Trade Show News

A proposal for a 415-room hotel near Universal Orlando is moving forward, indicating continued demand for hospitality in the area. Dave Buckalew, president of Buckalew Hospitality, noted that there is still room for more hotels closer to both attractions and the Orange County Convention Center. This development reflects the ongoing growth in Orlando's tourism and convention sectors.

A proposed 415-room hotel near Universal Orlando highlights the continued demand for new hotels close to major attractions and the Orange County Convention Center. Dave Buckalew, president of Buckalew Hospitality, stated there is always room for more hotels in the area.

Orlando's convention infrastructure continues to be a strong driver for group and business travel, with the city receiving 76.7 million visitors in 2025. Hotel supply growth has slowed, with approximately 4,200 rooms currently under construction, indicating a robust market for existing and new hospitality developments.

Orlando is among the major U.S. gateways that depend on high-spending overseas guests, according to a U.S. Travel Association forecast. The forecast highlights a projected $11 billion drop in international visitor spending, raising stakes for congressional action.

Orlando's convention infrastructure continues to support group and business travel, with approximately 4,200 hotel rooms currently under construction. In September 2026, Ryman Hospitality Properties acquired Grande Lakes Orlando, including the JW Marriott Orlando and Ritz-Carlton Orlando hotels, for approximately $1.38 billion, indicating significant investment in the hospitality sector.

SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association) recognized mechanical contractors and industry leaders with awards at its 2026 Annual Convention in Orlando. Paul Klaus of icon Mechanical received the Contractor of the Year award.

HFTP has appointed its 2027 HITEC advisory council, tasked with guiding educational planning for the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference. HITEC is scheduled to take place from June 28 to July 1, 2027, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Todd Andrus has stepped into his new role as Vice President and Executive Director of IAAPA North America, welcoming the global industry to Orlando for IAAPA Expo 2026.

GSM Studios will lead a panel session at IAAPA Expo 2026 in Orlando, exploring how video game design influences immersive and transformative museum environments and interactive exhibitions. The expo's education sessions run from November 6-19, with the show floor open from November 17-20.

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced it will relocate its global headquarters to Orlando, Florida. Additionally, IAAPA has extended its agreement to host its annual conference and trade show, IAAPA Attractions Expo, at the Orange County Convention Center through 2030. This extended agreement is expected to generate over $1 billion in economic impact for the Orlando area.

Coverings has opened attendee registration for its 2027 trade show, scheduled for April 6-9 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The event will offer discounted hotel rates and bring back its Coverings Cares charitable giving program, with nearly 1,000 exhibitors expected.

IAAPA Expo 2026, taking place in Orlando from November 16-20, will expand into the Orange County Convention Center's West Building, significantly increasing exhibition space by almost 50%. This expansion creates more opportunities for exhibitors and visitors in the global attractions industry. The event combines a multi-day education conference with four days of trade show exhibitions.

The National Communication Association (NCA) has confirmed that its 2027 Annual Convention will be held in Orlando, Florida, at the Orlando World Center Marriott. This decision came after extensive research to accommodate 950 session slots and secure student-rate rooms. The NCA leadership is committed to ensuring attendee well-being and safety, acknowledging concerns about the location.

IAAPA Expo 2026, taking place in Orlando from November 16-20, will expand into the Orange County Convention Center's West Building for the first time, creating the largest trade show floor in the event's history. This expansion increases the show floor space by almost 50% and is expected to set new records for the event.

IAAPA Expo 2026 is scheduled for November 16-20 in Orlando, expanding into the West Building of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) to create the largest trade show floor in its history. The event is projected to exceed its previous record of 604,500 square feet, featuring over 1,100 exhibiting companies showcasing their latest products and technologies. It combines a multi-day education conference with four days of trade show exhibitions.

Universal Orlando Resort's new Universal Epic Universe theme park will feature a dedicated indoor event space, slated to open in 2027. This new 19,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor gathering space is designed for meeting planners and will be located just steps from Celestial Park.

Universal Orlando Resort is bringing meeting planners inside Epic Universe, its forthcoming event space. This new venue will offer 19,000 square feet, enough space to accommodate up to 700 guests. This development is part of a trend of new openings and expansions in the meetings and events industry.

The Orange County Convention Center officially broke ground on its $560 million Grand Concourse expansion in December 2025. This project is part of 14 massive developments across Florida anticipated to reshape local communities and infrastructure by 2030.

The Orange County Convention Center officially broke ground on a $560 million Grand Concourse expansion in December 2025, scheduled for completion in 2029. This project will add approximately 44,000 square feet of meeting space and a 100,000-square-foot ballroom, significantly impacting Central Florida's economy by attracting major conventions.

Orange County, Florida, has issued an Invitation for Bids for the North South Building Food Service and Food Courts Renovations project at the Orange County Convention Center. The estimated construction cost for this renovation is $36,113,597.