For the tenth year, Orlando has been crowned Cvent’s No. 1 Top Meeting Destination in North America, setting the gold standard for memorable events. Where else can you host a meeting or convention steps from world-famous theme parks, award-winning restaurants and other unique venues? Orlando’s magical blend of its walkable convention area and an endless array of hotels in every price point makes it a magnet for group events.
And the excitement never stops. Orlando keeps raising the bar with something new around every corner just waiting to be discovered.
"Orlando is unmatched as a meetings destination where imagination and business always come together in exciting new ways,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “Our destination’s continued focus to invest in creating new innovative meeting experiences can be seen in our world-class theme parks, award-winning culinary scene and luxury resorts and hotels.”
Here’s just a sampling of what’s new in Orlando, The City Beautiful:
The second largest convention center in the country, the Orange County Convention Center’s (OCCC) Grand Concourse Expansion will add 44,000 square feet of meeting space and a 100,000-square-foot ballroom to the OCCC’s North-South Building. Construction will begin in 2026 and is expected to finish in 2029.
At the Theme Parks
Universal Orlando Resort made headlines with the opening of Universal Epic Universe in May—a game-changer for thrill seeking meeting attendees! With it came the dazzling new Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, with 500 sleek rooms, about 5,000 square feet of meeting space and the showstopping Helios Grand Hall. Sip a cocktail at Bar Helios while taking in 360-degree views, or head straight into the park with access by an exclusive Epic Universe entrance. Two other resorts, Universal Stella Nova and Terra Luna Resorts, also opened. Combined, they bring 1,500 fresh rooms, sparkling amenities and unbeatable convenience just steps away from both Epic Universe and the OCCC.
SeaWorld Orlando continues to add thrills with Expedition Odyssey, the world’s first truly immersive Arctic-themed flying theater. Here, guests soar over glittering ice fields and share heart-stopping moments alongside majestic wildlife including beluga whales and walruses.
At Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Meetings & Events unveils the reimagined Disney Creative Studio—an inspiring epicenter where imagination takes flight. Here, meeting professionals join forces with Disney Event Architects to craft convention, meeting and incentive experiences that are nothing short of magical.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort has updated all 756 guest rooms and suites at the Swan as part of a sweeping $275 million renovation and expansion project. Scheduled to be completed in summer 2026, the initiative also includes the addition of a new 120,000-square-foot expansion of the Dolphin’s event space.
Dining and Nightlife Experiences
Bourbon Steak opened recently at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, elevating the classic American steakhouse experience under the leadership of celebrity chef Michael Mina. The menu features prime dry-aged steaks, butter-poached lobster, truffle mac and cheese and wood-grilled seafood, a delicious culinary journey.
LIVE! at the Pointe emerges as the latest hotspot for dining, entertainment and nightlife in the heart of Orlando’s convention district. This dynamic new venue showcases a curated collection of restaurants and bars, each offering its own unique atmosphere including Houndsmen English Lounge, the stylish Palm Tree Club and energetic Sports & Social.
Meanwhile, Corazon by Baires has burst onto the scene at Mango’s Tropical Cafe, teaming up with Baires Grill to deliver a fiesta of flavors! Dive into a menu brimming with global Latin American inspirations, bold dishes, and vibrant energy, making every meal an adventure.
For more info, visit orlandomeeting.com.
Sponsored by Visit Orlando
