Culinary Creation: The Broward County Convention Center's Mahi and Grouper Ceviche

SAVOR, the culinary team at the SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, is pleased to share a delicious recipe for mahi and grouper ceviche. This mouthwatering and beautiful dish serves 20, making it a perfect choice for any social gathering. 

Ceviche is a popular seafood dish in the coastal regions of the Americas. Interestingly, the raw fish is not cooked in heat, but rather it “cooks” while marinating in citrus juices. Because the citrus juices do not kill bacteria, it is important to use the freshest fish available.

We recently served this mahi and grouper ceviche at a VIP event and are certain that it will impress your VIPs, too.

Mahi and Grouper Ceviche
(20 servings)
2 lbs Mahi (diced with skin and bloodline removed)
2 lbs  Grouper (diced with skin and pin bones removed)
8 each Large Serrano pepper (seeded and minced)
3 each English Cucumber (peeled, seeded and diced)
2 each Medium red Onion (finely diced)
2 each Red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
1 package  Maracuya pulp  (thawed)
2 cups Key lime juice
2 cups Cilantro (finely chopped)
¼ cup Sugar
¼ cup Water
Salt and Pepper to taste

Mix the fish, onion, peppers, cilantro and lime juice together. Marinade for 30 minutes, turning often to ensure the entire mixture is saturated with lime juice. Reserve the cucumber on its own. Meanwhile, make a solution with the Maracuya pulp, sugar and water. Once the basic ceviche is “cooked,” add the Maracuya solution and cucumbers. Season with salt and pepper.  This dish can be prepared a day before it is served. Serve with tortilla chips, plantain chips and hot sauce. Enjoy!

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

Broward County Convention Center’s Minestrone Soup

SAVOR, the culinary team at the SMG-managed Fort Lauderdale Convention Center, is pleased to share our popular minestrone soup recipe. This hearty soup can be served as a first course or main dish.

A dish that first originated as a meal in ancient Rome, minestrone in Latin translates into ‘big soup.’ This vegetable soup is present in every region of Italy, but various recipes call for different vegetables, starches and proteins.

We are certain that our easy-to-make minestrone soup will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. This is just one of the many tasty and healthy dishes our SAVOR team serves at the Convention Center. We hope to serve you soon!

Minestrone Soup
(Yields two quarts)

3 each  Bay Leaves
2 each  Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz. can)
½ each  Celery (sliced)
10 cups  Chicken broth
2 cups  Red onion (diced)
1 ½ cups  Zucchini (seeded and diced)
1 cup  Carrot (diced)
1 cup  Ditalini pasta
1 cup  Pearl barley
1 cup  Red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
1 cup  Yellow squash (seeded and diced)
½ cup  Prosciutto (small and diced)
½ cup  Green bell pepper (seeded and diced)
2 tbsp  Roasted garlic
1 tbsp  Oregano (dried)
1 tbsp  Basil (dried)
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté the onion, garlic, ham and herbs until the onions are cooked. Add the vegetables, canned tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Add the pasta and barley. Boil, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked. Season with salt and pepper. Let the soup cool. Reheat the following day and serve hot with bread. Letting the soup cool overnight allows all of the different flavors to develop before the soup is ready to serve. Enjoy!

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

SAVOR The Broward County Convention Center's Italian Sausage and Trottole Pasta

SAVOR, the culinary team at the SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, is pleased to share this delicious dinner recipe for Italian sausage and trottole pasta. This easy-to-prepare dish is sure to appeal to everyone at your kitchen table.

Trottole pasta was first created in Italy in Campania, near Naples. The word ‘trottole’ in Italian means to spin, which is fitting for the pasta's twisting shape. Sausage and pasta have been served together for centuries and the pairing has become an Italian tradition.

Our recipe for Italian sausage and trottole pasta is just one example of the many delicious dishes we serve at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. We look forward to sharing more new recipes for delicious food and providing you with an unparalleled dining experience!

Italian Sausage and Trottole Pasta

1¼ lb Italian sausage (skin removed)
1 lb Trottole pasta
1 bunch Rappini (two inches of stem removed)
1½ cup Red onion (sliced)
1 cup White wine
1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
¼ cup Olive oil
1 tbsp Oregano (dried)
1 tbsp Basil (dried)
1 tsp Red chile flake
Salt and pepper to taste

Brown the Italian sausage and break it up as it cooks. Cook off the Trottole pasta and reserve the pasta water. Return the cooked sausage to the heat. Add the red onion, herbs and olive oil. Sauté until slightly carmelized. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Blanche the rappini in the pasta water and add to the sausage mix. Turn a couple of times to coat. Add the white wine. Reduce the wine until almost all is absorbed. Add the cooked pasta. Turn in the sauce over the heat for one minute. Remove from the head and add the parmesan cheese. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

Employees of the Month

The SMG-managed Broward County Convention Center is proud of all of its employees and their devotion and hard work each and every day. In this blog post, we are pleased to recognize our Employees of the Month for March through August and shine the light on their accomplishments.

August Employee of the Month: Stephanie Guida, Payroll and Accounting Specialist

Stephanie Guida is the primary payroll specialist for SAVOR, the culinary team at the SMG-managed Convention Center.

According to Regional Human Resource Manager Kevin Kowalik, Stephanie is always willing to help other departments with special projects and take on additional responsibilities.

