In Orlando, we're known to break records. From being the most visited destination in the country to topping Cvent’s list as the No. 1 Top Meeting Destination in North America 10 times. Our meetings and events also set records. Today, we're proud to welcome back to Orlando a record-setting event: The Amateur Athletic Union’s (AAU) Junior Volleyball National Championship.
The championship, which kicks off today through July 7 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), continues a streak that began in 2012, right here in Orlando—when the AAU Girls' Junior Volleyball National Championship first broke the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest volleyball event. Since then, the record has been surpassed every year. And, after adding in 2022 the AAU Boys' Junior National Volleyball Championships to the Orlando event, it has become the largest boys' volleyball event in the country with 1,452 teams participating.
The Growth & Evolution of AAU Volleyball in Orlando:
1997: AAU Girls’ Volleyball Nationals came to Central Florida with just 123 girls' teams
2012: Girls' Junior Volleyball National Championship broke the Guinness Book of World Records
2022: AAU Boys' Junior National Volleyball Championships relocated to Florida
2025: The event is expected to bring 6,515 teams (5,063 girls’ teams + 1,452 boys’ teams) with 239 courts in action
AAU Girls' Junior Volleyball National Championship
Across 24 days, the AAU Junior Volleyball National Championships is expected to generate a projected $825.5 million in economic impact and welcome more than 325,000 players, coaches, families and fans to the region traveling from across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. This provides a huge opportunity for all attendees to extend their sports trip to a vacation, exploring Orlando’s theme parks and attractions, outdoor experiences, restaurants, arts and culture and more.
Beyond the excitement of competition, Orlando offers both the experience and accessibility that make it an ideal host city every year. The AAU has shared many reasons why they choose Orlando year after year, including our reputation as a well-known travel destination with the infrastructure to support large crowds and the Orlando International Airport (MCO), which offers convenient travel options for teams coming from abroad.
Additionally, the AAU values the relationship with Visit Orlando and the OCCC, noting that the unwavering support, high levels of professionalism and the mutual trust built over the years have been instrumental factors in the event’s growing success.
AAU Boys' Junior National Volleyball Championships
As the tournament continues to thrive, so does its impact—not just on the sport, but on our community. From supporting local businesses to showcasing Orlando on a global stage, the AAU Junior Volleyball National Championships reflect the strength of our region as a leader in sports tourism.
We are grateful for the strong partnership with AAU as they continue to elevate the tournament and inspire the next generation of athletes.
Data & Trends
April 2025 TDT Collections Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections received by Orange County for the April 2025 TDT collection month were $33,124,300, a 9.3% increase compared to April 2024. The chart shows the monthly year-over-year dollar amount change in TDT collections since October 2022.
Orlando’s travel performance experienced solid growth in April 2025, with hotel occupancy rising 2.1% year-over-year to 73%, while demand increased at an even higher rate of 3.2%. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) climbed 6.7% to $223.44, driven largely by a surge in leisure travel following the Easter holiday shift. Short-term rentals also saw a significant boost in demand, up 28% from last year.
Weekly Hotel Metrics
Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate the week ending June 7, 2025, was 66%, down 3.7% from the same week last year. The average daily rate for the week was $187.33, down 0.9% from last year. Room night demand declined from prior year by 1.9%.
Around the Destination
Leo Salazar, Visit Orlando public relations senior manager, attends the Mexican Consulate Pulse Remembrance event.
Remembering The 49 Angels
On June 12, the City of Orlando and the community gathered at the First United Methodist Church of Orlando to honor and remember the 49 individuals taken, and to continue supporting their families, the survivors and all those directly impacted. Additionally, a remembrance event was held at the Mexican Consulate, with participation from the Mexican consul, House District 43 Representative Johanna López, Pulse survivors, local health organizations and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Two pastors offered prayers and blessings, and members of the community, including two survivors, shared remarks. Together, attendees read the names of the 49 victims, ringing a bell for each life lost.
Nine years have passed since the Pulse Nightclub tragedy on June 12, 2016. As a community, we remain committed to remembering the victims and supporting their families, Pulse survivors and the first responders who made sacrifices to assist everyone involved. This day is about remembering each person and recognizing the strength of the community that continues to support one another. Let's keep standing together with love, compassion and resilience. To watch a recap of the City of Orlando's Pulse Remembrance Ceremony, click here. For more Pulse remembrance events and to learn about Orlando's LGBTQ+ community, click here.
L to R: Jenn Heinold, AVIXA senior vice president of expositions - Americas; David Labuskes, AVIXA CEO; Casandra Matej, Visit Orlando president and CEO; Lisa Messina, Visit Orlando chief sales officer
InfoComm 2025 Brings AV Industry's Largest Tech Exhibition To Orlando
InfoComm 2025, the largest technology exhibition and conference in North America for the professional AV industry, took place June 7–13 at the Orange County Convention Center. Produced by the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA), the event currently ranks as the 35th largest trade show in the United States, according to Trade Show Executive.
