Disasters Expo Fort Lauderdale 2027: 300+ exhibitors and 100+ hours of emergency-management insight at Broward County Convention Center, March 2–3.
Dates
2–3 Mar 2027
City / country
Fort Lauderdale, United States
Venue
Broward County Convention Center
Event overview
Disasters Expo Fort Lauderdale is the U. S.
edition of the Disasters Expo series, bringing emergency managers, government agencies, first responders, utilities, healthcare teams and private-sector continuity leaders together at the Broward County Convention Center on March 2–3, 2027. Across two days, the show pairs a 300+ exhibitor floor of response equipment, communications, GIS, resilience technology and recovery services with 100+ hours of keynotes, seminars and roundtables.
Seven co-located shows, including Resilient City Expo, widen the buyer pool across the disaster lifecycle. A $119 Delegate Pass covers the expo halls, keynotes, networking lounge and digital show guide, with complimentary sector passes for qualifying public-safety professionals.
TL;DR
Meet the agencies and suppliers behind preparedness, response and recovery in one two-day stop; compare equipment, software and services side by side; and use the conference and Disaster Connect meetings to turn vendor research into a funded plan.
The floor puts exhibitors in front of government budget holders, first responders, utilities and healthcare resilience teams actively sourcing disaster equipment and services, with pre-arranged buyer meetings and sponsorship visibility across seven co-located shows.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
1950 Eisenhower Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, United States
Entrances & gates
Main concourse entrance
Off Eisenhower Blvd; badge check and registration desks.
Food options
Convention-center concessions
On-site diningParking: Use the convention-center garage and surface lots off Eisenhower Blvd; arrive early on day one because the 17th Street Causeway and Port Everglades traffic backs up before 9am.
Gate: Delegate and sector-pass badges are checked at the main concourse entrance; exhibitors use the separate loading-dock and exhibitor entrance.
Attend
Delegate Pass
Full access to expo halls, keynotes, networking lounge and digital show guide.
Sector Professional Pass
Complimentary for qualifying public-safety and resilience professionals; one-minute eligibility check.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring photo ID matching the registration name to the main concourse registration desk.
Ticket notes
Delegate Pass is $119 per person; complimentary sector passes are subject to eligibility. Passes are on sale.
What's on
Resilient City Expo
Urban resilience show co-located with the main expo.
Same venue and dates as Disasters Expo Fort Lauderdale.
WebsiteFirst Responders Expo
Responder-focused co-located show.
Same venue and dates as Disasters Expo Fort Lauderdale.
WebsiteDisaster Vehicle Expo
Vehicles and field equipment co-located show.
Same venue and dates as Disasters Expo Fort Lauderdale.
WebsiteChemical Risk Expo
Chemical-risk and hazmat co-located show.
Same venue and dates as Disasters Expo Fort Lauderdale.
WebsitePower Continuity Expo
Power continuity and critical-infrastructure co-located show.
Same venue and dates as Disasters Expo Fort Lauderdale.
WebsiteResilient Architecture & Structural Engineering Expo
Resilient design and engineering co-located show.
Same venue and dates as Disasters Expo Fort Lauderdale.
WebsiteHow the last edition performed
This edition
2027
Visitors: 4,000
Exhibitors: 300
Next edition
Not announced yet
New this edition
Impact
The show compresses the disaster procurement cycle into two days: agencies can compare equipment, software and recovery services in one hall while suppliers meet the people who specify and fund resilience work across Florida and the wider Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
Audience quality
The buyer mix is unusually senior for a regional trade show: county and state emergency-management offices, federal contractors, first responders, utilities, hospitals and continuity leaders all send decision-makers rather than general visitors. The paid Delegate Pass filters for serious buyers, while the complimentary sector pass keeps public-safety participation high.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on meeting quality rather than raw footfall. The 4,000+ attendance claim is modest by consumer-expo standards, but a high share of visitors influence specifications, grants or purchases. Exhibitors that book Disaster Connect meetings and follow up within 48 hours should see better pipeline than those relying on badge scans alone.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Florida’s exposure to hurricanes, flooding, heat and sea-level rise makes disaster spending a year-round priority. Fort Lauderdale sits between Miami and the Treasure Coast, close to county emergency-management offices, Port Everglades and a dense base of utilities, hospitals and contractors that buy response and recovery capability.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Climate risk moves into capital planning
Cities and utilities are folding flood, heat and wind modelling into multi-year capital budgets, which lifts demand for risk analytics, hardened infrastructure and adaptation services.
