Broward is celebrating the opening of the county convention center’s expansion — a long-awaited milestone that’s expected to help boost tourism and drive some economic growth to the region.
It was in 2014 when county commissioners had renewed efforts for an expansion of the Broward County Convention Center. Now, more than a decade later, it’s finally a reality. “Today is a moment to celebrate — but it’s also a moment to look ahead,” Broward County Mayor Beam Furr said.
Eventgoers attend the opening of the Broward County Convention Center’s expansion on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
The convention center first opened its doors in 1991, hosting thousands of conferences and major events since then.
Positioned on the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway just south of the 17th Street Causeway, it’s located on a prime piece of real estate on the north end of Port Everglades, making it easily accessible to travelers no matter how they arrive.
The “East Expansion” upgrades unveiled this week include an addition of 1.2 million square feet to the existing facility, additional meeting space, a 350,000-square-foot exhibit hall, and a 65,000-square-foot ballroom.
“Our Convention Center East Expansion is now South Florida’s premier waterfront conference center,” said Broward County Administrator Monica Cepero, “providing luxury and comfort while remaining environmentally responsible.”
Officials cut the ribbon for the opening of the new addition to the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
The convention center’s expansion is among a string of improvements in the area. It joins a new bypass connector road from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. There also is the soon-to-be opened Omni hotel project. It’s part of an effort to transform part of the tourist experience in Fort Lauderdale. The date for the Omni opening, originally expected next month, has been delayed.
A news release from the county touts the expected boon to the community. “Combined, these projects are expected to generate more than $450 million in annual economic impact and create more than 3,000 full- and part-time jobs in Broward County,” it said.
Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457.
Scenes from the opening of the new addition to the Broward County Convention Center are shown in Fort Lauderdale, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)