Stephanie assists with onboarding and training new employees, and most recently, she supported human resources in completing Affirmative Action Reports for 2011.

She was both surprised and proud to receive the honor of being named August Employee of the Month.
When asked what she likes best about working at the Convention Center, Stephanie expressed a deep appreciation for her coworkers.

“My coworkers are warm, caring and compassionate,” she said. “They truly are a great group of people and I wouldn’t trade my job for the world.”

For her dedication and service to the Broward County Convention Center, we are delighted to recognize Stephanie Guida as August’s Employee of the Month.

July Employee of the Month: Ramonita Pacheco, Receptionist

Ramonita Pacheco has been a valued employee of the Convention Center for six years as a receptionist in the finance department.

According to Regional Human Resource Manager Kevin Kowalik, Ramonita has been instrumental in assisting the sales department with the implementation of the building’s new booking system. 

“Ramonita is always willing to assist other departments with special projects,” Kowalik said. “As usual, she goes above her duties as receptionist and it is much appreciated.”

When asked about how she felt about being named July’s Employee of the Month, Ramonita said she felt appreciated.

“The best part of my job is that I do different tasks,” said Ramonita. “I always like to help my coworkers.”

For her devotion and commitment to the Broward County Convention Center, we are proud to name Ramonita Pacheco as July’s Employee of the Month. June 

Employee of the Month: Rose Dubin, Payroll Administrator

Rose Dubin has worked with the Convention Center for 11 years and is currently the Payroll Administrator.

According to her manager, Director of Finance David Beckford, Rose was instrumental in dealing with the refunds from the City of Fort Lauderdale for utility taxes on water billings during the past 10 years. 

Because of Rose’s dedication and diligence, the Convention Center received approximately $56,540 in refunds.

When asked how she felt about being named June’s Employee of the Month, Rose said, “I am greatly honored; it’s nice to be told what a great job you’re doing by your peers.”

Her favorite part about her job is her coworkers. She enjoys their company because they are a genuinely fun group of people.

For her ambition and hard work at the Broward County Convention Center, we are delighted to recognize Rose Dubin as June's Employee of the Month.

April Employee of the Month: Alfred Chance, Executive Steward

Alfred Chance has been with the Convention Center for six years. As executive steward, Alfred does whatever needs to be done, consistently exceeding expectations.

According to his manager, Executive Chef Jaime McDonald, Alfred’s leadership in the kitchen makes him an exemplary worker that the entire team can respect and learn from. "

Alfred willingly helps outside of his job description and has been more hands on with the culinary aspects in the kitchen," Jaime said. "He is the perfect candidate for Employee of the Month."

Alfred said he was ecstatic about being named April’s Employee of the Month. "I can’t even put into words how honored I feel," Alfred said. “I have great coworkers and that is what I like best about working at the Convention Center."

For his dedication and service to the Broward County Convention Center, we are proud to name Alfred Chance as April's Employee of the Month.

March Employee of the Month: Lynne Downs, Event Manager 

Lynne Downs has been with the Convention Center since 2000. Initially, Lynne joined the team as a receptionist and was quickly promoted to operations coordinator. Today, as event manager, Lynne works double time, if not triple time ensuring that all events run smoothly and future events are planned successfully.

According to Senior Event Manager Michael Treiling, she takes the time to get to know the clients and their events, even if there are multiple events happening in a short timeframe.

"Lynne has the ability and skills to work three events at one time without making one peep about working too much or feeling overwhelmed,” Michael said. "Clients continually thank us for her assistance and unparalleled level of customer service."

When asked how she felt about being named March’s Employee of the Month, Lynne said that she was surprised and did not expect it at all. "I like the fact that every day is different," Lynne said. "I also love working with the people that work here. We’re family!"

For her dedication and ambition to the Broward County Convention Center, we are delighted to recognize Lynne Downs as March's Employee of the Month.

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

Seeing Ourselves through Our Competitors’ Eyes

The Fort Lauderdale Convention Center recently welcomed VenueConnect, the annual conference of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), one of the largest venue industry gatherings in the U.S. Approximately 1,600 venue management professionals and exhibitors arrived in Fort Lauderdale from as far away as Asia, Australia, Europe and Canada. For four days, participants exchanged knowledge on the latest innovations and products tailored to large venues such as arenas, performing arts centers and convention centers.

Sometimes you can’t be sure that you’re seeing yourself clearly until you see yourself through the eyes of others. It’s interesting to take note of the top three qualities that impressed our peers the most.

• First, the proximity advantages we hold over similar destinations made many of our competitors envious. In particular, they cited our five-minute drive from Greater Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport as an advantage that few other venues can match. They also were impressed by our nearness to a major cruise port and the great mix of both major and more moderate hotel properties nearby. It’s hard to trump a great location.

• Next, when our industry friends had the opportunity to explore our location, they marveled at our Intracoastal Waterway, the network of canals and unique Water Taxi system. It’s a distinctive attraction compared to urban locations and the numerous suburban golf course properties vying for convention business.

• Perhaps most important of all were the many comments on our facility's terrific service, cleanliness and new eco-friendly feel. Our guests were surprised to hear that our venue is going to celebrate its 21st birthday. We look great for our age, thanks to the power of teamwork among our Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Convention Center and SMG teams, which often is not the norm in our industry.