What it changes: Exhibitors selling modelling, hardening and adaptation work can frame their pitch around funded capital plans rather than one-off purchases.
Interoperability is the buying criterion
Agencies want radios, drones, CAD and situational-awareness tools that share data across jurisdictions and mutual-aid partners, not another closed platform.
What it changes: Communications and software vendors should lead with integration proof and open standards at the show.
Grant-funded procurement rewards compliance
FEMA BRIC and federal contracting rules increasingly shape what agencies can buy and how quickly, favouring suppliers who can document compliance and delivery capacity.
What it changes: Suppliers with grant-ready documentation and public-sector references will stand out to budget holders.
The Fort Lauderdale edition anchors a family of co-located resilience shows and a Texas sister edition, giving buyers a multi-city view of the disaster market.
Resilient City Expo
Fort Lauderdale, United States
Same venue and dates as Disasters Expo Fort Lauderdale.
websiteFirst Responders Expo
Fort Lauderdale, United States
Listed among the seven co-located shows.
websiteDisaster Vehicle Expo
Fort Lauderdale, United States
Listed among the seven co-located shows.
websiteFort Lauderdale co-located week
All run March 2–3, 2027 at Broward County Convention Center.
Co-location and series names taken from the official event site; Texas dates to be confirmed.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport
Closest airport; rideshare and taxi ranks at each terminal.
3 miles
to venue
10–15 minutes
by car
Miami International Airport
Larger long-haul gateway; take I-95 north or the Brightline from MiamiCentral.
30 miles
to venue
40–55 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 150–220 / night
Estimate for early-March 2027; book refundable rates before the show block fills.
USD 220–340 / night
Walkable or a short rideshare to the venue; rates rise during boat-show and cruise peaks.
USD 420–650 / night
Beachfront properties 10–15 minutes from the venue; expect resort and parking fees.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rideshare / taxi
10–15 minutes outside rush hour; use the designated rideshare pickup at the airport.
Bus
Cheap link from downtown and the beach; allow extra time for traffic.
Brightline
Useful for Miami-based attendees; the station is about 10 minutes from the convention center.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries travelling for business meetings | $21.00 | Usually minutes to 72 hours | |
| B-1 business visitor visa | Visitors who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program | $185.00 | Weeks to months, depending on consulate |
Canadian citizens generally travel visa-free for business visits; check current U.S. rules before booking.
The U.S. accepts ATA carnets for many temporary exhibits; confirm the specific goods and port of entry with your freight forwarder.
Official visa pageWeather
Early March is warm and humid in Fort Lauderdale, with highs around 27–29°C and lows near 20°C. Brief afternoon showers are common; carry a light rain layer and stay hydrated on the floor.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is usually available in the convention-center concourse; mobile coverage is strong. Bring a power bank and a U.S. Type A/B plug adapter.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 18–20% and bartenders $1–2 per drink; taxis and rideshares usually add a tip in the app.
Business dress
Business casual is the norm on the show floor; a jacket is useful for government meetings and evening receptions.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: FLL — Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International
Book 6–10 weeks out; Tuesday and Wednesday arrivals are cheaper than Monday.
Most Visa Waiver Program visitors need an approved ESTA; other business visitors need a B-1 visa. Confirm eligibility on the U.S. State Department site.
Estimated cost: $21 ESTA or $185 B-1 visa fee
Processing: ESTA usually within 72 hours; B-1 can take weeks
Carry a printed invitation or registration confirmation for the border interview.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: FLL is 3 miles away: rideshare or taxi in 10–15 minutes, roughly $15–25.
Hotel → venue: 17th Street hotels are walkable; beach and downtown hotels need a rideshare or bus.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft serve the airport and venue; use the designated pickup zones.
Public transit: Broward County Transit routes 1 and 11 run along 17th Street Causeway; fare about $2.
Parking: Convention-center garage and surface lots off Eisenhower Blvd; arrive before 8:30am on day one.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March
Temperature: 20–29°C (68–84°F)
Seasonality: Warm and humid with brief afternoon showers; the Atlantic hurricane season has not started.
