Orlando entered late January with steady convention activity and a growing pipeline of consumer, trade, and fan-focused events across the Orange County Convention Center and resort-area venues. Recent shows underscored the market’s draw for large-scale exhibitions, while ticket demand signaled strong consumer interest heading into spring. At the same time, infrastructure projects and new attractions continue to move forward, reinforcing Orlando’s role as a year-round destination for meetings, events, and experiential development.
Tradeshows & Conventions
Orlando lists nine tradeshows scheduled for February 2026 across convention centers and resort venues. The largest events by exhibitor count are the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show (IBS), reporting 1,831 exhibitors and 93,782 attendees at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), followed by the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), which runs concurrently at OCCC. Other sizable events include the Training Conference & Expo at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort with 110 exhibitors and the Truckload Carriers Association Annual Convention at Gaylord Palms with 120 exhibitors. Several smaller industry and association meetings round out the month’s schedule.
PGA Show Brings Nearly 1,200 Vendors to OCCC
The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Show returned in January at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) with nearly 1,200 vendors, according to the Orlando Sentinel. That figure is up from 1,000 in 2025 and marks the show’s largest exhibitor count since 2009. Coverage cited a mix of apparel, equipment, food and beverage products, and technology. Organizers emphasized game-improvement tools and newer golf technology aimed at a wide range of players.
Pilot John International Lists 2026 Tradeshow Appearances Including Orlando Stops
Pilot John International announced its 2026 tradeshow schedule with two Orlando stops tied to aviation maintenance and procurement. The company plans to exhibit at MRO Americas April 21–23 in Orlando. It also listed the Air Carriers Purchasing Conference Aug. 29–Sept. 1 in Orlando. The schedule also includes events in Dallas, New Orleans, and Las Vegas. The company said the plan supports in-person meetings with aviation maintenance, avionics, and business aviation professionals.
MEGACON Orlando Returns to OCCC in March
MEGACON Orlando is scheduled for March 19–22, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). Organizers said the event will feature celebrity appearances, panels, and fan programming. Planned guests include a reunion of the four actors who portrayed the hobbits in The Lord of the Rings. Additional programming includes the Masters of Cosplay Grand Finale and after-hours fan events. Tickets are currently on sale.
Ulta Beauty World 2026 Sells Out Quickly in Orlando
Tickets for Ulta Beauty World 2026 sold out in just over one hour after going on sale Jan. 21, according to event organizers. The one-day consumer beauty event is scheduled for April 16 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). Tickets were priced at $160. The show will feature more than 200 beauty brands, live demonstrations, and masterclasses, along with a product swag bag valued at more than $2,000. This marks the second consecutive year Ulta Beauty World will be held in Orlando.
Destination & Development
Orlando International Airport Expands Parking and Adds Guidance System
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is installing a new parking guidance system and expanding garage capacity as part of its ongoing capital improvements. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the work is part of a $5.9 billion program overseen by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA). The project adds spaces to garages serving Terminals A and C. It also introduces real-time parking availability through digital signage, the airport website, and the official app. The system is expected to debut in Garage C before expanding to other garages.
Dining and Attractions
Prison Island Escape Room Planned for I-Drive District
Prison Island, a Sweden-based indoor adventure and escape room concept, plans its first Orlando location along International Drive. Phoenicia Development said construction will begin in March on a new 13,462-square-foot building next to iFLY Orlando at 8969 International Drive. The project adds another entertainment venue to the I-Drive corridor.
Fast & Furious Coaster Planned for Universal Studios Florida
Universal Orlando Resort announced plans for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, an outdoor roller coaster scheduled to open in 2027 at Universal Studios Florida. The new attraction will replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Universal said the coaster will feature high-speed launches, 360-degree drifting elements, and a 170-foot vertical spike. As part of the transition, Fast & Furious – Supercharged is set to permanently close in 2027.
Mattel Files Plans for Indoor Water Park in Orlando Area
Toymaker Mattel Inc. has filed plans in Orange County for an 11-acre indoor water park, marking the first location in a planned national rollout. Permit filings submitted by engineering firm Kimley-Horn outline a project that would integrate Mattel brands such as Barbie and Hot Wheels into water-based attractions, including slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. Mattel said the project is part of its broader Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks concept. Development partners include Martin Aquatic, American Resort Management, and I-dentity Group. The company has not announced an opening date.
Mission: Astronaut Exhibit Opens at OSC
Orlando Science Center (OSC) opened “Mission: Astronaut” on Jan. 24, adding a hands-on exhibit built around astronaut training and space science. The exhibit includes six immersive zones and uses real National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) footage, according to the center. Activities connect to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) principles in physics, biology, and engineering. The exhibit is included with general admission and is free for OSC members. Visitors move through themed areas that cover training, living in space, research, spacecraft operations, and future habitat design.
Weather and Operations
Cold Weather Causes Ride Delays at Central Florida Theme Parks
Late-January cold snaps triggered delayed openings for some outdoor rides at Central Florida theme parks, according to a Jan. 28 report. Universal Studios Florida delayed several roller coasters as temperatures fell below manufacturer limits. Disney closed Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park through Thursday due to weather. Walt Disney World kept other operations running. Theme park experts said some coasters cannot operate below 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Guests can check park apps for ride status before arriving.
People and Awards
ColorCraft Honors Wayne Larsen With Founder’s Award
ColorCraft named Senior Event Manager Wayne Larsen as the recipient of its 2025 Founder’s Award of Excellence, the Orlando-based company announced Jan. 28. Larsen has been with ColorCraft for 17 years. He oversees on-site exhibit installation for clients at domestic and international tradeshows. His responsibilities include labor coordination, logistics, and execution on complex builds under tight schedules.
Photo Caption: Attendees visit the Dreamland Maid Café during MEGACON Orlando, where the pop-up experience offers themed food, drinks, live performances, and photo opportunities inspired by Japan’s Akihabara café culture. MegaCon Convention courtesy image.