VenueConnect was a real image builder for our destination in the eyes of our competitors and helps us focus on what matters most to our guests. Many thanks to all who helped make the event a success!

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

Broward County Convention Center Brings Home the Gold!

This summer has truly been an exciting one for us here at the SMG-managed Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center. In addition to hosting VenueConnect in July, we are pleased to announce that the Convention Center has been awarded Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED^®) for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Gold certification! Our venue is the first convention center in Florida to be LEED certified on any level and one of only three in the nation to achieve LEED Gold certification for an Existing Building.

The other week, we happily celebrated our achievement at a luncheon with our distinguished clients, vendors, staff, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau employees, esteemed Broward County Commissioners Stacy Ritter and Suzanne Gunzburger, SMG President and CEO Wes Westley, SMG Executive Vice President of Marketing Services and Human Resources Maureen Ginty, U.S. Green Building Council representative Anthony Alfonso  of Holland & Knight, and Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau president/CEO Nicki Grossman, who shared the good news with the audience.

“This is truly a great day for Broward County as we bring home the gold and celebrate the successful transformation of our Convention Center into a model of sustainability,” Grossman said. “Thanks to the dedication of the entire Convention Center team and with the unwavering support of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners and SMG, we have reached an Olympic goal that no other Florida convention center has attained.”

The Convention Center's LEED for Existing Buildings Gold certification process began in 2008 with enthusiastic support from the Broward County Board of County Commissioners and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, as well as a commitment from SMG, to convert the 600,000-square-foot facility into an energy-efficient and environmentally sound, carbon neutral building. The first step was engaging Sustainable Options, LLC, Green Building Consultants, to audit the building’s existing energy use and environmental practices. Sustainable Options continued to work with the Convention Center throughout the LEED certification process with full support from all Convention Center departments.

Numerous eco-friendly enhancements have been made to the Convention Center’s daily operations, from water usage and lighting to recycling, energy conservation and more, including:

• A revamped landscape design that reduces irrigation needs by using verdant plants and trees indigenous to South Florida and less water-dependent turf grass, all of which are irrigated by an efficient micro-drip system that uses an estimated 65 percent less water than the previous sprinkler system, contributing to an overall goal of reducing the Convention Center's water usage for irrigation from 10 million gallons annually to less than 5 million.

• A retrofit of the older, less energy-efficient lighting with a combination of new more energy-efficient fluorescents, LEDs, CFLs and induction lighting to reduce both heat and energy, resulting in a savings of 18 percent off the electric bill.

• A retrofit of all older plumbing fixtures with low-flow kits to reduce water consumption in restrooms, producing a savings in water consumption of more than 45 percent.

• The replacement of two 19-year-old water-cooled chillers with new, more energy-efficient Trane Earthwise® water-cooled chillers; along with upgrades to the air-handling and ventilation system, including CO² sensors for enhanced indoor air quality.

• An upgrade to the building’s energy management system, including temperature and lighting controls, to enhance the comfort of building occupants while maintaining control of energy using systems in the building to achieve high performance.

• Through staff training and working with clients, we went from annually recycling a mere 8 percent of its total waste stream to recycling 58 percent of its total waste stream in the past year, including an estimated 150 tons of brochures, wood pallets, cardboard, carpet and padding, clear sheet plastic, plastic table cloths, lamps and bulbs, shrink wrap, twine, landscaping debris and batteries, as well as plastic bottles, glass and cans.

• The installation of a state-of-the-art, commercial organic waste decomposition machine known as the “Digester,” which turns all organic kitchen waste into “gray water” that is similar to waste water from a sink, which is then recycled at the water treatment plant and returned as potable water.

• The purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for off-site renewable wind and hydro energy systems. The Convention Center's most recent green power purchase will help keep 20,722,187 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, which can be equated to planting 85,276 fully-grown trees.

• To improve indoor/outdoor air quality for building occupants, smoking is no longer permitted within 25 feet of any building opening. No-smoking signage has been placed throughout the facility to alert visitors of this policy and specific designated smoking areas have been provided.

• A touch-screen kiosk has been installed in the building's main lobby, which allows patrons to view our “real-time” energy savings and learn about the improvements made over the past three years.

• On the culinary front, SAVOR, our creative team of food and beverage professionals, follows sustainable practices in the kitchen, from energy-efficient food preparation, non-toxic cleaning, recycling, and water conservation to purchasing locally produced food and beverages whenever possible.  Donations are made to local food banks when appropriate and all other organic waste is disposed of in the “Digester,” which means virtually “zero” organic waste is disposed of in landfills.

Additionally, to demonstrate our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in sustainability and energy conservation, we have already registered with the USGBC for LEED for Existing Buildings recertification, which is scheduled to occur in five years. As a part of this commitment, we have hired Julia Johnson, who is accredited as a LEED AP+, from Sustainable Options as our dedicated sustainable programs manager. We look forward to being a LEEDer among convention centers for many years to come!

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

A Sweet Treat: Broward County Convention Center's Double Chocolate Cupcakes

At the SMG-managed Fort Lauderdale Convention Center, our culinary team is busy creating exciting new recipes to impress our guests, such as double chocolate cupcakes.