This year’s conference focused on emerging technologies and trends shaping the future of remote and hybrid work. It also included a conferencing and collaboration program featuring more than 40 sessions with experts from Google, Microsoft, Zoom and other leading companies. On the trade show floor, more than 200 companies showcased solutions ranging from AI-powered meeting assistants to multi-camera systems. Hosting InfoComm in Orlando reinforces the region’s reputation as a hub for innovation, global collaboration and large-scale events.
Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) president and CEO Jason Siegel and executive vice president Brent Nelson hosted a NACDA welcome reception at Orlando World Center Marriott, pictured with GO Sports board members Casandra Matej (Visit Orlando), Rich Ensor (Boardwalk Sports), Len Moser (Barton Malow) and Patrick Manak (NACDA)
NACDA Convention Draws Over 7,000 Attendees To Orlando
The NACDA & Affiliates Convention, the largest tradeshow of its kind in intercollegiate athletics, took place June 8–11 at the World Center Marriott. Now in its 60th year, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) supports more than 22,000 college athletics administrators at over 2,200 institutions across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. With more than 7,000 attendees annually, the event offers valuable opportunities to connect with decision-makers shaping the future of college sports. We appreciate our industry partners, including the Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports), for assisting with the welcome reception, and the University of Central Florida and Boardwalk Sports for helping kick off a week of learning and collaboration for attendees in our destination.
L to R: Angie Gallo, Orange County School Board member for District 1; Charles Harris, Visit Orlando chief operating officer; Kristin Westover, Visit Orlando director of community relations and external affairs; Representative Anna V. Eskamani, Florida House of Representatives
Orange County Public Schools 2025 State of the Schools Address
Visit Orlando attended the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) State of the Schools address, where OCPS Board Chair Teresa Jacobs and Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez provided an in-depth look at the current state of public education in Orange County.
They discussed both the challenges and opportunities facing the district, as well as newly launched initiatives aimed at shaping the future of local education. Tourism generates over 50% of the county’s sales tax, which in turn helps fund important services like our schools. The event also highlighted the enduring support of Harris Rosen, founder of Rosen Hotels and Resorts and philanthropist, for his long-time partnership with the school district and his support of students in Tangelo Park and Parramore. To view the transcript, click here.
Vision 2050 - Orange County's Comprehensive Plan
On Tuesday, June 3, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners officially adopted Vision 2050 and the Orange Code. This adoption represents a historic accomplishment for Orange County, as it's the first time its development rules have been completely rewritten since 1957. Vision 2050 is the county’s updated Comprehensive Plan, designed to guide sustainable growth, protect natural resources and enhance the livability of neighborhoods. Paired with this, Orange Code introduces a modern zoning framework that prioritizes the design and function of spaces to support walkable, vibrant and resilient communities.
As required by Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, the adopted ordinances will now undergo a state review. Once this process is complete, Vision 2050 and the Orange Code are expected to take effect in mid-July 2025. Learn more.
Visit Orlando Engaged!
L to R: Joel Noyes, Hess Corporation; Larissa Martinez, Women’s Public Leadership Network; Casandra Matej, Visit Orlando; Jenifer Sarver, Sarver Strategies; Kristin Westover, Visit Orlando
Women's Public Leadership Network's 4th Annual National Summit
I represented Visit Orlando at the Women’s Public Leadership Network's 4th Annual National Summit, held June 5-7 at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa. The Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in public office and leadership roles. Through training, community-building and events, WPLN empowers women who support pragmatic pro-economic freedom policies to engage in public service.
The three-day event brought together over 200 women leaders, including elected officials, future candidates, policy experts and advocates from across the U.S. Shawn Welcome, City of Orlando Poet Laureate and composer of "Orlando Meetings are Unbelievably Real”, delivered a piece on women's leadership in Orlando. I also moderated a panel session titled "Perspectives in Leadership: Business Leaders" with Maribeth Bisienere of Walt Disney World and Deirdre Fortune of KPMG International. The session covered leadership journeys, challenges faced, tips on balancing priorities and navigating the corporate world.
L to R: Allisson Dos Santos, Visit Orlando; Paula Ramirez, Visit Orlando; Gabriella Cervantes, Visit Orlando
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Travel & Tourism Section hosted its annual conference June 2–5 in Tampa. PRSA is the leading professional organization serving the communications community across the U.S. and several countries in Latin America. The event brought together professionals from across the country to explore the evolving media and public relations landscape with discussions focused on timely strategies, industry challenges and emerging trends.
Visit Orlando attended to stay informed on national communications trends and to connect with industry peers. Key takeaways included learning that for maximizing press trips, media prefer small, individualized trips with flexible start times; itineraries should offer interviews with local storytellers and free time; and broadcast coverage is budget-dependent but can be effective with timely pitches.
