By Rebecca Sowell for Visit Orlando (Print advertorial)
As Cvent’s number one meeting destination for six straight years and the most visited tourism destination in the U.S., Orlando is constantly evolving as a city. We take pride in our accomplishments, but always keep our eyes fixed on the future. And what better way to welcome a new decade than with large-scale innovation throughout the area?
Orlando has invested over $1 billion in high-profile development in its convention center and surrounding district, setting the stage for unforgettable meetings, conventions and events. See how we’re growing and why Orlando continues to be the perfect destination for your meeting needs in 2020 and beyond.
An Ever-Growing Convention Center
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is the second-largest convention center in the United States with 7 million total square footage — and growing. Located in the epicenter of our tourism district, the OCCC is within walking distance of some of the city’s best hotels, restaurants and attractions. It’s also right around the corner from Orlando International Airport (MCO), ensuring easy access for your attendees.
Major Improvements on the Way
Each year, the OCCC hosts over 1.3 million visitors from all over the world. To keep up with the demand, the Convention Center is undergoing a $605 million expansion that focuses on two major projects: a new Multipurpose Venue and the Convention Way Grand Concourse. The expansion is expected to be completed in late 2023.
As part of the South Building, the Multipurpose Venue will facilitate connectivity between the North and South Concourses. The venue will have 200,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space, giving the South Building a total of 675,141 square feet. With its retractable and floor seating, it will be able to accommodate between 18,000 and 20,000 seated guests.
The Grand Concourse will be an enclosed entrance plaza along Convention Way, making the OCCC more accessible as a whole. It will also add 60,000 square feet of meeting space and an 80,000-square-foot ballroom, ready to accommodate meetings, events and conventions of all sizes.
What’s New?
While parts of the Convention Center are still under construction, many new amenities and conveniences have made their debut across campus.
Anyone who needs a break is welcome to the OCCC’s new Wellness Rooms. The private rooms are strategically located across the Convention Center, ready for mediation, nursing mothers, prayer and more. Each room comes with an armchair and table, allowing for extra comfort.
Networking spaces are available for team-building exercises or a chat with colleagues. The multi-functional rooms vary in size, from formal rooms to open gathering spaces. All networking spaces come with standard charging ports and connectivity capabilities.
The OCCC’s ballrooms and food areas were also rejuvenated in the $187 million renovation, including the new aeroponic 2,000-square-foot OCCC Vision Gardens, which produces fresh ingredients on-site for the Convention Center’s meals.
Designated rideshare locations are now available around the Convention Center, connecting you to the city. Regardless of your preferred rideshare service, pick-up and drop-off is now easier than ever.
A Convention District to Exceed Expectations
Each year, Orlando’s Convention District sprouts up with cutting-edge attractions, dining and hotels. The area is already home to over 42 comfortable hotels and 75 exceptional restaurants within a 2-mile radius of the OCCC, and more are on the way.
More Culinary Experiences on the Plate
As one of WalletHub’s top foodie cities in America, Orlando is filled to the brim with one-of-a-kind dining experiences. Many of the city’s best eateries lie on Restaurant Row, a polished dining and entertainment district on Sand Lake Road just minutes from the Convention Center. With a diverse blend of tastes and palates, each restaurant in the district is unique in its own right.
The Convention District’s dining scene is slated to have a big year in 2020. In fact, two major restaurants have already opened their doors in the past few months. Famed steakhouse Rodizio Grill launched in January, offering authentic and fiery Brazilian cuisine. Contemporary hotspot Ox Grill makes a unique addition to ICON Park™ with its multicultural offerings.
Orlando tourists and residents alike are stirring in anticipation for country superstar Blake Shelton’s incoming Ole Red Orlando restaurant. Scheduled to open in April 2020, Shelton’s “high-class honky-tonk” will offer Southern food, hospitality and live country music.
