Broward County Convention Ctr Fort Lauderdale FL: Visitor

Fort Lauderdale, Florida · Convention Visitor Guide 2026

Broward County Convention Center: Parking, Directions, Events & Floor Plans

Visiting the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center for a conference, trade show, expo or business event? Find the updated parking fees, new bypass entrance, airport routes, building layout, accessibility services and waterfront hotel options before your trip.

1950 Eisenhower Boulevard $25 Daily Parking Maximum 1.2M+ Sq Ft Venue Connected Omni Hotel

Broward County Convention Center: Quick Visitor Information

The Broward County Convention Center is a large waterfront exhibition and meeting facility near Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. The expanded complex now includes substantial exhibition space, ballrooms, meeting rooms and a directly connected headquarters hotel.

Street Address 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Main Phone 954-765-5900

Venue and visitor inquiries

Parking Garage $25 Daily Maximum

Standard vehicles; effective October 1, 2026.

Garage Capacity 1,500 Spaces

Including accessible parking spaces.

Nearest Airport Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL)

Approximately 2 miles from the venue.

Event Admission Varies by Event

Tickets, badges and schedules are organizer-specific.

Important 2026 update: The new Convention Center Connector bypass road gives visitors access to the convention center without passing through the traditional Port Everglades security checkpoints. Use current venue directions rather than older online instructions that assume all visitors must pass through a port gate.

Broward County Convention Center Parking: Current Rates & Garage

The venue operates an on-site parking garage at the same street address as the convention center. It connects to the building through a covered, air-conditioned pedestrian skywalk on Level 2.

Standard Vehicle $25 Daily Maximum

Effective October 1, 2026.

Parking Capacity 1,500 Spaces

Including accessible spaces.

Overnight Parking Not Allowed Venue Garage Rule

Use a hotel garage for overnight stays.

Parking information table

Parking ItemCurrent Information
Garage address1950 Eisenhower Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Standard daily maximum$25 from October 1, 2026
Event-specific ratesMay vary depending on the event.
Garage spacesApproximately 1,500
Accessible spacesAvailable within the garage
PaymentCashless; Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express accepted
Overnight parkingNot permitted
Venue connectionCovered, air-conditioned skywalk on Level 2
Oversized vehiclesAsk the venue or event organizer before arriving.
Parking price clarification: Older visitor guides may quote lower daily rates. The convention center explicitly increased its standard-vehicle daily maximum to $25 on October 1, 2026. This is a maximum, not necessarily the amount charged for every short visit or special event.

How to park at Broward County Convention Center

Confirm your event’s parking instructions.

Check whether your organizer has issued special access, registration or parking guidance.

Use the garage address.

Enter 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 into navigation.

Follow the Convention Center Connector signs.

The new access road reduces the need to pass through port security checkpoints.

Park in the designated visitor area.

Keep your vehicle within marked spaces and follow the garage’s payment instructions.

Take the covered skywalk.

Use the Level 2 connection to enter the convention facility.

Find event registration.

Use the room, hall or meeting-area assignment from your confirmation.

Official parking and road directions

Check the venue’s current parking page for rate changes and event access information.

Open official parking rates and directions →

Address, Convention Center Connector & Driving Directions

Official GPS destination

1950 Eisenhower Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Use the convention center’s own parking and arrival signs when approaching the Port Everglades district.

General driving approaches

Starting PointGeneral Driving Route
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood AirportTravel toward US-1 North, then follow current SE 17th Street and convention connector signage.
I-95 North or SouthUse I-595 East toward US-1 North; continue toward the SE 17th Street convention district.
Florida TurnpikeConnect toward I-595 East and US-1 North, then use current convention-center access roads.
Downtown Fort LauderdaleApproach via US-1 and the SE 17th Street corridor.
Fort Lauderdale BeachTravel via the SE 17th Street Causeway area and follow the posted entrance signs.
Do not follow outdated routing blindly: The new elevated connector opened in October 2025 and changed how general convention traffic can enter from the US-1 and State Road 84 area. Older maps may still show the former port checkpoint route.

Do You Need ID or Port Everglades Security Clearance?

