Visit Orlando has already hit the road in 2026 to showcase why Orlando is the top meetings destination in the country — including a high-energy main stage moment at PCMA Convening Leaders that put Orlando front and center before thousands of meeting planners.

This week, members of our convention sales, marketing and communications teams, with partners from the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), attended PCMA Convening Leaders, the organization’s flagship education and networking event for meeting planners, which was held this year in Philadelphia.

Throughout the four-day show, we connected with current and potential clients at our activation area located in “The District” exhibit hall. A highlight of our presence was an interactive experience featuring local Orlando artist Meredith Sands, who invited attendees to create their own hand-crafted amenities to take home. In addition, we hosted a networking reception attended by more than 140 clients, providing valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships. 

Lisa Messina, Visit Orlando’s chief sales officer, and Visit Orlando board member Mark Tester, executive director of the OCCC, participated in interviews with leading industry publications and media outlets, including Meetings Today, Smart Meetings, Prevue, Travel Show News Network and PCMA’s own show programming. This media engagement helped further spotlight Orlando’s offerings, including the recent groundbreaking of the OCCC’s Grand Concourse Expansion and the major projects taking place at Orlando International Airport to enhance the travel experience.

Universal Epic Universe joined our team for a main stage performance in front of thousands of PCMA attendees. Prior to their on-stage arrival Lisa and Mark toured the innovative new park (via a pre-shot video shown to the audience) and took a portal from Universal Epic Universe to the stage, where they were followed and joined by Ygor from the park’s Dark Universe world, adding excitement and energy to our presentation. Ygor also mingled with clients after the show hoping to get their “digits.”

Attending PCMA Convening Leaders is always a significant opportunity to highlight Orlando’s strengths as a top meetings and conventions destination. We are enthusiastic about building on this early momentum throughout 2026, continuing to showcase all that Orlando has to offer to the meetings and conventions industry.

Visit Orlando Launches Domestic Winter Doesn’t Exist Campaign

Visit Orlando launched a domestic Winter Doesn’t Exist campaign on Jan. 12 to inspire travelers to escape the cold and warm up in Orlando. Running through March 31, this campaign is comprised of TV, out-of-home, digital, paid social and search across top markets, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, DC, Dallas, Detroit, Minneapolis, Baltimore and Charlotte.

The campaign also includes high-impact out-of-home activations that will run through Feb. 22, featuring large “defrosting” spectaculars in Times Square and dynamic weather billboards showcasing Orlando’s current temperature. Through this campaign, we’re positioning Orlando as the ultimate warm-weather destination and inspiring travelers to make their next getaway unforgettable.

Additionally, in February during President's Day weekend, Visit Orlando will bring its annual Winter Doesn’t Exist campaign to life in New York with an immersive, family‑friendly Bryant Park activation featuring Orlando‑themed games, photo ops, giveaways and an Orlando-themed Skate Event designed to inspire winter travel to Orlando.

Data & Trends

Weekly Hotel Metrics

Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending January 10, 2026, was 65.0%, down 5.7% from the same week last year. Room night demand trailed last year by 4.4%. The average daily rate for the week was $196.29, up 4.2% from last year. Orlando’s occupancy rate and ADR surpassed both the national and Florida averages.

Across the Industry

Dave Lutz Honored with PCMA Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award

Congratulations to Visit Orlando board member Dave Lutz, president and CEO of Velvet Chainsaw Consulting, on being named a PCMA Foundation Visionary Awards Lifetime Achievement honoree. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals whose distinguished careers and significant contributions have shaped the business events industry. Dave’s leadership and expertise have influenced countless professionals and elevated standards across our industry — impacting how we create meaningful experiences for visitors and meeting attendees alike.

Around the Destination

Celebrating Orlando’s Newly Sworn-in City Commissioners

On Jan. 12, the City of Orlando welcomed District 1 Commissioner Tom Keen, District 3 Commissioner Roger E. Chapin and District 5 Commissioner Shan Rose as they took the Oath of Office — a time-honored tradition that marks the start of their four-year terms. As city commissioners, they play a vital role in shaping policies that impact neighborhoods, infrastructure and the visitor experience. To learn more and find your representative, visit https://www.orlando.gov/council.

Orlando Earns National Culinary Recognition

Orlando has officially been named the No. 4 Best of the Best Destination in the Food category in the U.S. in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards. This year marks our first time in the top and the highest placement among Florida destinations this year. The ratings are based on traveler reviews and ratings, reflecting the authentic experiences of those who have enjoyed Orlando’s thriving food scene.

Elevating Orlando’s dining reputation has been a top priority for Visit Orlando, and this recognition underscores the impact of our efforts. From bringing the MICHELIN Guide to Florida and showcasing Orlando on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil and NBC’s TODAY show, to launching targeted culinary campaigns and publishing our first-ever destination cookbook, Orlando’s Kitchens, we’ve worked to spotlight the diversity and quality of our food scene. These initiatives have not only enhanced our visibility but also driven meaningful results for local businesses and strengthened Orlando’s position as a top culinary destination. 

Visit Orlando Engaged!

Zora! Outdoor Festival of the Arts Returns Jan. 30–Feb. 1

The ZORA! Outdoor Festival of the Arts is coming up Jan. 30–Feb. 1 in historic Eatonville. This year’s theme, Hurston, History & Heritage — Commemorating America 250, sets the stage for three vibrant days: Friday’s Education Day inspires young minds through STEM and arts programming; Saturday’s Family Day offers music, games, crafts and outdoor performances; and Sunday’s Day of Reflection honors iconic performers while celebrating culture through food, art and music. Part of a season-long celebration, ZORA! connects Zora Neale Hurston’s legacy to America’s 250th anniversary and transforms Eatonville into a cultural capital for travelers, families and heritage enthusiasts.

Visit Orlando is supporting Preserve the Eatonville Community, Inc.’s efforts by promoting the event with a multi-channel approach, including VisitOrlando.com listings and blog features, social media, e-newsletter inclusions, public relations, conference support and visitor services — helping amplify awareness and drive attendance for this signature event.

Celebrate America 250 in Orlando

As the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Visit Orlando’s events calendar is showcasing more than 50 America 250–themed experiences for residents and travelers to join in on the celebration throughout the year. From cultural festivals and museum exhibitions to patriotic performances and family-friendly activities, these events highlight Orlando’s creativity, diversity and community spirit while honoring this historic milestone. Discover the full lineup at VisitOrlando.com and find meaningful ways to celebrate America 250.

In the News

Travel and Tour World: Orlando Unveils 26+ New Experiences for 2026: A Thrilling Lineup of Attractions and Events

Recommend: Orlando Adds New Experiences to 2026

Florida Trend: Top U.S. Destination

Panorama (Copa Airlines In-flight Magazine – LATAM): Orlando: the Capital of Fun