Broward County celebrated two major milestones Monday with the grand opening of the Convention Center East Expansion and the new Convention Center Connector (Bypass Road), marking a significant step forward in the county’s $1.1 billion initiative to modernize and expand its convention infrastructure.
“When you look at the big picture, this connector is a crucial piece of infrastructure that will ease congestion, improve access, and support the continued growth of our Convention Center district. Today is a moment to celebrate — but it’s also a moment to look ahead,” said Broward County Mayor Beam Furr.
The East Expansion adds more than 1.2 million square feet to the existing facility, including 525,000 square feet of meeting space, a 350,000-square-foot exhibit hall, and a 65,000-square-foot ballroom overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Built to LEED Gold Certified standards, the expansion features energy-efficient systems, cutting-edge technology, and new dining concepts designed to showcase South Florida’s character and culture.
“This expansion establishes our Convention Center as South Florida’s premier waterfront conference center, providing luxury and comfort while remaining environmentally responsible,” said Broward County Administrator Monica Cepero.
The newly opened Convention Center Connector, an elevated bypass through Port Everglades, provides direct access from U.S. 1, State Road 84, and SE 17th Street to the Convention Center and the soon-to-open Omni Fort Lauderdale, without motorists having to pass through Port security checkpoints. The $55 million roadway, featuring one lane in each direction, also improves access to beaches and local businesses along the 17th Street Causeway while easing congestion in one of the region’s busiest corridors.
“The Convention Center Connector will truly transform this area, and we could not have done it without the active participation, feedback, and dedication from residents in the community,” said Broward Commissioner Lamar P. Fisher, noting that travel times from State Road 84 to the Causeway Bridge could now be cut nearly in half.
When fully completed, the enhanced Convention Center district will feature the 801-room Omni Fort Lauderdale, new waterfront amenities, and public spaces connecting the community to the Intracoastal Waterway. Combined, the projects are expected to generate more than $450 million in annual economic impact and create over 3,000 jobs across Broward County.
Overdue for an infrastructure upgrade, the region’s stop-and-go traffic from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to beachfront hotels and restaurants will now see significant relief thanks to the new connector and other expansion projects, which will eventually include a direct rail link from the airport to the Convention Center.
