Orlando is preparing for its next chapter in meetings and incentives, with major projects underway and new venues opening across the destination.
At IMEX America 2026, Visit Orlando is highlighting a $560 million expansion of the Orange County Convention Center, more than 100,000 square feet of new event space at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, and continued investment in hotels, airport infrastructure, dining and group entertainment. The updates include renovated meeting facilities, new offsite venues and future theme park attractions designed to give planners more choices for their programs.
“Orlando continues to give planners more ways to bring their own stories to life through flexible convention space, enhanced transportation and venues that transform an agenda into a memorable destination experience,” said Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando in a media release. She noted that the investments give corporate, association and incentive planners more options for programs tailored to their goals, group sizes and attendee interests.
Convention Center and Airport Investments
Construction is underway on the $560 million Grand Concourse Expansion at the Orange County Convention Center. Scheduled to open by late 2029, the project will add 44,000 square feet of meeting space and a 100,000-square-foot ballroom accommodating 5,000 to 10,000 attendees. The ballroom will divide into five sections, while additional breakout space can be configured as 11 large rooms or up to 22 small and midsize rooms.
The expansion will improve connections between concourses and give planners more options for holding general sessions, meals, exhibits and educational programming within the North-South Building.
Orlando International Airport is undertaking a $6.1 billion capital improvement program through 2030. Projects include baggage-system upgrades in Terminals A and B, 8,000 additional parking spaces and a replacement for the Gate Link system, scheduled for fall 2027. Terminal C has also added five gates.
Hotels Add and Refresh Meeting Space
Walt Disney World Resort
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort has opened the Peninsula, a two-story venue with more than 100,000 square feet of event space connected to the Dolphin’s existing facilities. The addition brings the Swan, Dolphin and Walt Disney World Swan Reserve complex to 600,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space and 2,619 guest rooms. It is part of a $300 million, multiphase expansion and renovation.
In addition to that major addition, the convention center at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has reopened after a months-long refurbishment of its 40,000-square-foot facility. At Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, more than 228,000 square feet of function space is being updated with contemporary design elements reflecting Mexico and the American Southwest.
Universal Orlando Resort
Celestial Expo, a new 17,500-square-foot indoor event venue at Universal Epic Universe‘s Celestial Park, is scheduled to debut in 2027. It will accommodate 700 to 1,000 guests, depending on the setup, and feature built-in audio, lighting and video capabilities, along with private motor coach access. Epic Universe also offers Dine & Ride programs for groups of 20 to 500, combining meal options with exclusive ride access.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is undergoing a comprehensive renovation that includes its 42,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, including the Tuscan and Venetian ballrooms and breakout rooms.
Convention District and Grande Lakes Orlando
Rosen Hotels & Resorts has begun a $150 million renovation of Rosen Plaza and Rosen Shingle Creek. Both properties will receive redesigned guest rooms, suites and corridors, while Rosen Shingle Creek’s 524,000 square feet of event space will also be upgraded. Rosen Plaza is expected to be completed in fall 2026, with Rosen Shingle Creek scheduled for 2027.
At Grande Lakes Orlando, renovated group meeting spaces and new private activities are available at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. Options include guided eco-adventures, culinary programs, private golf tournaments, group fitness and yoga retreats.
Options for Smaller Meetings
Near the convention center, the renovated Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive ICON Park offers 5,688 square feet of meeting and prefunction space, including a ballroom, two meeting rooms, an executive boardroom and outdoor venues.
Meanwhile, the Winter Garden Boutique Hotel is planned for downtown Winter Garden in late 2027. The four-story property will have 60 luxury guest suites, 10 penthouse suites, event space, a pool and multiple dining and lounge concepts.
New Dining, Entertainment and Offsite Venues
Near the convention district, groups have additional options for private events, dining and entertainment. At ICON Park, Blue Man Group offers full theater buyouts and private performances. Nomikai by Sushi Saint serves Japanese-inspired cuisine from Chef Michael Collantes of the one-Michelin-star Soseki Modern Omakase. Great Big Game Show offers studio-style competitions, while Still Lounge by Dre and Snoop brings a nightlife option to Live! at Pointe Orlando.
At Disney Springs, Level99 features 63 physical and mental challenges in a two-story social gaming venue designed for adult groups. Luke Combs’ Category 10 is scheduled to open at Universal CityWalk in 2027, adding another dining and entertainment option.
Downtown Orlando and nearby neighborhoods are also expanding their dining offerings. CityArts Café combines European-inspired fare with local art in the historic Rogers-Kiene Building, while upscale Indian restaurant Tamara Heritage is slated to open on Church Street later this year. In Thornton Park, Osteria Ester offers an Italian American setting for receptions of up to 100 guests. In College Park, Olea Taverna serves Greek and Mediterranean cuisine for groups of 10 or more.
Speaing of incredible dining, the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Florida recognized 60 Orlando restaurants, including Sorekara, which retained its two-star distinction, making it one of only two restaurants in Florida with that honor. The city’s recognized dining scene also includes five one-star restaurants, 14 Bib Gourmand selections and 40 Recommended restaurants, offering planners options for client dinners, private events and incentive dining across a range of styles and budgets.
Theme Park Developments on the Horizon
Planned attractions for 2027 and beyond will give planners additional options for off-site activities and pre- and post-meeting stays.
At Walt Disney World Resort, upcoming projects include Villains Land and the Cars-themed Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom, Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. SeaWorld Orlando plans to debut SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, while Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is coming to Universal Studios Florida.
Together, the developments add to Orlando’s mix of convention facilities, resort meeting space, dining and entertainment options for corporate meetings, association events and incentive programs.
Visit Orlando, will exhibit at booth C3717. For updates, visit OrlandoMeeting.com or follow the organization’s meetings-focused Instagram channel.
