Orlando briefs this month track strong convention attendance, a busy August show calendar, new meeting and hotel capacity, major attraction openings, and infrastructure investment. Highlights include IDDBA’s record exhibitor count, more than 21,000 Southern Baptist Convention registrants, nearly 20,000 SHRM26 participants, Universal’s planned Celestial Expo venue, and a $36 million federal grant for Orlando International Airport.
Tradeshows & Conventions
IDDBA Sets Exhibitor Record in Orlando
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) drew more than 11,000 attendees to the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) from June 7 to 9. Organizers reported a record 1,019 exhibiting companies, including 195 first-time exhibitors. The show also featured education, networking, and product discovery for dairy, deli, bakery, and foodservice professionals.
Southern Baptist Convention Draws 21,144 Registrants
The 2026 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting and related events drew 21,144 total registrants to OCCC from June 7 to 10. That figure included 11,692 voting messengers, 5,785 guests, and 3,667 exhibitors. In addition, the gathering included nearly 200 meetings and related events across its four-day schedule.
SHRM Draws Nearly 20,000 to Orlando
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) concluded SHRM26 in Orlando from June 16 to 19. Organizers reported nearly 20,000 attendees at OCCC and online. The conference also featured more than 375 educational sessions, along with keynote speakers, networking, and an expo for human resources professionals.
Upcoming Shows
The Landscape Show Expects More Than 7,000 Attendees
The Landscape Show will run August 19 to 21 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). Presented by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA), the show expects more than 7,000 industry professionals and over 400 exhibiting companies. The 250,000-square-foot show floor will feature plants, equipment, and services for landscape and horticulture businesses. In addition, the program includes 28 educational sessions.
Florida Kids & Family Expo Expects More Than 12,000
The Florida Kids & Family Expo will return to OCCC August 22 and 23. Organizers expect more than 12,000 attendees and over 200 exhibitors. The consumer event will also include multiple stages and activity zones, character appearances, live performances, and interactive exhibits. Participating organizations will represent education, healthcare, sports, entertainment, and other family-focused services.
ICSC@FLORIDA Returns to Orlando
ICSC@FLORIDA will run August 30 to September 1 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). The commercial real estate event will bring together developers, retailers, investors, brokers, and service providers. Programming will include education, networking, retailer meetings, and dealmaking focused on properties where consumers shop, dine, work, play, and gather.
HR Florida Conference Returns to Gaylord Palms
The 48th HR Florida Conference & Expo will run August 30 to September 2 at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee. Presented by the HR Florida State Council, an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the event expects more than 1,500 human resources professionals and vendors. The program will include education, professional certification opportunities, networking, and an expo.
Meetings & Venues
Dual-Branded IHG Hotel Opens Near OCCC
IHG Hotels & Resorts opened a dual-branded EVEN Hotel and Staybridge Suites near Universal Orlando Resort on July 1. The property includes 288 rooms, with 120 rooms at EVEN Hotel and 168 suites at Staybridge Suites. In addition, the complex offers a 1,500-square-foot fitness studio, an outdoor pool, and shared guest spaces near the Orange County Convention Center.
Universal Plans Celestial Expo at Epic Universe
Universal Orlando Resort plans to open Celestial Expo at Universal Epic Universe in 2027. The 17,500-square-foot indoor venue will accommodate 700 to 1,000 guests, depending on the event format. Plans include built-in audio, lighting, and video systems, along with private motorcoach access. In addition, Universal offers about 300,000 square feet of meeting space across its 11 Orlando hotels.
Rosen Properties Rank Among Top Orlando Conference Hotels
U.S. News & World Report named Rosen Shingle Creek the top conference hotel in Orlando in its inaugural 2026 to 2027 ranking. Rosen Centre Hotel placed No. 6, while Rosen Plaza Hotel ranked No. 17. Rosen Shingle Creek also offers more than 520,000 square feet of meeting space, strengthening its position in the convention market.
Restaurants & Hospitality
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Sets Participation Record
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining will return August 14 through September 30 with a record 188 participating restaurants. The 21st annual program includes 38 new restaurants and 16 recognized by the MICHELIN Guide. Each restaurant will offer a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $40 or $60, plus tax and gratuity. In addition, the program will donate $1 from each $40 meal and $2 from each $60 meal to nonprofit beneficiaries, led by OCA in 2026.
Tourism & Major Events
Epic Universe Launches Nighttime Spectacular
Universal Epic Universe launched Universal Celestial Goodnight on July 7. The nighttime show uses nearly 600 synchronized lighting fixtures, more than 350 fountains, and about 7 million embedded LED lights across Celestial Park, followed by a fireworks finale. The new production adds a major evening offering at Universal’s newest Orlando park.
Level99 Opens Largest Location at Disney Springs
Level99 opened its largest location June 29 at Disney Springs. The 46,800-square-foot venue features 63 physical and mental challenges across two floors. It also includes more than 40 original artworks, a two-story bar, team challenge rooms, head-to-head games, and an interactive art hunt. Food and beverage options include pizza, burgers, cocktails, and local beers.
Visit Orlando Launches AI Trip Planner
Visit Orlando launched Orlando Planning Assistance by Locals (OPAL), an artificial intelligence trip planner for leisure and business travelers. The tool provides personalized recommendations and builds custom itineraries using local guidance and travel data from more than 40 sources. OPAL is available around the clock through VisitOrlando.com. In addition, Visit Orlando continues to offer one-on-one planning help by phone, video, text, WhatsApp, email, and live chat.
Infrastructure & Development
Orlando Breaks Ground on Church Street Festival Corridor
Orlando broke ground July 7 on the first phase of its Church Street Festival Corridor project. The work will transform Church Street into a more event-friendly pedestrian corridor designed to support festivals, outdoor dining, and public gatherings. Phase I is expected to finish in winter 2026, while later phases are scheduled for spring and early summer 2028.
Orlando International Airport Receives $36 Million Grant
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded Orlando International Airport (MCO) $36 million for terminal, taxiway, and lighting rehabilitation. The agency announced the grant July 2 as part of $1.776 billion in airport infrastructure funding distributed across 46 states. The Airport Improvement Program supports projects involving terminals, runways, taxiways, lighting, markings, and other aviation infrastructure.
