Trade Show News

A study by UCF Rosen College, along with statements from industry leaders, highlights the Orange County Convention Center's significant economic impact, generating nearly $3 billion annually and supporting 30,000 jobs in Central Florida.

Orlando has been named the No. 1 meetings destination by Cvent for 11 consecutive years, with a $560-million convention center expansion underway and significant hotel renovations contributing to its appeal for meeting planners. The Orange County Convention Center's Grand Concourse Expansion will add 44,000 square feet of meeting space and a 100,000-square-foot ballroom.

Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista is offering group booking options for teams, classes, or crews, highlighting savings for larger groups. This initiative aims to attract and accommodate significant numbers of visitors, which can include attendees of trade shows and conventions.

Days Inn by Wyndham Orlando Conv. Center/International Dr is promoting group bookings for various events, including wedding parties, sports teams, or other group travel. They offer special rates on blocks of rooms, indicating a focus on hospitality services for larger groups visiting Orlando.

The Orange County Convention Center contributes up to $3 billion in total economic impact to the area each year, supporting the local tourism and hospitality industry.

Visit Orlando has announced Casandra Matej as its new President & CEO, and Robert Agrusa has been named the new President & CEO of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association. These leadership changes are significant for the local tourism and hospitality industry in Central Florida.

The Orange County Convention Center hosted Visit Orlando's "The Power of Travel" event, which focused on sharing the importance of tourism in the community and its role in economic recovery and job creation.

The Orlando Economic Partnership highlighted the Orange County Convention Center's annual economic impact of up to $3 billion, while also announcing new leadership for key tourism partners. Casandra Matej was named the new President & CEO of Visit Orlando, and Robert Agrusa became the new President & CEO of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, signaling significant personnel moves in the region's hospitality industry.

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is continuing its partnership with Turner Construction Company, supporting local small businesses through the Turner School of Construction Management (TSCM). This initiative helps participants gain tools and knowledge in construction management.

A new study by the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management reveals that the Orange County Convention Center's workforce is experienced, loyal, and deeply rooted in the Central Florida community. The study highlights that 95% of employees believe the OCCC contributes to Orlando's economic future, reinforcing its role as a significant economic engine. The OCCC's operations support businesses throughout Orlando and create local jobs.

Millpar participated in the World Millwork Alliance 2026, a leading event for the millwork and mouldings industry held in Orlando. The trade show provided an important opportunity to connect with customers and partners, strengthen relationships, and understand market trends for the upcoming year.

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is forecasting a drop in attendance for 2027, even as it undertakes a $560 million capital project to add meeting and ballroom space by 2029. This forecast comes amidst the ongoing expansion efforts aimed at enhancing the center's capabilities for future events.

Soho Expo 2026, an annual trade fair for natural products, will be held in Orlando from September 10-13, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. The event showcases companies and news from the United States and international sectors related to natural products.

MJ Harris Construction announced its participation in the 42nd FPC Florida Plans & Construction Seminar + Expo in Orlando from September 27-29, inviting attendees to visit their booth.

The Racquet Sports at the PGA Show will return to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando from January 26-29, 2027, with an expanded experience for industry professionals. The 2027 event will feature over 70 participating brands, new networking opportunities, product experiences, and a dedicated Racquet Sports Education Program. This expansion covers tennis, pickleball, and padel, offering enhanced product discovery, education, and live programming, alongside access to the broader PGA Show.

The Orange County Convention Center has broken ground on its $560-million Grand Concourse Expansion, adding 44,000 square feet of meeting space and a 100,000-square-foot ballroom to the North-South Building, with an opening slated for late 2029. Additionally, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Convention Center has reopened after refurbishment, and Disney's Coronado Springs Resort will begin reimagining its convention center in 2026.

Orange County has rejected a $523 million request for convention center expansion, alongside a $975 million proposal for an MLB stadium. This decision underscores the limited nature of Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds, even with record collections, and the county's strategic prioritization of tourism-attracting projects.