For more information, visit ocalamarion.com.
The Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau was honored to partner with VISIT FLORIDA and World Equestrian Center to host Florida Huddle and Encounter trade shows for the first time from February 3-5, 2025.
VISIT FLORIDA hosts these internationally renowned trade shows annually, bringing in hundreds of domestic and international travel industry experts. The events were held concurrently and welcomed industry experts such as tour operators, travel agents, airlines, accommodators, destination marketing organizations, travel journalists, event and meetings planners and more.
Global Attendance and Showcase of Ocala/Marion County’s Culture
An impressive 550 attendees were reported at this year’s Florida Huddle and Encounter, with 27 countries being represented. From the very first night, attendees experienced what Ocala/Marion County has to offer. The opening event featured a derby-themed networking event overlooking World Equestrian Center’s Grand Outdoor Arena. The event was the perfect way to kick off Florida Huddle and Encounter, and WEC itself is, of course, a grand showcase of why Ocala/Marion County is known as the Horse Capital of the World®.
In 2001, Ocala/Marion County was trademarked as the Horse Capital of the World®, a testament to the county’s unique involvement in all things equestrian and its record of producing some of the finest champions in the sport. The destination is home to more horses than any other county in the U.S.
World Class Venue
VISIT FLORIDA’s venue of choice for 2025, World Equestrian Center, provided attendees with a truly unique and new experience. All business appointments took place in WEC’s Expo 1, one of two expo centers at WEC that can each provide up to 132,300 square feet of space. Expo 1 provided space for both business booths and keynote sessions.
Beyond its impressive exposition centers, WEC offers a variety of other meeting and event spaces. Their upcoming project, The Event Center at WEC, is set to open in late 2025 and will provide over 80,000 square feet of traditional meeting space and the largest ballroom in Ocala/Marion County.
Plan your Ocala/Marion County Meeting Today
Ocala/Marion County offers exceptional value for your meeting dollars, so let us transform your next meeting into an extraordinary experience. Contact the Ocala/Marion County VCB today to begin planning a truly unforgettable meeting.
With its convenient central location, exceptional venues, and countless opportunities to explore, Ocala/Marion County is the ideal destination to bring people together and create lasting, meaningful memories.
For more information, visit ocalamarion.com.
