CHICAGO — Visit Lauderdale, the official destination marketing organisation for Greater Fort Lauderdale, delivered a vibrant showcase at IPW 2025 in Chicago this week, previewing its upcoming role as host of IPW 2026.

The presentation highlighted the destination’s 2025 theme, “Picture Perfect Paradise,” with salsa performances, Caribbean carnival dancers and stilt walkers and tropical tastings. Visitors were also encouraged to take Polaroid snapshots within the activation area and post them on a picture board, creating a communal display.

“Bringing Greater Fort Lauderdale’s story to a global audience at IPW was a significant moment for our destination,” said Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “As we look ahead to hosting in 2026, we’re excited to showcase the vibrant blend of cultures, communities and experiences that define who we are – a place that proudly welcomes everyone under the sun.”

During Visit Lauderdale’s press conference as the future host city, Ritter highlighted the destination’s strengths and achievements, including its recent 2025 MICHELIN Guide Florida honours, its strong commitment to diversity, accessibility and inclusivity, and its thriving water culture.

Next year’s IPW will take place at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center from May 17-21, 2026. The event is expected to generate more than 20,000 hotel room nights and over US$14 million in food and beverage spending. Over the next three years, IPW 2026 is expected to generate $1.5 billion in federal tax revenue and $1.8 billion in state and local tax revenue, while the sustained visitor spending will support more than 63,000 jobs annual across Greater Fort Lauderdale’s travel and tourism sector.

IPW 2026 took place earlier this week, from June 14-18, at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center.