(The Best of Show trophy on display at ICAST 2024, the world’s largest sportfishing tradeshow. ICAST 2025 returns to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, July 15–18. Photo courtesy of ICAST. Photo courtesy of ICAST.)
As Cvent ranks Orlando the number one meeting destination in North America for the tenth time, the city gears up for a July slate of tradeshows, conferences, and returning sports tournaments
Orlando has again been named the number one meeting destination in North America by Cvent, just as the city prepares for a steady stream of July events. From national youth volleyball to major tradeshows on safety, sportfishing, and senior care, activity is spread across the Orange County Convention Center and nearby resorts. New offerings at Walt Disney World, a JetBlue Mint launch, and upcoming faith and endurance sports conferences keep the calendar active into late summer.
Orlando Named Top Meeting Destination in North America
Orlando has once again earned the title of top meeting destination in North America, according to Cvent’s 2025 rankings. This marks the tenth time the city has topped the list, which evaluates cities based on sourcing activity and collaboration with planners. In addition, 20 Orlando-area convention hotels and resorts made Cvent’s list of top meeting hotels, with JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes ranking tenth overall. Visit Orlando credits the region’s ongoing investment in convention infrastructure and hotel upgrades as key to maintaining its leadership position.
InfoComm 2025 Showcases AV Innovation and Industry Growth
Nearly 31,000 attendees converged at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center for InfoComm 2025, held June 7–13. The show highlighted advances in projection, media servers, and integrated systems across the AV and themed entertainment sectors. Major exhibitors included Barco, Christie, Disguise, and Digital Projection. The Themed Entertainment Association expanded its presence with booth tours and networking events.
July Trade Events Highlight Sportfishing, Safety, and Senior Care in Orlando
Orlando’s July tradeshow calendar brings a focused mix of professional gatherings to the city. ICAST—the world’s largest sportfishing trade event—returns to the Orange County Convention Center July 15–18 with nearly 14,000 attendees and 635 exhibitors. LeadingAge Florida hosts its annual convention at Gaylord Palms Resort July 21–23, followed by the American Society of Safety Professionals’ Safety 2025, which runs July 22–24 at the convention center’s West Building with 6,500 attendees and 650 exhibitors expected.
AAU Volleyball Nationals Returns to Orlando, Sets New Records
The world’s largest volleyball tournament is underway at the Orange County Convention Center, as the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships return for a 24-day run from June 13 to July 7. The 2025 event includes 6,515 teams and over 325,000 attendees, generating an estimated $825.5 million in economic impact for Central Florida. The tournament, which has held Guinness World Record status since 2012, is expected to surpass previous records in size. In addition to matches, the event supports breast cancer research through the AAU Cares “Dig Pink” campaign.
Vision Expo to Consolidate into One Annual Event Starting in 2026
The Vision Council has announced a major shift for Vision Expo, consolidating the former East and West shows into one unified annual event beginning in 2026. The newly streamlined expo will debut at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, offering a centralized launchpad for product debuts and industry collaboration. The event will rotate nationally—heading to Las Vegas in 2027 and New York in 2028—and is designed to better reflect the convergence of healthcare, retail, and tech within the optical industry.
Olympic Champion Rowdy Gaines to Headline Endurance Exchange 2026 in Orlando
Three-time Olympic gold medalist and NBC commentator Rowdy Gaines will headline USA Triathlon’s 2026 Endurance Exchange, set for January 9–11 at Caribe Royale Orlando. The annual gathering for coaches, race directors, and multisport professionals features CEU-accredited workshops, expert panels, and networking opportunities. Gaines will speak on leadership, resilience, and performance, drawing from his Olympic journey and decades of sports broadcasting.
Assemblies of God to Host 2025 General Council in Orlando
More than 20,000 attendees are expected at the Assemblies of God’s 61st General Council, taking place August 4–8, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center. The biennial gathering features worship services, leadership sessions, youth programming, and business meetings aimed at shaping the future of the Fellowship. Highlights include the Influence Conference, National Youth Conference, and Camp GC for children. Worship will be led by Radiant Collective Worship, with speakers including Doug Clay, Kristen Waggoner, and Becca Ketterling.
Disney Confirms No New Theme Park Plans for Orlando
Despite recent speculation, Walt Disney World has no plans to build a new major theme park in Orlando. The recently released 2045 Comprehensive Plan from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District outlines existing long-term investments, part of a previously announced $60 billion expansion focused on enhancing current parks. While Disney continues to introduce new attractions, entertainment, and dining, the document does not include any proposals for additional major or minor parks.
Disney Unveils New Summer Entertainment at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is rolling out new shows, upgraded attractions, and a 21-and-over lounge this summer to boost attendance and offer fresh experiences. Highlights include “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away,” Magic Kingdom’s first new nighttime parade in nearly a decade, and two new shows at Hollywood Studios. EPCOT also debuts the adult-exclusive GEO-82 lounge and a revamped version of the Test Track thrill ride, all part of Disney’s broader effort to refresh its parks and attract summer travelers.
JetBlue Expands Mint Premium Experience to Orlando-Las Vegas Route
Starting October 30, JetBlue will offer its Mint service—featuring lie-flat seats and upscale dining—on two daily flights between Orlando and Las Vegas, marking the first time the premium product is available on this route. One flight will continue year-round. The move coincides with JetBlue’s 25th anniversary in Orlando, and promotional fares start at $599 for Mint and $109 for core class.
