2025 Florida Huddle and Encounter to dazzle Ocala

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

As the 2024 event concluded in Miami, VISIT FLORIDA made the announcement regarding the forthcoming Florida Huddle and Encounter, setting the stage for these events at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, scheduled from February 3-5, 2025.

Florida Huddle, recognized as the premier travel trade expo in Florida, serves as a showcase for the state’s attractions, presenting to both international and domestic tour operators, wholesalers, and the media the rich array of tourism offerings. The event encompasses tailored business meetings, educational workshops, and opportunities for networking, attracting participation from Florida’s Convention and Visitor Bureaus (CVBs), alongside hotels, resorts, attractions, and theme parks.

Running concurrently with Florida Huddle in 2025 is Florida Encounter, noted for being among the most established appointment-based trade shows in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. This segment of the event facilitates targeted meetings between Florida suppliers and fully hosted, qualified planners who have a documented interest in conducting business within the state.

Dana Young, the President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, emphasized the critical role of Florida Huddle and Encounter in catalyzing business opportunities for Florida’s tourism sector, including destinations, hotels, resorts, and various attractions. Young expressed enthusiasm for showcasing the varied attractions of the Ocala region to prominent travel professionals next year.

Echoing this sentiment, Loretta Shaffer, the Director of Tourism Development for Marion County, expressed excitement over Ocala/Marion County’s role as the host for the 2025 Florida Huddle and Encounter. Shaffer highlighted the anticipation of introducing Ocala/Marion County’s unique offerings to the multitude of travel experts expected to attend.

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