(Two MegaCon Orlando attendees showcase their intricate cosplay on the convention’s red carpet, celebrating the creativity and fandom that make the event one of the largest pop culture gatherings in North America. Image courtesy of MegaCon Convention.)
MegaCon draws massive crowds, Universal expands with Epic Universe, and Orlando’s convention and tourism industries continue to thrive
by Exhibit City News Staff
Orlando’s convention scene is off to a strong start in 2025, with major trade shows driving record attendance and economic impact. From MegaCon Orlando drawing over 160,000 attendees to industry events at the Orange County Convention Center, the city continues to be a premier destination for business and entertainment. Meanwhile, new theme park expansions, airport innovations, and cultural attractions are shaping what’s ahead for Orlando this year.
MegaCon Orlando Draws Over 160,000 Attendees
MegaCon Orlando wrapped up another successful year, attracting over 160,000 fans to the Orange County Convention Center. The four-day event featured more than 1,000 exhibitors, celebrity guests like Danny Glover and Jude Law, and large-scale cosplay competitions. Vendors and fans alike celebrated their favorite fandoms, solidifying MegaCon’s status as one of North America’s premier pop culture conventions.
MICHELIN Guide Florida Ceremony Returns to Orlando
Orlando will host the MICHELIN Guide Florida Ceremony on April 17, 2025, at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando. This marks the city’s second time hosting since the guide expanded to Florida in 2022.
The event will unveil new MICHELIN Stars and distinctions, with Greater Fort Lauderdale, The Palm Beaches, and St. Pete-Clearwater joining the selection. Orlando currently boasts 52 recognized restaurants, including seven one-star and 11 Bib Gourmand awardees, reinforcing the city’s growing culinary reputation.
dnata Unveils High-Tech “Station of Tomorrow” at Orlando Airport
Global air services provider dnata has launched its $3 million “Station of Tomorrow” at Orlando International Airport, introducing a fully electric ground support fleet, AI-powered tools, and self-check-in kiosks. The facility also features collision avoidance systems to enhance safety. This initiative will create 50 new jobs and supports dnata’s goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030.
Orlando’s Holiday Tourism Sets Record-Breaking Numbers
Orlando’s tourism industry ended 2024 with record-breaking hotel tax revenue, reaching $31.8 million, a 6 percent increase from the previous year. Hotel occupancy rose 4 percent to 73.2 percent, with holiday demand up 7.4 percent. Major December events at the Orange County Convention Center and a strong theme park season contributed to the surge, setting the stage for a busy 2025.
Universal Expands Offerings with New Theme Park and Nighttime Event
Universal Orlando is preparing for a big year with the opening of Epic Universe on May 22, 2025, the region’s first new theme park in over 25 years. The $6 billion expansion includes five themed lands, such as Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
Meanwhile, Volcano Bay Nights, the water park’s first-ever after-hours event, will take place on select nights this spring. Guests can experience shorter waiting times, live entertainment, and character meet-and-greets. Both additions mark a major expansion of Universal’s offerings in Central Florida.
SeaWorld Orlando Brings Back ‘Coasters After Dark’ with a Culinary Twist
SeaWorld Orlando is reviving its popular after-hours event with Coasters After Dark: Seven Seas Edition. On select nights in March and April, guests can enjoy late-night rides on top coasters like Mako, Kraken, and Pipeline while sampling global cuisine from the Seven Seas Food Festival. The event requires a separate ticket, with limited capacity.
Lake Eola Park to Welcome Butterfly Sculpture Garden
Orlando has broken ground on a new butterfly sculpture garden at Lake Eola Park, funded by the Orlando Land Trust through its Grandmother’s Legacy of Love campaign. Featuring large-scale butterfly sculptures, curated landscaping, and interactive elements, the garden aims to provide a peaceful retreat. The project is set for completion in the fall of 2025.
Upcoming Trade Shows in Orlando
Orlando is set to host several major trade shows this March, covering a wide range of industries:
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
- Dates: March 7–11, 2025
- Location: Orange County Convention Center
- Description: One of the largest dermatology conferences in the world, AAD attracts over 17,000 attendees and 328 exhibitors, showcasing the latest in skincare treatments, technology, and medical advancements.
- Dates: March 16–20, 2025
- Location: Orange County Convention Center
- Description: With 6,000 attendees and 250 exhibitors, this event is a leading forum for scientific exchange in toxicology, featuring presentations on environmental health, pharmaceuticals, and regulatory policy.
- Dates: March 17–20, 2025
- Location: Gaylord Palms
- Description: Focused on the future of enterprise communications and collaboration, Enterprise Connect gathers 5,000 industry professionals and 150 exhibitors to explore AI, cybersecurity, and cloud technology solutions.
- Dates: March 14–15, 2025
- Location: Orange County Convention Center
- Description: This premier event for the pool and spa industry welcomes over 4,000 attendees and 225 exhibitors, featuring new products, business strategies, and educational sessions for industry professionals.
- Dates: March 26–28, 2025
- Location: Orange County Convention Center
- Description: The pet industry’s largest trade show in North America, Global Pet Expo attracts 20,000 attendees and 1,100 exhibitors, highlighting innovative pet products and trends in pet care.