Packing: Light business casual, a compact umbrella or rain shell, comfortable shoes and a reusable water bottle.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: March 3, 2027
Day two typically has calmer aisles and more time with senior staff after the opening rush, while the programme still runs a full slate. If you need a specific keynote, check the agenda and choose day one instead.
Register and confirm pass type — Check Delegate Pass versus complimentary sector eligibility.
Book flights and a refundable hotel — Use FLL if possible; 17th Street hotels are walkable.
Build a shortlist of exhibitors and sessions — Pick eight to ten priority stands and two conference blocks.
Download the show guide and plan the floor route — Group meetings by hall to avoid crossing the venue repeatedly.
Check travel documents and weather — Photo ID, ESTA or visa, rain layer and comfortable shoes.
Badge collection and coffee
Main concourse registrationPriority supplier meetings
Expo hallsKeynote or roundtable
Conference theatreFollow-up meetings and Disaster Connect
Networking loungeNotes and pipeline review
Hotel or quiet concourse seatingLas Olas Beach and Las Olas Boulevard
Beach and Dining
15–20 minutes by rideshare
Easy evening break with restaurants, galleries and the beach.
Everglades Holiday Park
Nature
35–45 minutes by car
Airboat tour and wildlife experience if you add a day before or after the show.
Official networking lounge
on-site
Best for scheduled meetings between sessions; bring a charged phone and business cards.
17th Street Causeway restaurants
off-site
Walkable from the convention center and convenient for small dinners with prospects.
Disaster procurement often runs through grant cycles and budget approvals, so follow-up should be fast but also useful: send the document the buyer needs for their internal case.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 450–650 / m²
Raw space
USD 350–500 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Planning estimates based on typical U.S. disaster and emergency-management trade shows; no printed tariff was fetched. Confirm with the organiser before budgeting.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth
exhibitor · standard
USD 4050–5850 / 9 sqm shell
hotel
both · mid
USD 220–340 / per night
flight
visitor · domestic
USD 280–420 / return
visa
visitor · B-1
USD 185 / per person
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | standard | USD 4050–5850 / 9 sqm shell | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 220–340 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| flight | visitor | domestic | USD 280–420 / return | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| visa | visitor | B-1 | USD 185 / per person | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip Disasters Expo Fort Lauderdale 2027.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
Which best describes your role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have a live requirement or a shortlist to compare and can meet at least six suppliers.
Best for
Agency buyers, emergency managers and continuity teams evaluating equipment or software
Min. budget
$1,200.00
Timeline
Book 4–8 weeks ahead; one or two days on site
Risks
Meeting calendars fill before the show
Travel costs rise close to the date
exhibit
You can staff the stand for both days and book Disaster Connect meetings in advance.
Best for
Suppliers of response equipment, communications, GIS, resilience or recovery services
Min. budget
$9,000.00
Timeline
90 days for stand, freight and staff planning
Risks
Footfall is modest compared with consumer shows
Lead quality depends on pre-booked meetings
skip
Neither buying nor selling disaster capability in the next 12 months.
Best for
Teams with no active disaster budget or only a general marketing interest
Timeline
Revisit when a funded requirement appears
Risks
Missing competitor and procurement intelligence
Book with
Broward County Convention Center
The 600,000-plus square-foot waterfront convention center beside Port Everglades hosts the 2027 show.
Venue named on the official event page; venue website is the public authority site.
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport
The closest gateway, about three miles from the convention center.
Public airport authority site; not named as an event partner.
Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
Regional business chamber connecting visitors with the local business community.
Public chamber site; not named as an event partner.
Florida Division of Emergency Management
State emergency-management agency that coordinates preparedness and response across Florida.
Public agency site; attendance or partnership was not confirmed on fetched pages.
Recommended providers
Check ESTA and B-1 requirements before booking.
Filter for 17th Street Causeway and free cancellation.
Compare fares into FLL; MIA is a fallback for long-haul routes.
Book the official show handler once the exhibitor manual is released.
Compare travel-medical and trip-cancellation cover.
Official destination site for beaches, Everglades trips and events.
Badge-scan and lead-capture options with CRM export.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
6 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
3
References
1
Publishers
3
Date checked
Disasters Expo / Fortem International
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
