There’s a reason Orlando is the No. 1 meetings destination in the country according to Cvent. Each year, there’s something new and exciting for meeting professionals to explore with new or renovated accommodations, venues and experiences.
“Year after year, Orlando sets itself apart as a meetings destination with new luxury accommodations and unforgettable venues and attractions to help inspire ingenuity,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “Whether planners are seeking new venues, immersive entertainment or fine dining options to fill out their agendas, a whole new Orlando is ready to welcome groups this year and beyond.”
The biggest news out of Orlando has to be the opening of Evermore Orlando Resort, which features a 20-acre sandy beach centered around the eight-acre crystalline Evermore Bay. The property includes a range of two- to 11-bedroom homes and offers an array of meeting and event options including The Boathouse, a 2,500 square foot venue offering floor to ceiling views of Evermore Bay.
The Conrad Orlando, the destination’s first Hilton luxury brand, opened in January with 433 rooms, a spa, an array of dining options – including its signature rooftop experience – and 65,000 square feet of flexible indoor-outdoor meeting space. Located at Evermore Orlando Resort, the property overlooks a golf course, Evermore Bay and its beaches.
Aloft Orlando Lake Nona opened recently with 205 loft-style guestrooms, 15 suites, wellness facilities, a sports-themed restaurant, and a 10,000 square foot event center. The hotel will welcome visitors with eclectic décor and design nods to its music and technology roots.
Villatel Orlando Resort, minutes from the Orange County Convention Center, begins a phased opening, offering private villa rentals with hotel-style amenities. The property has flexible indoor and outdoor space for meetings and events, as well. The entire resort will have 526 units when it opens in 2025.
Convention District Happenings
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) continues its expansion which consists of the Convention Way Grand Concourse. It will include an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space and an 80,000-square-foot ballroom and a new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
Live! is a new dining, shopping and entertainment center at Pointe Orlando near the OCCC. Live! features new indoor/outdoor entertainment spaces, including Sports & Social, a PBR Cowboy Bar, featuring a mechanical bull and multiple bars, and Live! Plaza, a space for special events, live music and viewing sporting events.
Chuck Lager America’s Tavern is opening their fourth Florida location on Orlando’s International Drive, from Top Chef’s Fabio Viviani. The Tavern will offer classics, like nachos, burgers, flatbreads and tacos and is available for private events.
New Venues in Orlando’s Neighborhoods and Entertainment Districts
Judson’s Live in downtown Orlando brings a low-key, 150-seat, cabaret-style music space to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Guests will discover new music with scheduled 50-minute performances while enjoying specialty cocktails and a seasonal scratch-kitchen menu.
eet by Maneet Chauhan, the only Indian-inspired restaurant in Disney Springs, is now open. Created by Food Network’s Maneet Chauhan, most known for her role as a permanent judge on Chopped, the new eatery offers traditional Indian flavors with a modern flair.
In Disney Springs, Summer House on the Lake, features local and sustainable ingredients, water views and a signature Rosé cart with rotating bottles. The restaurant can host large-scale events and small, private gatherings.
Sponsored by Visit Orlando