This is a particularly important question because the convention center sits near Port Everglades, a secure maritime facility.

Regular Convention Visitors

The new convention-center bypass provides access without going through the traditional Port Everglades security checkpoints.

Follow the designated convention entrance and any event-specific identification requirements.

Visitors Entering Secure Port Areas

Port Everglades maintains separate security requirements for access to restricted port facilities.

Visitors using secure port checkpoints may need government-issued photo identification and screening.

Which rule applies to you?

Your SituationPractical Guidance
Attending a convention at BCCCUse the convention-center access route. General port checkpoint processing is not required through the new bypass.
Attending an event that requires IDBring the identification or credentials specified by the organizer.
Entering a restricted Port Everglades terminalFollow the port’s separate security, authorization and identification rules.
Delivering exhibition freightUse the organizer-approved vehicle and loading instructions, not a public visitor entrance.
Traveling to a cruise terminalUse your cruise line’s assigned terminal and port-specific instructions.
Important distinction: The convention-center bypass does not eliminate security rules for the rest of Port Everglades. If your trip includes a cruise terminal, restricted port business or commercial delivery, separate requirements may apply.

Broward County Convention Center Floor Plans & Exhibition Space

The expansion significantly increased the venue’s capacity. Broward County reports a total facility of more than 1.2 million square feet, including 350,000 square feet of contiguous exhibition space and a new waterfront ballroom.

1.2M+ Square Feet

Expanded convention facility.

350,000 Sq Ft Exhibit Space

Contiguous exhibition hall area.

65,000 Sq Ft Ballroom

New waterfront ballroom, approximately.

Major meeting and ballroom spaces

SpacePublished AreaPlanning Use
Exhibition Halls A–D350,000 sq ft combinedLarge trade shows, expos and conventions
Atlantic BallroomApproximately 65,000 sq ftLarge general sessions, galas and waterfront events
Grand BallroomApproximately 31,872 sq ftBanquets, conference programs and divisible events
Floridian BallroomApproximately 20,316 sq ftLarge meetings and functions
Sandpiper BallroomApproximately 14,979 sq ftMid-sized conferences and receptions
Palm BallroomApproximately 9,527 sq ftBusiness programs and smaller gatherings
Conference SuitesVariesBoard meetings and private sessions

Published ballroom areas are rounded where indicated. Capacity varies by the exact room partition, theater layout, banquet seating, staging and approved event configuration.

Which floor or building do you need?

AreaWhat to Look For
Level 1Exhibition halls, public registration areas and event access.
Level 2Skywalk connection, Guest Services and meeting-area circulation.
Level 3Ballrooms and additional meeting facilities, depending on the building.
West BuildingEstablished exhibition and meeting space.
East ExpansionNew ballrooms, meeting facilities and waterfront-facing areas.
Outdoor PlazaWaterfront gathering and circulation areas, subject to access and event arrangements.
Common mistake: The 1.2-million-square-foot figure refers to the expanded facility overall. It is not one continuous exhibition hall. For exhibitors, the most important figure is usually the 350,000-square-foot contiguous exhibition area and the specific assigned hall.

How to use the official floor plans

Identify your assigned building.

Check whether your event uses West or East spaces.

Find the correct level.

Your event confirmation should specify the hall, ballroom or meeting-room name.

Review the floor plan.

Locate the entrance, registration, elevators, restrooms and public circulation areas.

Check any event-specific changes.

Temporary walls, private entrances and exhibitor areas can change the standard layout.

Save the plan.

Download the appropriate building plan or keep a screenshot for arrival.

Official Floor Plans and Capacity Charts

The venue provides separate downloadable plans for the West and East buildings, including floor-by-floor capacity information.

Open official West/East floor plans and capacity charts →

Getting to Broward Convention Center From FLL Airport

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is the nearest major commercial airport. The venue lists approximately two miles between the convention center and airport area, although the actual road route is longer than a direct-distance measurement.

Nearest Airport FLL

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Published Proximity 2 Miles

Approximate airport-to-venue reference.

