ORLANDO — Cvent named Orlando the North American No. 1 Top Meeting Destination in 2026. This is the city’s 10th year in a row topping Cvent’s list and it is showing no signs of slowing down.
Orlando is completing various venue and transportation upgrades, and new experiences are popping up all over the city, including Universal Epic Universe, the first major theme park to open there in 25 years.
Trade Show Executive checked in with Casandra Matej, President & CEO of Visit Orlando, to see what’s new for meetings and events in the “Theme Park Capital of the World.”
Facility Upgrades
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) broke ground on its Grand Concourse Expansion, which is a transformative, $560-million project that will enhance the venue’s North-South building with new meeting space, a grand ballroom and improved connectivity between concourses, and is expected to finish in 2029.
“Once complete, the new space will strengthen the center’s ability to serve larger and more complex events,” Matej said.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is set to complete a $275-million renovation and expansion project in summer 2026, unveiling a 120,000-square-foot expansion of the Dolphin’s event space.
Also, Matej shared that Disney Meetings & Events has announced numerous enhancements, including the reopening of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Convention Center, the redesign of Disney’s Coronado Springs’ Convention Center and the introduction of new Toy-Story-themed team-building programs.
“EVEN Hotel by IHG, a dual-branded hotel combining EVEN Hotels and Staybridge Suites, is scheduled to open in 2026,” Matej added. “Located near the OCCC and Universal Epic Universe, the property will feature 288 guest rooms and more than 4,000 square feet of meeting space.
“Recently opened with Universal Epic Universe, the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, features the Helios Grand Hall with nearly 5,000 square feet of customizable meeting space, and the Universal Stella Nova and Universal Terra Luna resorts, located near Universal Epic Universe and the OCCC, collectively feature 1,500 guest rooms, making them ideal for rooms-only programs.”
Also, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) unveiled a new strategic vision to guide the future of the Orlando International Airport over the next decade, with includes a $5.9-billion investment to expand capacity, modernize facilities and elevate the travel experience, and GOAA is investing $84.2 million in capital improvements at the Orlando Executive Airport.
New Experiences Galore
“Universal Epic Universe has rolled out several opportunities for groups ranging from 20 attendees to up to 500,” Matej explained. “Attendees can experience a reception and meal function at a pavilion event area, followed by exclusive access to one of the park’s immersive worlds. Additional event offerings at Universal Epic Universe will be available in the future.”
In the Convention District, the Blue Man Group will return to Orlando on May 1 with a new, custom-built home at ICON Park®.
Capone’s Dinner & Show added a new location at Dezerland Park Orlando, featuring a larger stage, expanded restaurant and updated storyline, and the Museum of Ice Cream Orlando will open in 2026 at Pointe Orlando, offering a “Treat Retreat” to give groups a fun, strategic thinking activity.
At Disney Springs, Level 99 will offer an interactive, adult obstacle course, featuring more than 50 physical and mental challenges, and a bar and restaurant with Detroit-style pizza and beer.
“Multiple restaurants and dining experiences from celebrities and award-winning chefs [will] debut this year, including Still Lounge by Dre and Snoop at Live! at the Pointe Orlando, featuring an elevated nightlife experience; Cowboy Curry, the Japanese beef curry house by Sorekara (Orlando’s only two-star MICHELIN restaurant) Chef William Shen; Pomelo, a cocktail-focused concept by Top Chef Season 3 winner Hung Huynh; Osteria Ester, an Italian American concept from Good Salt Restaurant Group Founders Jason and Sue Chin, and more,” Matej said. “Our team of experienced planners and destination experts can help you navigate all the new and existing group offerings you can include on your agenda and also help you make the critical contacts within our community to help ensure your event is successful.”
To get more events industry news, subscribe to TSE’s free e-newsletter on LinkedIn or through your email.
