December closed out a consequential year for Orlando’s meetings and tourism sector, marked by a major convention center expansion, new hotel investment tied to future demand, record tourism metrics, and heavy airport traffic heading into 2026. Together, the developments underscored how infrastructure, lodging, and transportation continue to align as Orlando prepares for another high-volume convention cycle early in the new year.
Tradeshows and Conventions
January Tradeshows Open the Year at OCCC and Area Resorts
Orlando’s January calendar features several high-attendance tradeshows centered at the Orange County Convention Center and nearby hotels. The PGA Show returns Jan. 20–23 with 32,999 attendees and 1,040 exhibitors. VMX Veterinary Meeting and Expo follows Jan. 17–21, drawing 27,273 attendees and 704 exhibitors. Earlier in the month, the FETC 2026 | The EdTech Event of the Year (FETC) runs Jan. 11–14 with 8,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors. The Florida Fire Conference Jan. 5–9 and AIAA SciTech Jan. 12–16 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando each exceed 6,000 attendees, reflecting continued demand across education, public safety, aerospace, and sports sectors.
Convention Infrastructure and Development
OCCC Breaks Ground on $560M Grand Concourse Expansion
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) formally launched its $560 million Grand Concourse Expansion in December. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and conclude in 2029. The project adds 44,000 square feet of meeting space and a 100,000-square-foot ballroom to the North-South Building, while improving circulation between existing halls. Center officials said the expansion is intended to accommodate larger events and improve operational flexibility across the campus.
RIDA Invests $150M to Upgrade Convention Center Hotels
RIDA Development announced a $150 million investment to renovate its convention center hotel portfolio, including upgrades at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. Planned improvements include updated guest rooms, refreshed meeting space, and redesigned pool areas. The investment coincides with the convention center’s expansion timeline and reflects long-term planning around group and convention business in the International Drive corridor.
Tourism and Economic Indicators
Tourist Tax Revenue Sets October Record in Orange County
Orange County reported $33.9 million in tourist development tax collections for October, the highest total ever recorded for the month. The figure follows a record 2024–2025 fiscal year and reflects sustained hotel demand tied to both leisure travel and large-scale events. County officials cited convention activity and seasonal travel as primary contributors.
Magical Dining Program Posts Largest Donation to Date
Visit Orlando’s 2025 Magical Dining program generated $398,307 for local nonprofits, a 13 percent increase year over year. The 20th edition of the program included more than 160 participating restaurants, with proceeds directed to literacy-focused organizations and community nonprofits. Since 2009, the program has raised nearly $3.3 million for Central Florida charities.
Transportation and Access
Holiday Travel Pushes MCO Traffic Above 3 Million Passengers
Orlando International Airport (MCO) handled nearly 3.1 million passengers between Christmas and early January, according to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. Daily volumes regularly exceeded 155,000 travelers, with peak days aligning with holiday theme park attendance. The traffic surge came as Orlando prepared for a dense January convention schedule.
MCO Expands Visitor Pass Access to All Terminals
MCO expanded its Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program in December, allowing non-ticketed visitors access to post-security areas in all terminals, including Terminal C. Approved participants can enter TSA screening to dine, shop, or accompany travelers. The expansion opens access to several high-profile food and beverage concepts located airside.
Theme Parks and Attractions
Cinderella Castle Repainting Begins in January
Walt Disney World will begin repainting Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom in early January 2026. The project restores a gray, cream, and blue color palette and replaces the pink and rose-gold scheme introduced for the park’s 50th anniversary. Equipment will be visible during morning hours, with limited adjustments to select entertainment offers beginning Jan. 28.
Taylor Swift Costume Exhibit Opens at Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios debuted a limited-time exhibit featuring costumes from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour inside Walt Disney Presents. The display includes three stage outfits and coincides with the release of Eras Tour | The Final Show on Disney+. The exhibit is included with park admission; no closing date has been announced.
Legoland Florida Names New President
Legoland Florida Resort named Brian Bacica as its new president in December. Bacica previously led Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and now oversees Legoland Florida’s theme park, water park, Peppa Pig Theme Park, Sea Life Florida Aquarium, and resort hotels. The leadership change comes ahead of a planned indoor roller coaster opening in 2026.
Image: Orange County officials and convention industry leaders break ground on the Orange County Convention Center’s Grand Concourse Expansion in December, formally launching the $560 million project aimed at increasing meeting capacity and improving campus connectivity. Photo courtesy of the Orange County Convention Center / Visit Orlando
