Orlando briefs this month track strong convention activity, record visitor volume, venue sustainability work, major airport shifts, and continued theme park investment. Highlights include Premiere Orlando’s attendance growth, AAU Volleyball’s return to the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando’s No. 1 Cvent ranking, and new visitor-focused updates across dining, air service, and attractions.
Tradeshows & Conventions
Upcoming Orlando Shows Bring Education, Dental, and Outdoor Buyers
Orlando’s late June and July convention calendar includes several shows with reported attendance. The Florida Dental Convention runs June 25–27 at Gaylord Palms, with 8,011 attendees and 309 exhibitors. The International Society for Technology in Education runs June 28–July 1 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), with 16,000 attendees and 485 exhibitors. ICAST, produced by the American Sportfishing Association, runs July 14–17 at OCCC, with 12,146 attendees and 600 exhibitors.
Premiere Orlando Reports Attendance Growth
Premiere Orlando drew more than 54,500 visits May 30–June 1 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). Organizers reported a 5 percent increase from 2025. The show also featured 547 exhibitor booths across 166,000 square feet. Programming included more than 760 education classes.
AAU Volleyball Returns to OCCC
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior National Volleyball Championships returned to OCCC this month. The tournament runs June 16–July 10. OCCC said the event is expected to bring about 300,000 athletes, parents, and coaches to Central Florida. Nearly 80,000 athletes are expected.
Tourism & Major Events
Orlando Tops Cvent Meeting Destination List
Orlando ranked No. 1 on Cvent’s 2026 list of the Top 50 Meeting Destinations in North America. Cvent cited Orlando’s hotel inventory, event venues, theme parks, and Orange County Convention Center. The ranking listed Las Vegas at No. 2, Nashville at No. 3, and Chicago at No. 4. Cvent said Orlando offers more than 120,000 guest rooms and more than 2 million square feet of event space at the convention center.
Visit Orlando Reports Record Visitor Volume
Visit Orlando said the destination welcomed 76.7 million visitors in 2025. That total included 70.3 million domestic visitors and 6.3 million international visitors. OCCC also set a destination attendance record with 187 events and 2,047,768 attendees.
Universal Marks First Year of Epic Universe
Universal Epic Universe marked its first year in Orlando. Universal said the park opened in May 2025 as the first major U.S. theme park to open in 25 years. The company also announced a $10 million investment in the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management.
Joe Schott Named Walt Disney World President
The Walt Disney Company named Joe Schott president of Walt Disney World Resort. Schott succeeds Jeff Vahle, who is retiring after 36 years with Disney. Schott has more than 40 years of Disney leadership experience and previously led Disney Signature Experiences. He also held leadership roles at Shanghai Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, and Walt Disney Attractions Japan. Schott started with Disney as a Jungle Cruise skipper. He will lead Walt Disney World during a major expansion period across its Orlando parks.
Disney Reopens Coaster With Muppets Theme
Walt Disney World reopened Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets on May 26 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The ride replaced the former Aerosmith theme with The Muppets and The Electric Mayhem. The indoor coaster keeps its original track and launch, reaching 57 mph in 2.8 seconds. Updates include new queue media, Muppet props, revised show scenes, and a repainted exterior guitar.
Restaurants & Hospitality
Orlando Restaurants Earn MICHELIN Recognition
More than 60 Orlando restaurants received recognition in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Florida selection. Sorekara kept its two-star rating, one of two in Florida. Five Orlando restaurants received one star, while 14 earned Bib Gourmand honors. The guide also listed 41 Recommended restaurants in the Orlando area. Juan Valencia of Ômo by Jônt received the MICHELIN Sommelier Award.
Orlando Launches Ice Cream Trail
Visit Orlando and Florida Dairy Farmers launched the Thrill to Chill: Orlando Ice Cream Trail. The self-guided trail runs May 22–July 31. Visitors can use a free digital pass to check in at participating ice cream shops, earn points, and unlock prizes. More than two dozen shops are participating, including Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, Sampaguita Ice Cream, Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery, Crispy Cones, The Greenery Creamery, and Twistee Treat.
Infrastructure & Development
Virgin Atlantic Moving to MCO Terminal C
Virgin Atlantic will move its Orlando International Airport (MCO) operations from Terminal A to Terminal C beginning June 30. Terminal C connects to the airport’s intermodal terminal, which includes Brightline rail service. MCO handled 57,669,226 passengers in 2025.
MCO Airlines Add Routes After Spirit Exit
Several airlines added Orlando International Airport (MCO) service after Spirit Airlines ceased operations May 2. MCO’s air service page lists new or seasonal routes from carriers including Southwest, Frontier, Volaris, and others. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority said Spirit’s departure ended a 33-year run at MCO. The route additions help fill capacity gaps at one of Orlando’s main visitor gateways.
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Orlando Briefs Track Busy Shows, Tourism Gains and MCO Plans
