Orlando’s next meetings chapter unfolds through convention center expansion construction, new and upgraded hotel event space and expanded group experiences for programs of every size
ORLANDO, Fla. – Visit Orlando, The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando and Cvent’s No. 1 Top Meeting Destination in North America, is bringing Orlando’s meetings story to IMEX America 2026, led by the $560 million Grand Concourse Expansion at the Orange County Convention Center, more than 100,000 square feet of new event space at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, and continued investment in hotels, transportation and group experiences across the destination.
“Orlando continues to give planners more ways to bring their own stories to life through flexible convention space, enhanced transportation and venues that transform an agenda into a memorable destination experience,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “These investments help corporate, association and incentive planners shape programs around their goals, group size and attendee interests, creating experiences attendees will carry with them long after the meeting ends.”
During IMEX America 2026, Visit Orlando will exhibit at stand #C3717. For more information and to stay updated on meeting news from Orlando, visit OrlandoMeeting.com and follow Visit Orlando on our new meetings-focused Instagram channel.
Orlando Builds the Next Generation of Meeting Infrastructure
Construction Begins on the Grand Concourse Expansion
The Orange County Convention Center has begun construction on the $560 million Grand Concourse Expansion, which will enhance the North-South Building with new meeting space, a grand ballroom and improved connectivity between concourses.
Scheduled to open by late 2029, the expansion will add 44,000 square feet of meeting space and a 100,000-square-foot ballroom accommodating 5,000 to 10,000 attendees. The ballroom can divide into five sections, while additional breakout space can be configured as 11 large rooms or as many as 22 small to midsize rooms. Together, the additions will give planners greater flexibility to consolidate general sessions, meals, exhibits and education within the North-South Building.
Transportation Investment Supports Attendee Access
Orlando International Airport continues to expand capacity and improve the passenger experience through a $6.1 billion capital improvement program extending through 2030. Current projects include baggage-system upgrades in Terminals A and B, 8,000 additional parking spaces, and a replacement for the Gate Link system scheduled for fall 2027. Terminal C has also added five gates, supporting additional passenger capacity.
Convention and Theme Park Hotels Add and Refresh Event Space
Walt Disney World Resort
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort has opened more than 100,000 square feet of new event space in the Peninsula, a two-story venue connected to the Dolphin’s existing facilities. The addition brings the resort complex to 600,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space across the Swan, Dolphin and Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, complementing 2,619 guest rooms. The project is part of a $300 million, multiphase expansion and renovation.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Convention Center has reopened following a months-long refurbishment of the 40,000-square-foot facility, with updated finishes complementing the resort’s broader guest-room and dining enhancements.
The convention center at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, which offers more than 228,000 square feet of function space, is being reimagined with contemporary design updates that continue to honor the land, heritage and artistic expression of Mexico and the American Southwest.
Universal Orlando Resort
Celestial Expo, a new event space in the Celestial Park area of Universal Epic Universe, is scheduled to debut in 2027. The 17,500-square-foot indoor venue will accommodate 700 to 1,000 guests, depending on the event format, and will feature built-in audio, lighting and video capabilities, plus private motor coach access. Universal Epic Universe also offers Dine & Ride programs for groups of 20 to 500, including exclusive ride access and meal options.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is undergoing a comprehensive renovation that includes its 42,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, including the Tuscan Ballroom, Venetian Ballroom and breakout rooms.
Convention District and Grande Lakes Orlando
Rosen Hotels & Resorts has begun a $150 million renovation project at Rosen Plaza and Rosen Shingle Creek. The work includes redesigned guest rooms, suites and corridors at both properties, along with upgrades to Rosen Shingle Creek’s 524,000 square feet of event space. Completion is expected in fall 2026 for Rosen Plaza and in 2027 for Rosen Shingle Creek.
Grande Lakes Orlando has unveiled renovated group meeting spaces and new private experiences at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. Options include guided eco-adventures, culinary programs, private golf tournaments, group fitness experiences and immersive yoga retreats.
Hotels for Smaller Meetings
The newly renovated Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive ICON Park®, near the convention center, offers 5,688 square feet of meeting and prefunction space, including a ballroom, two meeting rooms, an executive boardroom, and outdoor venues designed for small and midsize programs.
The Winter Garden Boutique Hotel, a new four-story property, will open in downtown Winter Garden in late-2027. The new hotel will feature 60 luxury guest suites, 10 penthouse suites, event space, a pool, and multiple dining and lounge concepts.
New Group Venues Expand Off-Site Options and Dining Experiences
Groups have more ways to dine, connect and enjoy live entertainment near the convention district. At ICON Park®, Blue Man Group offers full theater buyouts and private performances, while Nomikai by Sushi Saint serves Japanese-inspired dishes from Chef Michael Collantes of the One-MICHELIN-Star Soseki Modern Omakase. Great Big Game Show brings studio-style competition to International Drive, and Still Lounge by Dre and Snoop adds a nightlife experience at Live! at Pointe Orlando.
A short drive from the convention district, Level99 at Disney Springs® offers 63 physical and mental challenges in a two-story social gaming venue designed for adult groups. Luke Combs’ Category 10 is coming to Universal CityWalk in 2027, adding a new entertainment and dining experience for groups.
Downtown Orlando and its surrounding neighborhoods are welcoming new dining options for groups. CityArts Café pairs European-inspired fare with local artistry in downtown’s historic Rogers-Kiene Building, while upscale Indian concept Tamara Heritage is slated to open later this year on Church Street. In nearby Thornton Park, Osteria Ester offers a casual Italian American setting for receptions of up to 100 guests, and College Park’s Olea Taverna serves Greek and Mediterranean favorites for groups of 10 or more.
The 2026 MICHELIN Guide Florida recognized 60 Orlando restaurants, led by Sorekara, which retained its two-star distinction as one of only two restaurants in the state to earn the honor. Orlando’s recognized dining scene also includes five one-star, 14 Bib Gourmand and 40 Recommended restaurants. For planners, this range offers distinctive choices for client dinners, off-site events and incentive experiences across group styles and budgets.
Future Theme Park Attractions Create More Off-site and ‘Bleisure’ Options
Major attractions planned at Orlando’s theme parks for 2027 and beyond will expand opportunities for group programs and pre- and post-meeting stays. Walt Disney World® Resort developments include Villains Land and the Cars-themed Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom® Park, Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, and Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. SeaWorld® Orlando will debut SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, while Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is coming to Universal Studios Florida, giving planners additional ways to enhance attendee itineraries.
About Visit Orlando
Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, the organization represents more than 1,600 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community.
Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando’s travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to 15 of the world’s top theme parks and water parks — as well as nature and outdoor adventures, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin-recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com, VisitOrlando.org or OrlandoMeeting.com.
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