The SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center invites you to take a seat at our table! While dining at most other convention centers may seem like an unremarkable experience, at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center it is always a gastronomical adventure.

Our five-star team of culinary professionals and our renowned chef, Jamie MacDonald, create inspired menus designed to delight our guests, whether the occasion is a spirited theme dinner, a sumptuous buffet or a lively coffee break. They work tirelessly to assure that every culinary event – from gourmet box lunches for 50 to elaborate sit-down affairs for 1,500 – is orchestrated with style and excellence.

A World of Fresh and Healthful Fare
Fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables paired with top-quality meats and seafood form the heart of our menus, which are designed to accommodate every meeting planner’s budget. These days, healthful eating is a priority for many of our guests, and it is our pleasure to serve them wholesome favorites, beautifully prepared from salads to entrees and desserts. We view every dining experience as a culinary event where attendees may network, relax and savor superbly prepared food and beverages presented with outstanding service.

After dining with us, it is easy to understand why we became the first convention center to be awarded the prestigious Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs award from the world’s oldest international gastronomic society. Founded in Paris in 1248, Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs is devoted to preserving the camaraderie and pleasures of the table and promoting excellence in all areas of the hospitality arts. Their praise for our kitchen and our service speaks volumes about our culinary expertise.

Whether you prefer simply delicious choices or sophisticated flavors from around the world, our food and beverage team is sure to delight every palate. Breakfast, for example, may launch your day with a sumptuous buffet or with our culinary team’s specialties, such as The Sailboat, an innovative spinach, ham and Swiss cheese baked in a savory custard tarte served with country potatoes with tri-color peppers and onion, or The Hendricks, made of crispy Belgian waffles with chive herbed mascarpone cheese, house roasted tomatoes and pancetta ham tuilles. Pushover for sumptuous desserts? Heavenly is the best way to describe Chef’s Lemon Chantilly, Chocolate Marquisa and Macadamia Nut New York Style Cheesecake!

Whatever your preferences may be for breakfast, lunch, dinner and every break in-between, our culinary team’s choices are endless and the flavors are superb.

Events to Remember
No matter how fascinating the subject of a meeting or convention may be, most attendees are sure to remember the food and service. At the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, our culinary expertise and unparalleled service assure that every experience will become a valued memory.

The culinary experience doesn’t end when you leave our Convention Center. Always generous about sharing his personal recipes, Executive Chef Jamie MacDonald offers the fresh and healthful recipe below for spring and summer dining.

“I love the time of year when South Florida’s bounty of fruits becomes ripe for recipes that are cool and light,” said Chef MacDonald. “Having two papaya trees growing in my backyard, I created this recipe because it’s perfect for warmer weather as a great complimentary side dish for a barbecue, delicious as a condiment on a cheeseburger or even as a light meal on its own. Green papaya slaw pairs very well with a dry white wine or ice cold beer. Savor and enjoy!”

Green Papaya Slaw, courtesy of Executive Chef Jamie MacDonald

Dressing:
1/2 teaspoon of shrimp paste
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 teaspoon of soy sauce
3 tablespoons of lime juice
1 tablespoon of honey

Salad:

1 small green papaya, peeled, seeded and shredded
1 carrot, peeled and shredded
3 green onions, sliced thinly
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1 cup of bean sprouts
1/2 cup of cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons of mint, chopped
1/2 cup raw cashews, chopped

Preparation:
Combine all of the salad ingredients. Whisk the dressing and add to the salad mix. Make your delicious green papaya slaw and then chill for at least one hour before serving. Enjoy!

Sincerely,

The Convention Center Team

In a climate of smart spending and return-on-investment, the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center takes a look at the top trends that are driving today’s convention business.  Generally speaking, lavish spending is out and strategic spending is in, making ROI for meeting planners more important than ever before. Here are the top trends we see as we work with meeting planners every day to exceed their expectations and earn their business:

Trend #1: Meetings are more focused. While some groups are smaller than they were in years past, savvy organizations still appreciate the important benefits derived from sharing information and working toward future success.  More time may be dedicated to working sessions, some social functions may be less elaborate than they were when the economy was booming and tighter budgets may not include golf outings and spa days. Meeting planners want a balanced program of productive meetings and socializing that keeps people informed and motivated in any economic environment.

Trend #2: Being green is a must. Eco-friendly business practices that reduce wastefulness and make our world a healthier place have become a requirement in the convention center business. We’re pleased to report that the SMG-managed Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center is well on its way to becoming a certified green facility.  We have registered with the U.S. Green Building Council for LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification for Existing Buildings: Operations & Management certification with the goal of achieving certification for our 600,000 square foot Convention Center in late 2011. As the economy rebounds, the preference for green convention facilities will boom and the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center is determined to be well ahead of the curve.