Airport transportation options

OptionBest UseCheck Before Traveling
TaxiDirect airport-to-venue travelTaxi pickup location and live fare
Uber / LyftIndividual travelers and small groupsTerminal rideshare pickup and event drop-off
Rental CarMultiple South Florida destinationsParking charges, tolls and vehicle size
Private TransferConference groups with luggageAdvance booking and pickup arrangements
Public TransportationCost-conscious travelers with flexible schedulesCurrent connections, route changes and luggage practicality

Arrival micro-steps

Confirm the airport code.

FLL is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, not Miami International Airport.

Collect your luggage.

Follow the airport’s ground transportation signs.

Choose your transportation.

Check the current fare and the correct rideshare or taxi pickup location.

Enter the convention center address.

Use 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.

Allow time for event registration.

Getting dropped off is not the same as reaching your meeting room.

Airport shuttle: Do not assume the convention center operates a complimentary airport shuttle. Some event organizers and hotels arrange their own transportation; verify eligibility and schedules directly.

Hotels Near Broward County Convention Center

The convention district has changed significantly with the opening of the new Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel. Other hotels along SE 17th Street and the waterfront remain practical options for conference travelers and cruise passengers.

Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel

Directly connected headquarters hotel

The 801-room Omni opened in December 2025 and provides hotel accommodations connected to the expanded convention center.

Best for: Multi-day conventions, event delegates and travelers seeking direct venue access.

Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina

A waterfront hotel in the broader SE 17th Street convention and Port Everglades district.

Best for: Visitors combining business meetings with marina or cruise activities.

Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel

A full-service hotel in the SE 17th Street area, near restaurants and convention-district transportation routes.

Best for: Business travelers wanting nearby dining and hotel amenities.

Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale

Suite-style accommodations in the SE 17th Street area, useful for families and groups.

Best for: Travelers prioritizing additional room space and hotel breakfast options.

Hotel-selection checklist

  • Compare the hotel’s actual entrance-to-venue walking route.
  • Check whether the hotel offers convention group rates.
  • Review parking and valet charges separately.
  • Confirm whether breakfast is included.
  • Ask about accessibility and room configuration.
  • Check whether the hotel offers airport or cruise transportation.
  • Confirm cancellation deadlines before booking.
Cruise traveler tip: A hotel near the convention center may also be near Port Everglades, but that does not mean it offers free cruise-terminal parking or transfers. Treat the convention event, hotel stay and cruise reservation as separate arrangements.

Accessibility, Wheelchair Assistance and Guest Services

Broward County Convention Center provides accessible guest facilities, and the attached garage includes ADA-compliant parking spaces.

Visitor Accessibility

  • Designated accessible parking
  • Covered pedestrian skywalk
  • Accessible building routes
  • Elevators serving different levels
  • Guest assistance services
  • Event-specific accommodation coordination

Important Contacts

Guest Services:
954-765-5900

Central Security:
954-765-5931

Central Security handles security assistance, incident reports, lost property and wheelchair assistance.

Where is Guest Services?

The venue locates Guest Services on the second floor, just before the entrance to the parking skybridge.

How to arrange assistance

Confirm your event room.

Save the building, floor and hall assignment.

Identify your accommodation needs.

Examples include wheelchair assistance, step-free entry or seating support.

Contact the organizer.

Event-specific seating and program accommodations are usually coordinated in advance.

Contact the venue if needed.

Call Guest Services or Central Security for building-level assistance.

Confirm the arrival route.

Ask which parking area, elevator or entrance is most convenient.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: Visit Lauderdale has highlighted the convention center’s adoption of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, which supports people with non-visible disabilities who choose to signal that they may need additional understanding or assistance.

Visitor Rules: Food, Smoking, Security and Lost Property

The venue maintains general building policies, while individual event organizers may introduce additional security or admission requirements.

Visitor QuestionPublished Policy or Guidance
Outside food and drinksNot permitted under the venue’s general policy.
Cash paymentsThe convention center operates as a cashless facility.
Smoking and vapingNot permitted inside or within 25 feet of the building exterior.
Lost propertyContact Guest Services or Central Security at 954-765-5931.
First aidEMT office located in the first-floor service hallway.
Wheelchair assistanceAvailable through Central Security; confirm arrangements.
Bag restrictionsCheck the individual event’s requirements.
Entry hoursEvent-specific, not one universal daily public schedule.
Emergency assistanceContact onsite security or emergency services as appropriate.
Medical or dietary needs: Since outside food and beverage are generally prohibited, attendees who require special accommodation should contact the event organizer or venue in advance rather than assuming an exception.

