Trade Show News

The INSPIRE Luxury Hospitality Conference 2026 is convening in Orlando, bringing together operators, owners, and principals who are shaping the future trajectory of luxury hospitality. The event focuses on exchanging practical insights on how data and technology improve performance and growth in the sector.

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, located five minutes from the Orange County Convention Center, offers extensive meeting space for conferences and events. The property boasts 150,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, complemented by over 100,000 square feet of outdoor event areas.

A 2026 guide for choosing corporate event transportation in Orlando provides insights into ground transport costs and booking recommendations for major trade shows and conventions. It advises booking 4-8 weeks in advance for large OCCC-area conferences during peak season, as Orlando's corporate transport market experiences high demand during these times.

Orlando attracted a record-breaking 75.3 million tourists in 2024, resulting in an estimated $94.5 billion economic impact. This significant tourism activity, while general, underpins the robust hospitality sector that supports the city's convention and trade show business.

Orlando officially became the most popular tourism destination in the U.S., attracting a record-breaking 75.3 million tourists in 2024, an increase of 1.8% over previous numbers. This surge generated an enormous $94.5 billion economic impact, showcasing the strength of Orlando's tourism industry. The city's infrastructure, including Orlando International Airport, is designed to enhance the travel experience, contributing to repeat visitation.

The 2026 Employee Experience Conference, hosted by ALI Conferences, will take place from March 4-6 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, featuring workshops and sessions for HR innovators and internal communications leaders.

The INSPIRE Luxury Hospitality Conference 2026 is scheduled for December 15-16 at a yet-to-be-specified Orlando location, convening operators, owners, and principals to discuss the trajectory of luxury hospitality through curated sessions and networking.

Outbuild recently participated in the Associated General Contractors of America Convention held in Orlando. The company engaged with contractors, existing customers, and industry teams to gain insights into current operational needs and refine its product focus.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) announced the winners of its 2026 Build America Awards during the association's annual convention held in Orlando, Florida. The awards recognized outstanding construction accomplishments, with Detroit's Michigan Central Station rehabilitation receiving the top prize.

Visit Orlando received multiple accolades, including the 8th Harris Rosen Philanthropic Award and recognition as one of Orlando Business Journal's Best Places to Work. These awards honor Visit Orlando's leadership in travel and tourism destination marketing and its commitment to the Central Florida community.

The 17th edition of INSPIRE, the premier B2B forum for luxury hospitality leaders, is scheduled to take place in Orlando on December 15, 2026. The conference will offer two days of deal-making, one-on-one sessions, and networking opportunities.

The International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) Summit of the Americas is taking place from March 28-31 at the Rosen Shingle Creek hotel and convention center in Orlando. Around 1,000 delegates from the regional industry and around the world are expected to attend.

Tradeindia lists several upcoming trade shows in Orlando for 2026, including the 43rd International Battery Seminar & Exhibit (March 23-26), Global Pet Expo (March 25-27), ISA - International Sign Expo (April 8-10), and Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo™ (May 4-6).

The Florida Institute of CPAs held its Health Care Industry Conference in Orlando on March 12-13, 2026. The conference covered accounting and finance health care changes and issues specific to Florida, with subject-matter experts discussing practical applications.

Grainger's biennial Grainger Show took place in Orlando from March 15–17, 2026, drawing more than 10,000 customers, suppliers, and industry leaders. The event featured seminars, roundtables, and hands-on demonstrations focused on MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) operations.

By 2026, the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) has expanded significantly with the completion of the Grand Concourse, connecting the North and South buildings. This growth, coupled with the opening of Universal's Epic Universe, has made the 'International Drive Corridor' a high-stakes chess match of traffic lights and construction barriers.

In March 2026, the final project budget for the Orange County Convention Center's Grand Concourse expansion was approved, and construction was officially greenlit by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners.

The Orange County Convention Center in Orlando is among the largest U.S. convention centers proceeding with significant construction projects, as highlighted in Trade Show Executive's Pardon Our Dust report. Additionally, the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, is set to complete an 84,000 square-foot expansion of flexible event space in late summer 2026.

The American Thoracic Society (ATS) is prioritizing attendee safety and security for ATS 2026, working closely with the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). The OCCC maintains a dedicated Orange County Sheriff's Department team and provides building security through static posts and roaming patrols. ATS has also contracted additional security providers to ensure comprehensive coverage and rapid response capabilities throughout the event.