Cupcakes are easy to make and popular among people of all ages. Specialty bakeries devoted to gourmet cupcakes have cropped up nationwide during the past few years, and the cupcake craze is showing no signs of slowing down.

Our extraordinary recipe for double chocolate cupcakes will surely become a family favorite. Share these cupcakes with your friends and family for a sweet start to the new school year!

Double Chocolate Cupcakes
(Yields 14 cupcakes)

Cupcake:
1½ cup Flour
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Buttermilk
½ cup Peanut oil
1/3 cup Cocoa powder
1 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp Salt (finely ground)
1 tsp White distilled vinegar

Mix all ingredients. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners and fill with batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Frosting:
½ lb Powdered sugar
¼ cup Cocoa powder
3 tbsp Butter
2 tbsp Milk
1 tsp Vanilla
¼ tsp Salt

Mix all ingredients and cook over a double boiler until mixture comes together. Cool and spread on top of cupcakes. Enjoy!

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

Quick, Creative Cuisine: The Broward County Convention Center's Pasta Carbonara

SAVOR, the culinary team at the SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, is happy to share this delicious, family-friendly recipe for pasta carbonara. This easy-to-make dish serves four and will surely become a staple in your home.

It is believed that pasta carbonara was first made as a meal for Italian charcoal workers, as the word ‘carbonaro’ is Italian for charcoal burner. The dish is often called ‘coal miner’s spaghetti’ as a tribute to the original etymology. Today, this dish is an American favorite and can be created quickly with common ingredients.

Our recipe for pasta carbonara will be sure to have your family begging for more. This is just one of the many wonderful dishes we serve at the Convention Center and we are certain that our culinary team will impress you and your guests.

Pasta Carbonara
(Four servings)

½ lb Pancetta (Italian cured bacon, cut into batons)
1 package Linguine
1 Yellow onion (diced)
2 Egg yolks
1 cup Fresh parsley (chopped)
1 cup Dry, white wine (Sauvignon Blanc recommended)
½ cup Heavy whipping cream
½ cup Green peas
½ cup Asiago cheese (grated)
1 tbsp Garlic (chopped)
1 tbsp Fresh basil (chiffonade)
1 tbsp Fresh oregano (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté the pancetta on medium heat until crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove crispy pancetta and reserve until later. Sauté the onions in the rendered oil until they are translucent. Add the garlic, green peas and white wine. Cook until mixture is reduced by a quarter of the original amount. Add the cream and herbs. Cover the pan until the herbs have wilted. Season with black pepper and taste before salting, as pancetta can be salty. Cook the linguine, strain and add to sauce. Turn pasta to fully coat with the sauce. Add the egg yolks and stir vigorously to incorporate. Finish with Asiago cheese. Bon appetite! 

Recipe provided by Jamie MacDonald, Executive Chef at the Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center.

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

Employee of the Month - January 2012

The SMG-managed Broward County Convention Center is proud of all of its employees and their devotion and hard work each and every day. As part of a new blog series, we will be highlighting our Employees of the Month and their accomplishments. In this post, we shine the light on IT manager Carlos Lind, January's Employee of the Month.

Carlos Lind has worked with the Convention Center for nine years as a member of the IT staff. Immediately, Carlos was a hit with his coworkers, clients and guests.

According to his manager, Director of Operations Jerry Braud, his willingness to solve problems and take care of client, guest and staff issues makes Carlos a standout employee.

"Carlos helps fix issues ranging from helping clients connect to Wi-Fi to complex networking equipment challenges," Jerry said. "Even under stress, Carlos always has time to smile and make the working environment a pleasure for those around him."

When asked how he felt about being named January’s employee of the month, Carlos said he was extremely honored.

"I love that every day is a new challenge filled with different shows and new guests," Carlos said. "It is good to know that I am doing my job the right way with directors who care about my success and appreciate my diligence."

For his continued commitment to the Broward County Convention Center, we are delighted to recognize Carlos Lind as January's Employee of the Month.

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

Meeting Spotlight: Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition

From January 18 through January 20, 2012, the 39^th Annual Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition produced by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) returned for the19th time to the SMG-managed Fort Lauderdale Convention Center. After the exhibition, we had the chance to speak with FNGLA Chief Operations Officer Linda Adams to find out more the organization’s experience.

Tell us a little bit about the Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition.

The Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE) is an internationally attended event for professionals who are in the wholesale or retail business related to tropical plants. The majority of exhibitors are wholesale nurseries who specialize in tropical plants, often referenced as houseplants. TPIE was first produced in 1973 by a small group of growers in South Florida.  It has grown to the be the largest event in the world related to tropical plants and is now produced by the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association (FNGLA).

How large was this year's exhibition? 

The 39^th Annual TPIE welcomed more than 6,100 industry professionals and featured a trade show with nearly 400 exhibiting companies.

Overall, how was the event? 

Filled with calypso music, beautiful tropical plants and foliage, the 2012 TPIE was the perfect place to take in the newest tropical plants, products and ideas that this exotic section of the horticulture industry has to offer. The event included a trade show, a full-day nursery tour in Homestead, a thought-provoking opening session, cutting-edge educational programs, dozens of hands-on demonstrations and a fantastic outdoor happy hour on opening day.

Why has the FNGLA hosted TPIE at the Convention Center year after year?

