Orlando continues to top CVENT’s list of meetings destinations, and meeting professionals understand that attendance soars when groups are bound for the City Beautiful. This year, in fact, the North American Veterinary’s VMX and DECA International Career Development Conference both registered record-breaking attendance numbers.
The numbers say a lot but are by no means the whole story.
Orlando remains popular for meetings in large part due to the award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), a state-of-the-art venue that continues to evolve to meet the needs of meetings and conventions of all sizes. But it takes more than a world-class convention center to draw and keep group business. Orlando also offers planners world class hotels and attractions, and Michelin-starred dining galore. Indeed, there’s always something new to discover in Orlando.
With 480-plus hotels and nearly 130,000 total guest rooms, consider:
- Conrad Orlando situated at Evermore Orlando resort debuts December 2023 with 433 rooms, including 61 luxury suites, 65,000 square feet of flexible event space, a tranquil spa, dining options to please every palate, and a signature rooftop experience beneath stunning views of area theme park fireworks.
- Following several multimillion-dollar renovations, JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes presents 998 refreshed guest rooms and an upgraded lobby lounge, over 144,000 square feet of functional space and a variety of in-house dining options. Located on 500 bucolic acres, this resort delights with its new Grande Lakes Water Park.
- Waldorf Astoria Orlando is reimagining the resort’s 502 rooms, suites, lobby space and restaurants, including their iconic signature Bull & Bear. Just unveiled is the 8,000 square foot Central Park Ballroom, nearly 2,600 square feet of pre-function space and a planned 8,700-square foot covered outdoor patio.
- Set for completion in early 2024, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek has a new two-story 90,000 square feet Waterside expansion, overlooking the Bonnet Creek waterways. Meeting choices include a 35,000-square-foot ballroom, an 8,132-square-foot waterfront lanai and 6,200-square-foot waterside breakout room, outdoor patio and event lawn.
Award-Winning Dining
The MICHELIN Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa recognized 46 Orlando restaurants, including four starred venues, 11 Bib Gourmands and 31 Recommended. This further elevates Orlando’s already exceptional culinary scene. Noteworthy Michelin eateries include Knife & Spoon at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes, Capa Steakhouse & Bar in the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, Doshi in downtown Orlando and Prato in Winter Park.
New Transportation Infrastructure
The recent opening of Orlando International Airport’s South Terminal Complex further eases travel to and from Orlando, adding 15 gates, numerous shops, restaurants and lounge facilities.
The addition of Brightline Orlando Station, conveniently located at Orlando International Airport’s (MCO) Terminal C, connects domestic and international visitors traveling between Orlando and Miami with stops in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Meeting professionals can charter a private, first-class train (or one train car) to and from conferences, accommodating up to 240 guests.
New Health Service
Orlando Health Virtual Care Center has opened its doors inside the OCCC for attendees to seek medical attention during large conventions. If minor care is needed, an Orlando Health team member can book a virtual visit and write prescriptions to fill at a local pharmacy.
Planner Resources Through Visit Orlando
Visit Orlando offers resources and time-saving tools to help planners create memorable events. Information about meeting services, regular webinars, the state-of-the-art Orlando Virtual Tour and much more are readily available at www.orlandomeeting.com.
Sponsored by Visit Orlando