The Hampton Social, a Chicago-born chain, is Instagram-worthy in every aspect. Famous for its bright pink “Rosé all day” neon sign, the eatery and bar evokes the carefree east-coast way of life. You can unwind with a glass of its signature “Frosé” (frozen rosé) at Pointe Orlando beginning in May.
The Convention District is also setting the stage for Camelo Pizzaria, Walk-On’s I-Drive Bistreaux & Bar, KAVAS Tacos + Tequila and Brother Jimmy’s BBQ, all of which are set to open in 2020.
Hotels Galore
Home to over 450 hotels and resorts, Orlando is no stranger to quality and comfort. In fact, almost 8,000 of the city’s hotel rooms are located within a one-mile radius of the OCCC. Many new lodging options will be unveiled throughout 2020, adding to the already impressive lineup of places to stay.
The city’s second JW Marriott resort is opening its doors in March. JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek will offer 516 guestrooms, a luxurious pool and spa, 50,000 square feet of meeting space and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city.
Only a mile away from the Convention Center, Tru by Hilton Convention Center will offer a sleek, yet affordable approach to business lodging. Each visitor will be guaranteed complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast, as well as access to the pool and 24-hour fitness center. This location is slated to open in summer 2020.
Want to embrace Florida’s easygoing coastal vibe? Beginning mid-March, you can stay at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort — Dockside Inn and Suites at Universal Orlando Resort, only a 10-minute drive from the Convention Center. Perfect for overflow accommodations, the property will boast 2,050 rooms, three pools, two food courts and multiple poolside bars.
Launching Thrilling Experiences
With the opening of Walt Disney World® Resort’s smash-hit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge expansion last year, and the announcement of the new Universal’s Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando Resort (scheduled to open in 2023), Orlando is jam-packed with excitement for the future. Much of this anticipation is seeping into the Convention District, where new attractions and entertainment are slotted for reveal in 2020.
In the heart of the Convention District lies ICON Park, an all-encompassing entertainment complex. It’s home to The Wheel, Orlando StarFlyer, Madame Tussauds Orlando, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and many other captivating attractions.
To celebrate its fifth anniversary, ICON Park is unveiling two mammoth attractions in 2020. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can freefall a gut-wrenching 400 feet at the Orlando Gyro Drop Tower, reaching speeds up to 75 miles per hour. The Orlando Slingshot will be equally exhilarating, blasting the bravest thrill-seekers 300 feet into the air.
The Orlando Gyro Drop Tower and Orlando Slingshot will soon become staples of the city’s skyline, as they will both be the tallest attractions of their kind in the world.
There’s also lots of buzz for the debut of SeaWorld® Orlando’s first launch roller coaster, Ice Breaker, in spring 2020. Riders will be rocketed through four launches, both backwards and forwards, leading up to the grand finale: a reverse launch into a 93-foot spike and 100-degree angle. Roller-coaster enthusiasts from all over the world are expected to flock to the new attraction, as it will have the steepest vertical drop in Florida.
Pointe Orlando, an open-air dining and entertainment destination adjacent to the Convention Center, is undergoing a $32 million transformation. As a staple of International Drive, Pointe Orlando already houses some of our most exciting entertainment options, including WonderWorks, Main Event Entertainment, Improv Comedy Club and Regal Cinemas Stadium 20+ IMAX.
Pointe Orlando’s redevelopment project is expected to wrap up in summer 2020, introducing a new gathering space, 100-foot passageway, escalator, upgraded valet and elevated landscape design. The facelift will provide a heightened sense of elegance and improved accessibility for its visitors.
Discover What’s New
Orlando will always be a treasure trove of excitement, unparalleled experiences and progress. We continue to grow and innovate, repeatedly setting the standard for the most cutting-edge amenities. Whether you’re looking for a remarkable venue for your event or searching for an unforgettable adventure, you’ll never run out of options in Orlando.
Want to stay up to date on the latest in Orlando? Visit OrlandoMeeting.com.
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