We have hosted the exhibition at the Convention Center since its opening in 1991, as TPIE’s genesis was in South Florida. Many of our exhibitors and members have nurseries located in South Florida, so Fort Lauderdale makes a great central area for out-of-town attendees to visit nurseries while they are in the area for the show.  Of course, the climate and setting Fort Lauderdale has to offer in January is a big draw for our show, as well.

How do your exhibitors and attendees feel about Fort Lauderdale?

We really enjoy being able to offer Fort Lauderdale as the setting for TPIE. Our theme this year was “tropical escape,” and we think people really felt they escaped to a warm and informally sophisticated spot to do business while in Fort Lauderdale.
 
Describe your experience working with Convention Center and Broward County Convention and Visitors Bureau staff.

Each year, the Convention Center and Broward County Convention and Visitors Bureau staff exceed our expectations. They are extraordinarily helpful and put forth a tremendous effort to ensure that this is a great event and a wonderful experience for our participants. We plan to host our exhibition at the Convention Center for years to come.

We would like to thank Linda Adams for sharing her organization's experiences with us. To learn more about the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association, please visit www.fngla.org. To learn about how the Broward County Convention Center can make your next event a success, please call us at 954-765-5900.

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

Meeting Spotlight: Society of Thoracic Surgeons

From January 28 through February 1, 2012, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons returned for the fifth time to the SMG-managed Broward County Convention Center to host the organization's 48^th Annual Society of Thoracic Surgeons Meeting and Exhibition. Before the event began, we had the chance to speak with Rachel Estrada, manager of communications and media relations, to find out more the organization's Convention Center experience.

Tell us about your organization, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Founded in 1964, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons is a not-for-profit organization representing more than 6,300 surgeons, researchers and allied health care professionals worldwide who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for surgeries of the heart, lung, and esophagus, as well as other surgical procedures within the chest. The mission of the Society is to enhance the ability of cardiothoracic surgeons to provide the highest quality patient care through education, research, and advocacy. With a staff of approximately 40 employees, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons is headquartered in Chicago and has an additional office near Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

How large is this year's conference? 

The 48^th STS Annual Meeting and Exhibition has more than 2,000 registered attendees from across the United States and around the globe.

What can conference attendees expect this year? 

STS has put together an exceptional program for our members this year with new sessions and more programs to help the entire cardiothoracic surgery team provide the best possible care to patients. Our exciting educational programming is designed to encourage and promote the development, advancement, and exchange of fair and balanced information regarding the research in, and diagnosis and treatment of, cardiovascular and thoracic diseases, with improved patient care and patient management outcomes as the underlying theme. This year we have more invited speakers, more breakout sessions, and more pro/con debates, making this the premier educational event in cardiothoracic surgery. Additionally, STS/ American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) Tech-Con is a jointly sponsored program on novel therapies in cardiac and general thoracic surgery, held annually immediately preceding the STS Annual Meeting. Tech-Con is designed to address innovative topics, focusing on currently evolving concepts in cardiothoracic surgery, while providing the most up-to-date information and opinion.

Why did you choose the Convention Center to host this year’s conference? 

This is the fifth year that STS Annual Meeting and Exhibition will be hosted at the Broward County Convention Center. We keep coming back because our members love the sunny Florida weather, it's a great center with modern amenities, and from a meeting planner's perspective, the staff at the Convention Center and Broward CVB always exceed our expectations.

How have the Convention Center and Broward County Convention and Visitors Bureau staff exceeded your expectations?

The Broward CVB and the Convention Center staff are simply top notch. They offer exceptional customer service and always do an outstanding job in hosting our meeting. We all work very closely together and as a direct result of that, the Society's events have always been successful.

How do conference attendees feel about Fort Lauderdale?

Our members love all the wonderful accommodations Fort Lauderdale has to offer! I know our STS members and their guests are looking forward to exploring all the great restaurants, shopping and hospitality of Broward County.

We would like to thank Rachel Estrada for sharing her organization's experiences with us. To learn more about the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, please visit www.sts.org.To learn about how the Broward County Convention Center can make your next event a success, please call us at 954-765-5900.

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

Convention Center Team Donates Toys 4KIDS This Holiday Season

Every year during the holiday season, our Florida Conference Venue team joins together to highlight the importance of charitable giving and encourages others to give back in any way they can. Gestures large and small can brighten the lives of children in need, and in the spirit of giving, the SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center team held a toy drive benefiting 4KIDS of South Florida. 4KIDS is an organization that works tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

Filling the Convention Center van with hundreds of toys purchased or donated by Convention Center staff members, members of our team set out to deliver the gifts in person. “The children were excited to receive the gifts and seemed to truly feel our love and care,” said Kevin Kowalik, Convention Center human resources manager. “Likewise, it was wonderful for all of us to experience the thrill of giving and helping these children have a happy holiday season.”

The goal of 4KIDS of South Florida is to protect, provide and offer permanent solutions for children and their families so they can have a hope-filled future. 4KIDS has more than 100 licensed foster homes and foster families providing love and care to foster kids in the tri-county area.  In addition, 4KIDS has 12 family-style homes that serve young adults, teens and difficult- to-place sibling groups. 

Since opening in September 1991, our Convention Center staff has reached out to every corner of the community through an array of worthy organizations, including Neighbors 4 Neighbors, Taste of the Nation, Habitat for Humanity of Broward County, Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Broward Outreach Center, Women in Distress and SOS Children’s Village of Florida.

