For the First Time Ever, Greater Fort Lauderdale Hosts Global Tourism Industry’s Premier Event, May 17-21, Projected to Generate $14.2 Billion in Economic Impact
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 28, 2026) – Visit Lauderdale will host the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW 2026, bringing the global travel industry to Greater Fort Lauderdale for the first time as the event marks its 57th anniversary. Recognized as the leading driver of international inbound travel to the United States, IPW will take place May 17-21 at the Broward County Convention Center and is projected to generate $14.2 billion in economic impact over the next three years.
“Visit Lauderdale is proud to have brought the world’s leading travel buyers and media directly into Greater Fort Lauderdale for IPW,” said Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “This moment puts our destination directly in front of the industry’s most influential decision-makers and will drive meaningful visitation, global visibility, and lasting economic impact for our community.”
More than 5,000 travel buyers, media and tourism leaders from over 60 countries are expected to attend. Programming will include business appointments, networking events and curated experiences showcasing Greater Fort Lauderdale’s diverse offerings and its appeal as a global destination. Highlights include an opening night celebration on Fort Lauderdale beach, a press brunch at The FORT Pickleball and a closing night event at the newly expanded Convention Center Plaza.
While IPW is a closed, industry-only event, attendees will engage directly with local businesses, venues and neighborhoods throughout the week, extending its impact well beyond the convention center. Hosting IPW positions Greater Fort Lauderdale competitively within the global travel landscape at a time of continued international recovery, creating direct opportunities for local businesses and supporting long-term growth in visitation.
The destination was awarded hosting rights in 2023 following a competitive bid process led by Visit Lauderdale, signaling its continued growth and strength within the global travel market. This milestone was supported by the expansion of the Broward County Convention Center, which enhanced the destination’s ability to attract and accommodate major international events and global meetings.
For more information about U.S. Travel Association’s IPW 2026, a full list of participating exhibitors, and the event schedule, visit www.visitlauderdale.com/ipw/
About Greater Fort Lauderdale
With 24 miles of golden sand beaches and 300+ miles of navigable waterways, Greater Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America and the Yachting Capital of the World. The area boasts an average year-round temperature of 77˚F, has 3,000+ hours of annual sunshine, and is home to 31 unique municipalities, including eight distinct beach communities. Residents hailing from 170 countries, speaking 147 languages, call this destination home. And there’s good reasons, including the area’s unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Upon arrival at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), a five-minute drive will get you to the beach, Port Everglades, the newly expanded Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, and a bustling downtown.
Experience 4,000+ eateries, a thriving arts and culture scene, craft breweries, stunning rooftop bars, fishing, diving, and the unmatched beauty of the Florida Everglades. From world-class shopping, to boating, yachts and superyachts all moored at the area’s many marinas, it’s no wonder Greater Fort Lauderdale is one of the most desirable places to stay, work and play. The destination has more than 38,000 unique lodging accommodations at a variety of hotels, luxury spa resorts, and beautifully appointed, boutique properties, all reflecting the area’s cosmopolitan vibe. Find inspiration for your next trip at visitlauderdale.com and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
About Visit Lauderdale
Visit Lauderdale is the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale and serves as the tourism department for Broward County, Florida. Visit Lauderdale promotes the area’s 31 municipalities to a global audience of leisure and business travelers and books conventions into the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and area hotels and resorts. Find more information at visitlauderdale.com and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.