urban planner Sarah Beauchamp OVERVIEW Fort Lauderdale F

rom the moment delegates arrive at the eas- ily accessible Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, they’re surrounded

by blue skies, swaying palm trees, and warm, smil- ing faces. And from Blue Wave–certified beaches to the exotic Florida Everglades, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers a water culture that spans more than 300 miles. The city’s canal system, reminiscent of Venice, connects downtown office buildings, trendy boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants along stylish Las Olas Boulevard. Museums, theaters, and nightspots line the city’s popular Riverwalk area, offering a welcoming vibe that permeates Fort Lauderdale. Mega yachts mingle with mega mansions, and water taxis glide along the Intracoastal Waterway, taking attendees to unique off-site venues, shopping districts, and dockside dining. Attendees also can connect with nature at one-of-a-kind attractions like But- terfly World, the largest butterfly aviary in North America. And, as a mecca for the avid athlete, Greater Fort Lauderdale features endless holes of golf, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, and a three-tiered coral-reef system for snorkeling.

. For more information: sunny.org Streetscape

Catch a Broadway show at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, visit his- torical venues at the Fort Lauderdale History Center — such as the Stranahan House and Bonnet House — enjoy a jazz festival and brunch along the New River, or simply lounge and watch local artists in action in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District. From Glackens paintings at the Museum of Art to hands-on science exhibits at the Mu- seum of Discovery and Science, there’s no shortage of things to explore. Host a reception at the Museum of Discovery and Science’s new EcoDiscovery Center and live otter habitat, or in the quiet elegance of the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens across from the beach.

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Broward County Convention Center ftlauderdalecc.com

The Broward County Convention Center is the first in Florida to achieve LEED Gold certifi-

cation for Existing Buildings, for its many eco-friendly features and purchase of Renewable En- ergy Certificates (RECs) for off- site renewable wind- and hydro- energy systems. Those who book any of the six hotels in the Lau- derdale Convention Collection by Oct. 15 will enjoy complimentary meeting space, a one-hour wel- come reception, and 10 percent off F&B, electric, AV, Internet, and security stafing.

26 PCMA CONVENE JULY 2013

Ride the Waves Travel down Las Olas — “The Waves” in Spanish — and sample some of the city’s best in food, shopping, and nightlife.

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