“Our employees truly do make a difference in the lives of people who are in need,” said Mark Gatley, regional general manager of the SMG-managed Broward County Convention Center.  “We recognize the importance of helping others and are committed to this community.”

The Center’s generosity is a year-round commitment, helping meet the many needs of the community, from donating food to those in need before Thanksgiving, to assisting others with hurricane preparedness, participating in the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk and other worthy causes. 

“We’re constantly thinking of organizations we should support and ways we can help the community,” said Kowalik. “It’s important for the Convention Center and its employees to have an active role in the community. There are so many people who are less fortunate than we are, and thankfully we’re able to help whenever we can.”

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

Celebrating Our 20th Anniversary

As we come to the end of 2011, the SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center is taking a look back at all we have accomplished over the past 20 years.

Since opening our doors in 1991, the Convention Center has hosted more than 5 million guests and more than 5,500 meetings. We have fostered longstanding relationships with a variety of organizations who choose to host their events at the Convention Center year after year since the building’s opening, such as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Fort Lauderdale Home & Design Show and the Tropical Plant Industry Exposition.

Expansion, enhancement and excellence have been the hallmarks of the past 20 years, with our Convention Center team unwavering in its commitment to winning the loyalty of every meeting planner and guest every time they visit. Growing from 270,000 to 600,000 square feet of space with state-of-the-art technology and new amenities keeps us on the leading edge of facilities.

Our latest building enhancements include an innovative light sculpture by famed artist Larry Kirkland that now greets guests at the entryway to the Convention Center in our two covered skywalks. Exterior enhancements include a new lush landscape of verdant plants and trees indigenous to South Florida, and renovations to the building's front walkway, which now features colorful pavers in a beautiful design reflecting the facility’s motif.

The revamped landscape not only looks beautiful but also reduces our irrigation needs. The new plants and trees and less water-dependent turf grass are irrigated by an efficient micro-drip system that uses an estimated 65 percent less water than the previous sprinkler system, contributing to our overall goal of reducing the Convention Center's water usage for irrigation from 10 million gallons annually to less than 5 million.

We have been at the forefront of sustainability in the meeting planning industry since the creation of our multi-faceted recycling program in 1992. The facility is on track to complete the comprehensive Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification process by the first quarter of next year. Upon achieving certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for operations and management of an existing building, our facility will become one of only 20 LEED-certified convention centers in the country!

On the culinary front, SAVOR, our creative team of food and beverage professionals at the Center, supports our initiative to achieve LEED certification. Known for our use of the highest-quality ingredients and innovative recipes, the eco-friendly culinary team follows a number of sustainable practices in the kitchen, from energy-efficient food preparation and non-toxic cleaning, recycling and water conservation to purchasing locally produced food and beverages whenever possible.

With enthusiastic support from the Broward County Board of County Commissioners and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, we are committed to completing the conversion of the 600,000-square-foot Convention Center into an energy-efficient and environmentally sound, carbon neutral building.

After 20 years of servicing Broward County, we continue to take pride in all of our accomplishments and look forward to our continued growth and success in years to come!

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center’s High-Tech Eco-Safe Digester

In taking another major step toward becoming certified by the U.S. Green Building Council in Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) for operations and management of an existing building by Quarter 1 of 2012,  the SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center is proud to welcome to the facility our newest, environmentally friendly application, the Eco-Safe Digester.

The Eco-Safe Digester, a high-volume decomposition system, already has diverted more than 30 tons of our organic food waste from landfills. This high-tech instrument safely and quickly decomposes virtually all organic food waste by using a highly refined formula of microorganisms. The process turns waste into a liquid that can be safely disposed down the drain, allowing the waste to return to the ecosystem as water.

In addition to using the highly efficient Digester, our recycling and diversion program has begun donating extra food to local non-profit organizations to eliminate waste. More than two tons of food has been donated in 2011 to date.

We are determined to be the most energy-efficient, least polluting and healthiest work space among convention centers and to stay ahead of the curve into the future. Being environmentally friendly is one of our greatest priorities and we are committed to finding new ways to become even greener in all aspects of our operations.

Even after we earn our LEED certification, we plan to continually seek out new technologies, like the Digester, to demonstrate our commitment to a greener planet!

Sustainably yours,
Your Convention Center Team

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

Broward County Convention Center Hosts Tourism Day for Disability Community

The SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center recently welcomed members of the disability community to an all-day program on Broward's tourism industry as part of the Center for Independent Living of Broward’s Leadership CIL Broward program. 

Attendees spent the day interacting with industry speakers and hearing presentations that covered the key engines driving Broward’s tourism industry, including an overview of the Convention Center, Broward County Convention and Visitors Bureau, destination and hotel management, and the port and cruise industry.

Speakers representing the Convention Center included General Manager Mark Gatley, Deputy Contract Administrator Carlos Puentes and Operations Manager Gerry Braud. Other speakers included Vice President of Strategic Client Services of the Convention and Visitors Bureau Kelly Tortoriello, General Manager of the Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina and Board Member of the Convention and Visitors Bureau Carlos M. Molinet, and Cruise Market Specialist at Port Everglades Jean Elie.

