BROWARD COUNTY, FL - The Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) announces this week's 9th Annual Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) will feature Keynote Speaker Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President/CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee. FITCE is a free international expo taking place Wednesday, October 23 - Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Greater Fort Lauderdale | Broward County Convention Center. Access Eventbrite for on-site registration details.

An expanded FITCE roster includes: 

• several Italian Delegation Made in Italy masterclasses

• an Italian cuisine demonstration by chef Marco Bottega

• wines of Italy's Lazio region (home to Rome)

• a mini-language lab 

• a tour of Port Everglades operations (now sold out)

"President/CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo discusses the importance of tourism, particularly sports tourism and FIFA World Cup 2026™, and what it means to South Florida," said Sandy-Michael E. McDonald, Director of OESBD. "When you consider the potential of other such world-class events in our region, as well as our ability to attract other regions like Lazio, Italy to Broward County, or the world-class economic engine of Port Everglades, FITCE has something for anyone interested in commerce, culture, and international trade on a global scale."

Lutoff-Perlo, former Vice Chairperson, External Affairs for the Royal Caribbean Group, will kick off Thursday's Opening Ceremonies, highlighting sports tourism as part of Florida's tourism and manufacturing industries that generate nearly $124 billion combined across the region. As part of Lutoff-Perlo's leadership of the Miami host committee, she oversees strategy, fundraising, fan activations, and operations for the seven 2026 Men's FIFA World Cup matches. She is the author of "Making Waves: A Woman's Rise to the Top Using Smarts, Heart and Courage."

The Italian Delegation Made in Italy Pavilion returns with its third installation highlighting Italian creativity, culture, and lifestyle. At FITCE, the Italian delegation will feature the Lazio Region and more, including:

• Masterclass on Lazio wines with Luciano Castiello, former National Ambassador Wine Educator for Castello Banfi Wines, and Veuve Clicquot Brand Ambassador.

• Masterclass on Lazio cuisine entitled, "Latium Dishes You Need to Try At Least Once," taught by chef Marco Bottega of Michelin star and Michelin green star-rated Marco Bottega Ristorante in Rome.

• Language masterclass in conversational Italian from Byron Translation and Education Center, "At the Italian table: eat, speak and enjoy like an Italian."

FITCE registrants who signed up for a tour of Port Everglades by October 22 will appreciate the opportunity to learn how goods make their way off ships and onto store shelves and receive an overview of the benefits of the Foreign Trade Zones. The behind-the-scenes tour will provide an insider's access to one of Florida's leading economic engines and one of the largest cruise ports in the world for handling different cargo types including containers, dry and liquid bulk, energy products, and cruise passengers. Tours are taking place Thursday, October 24, from 10-11:30AM and 1-2:30PM. Note: All Port tour spots have been claimed.

Each year, FITCE attracts more than 2,000 attendees including international heads of state and high-level government officials and their delegations representing more than 70 countries, national agencies, businesses, and attendees. FITCE 2024 will spotlight Manufacturing and Tourism, a $121.5 Billion industry in Florida, while the South Florida Manufacturers Association will feature the manufacturing industry accounting for a $2.5 Billion impact to South Florida's economy. For a complete list of event activities and agenda, visit this website. 

For more information about FITCE 2024, call 954-357-6400 or visit FITCExpo.com.

October 22, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT: Monique S. Headley, MSOL
Public Information Officer/Community Relations and Outreach Manager
954-357-6400
mheadley@broward.org