Learn the top four reasons why organizers and attendees of 2017’s Microsoft Ignite loved having the massive tech conference in Orlando.

The tech-focused Microsoft Ignite came to Orlando for the first time in September with 26,000 attendees excited about the location, and even more impressed by the results.

“When we announced that Microsoft Ignite was going to be coming to Orlando, the feedback we got right away was unbelievably positive,” said Event Director Vivian Eickhoff, who pointed out several ways in which the destination met and exceeded organizers and attendees’ expectations.

Read on for Microsoft Ignite’s top 4 reasons why Orlando is the perfect meeting destination.

Top Reasons Why Microsoft Ignite Picked Orlando

Travel

For Microsoft Ignite, ease of access is one of the destination’s best features. “There is incredible airlift for everyone to be able to get in and out of Orlando,” said Eickhoff.

Orlando is served by Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), offering nonstop service to more than 175 cities around the globe among 40 airlines combined. And you’ll find multiple ways to get around town, including car (ride share services Uber and Lyft), taxi, bus and train. 

Places to Stay

Microsoft Ignite attendees and event organizers were also impressed by Orlando’s lodging options. According to Eickhoff, Orlando offers a variety of hotel brands and a high volume of rooms. “We need over 14,000 rooms on peak … that’s quite a bit of inventory we look for.”

Throughout Orlando, you’ll find more than 120,000 hotel rooms among 450 hotels and resorts from budget-friendly and top national brands to luxury resorts and incredible themed hotels to accommodate groups of all sizes.

Orange County Convention Center (OCCC)

“We have keynotes, tech keynotes, general sessions, breakouts, labs, theaters, expo hall, meals — you name it,” said Eickhoff. “We need a lot of space, and they offer that here.”

Indeed, the OCCC offers plenty of space with a total of 7 million square feet of exhibit and meeting space between two buildings. It also boasts 74 meeting rooms, 232 breakout rooms and 6,227 parking spaces. And given its location at the heart of Orlando’s tourism district on famed International Drive attendees enjoy virtually unlimited dining, nightlife and entertainment.

Orlando Itself

Last but not least, Eickhoff praised the Orlando destination as a key factor in organizers’ and attendees’ satisfaction with Microsoft Ignite 2017. “[Orlando] offers … dining, entertainment [and] activities so that attendees and partners can enjoy themselves after the show,” said Eickhoff, “they also have opportunities for their families to come with them [and] be able to do something.”

There’s no doubt Orlando has a lot to offer, no matter your attendees’ interests. In addition to theme parks and attractions, you’ll find more than 5,000 restaurants, nightlife & entertainment, shopping, sports & recreation, arts & culture, and plenty of outdoor adventure to provide your attendees an unforgettable experience they’ll remember long after the conference is over.

Nobody Does Conventions Better Than Orlando

Microsoft Ignite’s satisfaction with Orlando is even more impressive when you consider Hurricane Irma passed through the destination two weeks before the show — yet the event continued as scheduled without interruptions, proving there’s no convention challenge Orlando can’t tackle. 

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