ORLANDO — The Trade Show Executive (TSE) Fastest 50 Awards & Summit is heading to Orlando from April 30-May 2, 2025, bringing hundreds of event professionals to “The Sunshine State.”
TSE spoke with Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando, about some of the city’s premier destinations, from the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) to the new Universal Epic Universe.
1. The OCCC
The OCCC has more than two million square feet of exhibit space and 480,000 square feet of meeting space, and ranked No. 3 in TSE’s 2024 World’s Top Convention Centers report.
The event has hosted record-breaking shows this year, including the 2025 PGA Show, which held its largest edition in 15 years and reported more than 33,000 attendees and 1,100 exhibitors, and VMX 2025, which saw nearly 30,000 attendees and 735 exhibitors.
“The OCCC stands out for its customer experience, prime location and capacity to host some of the largest and most influential events in the world,” Matej said. “Beyond its size and capabilities, what truly sets the OCCC apart is its commitment to exceptional service, sustainability and community impact. Connected to more than 5,200 hotel rooms and conveniently located near world-class dining and entertainment, the Center consistently creates an environment where innovation, collaboration and unforgettable experiences thrive.”
The venue is also bustling with new additions and renovations that will drive efficiency, enhance experiences and more.
The OCCC Grand Concourse Expansion, which will add an additional 44,000 square feet of event space and a 100,000-square-foot ballroom to the Center’s North-South Building, will begin in 2026 and is expected to finish in 2029.
2. Live! At The Pointe Orlando
Live! At The Pointe Orlando, a new, 73,000-square-foot dining and entertainment destination, is within walking distance of the OCCC.
“Anchored by several restaurants including Sports & Social, a PBR Cowboy Bar, Shark Bar and the Houndsmen English Lounge, the area also includes Live! Plaza, a 37,000 square-foot space for special events,” Matej shared.
3. Judson’s Live
Judson’s Live is a 150-seat, cabaret-style music space in downtown Orlando.
“Groups can experience all types of music genres during scheduled 50-minute performances while enjoying specialty cocktails and a seasonal scratch-kitchen menu of shareable bites,” Matej explained.
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4. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin recently finished renovating all of the guest rooms and suites in its Swan hotel. Additionally, it is beginning the largest expansion and renovation in its history, adding 120,000 square feet of event space.
5. Evermore Orlando Resort
“Evermore Orlando Resort is Orlando’s first beach-like property and features a 20-acre sandy beach centered around the 8-acre crystalline Evermore Bay and includes a range of 2-to-11-bedroom vacation homes and The Boathouse, a 2,500-square-foot meeting venue,” Matej said.
Located inside Evermore Orlando is Conrad Orlando, the destination’s first Hilton Luxury brand. Conrad Orlando has 433 rooms, a spa, dining options and 65,000 square feet of flexible indoor-outdoor meeting space.
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6. Unique Offsite Experience Destinations
Orlando is a famous entertainment destination where organizers can find Walt Disney World®, SeaWorld® and Universal Orlando Resort, which features the new Universal Epic Universe.
Universal Epic Universe is particularly exciting, because it is Orlando’s first new theme park in 25 years.
“This expansive park will offer planners another large-scale, off-site venue as it features over 50 attractions across five immersive worlds, such as Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe,” Matej said.
Organizers can immerse event participants in Florida’s exciting natural landscapes as well.
“Orlando’s lakes, natural springs and bike trails present a perfect backdrop for attendees looking to go from the trade show floor to the great outdoors,” Matej shared. “Airboat rides — including Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides, and Wild Florida — plus kayaking, fishing and swimming with manatees are just a few of the choices for outdoor experiences. Perfect for teambuilding, groups can tackle a challenging zipline obstacle course at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park and Screamin’ Gator Zip Line at Gatorland.”
Looking to learn more about Orlando? You can find TSE’s full Q&A with Matej here.
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