Broward County Convention Center Map Design

Broward County Convention Center 2015 Map: A Contemporary Redesign

Illustration and graphic design by John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
Client: Show Management

Map for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2015

Z Card Folding Map 2015

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show - Broward County Convention Center Map

The 2015 map of the Broward County Convention Center for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) represents a significant visual evolution. This year's illustration underwent a major redesign to achieve a cleaner, more contemporary look and feel, aligning with a renewed header design supplied by the Show Management staff. The goal was to create a more modern, stark, and focused presentation.

A key visual change was the removal of all exterior building structures from the rendering. These elements were replaced with generous white negative space, creating a sharp, uncluttered background that made the convention center layout the sole focus. The perspective was also adjusted, shifting closer to a straight overhead view and eliminating the previous 45 degree tilt. While the building's interior color scheme saw few changes, its appearance was dramatically transformed by the shift from a black to a white background, resulting in a brighter and more graphic presentation.

Consistency Within Change

Despite these substantial aesthetic updates, the map maintained its core functional systems. The color keying for complimentary shuttle transportation, the intuitive graphical icons for amenities, and the yellow dot keying for major points of interest were all retained to ensure continuity for returning attendees. As with every annual update, meticulous revisions were made to the shape and placement of exhibitor spaces, along with corresponding updates to all booth number spans.

It is noteworthy that all of these changes were executed using the same robust three dimensional digital model originally built for this application. This demonstrates the model's remarkable versatility and long term value as a foundational tool, capable of supporting major stylistic shifts without requiring a rebuild from scratch.

The Strategic Role of Event Cartography

This map was one of many created for the 2015 FLIBS, highlighting the essential need for professional navigational aids at large scale events. These illustrations serve a critical dual purpose. On site, they function as indispensable wayfinding tools, both as printed handouts and as environmental signage, directly enhancing the visitor experience.

Perhaps more importantly, they provide a powerful marketing asset in the pre event phase. While promotional materials often rely on generic stock photography, a custom illustrated map offers substantive and meaningful content. It allows an organization to promote its event with a unique piece of art that genuinely informs potential attendees about the scale, layout, and professionalism of the experience in an aesthetically pleasing and brand specific way.

This redesigned map is part of an ongoing series. To see the detailed exterior map of the adjacent show grounds from the same year, please visit the Broward Convention Center Exterior Map 2015.

For more examples of how custom illustration serves both navigation and marketing for major events, please explore my full Maps Portfolio.