Broward County Convention Center Events, Tickets and Opening Hours

The convention center hosts conferences, consumer exhibitions, trade shows, professional meetings, sporting events and other organized gatherings.

There is no single public admission fee or opening time that applies to every convention. Event organizers determine registration categories, ticket prices and schedules.

How to find your event

Identify the exact event name.

Use your organizer’s invitation or published announcement.

Check the official event calendar.

Confirm the event date and listed venue.

Review the organizer’s requirements.

Check whether it is public, trade-only, invitation-only or ticketed.

Find the registration location.

Save the assigned building, ballroom or exhibit hall.

Complete registration or purchase.

Use the authorized event source and retain the confirmation.

Check last-minute access updates.

Confirm parking instructions, admission hours and any additional security requirements.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: Large regional shows can operate across several locations. Do not assume every ticket, exhibit or event component is inside the convention center. Check the specific show’s venue map and admission rules.

Exhibitor Guide: Freight, Power, Internet and Contractor Rules

Exhibitors and vendors should use their event’s official service manual. Public visitor parking, commercial loading docks and exhibition service arrangements are not interchangeable.

Exhibitor Preparation

  • Booth number and assigned hall
  • Move-in and move-out schedule
  • Official service contractor
  • Freight shipping labels
  • Loading access authorization
  • Electrical and internet needs
  • Insurance and safety documentation

Facility Services

  • Exhibition electrical utilities
  • Water and compressed-air access
  • Dedicated exhibit internet
  • Rigging and production services
  • Event security staffing
  • Approved catering services
  • Freight elevator arrangements

Important published service rules

ServiceWhat Exhibitors Need to Know
ElectricalEdlen is the designated electrical service provider. Standard exhibit hall infrastructure includes 100-amp three-phase service at approximately 30-foot intervals.
Basic public Wi-FiThe BCCC-GUEST network is available in designated pre-function areas, not as a guaranteed exhibit-booth connection.
Booth internetDedicated connectivity is arranged through the venue’s authorized internet service.
RiggingExclusive production and rigging arrangements apply. Plans require appropriate review and approval.
Technical laborVenue technical services operate under IATSE Local Union 500 arrangements.
Booth cleaningExhibitors arrange booth cleaning through their designated contractor.
Loading dockLoading and unloading only; general parking is not permitted in the dock area.
Oversized vehiclesThe exhibitor guidance says oversized parking above 6 feet 8 inches is unavailable in the standard garage.
Covered or multilevel exhibitsAdditional permit and fire-safety requirements may apply; certain applications are due 60 days in advance.
Outside cateringFood sampling or outside food service requires appropriate venue approval.
Freight shipping warning: Never use 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard as a default freight delivery address without checking the exhibitor manual. The event may specify a marshaling yard, receiving contractor, loading bay and restricted delivery window.

Exhibitor micro-steps

Get the authorized exhibitor kit.

Use your event organizer’s latest service documents.

Confirm booth and hall.

Check any updated floor-plan allocation.

Order utilities.

Request electrical service, internet and equipment before deadlines.

Arrange freight.

Follow the authorized shipping label and dock instructions.

Check technical restrictions.

Identify rigging, labor, food sampling and fire-permit requirements.

Plan move-out.

Confirm freight pickup, contractor availability and final removal deadline.

How to Book Broward County Convention Center for an Event

Event planners can request meeting, exhibition, ballroom and conference space through the venue’s official planning team.

Prepare these details before requesting a proposal

Event Information
  • Organization and event name
  • Preferred dates
  • Alternative dates
  • Expected attendance
  • Meeting and exhibition schedule
Technical Requirements
  • Required hall or ballroom layout
  • Exhibition booth count
  • Audiovisual services
  • Catering and hospitality
  • Freight and loading arrangements
  • Hotel accommodation block

Venue booking process

Estimate your space requirements.