Trend #3: Relationships are a powerful tool. When all is said and done, trust remains the most powerful business-building tool of all.  Here at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, our mission is to create trusting relationships and extraordinary experiences one meeting and one guest at a time. In person and online, personal contacts are powerful in solidifying convention center business. The increased popularity of social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, provides new ways for business contacts to communicate and share feed-back through friendly and casual contact. Every new day presents fresh opportunities to make the most of every guest interaction.

Trend #4: Technology must be ahead of the curve. Meeting planners now expect convention centers to have state-of-the-art meeting technology available on site. The Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center stays ahead of the technology curve with an in-house Internet connectivity and telecommunications provider, CCLD, that’s the best in the business.  Our Center provides the best conference services such as Wi-Fi hotspots, a 1,300 square-foot Executive Teleconference Suite, superior video conferencing capabilities and two high-tech places to chill: the Breezin’ Java Cyber Cafés, featuring eight permanent terminals and eight additional plug-in terminals where visitors can check e-mail or surf the web while relaxing with Starbucks coffee and snacks. As technology continues to evolve, our convention center provides the necessary connectivity for online applications that keep our guests connected.

Trend #5: There’s great appreciation for cuisine that’s fresh and seasonal.

Regardless of their budget, every group appreciates great food. The expectation that menu options will be fresh and healthy has become more important every year. The Food and Beverage Department at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center delights guests with stylish cuisine featuring the freshest seasonal fare. Since being named Executive Chef in 2006, Chef Jaime MacDonald’s passion for a diverse range of ethnic cuisines and American favorites delights guests at every meal.

“Today’s meeting planners want our facility and destination to evolve, and we continue to answer their call,” said Mark Gatley, regional general manager of the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. ““Our reputation for knowing what guests prefer and then exceeding their expectations helps us develop great relationships with meeting planners throughout the U.S.”

Sincerely,

The Convention Center Team

The SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center is a perfect example of the cardinal rule of real estate: the top three criteria are location, location, location.  When it comes to convenience and an array of nearby attractions, our Convention Center is second to none.

“I don’t know of another convention center that compares to ours when it comes to proximity to both air and sea traffic hubs and the convenience of surrounding amenities,” said Nicki Grossman, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We’re just a couple of minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and adjacent to Port Everglades, the most popular cruise port in the nation. Everything a meeting planner desires is nearby.”

Situated on Fort Lauderdale’s scenic Intracoastal Waterway where majestic cruise ships create a thriving cruise industry in Port Everglades, the Convention Center is conveniently surrounded by all the exciting amenities that attract visitors from around the world to Fort Lauderdale.  Some of the city’s most beautiful hotels are within walking distance of the Convention Center, including the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Renaissance Fort Lauderdale, Hyatt Place and Embassy Suites, among others.  Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center is the best place in Florida for events.

Fort Lauderdale’s Many Attractions

Some visitors enjoy being close to downtown Fort Lauderdale with its Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment district and exciting variety of restaurants, from casual bistros and ethnic eateries to fine dining establishments.  Visitors meander along Riverwalk, the brick-lined promenade that leads to cultural attractions including the Broward Center of the Performing Arts and the Museum of Art, or hop the water taxi that ferries them to Fort Lauderdale’s attractions, shops, parks and restaurants.

For those who love outdoor activities in Fort Lauderdale’s glorious year-round weather, there are many ways to play in the city known as the “Venice of America.”  Nearby charter boats are available for fishing, diving, parasailing and other water sports.  Tournament-quality tennis courts and golf courses are just minutes away.  Nature lovers can take airboat rides through the Everglades, Florida’s famed “River of Grass.” And for simple rest and relaxation, you can’t beat Broward County’s miles of unspoiled Blue Wave beaches.

If it’s shopping that you love, Broward County is a retail dream!  From boutiques on Las Olas Boulevard to the elegant Galleria Mall and the sprawling Sawgrass Mills outlets, there is something for everyone’s taste and budget.

“Meeting and convention planners constantly are amazed by our convenient location,” said Mark Gatley, regional general manager of the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. “When you consider our top-notch facilities, extraordinary service, convenience and surrounding amenities, our Convention Center is second to none.”

The 600,000 square-foot Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center is in the heart of a unique waterfront city that offers the perfect combination of business and pleasure.  Please visit the Convention Center’s website, http://www.ftlauderdalecc.com for a wealth of information designed to make planning your event a pleasure.  Our Convention Center’s dedicated meeting facilities team is always here to help. We look forward to welcoming you to beautiful Fort Lauderdale soon. Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center is the best location for your next event!

Sincerely,

The Convention Center Team