"The Convention Center team is deeply rooted in Broward's tourism industry," said Convention Center Regional Manager Mark Gatley. "We were pleased to share our knowledge with the Center for Independent Living of Broward, and in return, we received valuable feedback and suggestions from Leadership CIL Broward participants."

"The program presenters really connected with our group," said Danny Murphy, marketing consultant for the Independent Living Center, "which lead to a constructive exchange of information. Their interaction was fantastic."

The Center for Independent Living of Broward is a cross-disability advocacy organization, one of more than 700 throughout the nation, whose mission is to offer assistance to people with disabilities in fulfilling the goals of independence and self-sufficiency. The Center's Leadership CIL Broward is the first leadership program of its kind nationwide with the objective to create future advocates within the disability community. The program is designed to build community leaders with disabilities while simultaneously developing their personal and professional abilities.

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

Savor Fall Flavors with Broward County Convention Center's Sausage and Cornbread Stuffing

Our expert culinary team at the SMG-managed Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center wows guests everyday with unique flavors and exciting recipes. From creative hors d’oeuvres to savory entrees and scrumptious side dishes, it is all part of SMG’s inspiring, food-centric focus we call SAVOR.

Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion to showcase your home-cooking skills while spending time with family and friends. We invite you to try our recipe for sausage and cornbread stuffing -- a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast.

There is much debate about use of the word "stuffing" versus "dressing." Traditionalists say stuffing is cooked inside the turkey whereas dressing is cooked on the side. Whatever you choose to call it, this dish is sure to be a hit.

The recipes we use at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center are designed to impress our guests and we are sure you will impress yours, too. This sausage and cornbread stuffing recipe will transform your traditional stuffing into a gourmet favorite!

Sausage and Cornbread Stuffing
1 Package of cornbread mix 
1 Package of Jimmy Dean sausage
1 Yellow onion (small and diced)
4 stalks Celery (small and diced)
1 stick Butter (melted)
1 tablespoon Minced garlic
1 tablespoon Chopped sage
1 tablespoon Chopped thyme
1 tablespoon Chopped parsley
2 cups Chicken stock

Bake the cornbread according to package instructions. Let it cool and crumble it. Brown the sausage and break into small pieces. When the sausage is cooked through, drain off as much of the excess grease as possible. Add onions and celery to sausage. Cook until onions are translucent. Add the garlic. Once the garlic is cooked, remove the entire mixture (sausage, onion, celery and garlic) and place into mixing bowl. Add the crumbled corn bread and chopped fresh herbs to the bowl. Bring chicken stock to a boil. Add enough chicken stock to the mixture to make it very moist (almost wet). Add the butter and season to taste with salt and pepper. Stuff turkey or bake covered with aluminum foil at 375 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes. Enjoy!

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

Broward County Convention Center Fights Breast Cancer One Step At A Time

Each October, the SMG-managed Broward County Convention Center honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This cause hits close to home, as three of our staff members are breast cancer survivors and many others have been affected by this heart wrenching disease. To show our support and spread awareness in our community, the Convention Center participates in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a 5K walk hosted by the American Cancer Society Broward County.

On Sunday, October 9 at Huizenga Plaza in downtown Fort Lauderdale, our Convention Center team walked proudly in support of our shared goal, finding a cure for breast cancer. This year, our team raised $1,520 and over the years, the Convention Center has raised more than $6,000 toward Making Strides Against Breast Cancer!

Our annual fundraising event, Denim Day proved to be a success again, as always. Convention Center staff members were able to enjoy wearing jeans at work to show their support for a $5 donation
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the American Cancer Society's premier event to raise funds and awareness to save lives from breast cancer. More than 200 Making Strides walks nationwide each year celebrate people who have battled breast cancer, educate people about ways to reduce their risk, and empower communities to join the fight.

The funds we raised for the walk will fund new research, enable access to mammograms and treatments, and educate women on the importance of detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages. 

According to the American Cancer Society, Florida ranks fourth in the nation for the estimated number of new cases and second for estimated deaths from breast cancer, making initiatives such as Making Strides critical to our community’s support in the fight against breast cancer. The Convention Center is proud to have been a part of such a worthy cause.

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

A Sweet Send Off To Summer: Broward County Convention Center's Rhubarb Crumble

The kitchen here at the SMG-managed Broward County Convention Center continues to stir with creativity all year long. It’s all part of SMG’s inspiring, food-centric focus we call SAVOR.

Executive Chef Jaime MacDonald and our expert culinary team wow guests at the Convention Center everyday with unique flavors and exciting recipes, from creative hors d’oeuvres to savory entrees and scrumptious desserts. To get a taste of our culinary excellence at home, we invite you to try our recipe for rhubarb crumble -- a sweat treat for the last days of summer.

Rhubarb stems typically are a crimson color and usually are sweetened with strawberries or apples when used for tarts, pies or crumbles. We recommend that you serve it a la mode with a rich, vanilla bean ice cream. This extraordinary dessert, which generously serves 10, is sure to please you and your guests.

Rhubarb crumble is just one of the many innovative and delicious dishes we serve at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. Our high standards are unparalleled for creative food and beverage. With great food as a showpiece, every event is sure to be an impressive success.

