Orlando briefs this month track strong tradeshow attendance, major convention investment, new immersive attractions, and fresh hospitality development across the region. Highlights include more than 10,000 attendees at ICAST, a sold-out Florida Health Care Association tradeshow with 300-plus exhibitors, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin’s 100,000-plus-square-foot event expansion, Smithsonian Starstruck’s immersive debut, and Winter Park Playhouse’s $8 million renovation.
Tradeshows & Conventions
ICAST Draws More Than 10,000 to Orlando
ICAST 2026 drew more than 10,000 attendees from 75 countries to the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) July 14 to 17. Organizers also reported nearly 600 exhibiting brands. Presented by the American Sportfishing Association, the event featured product launches, buyer meetings, education, and networking for sportfishing professionals. In addition, the show included its New Product Showcase, highlighting new fishing equipment and accessories entering the market.
FHCA Draws More Than 1,000 to Orlando
The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) welcomed more than 1,000 long-term care professionals and business partners to its Annual Conference & Tradeshow July 26 to 30 at Rosen Shingle Creek. The tradeshow sold out with more than 300 exhibitors, while the conference offered 60 education sessions. In addition, demand filled the host hotel on two conference nights, requiring an overflow property.
Orlando Wins 2027 ACCE Annual Convention
Orlando was selected in July to host the 2027 Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Annual Convention from July 13 to 15. ACCE describes the event as the nation’s largest gathering of chamber of commerce professionals. The association represents more than 9,000 leaders from 1,300 chambers. Its 2025 annual convention drew more than 900 attendees, although attendance projections for Orlando have not yet been announced.
AHRA Draws More Than 1,600 Imaging Professionals
The Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA) drew more than 1,600 medical imaging leaders, innovators, and nurses to Orlando World Center Marriott July 12 to 15. Presented in partnership with the Association for Radiologic & Imaging Nursing (ARIN), the meeting included education, networking, and the Gathering Place exhibition. AHRA also presented its 2026 Innovation Award during the event. The Orlando gathering marked significant growth from its 2025 meeting, which drew more than 900 attendees.
Southeast Building Conference Brings 350-Plus Exhibitors to OCCC
The Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) brought its 2026 education program and expo to OCCC July 29 and 30. Organizers reported more than 350 exhibitors serving builders, developers, contractors, architects, designers, and suppliers from across the Southeast. The program also included education sessions, a housing and economic outlook, and the Builder Executive Exchange. That program began July 27 at Hyatt Regency Orlando.
Meetings & Venues
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Sets Sept. 10 Ribbon Cutting for Major Expansion
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin will celebrate the opening of more than 100,000 square feet of new event space with a Sept. 10 ribbon cutting. The expansion is part of a $275 million renovation and includes a two-story Dolphin annex with a 38,000-square-foot divisible ballroom. It also adds 40,000 square feet of multipurpose space and 38,000 square feet of pre-function areas. Once complete, the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve will offer more than 450,000 square feet of meeting space.
Tourism & Major Events
Visit Orlando Sets November Meetings Media FAM Tour
Visit Orlando will host a Meetings & Conventions Trade Media familiarization (FAM) Tour Nov. 16 to 20. The program will highlight new meetings experiences, destination enhancements, infrastructure investments, and Orlando’s evolving convention landscape. In addition, participating media will receive behind-the-scenes access to new attractions and interview opportunities with destination and industry leaders. The itinerary also includes access to IAAPA Expo at OCCC.
Smithsonian Starstruck Opens Immersive Space Experience
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience opened at The Florida Mall in July. Developed with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and Fever, the attraction uses astronomical data to create a free-roaming virtual reality journey through space. The approximately hourlong experience includes about 40 minutes in virtual reality. In addition, visitors encounter representations of the Hubble Space Telescope, James Webb Space Telescope, and Chandra X-ray Observatory. Group bookings are available for parties of 21 or more.
Pointe Orlando Hosts World Cup Fan Activation
Orlando Soccer Celebration concluded July 19 after showing all 104 FIFA World Cup matches at Pointe Orlando. The five-week program included five large-scale outdoor event days in Orlando’s Convention District. In addition, the activation featured entertainment, interactive fan experiences, giveaways, and food and beverage programming. The event transformed Pointe Orlando into a gathering point for World Cup fans while adding another experiential offering near OCCC.
SeaWorld Orlando Prepares New Suspended Dark Ride
SeaWorld Orlando is preparing to open SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, an indoor attraction featuring suspended ride vehicles with 360-degree rotation and swinging movement. The family-focused dark ride will place guests in submersible-style vehicles with integrated onboard audio. SeaWorld describes the attraction as the first suspended dark ride of its kind. An opening date has not yet been announced.
Infrastructure & Development
Winter Park Playhouse Reopens After $8 Million Expansion
Winter Park Playhouse reopened in July following an $8 million renovation and expansion funded through Orange County Tourist Development Tax revenue. The project increased seating capacity by about 40 percent and added 48 seats. In addition, crews enlarged the stage and lobby, upgraded lighting and sound systems, expanded backstage areas, and created a dedicated cabaret performance space. The theater previously operated with 123 seats.
Restaurants & Hospitality
Six Ravens Opens at Disney Springs
Six Ravens opened at Disney Springs in August, adding a new savory concept from the creators of Gideon’s Bakehouse. Located at The Landing, the quick-service restaurant specializes in grab-and-go hand pies called Coffyns. The house-made yeast rolls feature savory fillings developed with Central Florida chefs and restaurants. In addition, the menu includes potato sides, dessert tarts, root beer, and locally produced beer.
Pho Bar Opens Second Orlando Location
Pho Bar opened its second Orlando-area location in July at Dellagio Town Center in Dr. Phillips. The restaurant occupies the former Nabe and Hinabe space at 7988 Via Dellagio Way. The new location expands the Vietnamese concept’s Central Florida presence with pho, noodle dishes, rice plates, and other menu offerings.
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