Lisa Scott-Founds, President and CEO, Winterfest, Inc.
Lisa Scott-Founds, president and CEO of Winterfest, Inc., spoke with Invest: about the milestones seen for her organization over the last five decades of operations. “Our relationships are central to our success,” she said. “Our sponsors extend beyond local entities, for example, Amazon sponsors our Santa Claus showboat.”
What are some of the factors that have contributed to Winterfest’s success over the last 54 years?
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino has been a significant supporter of Winterfest for 21 years. With its help, the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Black Tie Ball has become the largest event of its kind in Broward County, attracting over 1,300 guests last year. The Hard Rock team has dedicated its resources and expertise to making this event extraordinary for South Florida. Winterfest has also benefited from its 16-year relationship with Broadway Across America. Each year, the organization selects a theme based on a play coming to the Broward Center, creating a unique experience that complements the upcoming performance. From “Frozen” and “Aladdin” to last year’s sensational “Disney’s The Lion King,” Winterfest has consistently delighted attendees with unexpected and captivating entertainment.
Winterfest’s position on the calendar, just before the boat parade, offers a three-month window of opportunity from October to December. During this time, corporations and individuals can engage in the excitement leading up to the parade. As the largest one-day live spectator event in Florida, Winterfest draws attendees from all over the country. Focused on the continued growth of local residents and out-of-area visitors, the event targets in-state, out-of-state, and overseas visitors to enjoy this festive holiday experience. This year’s “Yacht Rock” theme aims to showcase various music, including EDM with laser entry and various entertainment reflective of Broward County’s diversity. With the addition of holiday cheer, Winterfest promises to be a joyous celebration for all.
What are some of the biggest changes that you are planning to continue to grow the festival’s reach?
Our board of directors and those assisting us constantly receive phone calls about potential additions to the parade. In the past, the public has spotted interesting displays at events across the country and suggested we consider incorporating them. We remain open to exploring new technologies and concepts. Our goal is to evaluate each boat’s potential and determine how it can contribute to the parade. Some boats focus on branding, while others aim to entertain corporate clients. There are also boats that serve as a platform for team-building exercises or celebrations. A few years ago, I recall a team working together to decorate their boat just hours before the parade. While we have guidelines in place to ensure boats are ready in time, we were curious to see how this team would perform. They completed the decorations beautifully, showcasing the collaborative spirit of their organization.
In 2025, we are excited to announce we will work with collaborators from “Ignite Broward” and a few local artists to spark new creativity on a few of our entries.
How have the 2023 cancellation and the strong weather conditions in 2024 altered your preparations, especially in terms of safety and weather emergencies?
It’s imperative that we pay close attention to weather forecasts to avoid cancellations of events, such as the boat parade. We are kept abreast of changes in weather patterns by our television partner, WSVN’s meteorologist, and agencies such as the United States Coast Guard. It is unfortunate that rescheduling the boat parade is not a feasible option due to the logistics involved. Moving the event to Sunday would disrupt the travel plans of thousands of visitors who have already booked flights and hotel accommodations. Furthermore, we cannot just cancel the parade because we are a reputable brand, not a small-scale event. The boat parade involves bridge closures for automobile and train traffic as well as waterway closures along the New River and Intracoastal. Boats docked along the New River need to be removed from the area for parade staging. There are challenges in securing the numerous volunteers, police, fire, and sheriff’s office boats. Logistics are complex and require extensive coordination. We constantly plan to ensure the parade goes on as planned.
What are some new programs or initiatives being employed to attract new visitors and cater to changing demographics?
Our relationships are central to our success. We have a Parade Enhancement Committee to work on the development of new ideas and WOW entries. It is imperative to have something new to intrigue new and existing parade guests. Our marketing partners work on engaging markets interested in vacationing in our region. Partners such as the Fort Lauderdale Beach Business Improvement District, the beach council at the Chamber of Commerce, the city of Fort Lauderdale and Visit Lauderdale share our messages on their social platforms. We also work with hotels along our route as well as throughout Broward County to promote parade weekend specials. Additionally, being featured in a publication like Invest: Fort Lauderdale presents an opportunity to reach new markets beyond our local arena.
Since we are a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit, sponsorship is our lifeline, which gives us the opportunity to spend money on new entries for the parade and expand our marketing footprint. It is crucial for companies to recognize the benefits they can attain from association with us. Our social media platform serves as a significant tool for learning and continual improvement.
