Greater Fort Lauderdale fully embraced the spirit of IPW 2026 with a vibrant day that combined international networking, tourism presentations, and a spectacular beachfront opening celebration, marking the beginning of the largest inbound travel trade event in the United States.

The day began with the traditional Press Brunch held at The Fort, one of South Florida’s newest sports and entertainment complexes, where journalists, producers, content creators, and travel media from more than 70 countries gathered for a relaxed morning of networking, food, music, and destination presentations.

Among the speakers were Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale; Fred Dixon, President and CEO of Brand USA; and Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, all of whom highlighted the strategic importance of IPW in strengthening international travel to the United States.

The event also included the presentation of the IPW Travel Writer Awards 2026, honoring excellence in travel journalism.

The relaxed atmosphere, live music, outdoor spaces, and opportunities to connect with tourism leaders from across the country created the perfect setting for media networking ahead of the busy week of business meetings and destination showcases.

Later in the evening, the celebration moved to Fort Lauderdale Beach for the highly anticipated IPW 2026 Opening Night, where thousands of attendees — including international buyers, tour operators, travel advisors, exhibitors, and media representatives — gathered for a sunset beachfront party.

With the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, guests enjoyed live entertainment, dancing, local cuisine, cocktails, and immersive experiences along the beach, capturing the vibrant energy of South Florida.

One of the most photographed and entertaining moments of the night was the appearance of Stanley C. Panther, the mascot of the Florida Panthers, the NHL team representing South Florida, who interacted with attendees and added excitement to the opening celebration.

The festivities highlighted the international scale and economic importance of IPW 2026, which throughout the week will bring together global tourism leaders in Greater Fort Lauderdale to create partnerships, generate business opportunities, and shape the future of travel to the United States.