Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Mark Gale
Department: Aviation Division: Administration
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO APPROVE co-sponsorship of the Florida Airports Council 2026 Annual Conference and Exposition scheduled to occur in July 2026, at the Broward County Convention Center, and authorize the Director of the Broward County Aviation Department to approve and execute the co-sponsorship agreements, subject to review and approval as to legal sufficiency by the County Attorney’s Office, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000.
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Why Action is Necessary
The Advantage Marketing Program requires that a County co-sponsorship of a third-party event or program with a total aggregate value of more than $5,000 be approved by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.
What Action Accomplishes
Approves the co-sponsorship of the Florida Airports Council 2026 Annual Conference and Exposition.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE AVIATION DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This action will approve the co-sponsorship of the Florida Airports Council (“FAC”) Annual Conference and Exposition (“Conference”) in July 2026 in a not to exceed amount of $50,000.
FAC holds approximately five meetings and conferences each year, attended by airport and aviation executives. FAC's conferences deliver industry knowledge tailored for airport professionals and offer important training and networking opportunities for career growth and business development.
This Conference is an annual event sponsored by FAC. During last year's Conference held in Tampa, Florida, in August 2025, approximately 1,000 people attended, with 300 of those coming from out of state. The result of this was a significant increase in hotel room nights for the local economy. The dates for this year’s Conference are scheduled July 26 - July 29, 2026, providing an excellent opportunity to showcase the host airport's locale.
As a host of the Conference, the Broward County Aviation Department (“BCAD”) would be responsible for hosting, planning, executing, and paying for the evening event, which will take place at the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel (“Hotel”), promoting the region with a rare blend of waterfront serenity and urban accessibility. BCAD will partner with the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport for the evening event. This event will be open to all attendees from various airports in Florida and the United States. The costs of the co-sponsorship, including the evening event, would be approved in a not to exceed amount of $50,000.
This action will authorize the BCAD Director to execute the co-sponsorship agreements for the Conference, subject to approval by the Office of the County Attorney as to legal sufficiency.
BCAD anticipates two agreements will need to be executed: one with FAC for the Conference Host and another one with the Hotel for the evening event.
Source of Additional Information
Mark E. Gale, A.A.E., CEO/Director, Aviation Department, (954) 359-6199
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
BCAD’s co-sponsorship in a not to exceed amount of $50,000 is allocated in its Marketing budget in Fiscal Year 2026.