Orlando, Cvent’s top meetings destination in the country, ushers in a year of meetings innovation and excitement with new experiences and venues for planners to include in their agendas in 2025 and beyond.
“Orlando is unmatched as a meetings destination where imagination and business come together in exciting new ways each year,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.
“In 2025, our destination’s continued focus to invest in creating new innovative meeting experience can be seen in our world-class theme parks, award-winning culinary scene, and luxury resorts and hotels.”
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is targeting to break ground by 2026 with enhancements to the North-South Building which will include an additional 44,000 square feet of meeting space and a 100,000-square-foot ballroom, along with a new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
Blue Man Group return to Orlando with a new residency show featuring its signature mix of art, live music, comedy and non-verbal storytelling. The multi-sensory performance will take place in a custom-built 578-seat theater located beneath the towering 400-ft. Orlando Eye, as the centerpiece of ICON Park’s entrance.
Live! at The Pointe Orlando opened in late 2024 and is a new 73,000-square-foot immersive indoor and outdoor dining and entertainment destination at Pointe Orlando located in the Convention District. Anchored by several restaurants including Sports & Social, a PBR Cowboy Bar, Shark Bar, and the Houndsmen English Lounge, the area also includes Live! Plaza, a 37,000 sq. ft. space for special events.
Epilogue, a new adult-only speakeasy, opened at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort this past October. The new intimate lounge, open on select nights to guests 21 and older, features a library-inspired theme and offers a variety of specialty, on-theme cocktails. It is available for private events ranging from 2-4 hours for up to 30 guests.
Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated theme park, Universal Epic Universe, opens May 22. This expansive park features over 50 attractions across five immersive worlds, such as Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. Select multi-day tickets and packages are available for attendees to bring their families and turn their meeting into an adventure.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews hotel, opens May 2025. Featuring a dedicated entrance into the new Universal Epic Universe and already available for booking meetings and events, this new property will offer 4,648 square feet of versatile space, 500 rooms and 35 suites, and feature tablets for guests to digitally control elements of the room from lighting to room service. This regal hotel will also feature a rooftop bar, a three-meal restaurant, a pool bar and a grab-and-go station.
Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, both now open, adds 1,500 guest rooms to Universal Orlando Resort’s hotel portfolio, raising the total to 11,000 rooms across 11 hotels. The new properties feature 750 double-queen guest rooms with spaceship-styled windows, a variety of dining options and amenities including resort-style pools, fitness centers, game rooms, recreation rooms and more.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is embarking on the largest renovation and expansion in the property’s history highlighted by the addition of 120,000 square feet of event space to its current meeting and convention floorplan. The hotel’s existing meeting space at the Swan and Dolphin will be enhanced with a modern look and new capabilities in event technology. All guest rooms in the Walt Disney World Swan have undergone remodeling and have been available to book since late 2024.
With every corner brimming with new encounters, Orlando continues to be the perfect stage for ‘Unbelievably Real’ meetings and conventions.
We can’t wait to host you! What’s more, you can make the most of your Orlando meeting or group event with special room rates, value-added amenities, discounts on unique experiences and other perks from our members—no matter if you’re planning well in advance or scheduling at the last minute. Partner with Visit Orlando and let our destination experts go to work for you today!
