What’s trending for meetings and trade shows in Orlando, Fla.? At IMEX in Las Vegas, we sat down with Visit Orlando CEO Casandra Matej, who shared some insights about the city's growth and its continued dominance as a top destination for events and meetings in North America, as ranked by Cvent.

She emphasized that Orlando's hospitality extends beyond merely hosting events—it's about creating lasting impressions. Whether it's the top-notch venues, vibrant dining scene, or engaging local attractions, Orlando offers a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be discovered by event attendees.

Here are seven takeaways from our conversation. Watch or listen to the full interview here.

1. Attendance Growth for MICE Sector

Matej shared that the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector in Orlando is seeing record-breaking growth, with attendance figures up by 11% year-over-year and up 34% overall from 2019. This resurgence highlights the city as an advantageous choice for organizers wanting successful events, she said.

2. Major Developments on the Horizon

One of the significant updates is the expansion of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). This expansion is expected to add 16,000 square feet of meeting space and an 80,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, but the project is still in the design phase. Expected to be completed by 2028, this development indicates Orlando's dedication to accommodating larger conferences and providing top-notch facilities for meeting professionals, Matej said.

Further complementing this expansion, Orlando's theme park partners, including Disney and Universal, have announced significant investments and developments. Universal is set to open its third major theme park, Epic Universe, in May 2025. These new attractions offer exciting off-site venues that can add a "wow" factor to events held in the city.

3. Economic Impact

“We're very proud the convention center underwent an economic impact study, and citywide conventions mean big business for our community,” said Matej. “That facility (OCCC) alone drives the nearly $4 billion of economic impact to our community each and every year.” Read more highlights from the recent study by PFM Group Consulting (PFM) here.

4. Personalizing the Orlando Experience

With the rise of individual expectations for unique experiences and the impending impact of AI, Visit Orlando is positioning itself as a strategic partner for event organizers. From crafting personalized experiences for attendees to leveraging social media and creating tailored messages, the DMO is adapting to the evolving demands of modern events. “We know that even if it is a convention of 30,000, more and more attendees are expecting an individual personalized experience, and so that's a challenge for us, too,” Matej said.

5. Foodie Appeal

Orlando’s recognition as a Michelin Guide destination further enhances its appeal, offering event attendees an array of exquisite dining experiences that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Matej encouraged leveraging Orlando's culinary scene to create memorable experiences for attendees. The city currently offers seven restaurants that have received the 1-star Michelin distinction.

6. The Untapped Potential

While Visit Orlando continues to offer a plethora of resources to enhance events, there is still untapped potential in collaboration with event organizers, Matej told us. By engaging with Visit Orlando's team well in advance, organizers can capitalize on the unique resources and local insights to create outstanding events.

7. Orlando Tops the List

Orlando has been recognized as the No. 1 meetings and conventions destination in North America for the 7^th consecutive year, according to Cvent’s Top Meeting Destinations and Hotels Worldwide for 2024. Matej emphasized the importance of continuous development and innovation in maintaining this leadership position.