FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—From Monday, May 18, through Thursday, May 21, the annual IPW travel trade show, hosted by the U.S. Travel Association, touched down in Fort Lauderdale with five full days of exhibitions, off-site visits, destination-hosted activations, and more, in an effort to drive inbound international visitation to the U.S.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, IPW’s efforts have driven more than 11 million international visitors to the U.S. over three years, generating more than $26 billion in spending, supporting 63,000 American jobs, and producing $3.3 billion in tax revenue.
Drawing approximately 5,000 delegates (predominantly travel media and buyers) from more than 60 countries, convening paved the way for 75,000 business appointments connecting attendees with the U.S. travel industry to showcase the diversity of American travel.
In just 22 hours, the teams from Visit Lauderdale, the Broward County Convention Center, and a wide network of partners transformed the 6.5-acre Plaza along the Intracoastal Waterway into a full-fledged carnival. Photo: Ian Centrone
This year’s host, Visit Lauderdale, showcased lively Fort Lauderdale Beach, along with various venues around town to share historic sites, iconic hotels, and trending local hot spots with international attendees. However, the recently renovated Broward County Convention Center (BCCC), which underwent a $1.1 billion renovation, was center stage, serving as the trade show’s home base, from the East Hall’s 65,000-square-foot Atlantic Ballroom, which hosted the all-day Media Marketplace and various sponsored luncheons, to the 350,000-square-foot exhibition floor.
To close IPW on Thursday, May 21, the BCCC’s 6.5-acre outdoor Plaza was transformed from the daily alfresco luncheon area to a spacious waterfront carnival, the ultimate surprise-and-delight grand finale steeped in nostalgic Americana. The load-in began at 6 p.m. the night prior, and all teams worked through the night to ensure setup was complete. A carnival barker was even stationed between the Plaza and BCCC on Thursday morning to build anticipation for the closing event.
A juggler on stilts welcomed attendees to the closing carnival event. Photo: Ian Centrone
“We chose an Americana-style carnival because it connects the energy of America’s 250th anniversary with the freedom and joy at the heart of our ‘Never Lose Your Splash’ brand campaign,” shared Stacey Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “This milestone is about celebrating the spirit of possibility that defines our country, and the carnival environment captures that perfectly: open, playful, and alive with self-expression.”
Ritter noted that, as a younger state, Florida’s story is rooted in reinvention and optimism, and this theme enabled the Visit Lauderdale team to honor the upcoming 250th anniversary in a way that felt authentic to Greater Fort Lauderdale. Leaning into a sense of release and joy was both playful and earned after long days inside BCCC’s various meeting rooms, ballrooms, and on the exhibition floor.
Water gun racing was a popular carnival game for both American destination reps and international attendees alike. Photo: Ian Centrone
”After days of meetings, negotiations, and nonstop activity, people crave a place where they can unwind, indulge, and simply have fun,” Ritter explained.
The event was three years in the making and required “exceptional collaboration” across Ritter’s entire team, the BCCC (which was under renovation for most of the three-year span), and a wide network of partners. She cites long-range planning, disciplined coordination, and a shared commitment to excellence as the overarching recipe for success.
“Because the plaza offers so much open space, we had the freedom—and responsibility—to build an environment entirely from the ground up,” admitted Ritter. “That meant constant communication, on-site problem-solving, and the flexibility to pivot quickly as elements evolved. What you ultimately saw was the result of many teams working seamlessly together to bring a bold idea to life, and it showcased the capacity of our destination to deliver large-scale, high-impact experiences with creativity and excellence.”
Attendees participated in a live “Never Lose Your Splash” mural painting by the waterfront. Photo: Ian Centrone
The carnival offered an authentic and timeless American experience, complete with indulgent eats, like candy apples, funnel cakes, corndogs, cotton candy, and popcorn; carnival rides, including a focal point Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and a carousel; and carnival games like the high striker, skee-ball, water gun racing, and hoop shot.
“The nostalgia of a carnival taps into something universal: a reminder of play, spontaneity, and the freedom to be in the moment,” shared Ritter, “That’s exactly how we want people to remember Greater Fort Lauderdale.”
And instead of oversize stuffed animals, winners were awarded event-branded prizes featuring Visit Lauderdale, IPW, and America 250 anniversary, which Ritter said allowed attendees to leave with a piece of Greater Fort Lauderdale, and more broadly, the U.S., in hand to forge a deeper connection.
In addition to the carnival magic, attendees participated in a “Never Lose Your Splash”-themed live mural painting. They also embarked on a local brewpub crawl with a stampable passport, sampling the thriving craft beer scene. Once the passport had five stamps, it could be cashed in for Visit Lauderdale apparel (T-shirts, fanny packs, and hats). Other destination partners within Greater Fort Lauderdale activated along the perimeter to further educate about the region. Attendees also enjoyed an Americana barbecue with brisket and coleslaw picnic-style on the Plaza lawn, while a cover band curated a lengthy setlist of American and Latin hits. Bubbles wafted in the air, jugglers, aerialists, and stilt walkers entertained, and a flyboarder soared along the Intracoastal Waterway, evoking resounding oohs and aahs.
Attendees watched “flyboards” in action, which propel riders up into the air using water jet propulsion. Photo: Ian Centrone
“The joy, freedom, and sense of possibility that define our destination were all present that evening,” concluded Ritter. “Guests weren’t just hearing about our brand—they were experiencing it firsthand. Our goal was that attendees left the event feeling lighter, inspired, and connected to the unique experiences that define Greater Fort Lauderdale. We wanted them to carry home not just memories of a great event, but a genuine understanding of why this is a place where you can relax, recharge, and truly ‘Never Lose Your Splash.’”
Continue scrolling to see key vendors and more moments from IPW 2026’s closing carnival, produced by Visit Lauderdale…
VENDORS
Audiovisual Production: Everlast Productions
Carnival Vendors: Event Co.
Catering: Legends Global
Entertainment: Eureka Circus, All About Entertainment, Jet Car Rentals Fort Lauderdale, Aqua Flight, Tiki Taco Cruises, Wicked Molly – Hard Rock Cafe
Event Management: Legends Global, BCCC Events Team, Visit Lauderdale
Production: Everlast Productions
Scenic Fabrication: All About Entertainment
A Visit Lauderdale float with palm trees acted as a waterside backdrop for final IPW 2026 photos. Photo: Ian Centrone
Planted in the center of the Plaza—and in plain sight—the Ferris wheel was a focal point that drew attention and curiosity leading up to the carnival. Photo: Ian Centrone
Attendees took their best hoop shot to win America 250, IPW, and Visit Lauderdale prizes. Photo: Ian Centrone
Bumper cars encouraged friendly play. Photo: Ian Centrone