While Orlando’s theme parks are well known for offering unique group experiences, the destination continues to add attractions and venues for groups beyond the parks. From a golfer’s paradise to a mecca for craft brew and yoga enthusiasts, here are eight buzz-worthy venues to consider for an off-site event:

 

  1. Mango’s Tropical Cafe Orlando is a Latin-themed restaurant and club located within walking distance of the convention center and area hotels. This location boasts a massive center stage complete with brandable screens, four private areas, nine uniquely themed bars that feature original artwork by local artists, high-tech plasma wide screens throughout and a state-of-the-art sound and video system. From reserved lounge seating overlooking the massive center stage to an outdoor cocktail reception on the second-floor Veranda to a full venue buyout, Mango’s 55,000 square feet of meeting and event space can accommodate any group’s needs.

 

  1. Topgolf Orlando, also walking distance from the convention center, offers more than 100 climate-controlled hitting bays with super-cool, advanced technology to track accuracy and distance of players’ shots. This golf haven is a great option for meeting planners who are looking for an interactive activity but may not have time for a full golf tournament. Group and event packages include interactive games, catering, in-house audio/visual, a rooftop lounge for private events and some of the tastiest burgers in the city.

 

 

  1. The Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is an extremely versatile venue. The entire center can be rented by a group (ranging from 800 to 2,000 guests) or in sections. Inside, numerous spaces can be reconfigured for product launches, theater productions and other events.

 

  1. Lake Nona Medical City is the innovation hub for medical care, research and education in southeast Orlando. The 92,000 square-foot GuideWell Innovation Center features a public gallery showcasing rotating exhibits and the latest technology solutions — from wearable devices that send alerts to family members when you’re having a seizure to two-way mirrors that connect to your email. Groups typically hold breakfasts or cocktail parties in the gallery, while resident scientists provide live demonstrations of the technologies.

 

  1. Also located in Lake Nona, Boxi Park is new on the scene and features dozens of repurposed shipping containers featuring restaurants and bars as well as an outdoor stage and beach volleyball. Boxi Park has 30,000 sq. ft. of space and its unique setting makes it an ideal choice for planners searching for an open-air entertainment center.

 

  1. Located in Ivanhoe Village, about 15 minutes from downtown, Quantum Leap Winery imports sustainably grown wine from around the world before finishing it at their Orlando facility. The final product is then packaged in low-carbon-footprint vessels such as kegs, pouches and boxes. Meeting attendees can try (and buy) all of their wines on the premises. The venue is available for private events seven days a week, with three options to choose from: the Barrel Room for 35 or fewer guests, the 1,800-square-foot Tasting Room for up to 175 attendees, and the entire 17,000-square-foot venue, which can hold up to 400 revelers.

 

  1. In downtown Orlando, locals and visitors alike are raving about the Ace Cafe Orlando, a London-based, motor-themed restaurant that combines dining and entertainment with a “wow-worthy” motorcycle collection. The entire space, which features rock ‘n’ roll-inspired artwork, photography and rare motorcycles, accommodates up to 7,000 guests in several flexible venues. These include a main dining room and stage area, an outdoor back porch, an upstairs bar, an exhibition area, and a back yard with table games and a stage for up to 1,000 people. The Ace Cafe offers a casual atmosphere with a cool biker vibe.

 

  1. For low-key fun, take a cue from the locals and enjoy one of the many craft breweries located throughout the city. One favorite: Orlando Brewing, the city’s oldest brewery, serves up 21 different organic brews and plays host to many events, including a beer and yoga-tasting event that can be customized for groups.

 

  1. With more than 200,000 square feet of exhibit space, Orlando Science Center is a unique event venue with backdrops ranging from the modern Orlando skyline to prehistoric dinosaurs. The multi-story venue can host groups small, mid-size and large (up to 2,500) and boasts not only unique exhibit space, but also meeting rooms, theaters and an observatory.

 

  1. Less than one mile from the convention center, The Wheel at ICON Park, standing at 400 feet tall (122 meters), is the tallest observation wheel on the U.S. East Coast. Groups ranging in size from 15-5,000 can enjoy the sky-high views onboard private capsules and event space totaling over 150,000 square feet.