Orlando Showcases Impact of Professional Events on Global Meetings Industry Day

Monday, April 15, 2024

Orlando, consistently recognized by Cvent as the premier location for meetings in the United States, will participate in the global celebration of Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) on April 11. This event highlights the significance and influence of professional gatherings and events in the area.

Supported by the U.S. Travel Association’s Meetings Mean Business Coalition, GMID emphasizes the tangible benefits that business gatherings, such as conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows, and exhibitions, provide to industries, employees, and the broader economy.

“When groups meet in Orlando, they not only support our local businesses, vendors and hospitality workers, but they also make an indelible impact on our community through charitable donations and endeavors,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO, Visit Orlando. “Celebrating Global Meetings Industry Day is a great opportunity to recognize these efforts and their positive effect on Orlando.”

In 2023, the Visit Orlando convention sales team successfully secured numerous city-wide and in-house meetings and conventions, which are projected to contribute roughly $4 billion to the local economy. These events not only bolster local enterprises and provide thousands of jobs, but they also enhance the well-being of the Orange County community. Last year, activities at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) resulted in significant charitable contributions including:

• $1 million in donated home improvement products.
• 40,000 pounds of building materials repurposed for housing.
• 32,000 pounds of food given to those in need.
• $114,000 awarded in educational scholarships.
• $60,000 in bicycles donated to foster children.

“As we celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day, I want to highlight the significance conventions, trade shows and meetings have not only on our economy, but in our communities as well,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “Events at the Orange County Convention Center provide substantial economic impact, while also allowing opportunities for social giving and charitable donations to those in need. We are excited to commemorate GMID and showcase the impact face-to-face events have on our local community, across the nation and around the world.”

From October 2023 to September 2024, the OCCC expects to host 1.7 million participants across 184 events, generating an economic impact of $2.96 billion.

This year, the OCCC is also celebrating the approval of Phase 5A of its expansion. This phase includes the creation of the Convention Way Grand Concourse, adding 60,000 square feet of meeting space and an 80,000-square-foot ballroom, as well as a new entrance to the North-South Building along Convention Way.

In honor of GMID, the Orlando community, together with Visit Orlando, the OCCC, and various local partners, will commemorate the profound influence of meetings and events through several initiatives:

• A poem highlighting the importance of face-to-face meetings and their positive effects on the community, local businesses, and economy, crafted by Orlando’s Poet Laureate, Shawn Welcome.
• A social media campaign under the hashtag #OrlandoMeeting, promoting the significance of these gatherings.
• A GMID presentation by Stephanie Naegele, vice president of sales and services at Visit Orlando, in collaboration with the Greater Orlando Chapter of Meeting Planners International.

Orlando continues to attract new and returning groups for meetings, conventions, and incentives in 2024, offering new or enhanced accommodations, venues, and experiences. Recent additions include the luxury Evermore Orlando Resort with its 8-acre crystal lagoon, and the Conrad Orlando, marking Hilton’s first luxury hotel in the city, thus expanding Orlando’s nearly 500 hotel and resort choices for event organizers.

Moreover, Orlando will introduce new dining and entertainment options, including venues led by Michelin-starred chefs from Food Network and Top Chef, alongside unique concepts like champagne bars, alcohol-free speakeasies, omakase experiences, and arcade bars. Downtown’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts now houses Judson’s Live, a new 150-seat cabaret-style music venue featuring top-notch acoustics and a menu from a scratch kitchen.

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