Business Travel / Meetings Guide Review

Orlando is one of the most visited destinations in the U.S. — and one of the top cities in the world for meetings and conventions. Yes, this is the home of iconic theme parks and leisure travel. But it’s also a major hub for business events, conference attendees and incentive programs.

Orlando continues to grow and reinvent itself. That includes hotels, entertainment districts and new attractions. These make Orlando a strong choice for planners who want flexibility, convenience and year-round options for groups. And for attendees who want to extend their stay or bring family along, Orlando delivers plenty of choices at every level.

Meetings & Conventions in Orlando

Orlando is a powerhouse in group business. According to Visit Orlando, the destination is seeing strong momentum: The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) hosts roughly 175 events annually. That’s roughly 1.8 million attendees and more than $4 billion in economic activity. The number of citywide events held in Orlando has been steadily increasing year-over-year.

This puts Orlando among the top convention cities in the U.S. So it’s natural that business travelers and meeting planners would want to know where to stay, what to do, etc. Orlando is accessible, offer a large inventory of hotels and can handle  very large programs — including multi-property citywide conventions.

Whether you’re planning a meeting or simply visiting Orlando, here’s what you need to know.

Orlando Meeting Districts

Orlando sprawls, so it has several key areas that work well for meetings:

  • Convention District / International Drive

  • Disney / Lake Buena Vista

  • Downtown Orlando

  • Restaurant Row

  • Universal / CityWalk

  • Winter Park — boutique, upscale restaurants and shops

This range gives planners flexibility for different attendee experiences — from large-scale convention hotels to luxury resorts and independent properties.

Hotels in Orlando, Florida

Orlando has one of the largest hotel inventories in the country, with more than 480 hotels and resorts and a wide mix of price points and styles.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando exterior courtesy image

Courtesy image

Key convention properties include:

  • Hilton Orlando — connected to the OCCC

  • Hyatt Regency Orlando — connected to the OCCC

  • Rosen Centre — connected to the OCCC

  • Waldorf Astoria Orlando and adjacent Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in the Disney area

Many properties here continue to invest in renovated guest rooms, expanded meeting space, and updated dining and wellness experiences.

Orange County Convention Center

The OCCC is one of the largest and most flexible convention centers in the U.S., with 7 million square feet of total space across two buildings. From mega-trade shows to corporate meetings and special events, the venue offers:

  • Multiple large ballrooms

  • Dozens of breakout spaces

  • Theater and lecture spaces

  • Ample logistics, technology support, and outdoor event options

Dining & Nightlife — International Drive and Beyond

The I-Drive area continues to evolve with new restaurants, entertainment venues, and hotels. Nearby, Pointe Orlandoremains a popular spot for dining and nightlife, especially for hosted receptions and off-site event programs.

For groups seeking more local flavor or upscale options, Winter Park offers walkable streets, chef-driven restaurants, galleries, and boutique shopping.

Things To Do for Groups

Beyond theme parks, Orlando offers:

  • ICON Park and entertainment venues on I-Drive

  • Golf resorts

  • Culinary experiences and chef-led dining

  • Lake and outdoor activities

  • Museums and cultural venues in Winter Park

  • Private group experiences at Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk and other entertainment districts

These can support spouse programs, team-building, and evening networking events.

Logistics and Weather

  • Orlando International Airport (MCO) is ~15 miles from the convention district and continues to expand international and domestic service.

  • The city offers group transportation, rideshare, and hotel shuttle options depending on property location.

  • Weather is warm year-round. The primary season for meetings runs October – May.

For more planning resources: Visit Orlando – Meetings

Updated. Initially published July 9, 2014.