(Downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola Park shines under a clear summer sky. The city marked its 150th anniversary in July with community celebrations and a week of public events. Photo courtesy of the City of Orlando.)
Following a milestone 150th birthday celebration, the city enters August with major tradeshows, transportation talks, and theme park reveals
Orlando capped off a packed July with milestone celebrations, major expos, and fresh developments across tourism, transportation, and entertainment. From the city’s 150th birthday to the return of ICAST and the debut of Disney’s redesigned Test Track, the region showcased its mix of community pride and forward-looking investment.
Orlando Marked 150th Anniversary with Week of Community Events
Orlando celebrated its 150th birthday with a full week of community-focused events, including free museum admission, local giveaways, and a citywide day of service. On July 30, Mayor Buddy Dyer unveiled a recycled plastic bench at Harry P. Leu Gardens—crafted from more than 1,000 pounds of plastic collected through Keep Orlando Beautiful. A sesquicentennial photo exhibit at City Hall remains on display through August 31.
Orlando’s August Tradeshows Focus on Public Safety, Clean Technology, and Landscaping
Three major events headline Orlando’s August tradeshow calendar, all taking place at the Orange County Convention Center. Fire-Rescue International (August 13–15) welcomes 14,000 fire and emergency service professionals and 500 exhibitors for leadership training, safety innovations, and operational best practices. The Clean Show (August 23–26), hosted by the World Educational Congress for Laundering and Drycleaning, brings more than 12,500 attendees and 481 exhibitors to explore commercial laundry, textile care, and automation solutions. Rounding out the month, The Landscape Show (August 20–22) draws nearly 7,000 landscape professionals for Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association’s (FNGLA) annual expo showcasing plants, equipment, and business resources.
ICAST 2025 Spotlights Kayak Tech, Soft Plastics, and Smart Fishing Gear
The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) returned to the Orange County Convention Center July 14–18, drawing more than 12,000 attendees and nearly 600 exhibitors. This year’s Best of Show went to the Kymera Electric Jet Fishing Kayak by FluxJet, highlighting a strong focus on kayak propulsion, integrated power, and portable design. Trends included advanced soft plastics, AI-powered fishing tools, and eco-friendly gear. Top award winners included new rods and reels from Daiwa and Quantum, as well as innovative tackle, apparel, and sonar-optimized jigs from brands like Z-Man, Rapala, and VMC.
Safety 2025 Brings Global Safety Professionals to Orlando
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) hosted Safety 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center, drawing thousands of attendees for three days of leadership development, networking, and safety innovation. The event featured more than 200 sessions and showcased tools like ASSP’s Safety Trekr AI. Keynote speaker Shasta Nelson emphasized workplace connection as a “strategic safety imperative.” The 65th annual conference is set for Anaheim in June 2026.
Orlando Explores Boring Company Loop for International Drive
Orlando officials have confirmed preliminary discussions about bringing an underground “Loop” transit system to the International Drive Resort Area. Inspired by The Boring Company’s high-speed tunnel system in Las Vegas, the proposed project would use autonomous Tesla vehicles to transport passengers directly between destinations without intermediate stops. While nothing has been finalized, Maria Triscari, president of the I-Drive Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged early talks and said the district’s focus on tech-forward solutions makes it a natural fit for such innovation.
Epcot’s Revamped Test Track Reopens with Futuristic Focus
Walt Disney World officially reopened its redesigned Test Track attraction at Epcot on July 22, following a yearlong overhaul sponsored by General Motors. The third version of the high-speed ride keeps its 65 mph outdoor finale but introduces new visuals, interactive exhibits, and a future-themed storyline inspired by Walt Disney’s original vision for Epcot. Concept cars, immersive screens, and updated lighting effects now anchor the queue and dark ride segments, showcasing innovations in transportation and design.
Disney to Open New Animation Experience at Hollywood Studios in 2026
Walt Disney World has announced a new attraction, The Magic of Disney Animation, coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026. The immersive experience will replace Star Wars: Launch Bay and reimagine Animation Courtyard as The Walt Disney Studios. Inspired by the short film Once Upon a Studio and Disney’s Burbank animation campus, the new space will feature interactive exhibits, an indoor Alice in Wonderland–themed playground, and character meet-and-greets. Closures of Launch Bay, Animation Courtyard, and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! are scheduled for September 25 as renovations begin.
Universal Orlando Teases New Scare Zones for Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Orlando has revealed two new additions to this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, set to begin in early September. Posters released in July teased Mel’s Die-In Zombies, likely set near Mel’s Drive-In, and Club Horror, featuring eerie masked dancers and nightclub-style visuals. While full details are still to come, both are expected to be immersive scare zones that expand the event’s street-level terror. Universal promises “new street experiences that take the horror to new heights.”
Kissimmee Approves Downtown Hotel Projects with Convention Space
The City of Kissimmee has selected Azure Hotel International and Skyview Companies to develop two downtown hotel projects—marking the area’s first major properties in the city core. Azure’s $149 million plan includes a 200-room hotel, 25,000-square-foot convention center, and 12,500 square feet of meeting space, with a targeted convention center opening in late 2028. Skyview will build a 128-room Sonesta hotel and condos valued at $31 million, expected to open by the end of 2026. The city will retain ownership of the convention space.
David Allen Company Wins 2025 Terrazzo Job of the Year for Orlando Airport Project
The National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association (NTMA) honored David Allen Company with its top award for The Springs, a 650,000-square-foot terrazzo installation in Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C. Designed by artist Vickie Wilson, the artwork features layered blues, native Florida species, and sculptural precast elements, blending sustainability, scale, and craftsmanship in the airport’s largest expansion.