Determine whether you need exhibition halls, ballrooms, meeting rooms or multiple areas.

Choose preferred dates.

Include setup and breakdown days in the requested period.

Prepare operational requirements.

List expected attendance, catering, equipment, utilities, staffing and accessibility needs.

Submit an official RFP.

Use the venue’s request-for-proposal process.

Review the written response.

Confirm room capacities, rental charges, service fees, contractor arrangements and cancellation conditions.

What Is Near Broward County Convention Center?

The venue’s location near the Intracoastal Waterway, Port Everglades and SE 17th Street gives visitors several ways to combine a convention with a South Florida trip.

Port Everglades

Major cruise and maritime port immediately near the convention district. Cruise terminals have separate security and transportation arrangements.

Fort Lauderdale Beach

The convention center lists the beach approximately 1.5 miles away. Travel routes and parking depend on your chosen beach access point.

Downtown Fort Lauderdale

Approximately 2.5 miles from the venue according to its visitor information, with dining, entertainment and business areas.

Las Olas Boulevard

A well-known dining and shopping district in Fort Lauderdale. Arrange transportation if you plan to visit between convention sessions.

South Florida venue comparison: Broward County Convention Center is in Fort Lauderdale, not Miami Beach. For conventions farther south, compare our Miami Beach Convention Center parking and visitor guide. Travelers attending conferences near Miami International Airport can also review the DoubleTree Miami Airport Convention Center hotel guide.

Final Broward County Convention Center Checklist

  • Save the venue address: 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.
  • Confirm the exact event date, registration time and admission requirements.
  • Use the updated Convention Center Connector when directed.
  • Budget for the published $25 standard-vehicle daily parking maximum.
  • Remember that overnight parking is not allowed in the convention garage.
  • Use the covered Level 2 connection from the parking garage.
  • Save your assigned exhibition hall or ballroom.
  • Arrange airport transportation before arrival.
  • Confirm accessibility or wheelchair assistance in advance.
  • Check event-specific bag and security restrictions.
  • Review any cruise-port access rules separately.
  • Save the venue phone number: 954-765-5900.

10 FAQs About Broward County Convention Center

1. What is the address of Broward County Convention Center?

The Broward County Convention Center is located at 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316. Its main phone number is 954-765-5900.

2. How much is parking at Broward County Convention Center?

The published daily maximum for standard vehicles increased to $25 effective October 1, 2026. The garage is cashless, and actual parking rates may vary by event.

3. Is overnight parking allowed at Broward Convention Center?

No. The convention center’s on-site parking garage does not permit overnight parking. Visitors staying at nearby hotels should use their hotel’s approved parking arrangements.

4. Do I need to go through Port Everglades security to reach the convention center?

The new Convention Center Connector bypass allows regular convention visitors to access the venue without passing through traditional Port Everglades checkpoints. Separate port security requirements still apply to restricted port areas.

5. How far is Broward Convention Center from Fort Lauderdale Airport?

The convention center lists Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport approximately two miles away. Actual driving distance and travel time depend on the airport terminal and road conditions.

6. Does Broward Convention Center have a connected hotel?

Yes. The 801-room Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel opened in December 2025 and is directly connected to the expanded convention center.

7. How big is Broward County Convention Center?

The expanded convention center provides more than 1.2 million square feet of total facility space, including approximately 350,000 square feet of contiguous exhibition space and a 65,000-square-foot waterfront ballroom.

8. Is Broward County Convention Center wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The venue provides accessible parking and routes, plus wheelchair assistance through Central Security. Guest Services is on Level 2 near the parking skybridge. Call 954-765-5931 for assistance.

9. Can I bring outside food into Broward Convention Center?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted under the venue’s general policy. Contact the venue or event organizer ahead of time regarding necessary accommodations.

10. How do I book an event at Broward County Convention Center?

Prepare your preferred dates, attendance estimate, room layout, technical requirements, catering needs and any hotel room-block requirements. Then submit a request through the convention center’s official event-planning and RFP process.