by Tracy Block
If you are attending the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW 2026, from May 17-21, welcome to Greater Fort Lauderdale. As the host city for this year’s trade show, the destination offers opportunities to plan an enriching visit beyond the recently upgraded Broward County Convention Center, which underwent a $1.3 billion expansion.
Whether you’re a foodie, an outdoor adventurer, or a luxury traveler heading to town, there’s a Greater Fort Lauderdale itinerary handpicked especially for you. Let us do the heavy lifting so you can get the most out of the trade show, and then slide into a turnkey list of must-dos that make us a top destination for domestic and international travelers alike.
Fort Lauderdale’s coastal location supports a range of dining options, including waterfront restaurants and access to fresh local seafood and Florida-grown ingredients.
The region’s boating culture has made dock-and-dine restaurants a popular option. Leave the Convention Center and hop on a charter, where you can cruise up and tie off at some of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, like 15th Street Fisheries, reachable by Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi and known for its fresh catches and casual dockside vibes with tarpon feeding.
Shooters Waterfront is also a Water Taxi stop and is loved by locals for its Intracoastal boat traffic and live music. It is a go-to for brunch and happy hour. Do not miss the coconut shrimp or sushi.
Coconuts is known for its Intracoastal sunsets and comforting finger foods, including peel-and-eat shrimp, snow crab claws, and jerk wings.
Just minutes from the convention center, Boatyard brings elevated relaxation for sunset happy hour on the water and the firepit after dark, or you can dine inside surrounded by nautical flair. It’s an easy walk or quick ride, making it a go-to for brunch, lunch, or a seamless way to end the day.
And if you’re interested in checking out Fort Lauderdale’s most notable restaurants for a memorable dinner, MAASS at the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale is home to chef Ryan Ratino’s MICHELIN-starred open-fire cooking at the 14-seat Chef’s Counter, while MICHELIN Bib Gourmand-recognized Heritage in the Flagler Village neighborhood from local chef Reno Cerbone offers authentic and artisanal Sicilian- and Neapolitan-inspired to Italian-American eats.
For dessert, Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant has been a local institution for decades, known for house-made ice cream and a classic candy shop atmosphere.
Greater Fort Lauderdale receives about 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, with an average temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
For outdoor recreation, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park provides access to kayaking, paddleboarding and hiking trails along the Intracoastal Waterway, as well as beach access. If you like to fish and take in the local scene, Deerfield Beach is home to the iconic 1,000-foot-long international fishing pier.
Disconnect from the convention atmosphere on a one-of-a-kind underwater excursion and visit Shipwreck Park in Pompano Beach, which hosts 18 shipwrecks, along with artificial reefs and art, to explore by scuba or snorkel.
Next, discover why we’re referred to as the Yachting Capital of the World by chartering a yacht through Lauderdale Yacht Charters. Spend the day cruising along our Venice of the Americas, lined with canals decorated with incredible mega mansions along Millionaire’s Row.
For relaxation during or after the trade show, EVARA Beach Spa, located at Auberge Beach Residences, offers a range of services, including facials, massages and body treatments. Amenities include a spa garden, salt cave, infrared sauna and eucalyptus steam room, along with beach access, lounge seating and complimentary prosecco.
After sunset, rooftop bars are a lavish Fort Lauderdale staple. Splurge overlooking the ocean from Nubé, which sits perched atop the 26th floor of Beach House Fort Lauderdale, a Hilton Resort, or at Sparrow, the award-winning cocktail bar with skyline views on the 25th floor of The Dalmar in Flagler Village.
With fully loaded itinerary options at your fingertips, the only thing left to decide is which one speaks to you. With IPW 2026 taking place May 17 to 21, you may have time to eat, play, shop and explore Greater Fort Lauderdale.