Not too far from Orlando’s theme parks, Downtown Orlando and the surrounding neighborhoods give attendees a glimpse of an entirely different side of this destination—a bustling mix of dining, nightlife, arts and entertainment.
The Milk District, named after its centrally located T.G. Lee dairy plant, serves as a progressive lifestyle, music and cultural hub. Planners can host their groups in the comfortable creative space of the Milkhouse, capping off the day with homemade ice cream flavors or a house-made signature cocktail.
In the historic Parramore District, planners will discover multicultural festivals, museums, galleries, restaurants and locally owned businesses, while Ivanhoe Village Main Street is an offbeat, authentic, culturally casual area that weaves together art museums and renegade retro retailers. The Thornton Park District is a stylish dining and nightlife area known for brick-lined, canopied streets with a distinctly European feel.
An event at Harry P. Leu Gardens in the charming Audubon Park Garden District can infuse natural beauty into a meeting. The area is also home to East End Market, featuring locally produced food and merchandise, plus Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand honoree Domu.
Attendees can stay in the lap of luxury at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, with 10,000 sf of meeting space, or the brand-new AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando, with 2,000 sf.
“One of the things we’ve been focused on at Visit Orlando is introducing these new areas,” says Casandra Matej, president and CEO. “We were honored to host U.S. Travel’s IPW last year and we showcased some of these venues. There are some unique spaces and things we can help you do for your groups.” —Barbara Scofidio
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