A rendering of the Orange County Convention Center’s Grand Concourse Expansion at the North-South Building.
For 11 years and counting, Orlando has been named the No. 1 meetings destination in the U.S. by Cvent — and 2026 makes the case for why. A $560-million convention center expansion is underway, hotels are investing heavily in renovations, and the dining scene continues to add Michelin-recognized restaurants among its ranks. It’s safe to say that meeting infrastructure in Central Florida is having a moment. Here’s a roundup of what’s new, what’s next, and why Orlando is a win for meeting planners.
Increased Space and Access
The Orange County Convention Center has broken ground on its $560-million Grand Concourse Expansion, which will add 44,000 square feet of meeting space and a 100,000-square-foot ballroom to the North-South Building. Opening in late 2029, the project aims to improve connectivity and meet demand for larger, flexible event venues.
Nearby, Orlando International Airport is mid-overhaul. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has unveiled a $5.9-billion enhancement plan that includes a new baggage handling system for Terminals A and B, added passenger conveyance in Terminal C, 8,000 new public parking spaces, and more than 40 new restaurants for travelers passing through.
New Theme Park Experiences
Universal Epic Universe now features “Dine & Ride” group programs for up to 500 guests. Larger groups get an exclusive event pavilion while smaller ones get restaurant access plus Universal Express passes. In 2027, the park will also add Celestial Expo, a new 17,500-square-foot venue that will accommodate up to 1,000 guests with built-in audio, lighting, and video capabilities.
Walt Disney World Resort is refreshing its footprint for meetings, too. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Convention Center has reopened following a months-long refurbishment, while Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort will begin reimagining its convention center in 2026, drawing on the Imagineering team behind the neighboring Gran Destino Tower.
Upgraded Accommodations
An exciting $300-million expansion and renovation of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels is complete. The project features a 120,000-square-foot extension of the Dolphin’s event space, following last year’s full renovation of the Swan’s 756 rooms and suites.
Meanwhile, Rosen Hotels & Resorts is investing more than $150 million to transform two of its largest hotels, the award-winning Rosen Plaza and the AAA Four Diamond Rosen Shingle Creek. The project involves redesigning 2,300 guest rooms, suites, and corridors at both hotels, in addition to widespread upgrades within Rosen Shingle Creek’s 524,000 square feet of event space.
Experience the flavors of Japan’s 72 micro seasons through the tasting menu at Sorekara in Orlando’s Baldwin Park neighborhood
Chef-Driven Dining
Orlando’s reputation is no longer limited to theme park rides — its culinary scene is drawing national recognition, too. The Michelin Guide Florida selection was revealed for 2026, with more than 60 restaurants recognized with honors. Sorekara, led by chef William Shen, maintains its two-star Michelin recognition, one of only two kitchens in the state to receive the honor.
The dynamic dining scene is also drawing in a growing roster of chef-driven concepts, including an upcoming cocktail bar in the Mills 50 District by Top Chef winner Hung Huynh and a forthcoming Winter Park brasserie by James Beard-recognized chef Brandon McGlamery.
For more information and innovation updates, head to OrlandoMeetings.com.
