Following an intense day of business meetings, presentations, and trade activities at IPW 2026, hundreds of international buyers, tour operators, travel agents, journalists, and industry representatives attended a special evening event organized by NYC Tourism + Conventions and Broadway Inbound at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

The event brought the magic of Broadway to South Florida within the framework of IPW 2026, combining music, entertainment, and destination promotion in a curated experience designed for international participants of the leading inbound travel trade marketplace in the United States.

The show was hosted by actress and singer Bianca Marroquín, a renowned Broadway Ambassador and one of the most iconic performers of the musical Chicago, where she has portrayed Roxie Hart in multiple seasons.

The evening featured institutional participation from the CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions, Julie Coker, and the CEO of Brand USA, Fred Dixon, who previously led NYC Tourism + Conventions, reinforcing the strong link between New York and the global promotion of the United States as a destination.

In his remarks, Dixon emphasized New York’s strategic role as the primary international gateway to the United States and the central importance of Broadway within the American travel experience.

He stated that “New York City is the number one gateway for international travel to the entire United States” and highlighted that “Broadway captures the energy, creativity, and joy that ignite passion for travel.”

He further noted that Broadway musicals represent a uniquely American art form, describing its evolution from European theatrical traditions into a blend of music, dance, and storytelling that has expanded from New York’s theater district to audiences worldwide.

He also pointed to productions such as The Lion King, Hamilton, and Chicago as examples of Broadway’s global cultural impact.

Within the framework of the “American Originals” campaign, Dixon underscored the initiative’s goal of highlighting authentically American experiences rooted in stories, traditions, and destinations that define the country’s identity.

A high-impact artistic showcase

One of the highlights of the evening was a performance inspired by MJ The Musical, based on the life and music of Michael Jackson, which received a strong standing ovation from the international audience.

The program also included performances from major Broadway productions such as Chicago, SIX, and The Outsiders, delivering a dynamic, high-level artistic showcase that impressed attendees from around the world.

Following the performance, guests participated in a social and culinary networking reception, closing a day marked by international business opportunities and trade connections generated during IPW 2026.

The initiative reinforced the connection between tourism and New York’s cultural industry, positioning Broadway as one of the most powerful assets in U.S. urban tourism and a key driver in global destination marketing.