Rhubarb Crumble
1½ cup Butter (cold)
½  cup Sugar
2¾ cups Flour
4 cups Chopped rhubarb (frozen)
3 cups Chopped Granny Smith apple (peeled and cored)
2 cups Brown sugar
1 cup Orange juice
3/4 cup Oatmeal
½ tsp Ground cinnamon
¼ tsp Kosher salt

Cream 1 cup cold butter and ½  cup sugar. Add 2 cups flour. Mix until just incorporated. Press into baking dish up to the rim. Bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes. Mix rhubarb, apples, 1 cup brown sugar, and orange juice; pour into cooked shortbread crust. Using your fingertips, knead together ½  cup butter (diced small), 1 cup brown sugar, ¾ cup flour, oatmeal, cinnamon and salt; sprinkle on top of filling. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 375 degrees or until top is browned. Serve with vanilla bean ice cream. Enjoy!

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

Convention Center Welcomes “Taste of the Nation” Fort Lauderdale

On June 2, the 20^th annual Share Our Strength’s “Taste of the Nation” Fort Lauderdale brought together the area’s hottest chefs and mixologists in a culinary effort to end childhood hunger nationwide. The SMG-managed Fort Lauderdale Convention Center was the center of it all, welcoming 1,000 guests, more than 40 participating restaurants, and 14 wine, spirit and beverage providers.

With the NBA playoffs in full swing, guests were able to watch a live televised broadcast of that night’s game, sample a variety of gourmet creations and meet local chefs, all while raising much-needed funds for an extremely worthy cause.

For the event’s 20^th anniversary, “Platinum Chefs” were recognized for their leadership in the community, donation of time and talent and commitment to Share Our Strength’s “Taste the Nation” program.

Celebrity guests included "Hell's Kitchen" star and "Taste of the Nation" Platinum Chef Ralph Pagano, who served as master of ceremonies and auctioneer, along with local radio personalities Paul Castranovo and Ron Brewer from the Paul & Young Ron Morning Show on BIG 105.9, who helped chair this special event.  Live and silent auctions included a selection of luxurious wines, dinners and vacations.

This year’s event raised $65,000 with 100 percent of ticket sales supporting Share Our Strength’s mission to help assure that no child grows up hungry. Local beneficiaries include Feeding South Florida, Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, Inc. and the South Florida Hunger Coalition. 

National corporate sponsors of “Taste the Nation” are American Express, Sysco, Food Network and Brown-Forman. Local corporate sponsors include Whole Foods, Lincoln, Budweiser and Nespresso. 

The SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center is proud to welcome the array of culinary superstars and guests to this outstanding annual event in support of a very worthy cause.

Sincerely,
The Convention Center Team

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.

Many Great Hotels, One Great Convention Experience

One size does not fit all when it comes to choosing the best hotel for relaxing and recharging after a long day of meetings and conferences. Some people long for the serenity of soothing ocean views, while others crave a little more action at waterfront lounges and restaurants. Then there are those for whom proximity to the Convention Center trumps everything else. What’s a meeting planner to do? 

The good news is that the SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center has it all, with an array of upscale hotels catering to a variety of preferences.

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau has joined forces with six upscale hotels, all within a mile and a half of the Convention Center, to accommodate large, city-wide organizations requiring 2,700 rooms or more in a single, unified convention experience with one-stop planning assistance.

This innovative concept called the "Lauderdale Convention Collection" includes hotel accommodations along with special savings including complimentary meeting and event space at the Convention Center, complimentary one-hour Board of Directors and Convention Welcome receptions, commemorative gifts from local suppliers, and a 10 percent discount on such services as food and beverage, electric, audio/visual, internet and security staffing, along with discounted guest room rates.

"This single hospitality experience for large groups gives Greater Fort Lauderdale a significant advantage in attracting national and international meetings, conventions, exhibitions and special events," said Nicki E. Grossman, the CVB's president. "The Convention Collection is the perfect concept for convention planners and their clients as well as for the Convention Center, the hotels, and for Greater Fort Lauderdale."

The six frontline luxury hotels participating in the Collection include Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel, Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel, and Fort Lauderdale Embassy Suites. Additional properties are available if the meeting needs exceed the initial room package.

While each hotel boasts its own unique style, all of them are near the Convention Center and provide convenient access to Fort Lauderdale’s world-renowned beaches, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, cultural and sports attractions.

“We offer an outstanding convention experience to large organizations with different tastes and preferences,” said Mark Gatley, regional general manager for the SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

“Meeting planners and their clients love the fact that Fort Lauderdale has an outstanding convention center, sophisticated downtown amenities and all sorts of recreation within a one-and-a-half-mile radius of beautiful Fort Lauderdale beach.”

What else is so special about the SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center? With 600,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and incomparable service, it earns its reputation every day as Florida’s most attractive and functional state-of-the art facility for conventions, tradeshows, meetings and special events, able to seamlessly accommodate groups of all sizes. What’s more, the Convention Center is well on its way to becoming a certified green facility and expects to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification for Existing Buildings: Operations & Management, from the U.S. Green Building Council, by fall of 2011. And when it comes to food, the Center consistently earns praise from meeting planners and guests for its extraordinary food and beverage service known as  SAVOR.

For an outstanding large group convention experience, the Lauderdale Convention Collection is one more reason that the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center is the center of it all!

Sincerely,
The Convention Center Team

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.