 43 routes into Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding cities. A single ride fare is $1.25, and single-day, seven-day and 31-day passes are available for purchase.

Tri-Rail

For travel throughout South Florida, Tri-Rail offers commuter train service between West Palm Beach and Miami, with stops in Fort Lauderdale, including the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Operated by the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, the Tri-Rail line spans 67 miles and includes 18 stations in the three counties. Fares are based on a zone system, and range from $2 to $5.50 for a one-way trip.

Car Rentals

The Rental Car Center at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport houses Alamo, Avis, Budget, Continental, Dollar, Enterprise, E-Z Rent A Car, Hertz, National, Payless, Royal and Thrifty. The center is located outside of Terminal 1. Passengers arriving at Terminals 2, 3 or 4 can take a courtesy shuttle bus to the Rental Center. Additionally, a number of companies operate outside of the airport, including Air and Sea Rent A Car, Sunshine Rent A Car, Gold Coast Car Rental, AAAA Special Rentals and U-Save Auto Rental.

Taxis

Taxi Service is available at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport outside of the baggage claim area. Fares are calculated by meters, and a typical ride can cost anywhere from $9 (to Convention Center) up to $51 (to Coral Springs).Taxis also service Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties.

Distance To...

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Miami, FL	30 mi	36 min	4 hr 21 min	USD $400+
West Palm Beach, FL	47 mi	55 min	4 hr 7 min	USD $449+
Cape Coral, FL	154 mi	2 hr 30 min	N/A	N/A
Orlando, FL	216 mi	3 hr 23 min	55 min	USD $149+
Tampa, FL	266 mi	4 hr 6 min	1 hr 4 min	USD $115+
Atlanta, GA	360 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 48 min	USD $220+

Fort Lauderdale, FL Image Gallery

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Fort Lauderdale, FL Area Discounts and Promotions

Marriotts of Miami and Fort Lauderdale

Experience Sun, Sand and Savings with Marriott in Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Offering dazzling beaches, rejuvenating spas, vibrant downtown activities, award-winning restaurants, and Florida sunshine, South Florida is the ultimate location for your next meeting. Along with a unique experience, Renaissance and Marriott Hotels & Resorts offer renowned service and style, and deliver unforgettable events. Take advantage of our special group offers and value dates, and let us take care of the rest of your meeting needs!

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Personalize your incentives at The Westin Beach Resort & Spa

With over 32,000 square feet of flexible function space, The Westin Beach Resort & Spa, Ft. Lauderdale provides the perfect setting for successful meetings and events. Book your next meeting by June 30, 2013 for meetings held by September 30, 2013 and choose up to five incentives from discounted parking and F&B discounts to Double Starwood Preferred Planner Points.

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The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa

The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa boasts one of the largest and most complete Convention Center and meeting facilities in South Florida offering 209,000 square feet of flexible function space, including a 50,000 square foot Great Hall and 39 breakout rooms, comfortably accommodating groups of 8 to 8,000. Our executive chefs will dazzle your senses with catering services ranging from office lunches to elegant galas. We'll service your group and take care of the details while you relax. The generously spaced and detailed appointments throughout the resort set a rejuvenating tone for your event.