Orlando

(Two Megacon participants in Orlando showed off their intricate role-playing on the red carpet of the conference, celebrating the creativity and craze that made the event one of the largest pop culture gatherings in North America.

Megacon attracts a large crowd, Universal Studios expands with the epic universe, and Orlando’s convention and tourism continue to thrive

City News Staff Through Exhibition

Orlando’s conference scene set a strong start in 2025, with major trade shows driving record attendance and economic impact. From Megacon Orlando, Megacon Orlando, attracting more than 160,000 attendees to the industry events of the Orange County Convention Center, the city remains a major destination for business and entertainment. Meanwhile, new theme park expansion, airport innovation and cultural attractions are shaping the future of Orlando this year.

Giant Orlando attracts over 160,000 participants

Megacon Orlando ended another successful year, attracting more than 160,000 fans to the Orange County Convention Center. The four-day event has over 1,000 exhibitors, celebrity guests such as Danny Glover and Jude Law, as well as large role-playing competitions. Vendors and fans celebrated their favorite fanatics, cementing Megacon’s position as one of North America’s major popular culture conventions.

Michelin Guide to Florida Ceremony Return to Orlando

Orlando will hold a Michelin Guide Florida ceremony at the Four Seasons Resort in Orlando on April 17, 2025. This marks the city’s second hosting since the city expanded to Florida in 2022.

The event will unveil new Michelin stars and differences, including the large Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and St. Pete-Clearwater join the selection. Orlando currently has 52 recognized restaurants, including seven one-star and 11 bib food winners, thus strengthening the city’s growing culinary reputation.

DNATA unveils high-tech “Tomorrow Station” at Orlando Airport

Global aviation service provider DNATA has launched a $3 million “Tomorrow Station” at Orlando International Airport, introducing an all-electric ground support fleet, AI-powered tools and self-service kiosks. The facility also has a collision avoidance system for improved safety. The program will create 50 new jobs and support DNATA’s goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.

Holiday travel in Orlando sets record numbers

Orlando’s tourism industry ended in 2024, with record hotel tax revenue reaching $31.8 million, a 6% increase from the previous year. Hotel occupancy rose 4% to 73.2%, and holiday demand rose 7.4%. The Orange County Convention Center’s major December events and strong theme park season fueled a surge, laying the foundation for a busy 2025.

Universal expands its products with new theme parks and nighttime events

Universal Orlando opens for the Epic Universe on May 22, 2025, the area’s first new theme park in 25 years. The $6 billion expansion includes five themed lands, such as Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe and Harry Potter’s Wizard World – Magic Department.

Meanwhile, the Waterpark’s Volcano Bay Night after get off work for the first time ever will be held on a selection of nights this spring. Guests can experience shorter waiting times, live entertainment and character meet-ups. Both additions mark a major expansion of Universal’s Central Florida products.

SeaWorld Orlando brings back “coasters after dark” with cooking twists

SeaWorld Orlando is restoring its popular after-hours activities on coasters after the darkness: Seven Seas. On select nights in March and April, guests can enjoy late-night rides on top roller coasters like Mako, Kraken and Pipeline while sampling global cuisine at seven marine food festivals. The event requires separate air tickets and is limited in capacity.

Lake Yila Park Welcome Butterfly Sculpture Garden

Orlando broke ground in a new butterfly sculpture garden in Lake Eola Park funded by the Orlando Land Trust through its grandmother’s love heritage campaign. The garden is designed to provide large-scale butterfly sculptures, curated landscaping and interactive elements, designed to provide a peaceful retreat. The project is scheduled to be completed in fall 2025.

Upcoming trade show in Orlando

Orlando will host several major trade shows in March this year, covering a wide range of industries:

American Dermatology Association (AAD)

• date: March 7-11, 2025
• Place: Orange County Convention Center
• describe: AAD is one of the world’s largest dermatology conferences, attracting more than 17,000 attendees and 328 exhibitors, showing the latest advances in skin care treatment, technology and medical care.

Society of Toxexpo – Toxexpo (SOT)

• date: March 16-20, 2025
• Place: Orange County Convention Center
• describe: With 6,000 attendees and 250 exhibitors, the event is a leading forum for the exchange of science in toxicology, with speeches on environmental health, medicines and regulatory policies.

Enterprise Connection

• date: March 17-20, 2025
• Place: Gaylord’s palm
• describe: Enterprise Connect Connect Connect focuses on the future of enterprise communications and collaboration, with a total of 5,000 industry professionals and 150 exhibitors to explore AI, cybersecurity and cloud technology solutions.

Everything under the Sun Expo – Pool and Spa

• date: March 14-15, 2025
• Place: Orange County Convention Center
• describe: This premier event in the pool and spa industry welcomes over 4,000 attendees and 225 exhibitors, including educational conferences for new products, business strategies and industry professionals.

Global Pet Expo

• date: March 26-28, 2025
• Place: Orange County Convention Center
• describe: The pet industry’s largest trade show in North America, the Global Pet Expo attracted 20,000 attendees and 1,100 exhibitors, highlighting the trends in innovative pet products and pet care.