See how Orlando commemorated Global Meetings Industry Day 2023.

As Cvent’s continuously ranked No. 1 meeting destination in the country, Orlando understands the power in convening, and the undeniable value to people, businesses and communities meetings provide.

That’s why every year we join destinations, communities and industry organizations around the world to commemorate Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID). Powered by the U.S. Travel Association’s (USTA) Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC), GMID showcases the proven value that business meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions bring to businesses and the economy.

This year’s GMID theme, Meetings Matter, spotlights the economic and societal importance of face-to-face meetings, a message that underscores the many benefits that come from professional in-person gatherings.

GMID 2023 in Orlando

The Orlando community, including Visit Orlando, the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) and destination partners, came together once again to salute GMID while showcasing the indelible impact of meetings and events on the local economy and how we’ll continue to lead the way in 2023 and beyond.

Orlando destination partners also joined the #OrlandoIsMeeting social media campaign to acknowledge the significance of meetings and events to Orlando, featuring messages from OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester and Visit Orlando Chief Sales Officer Mike Waterman.

President & CEO of Visit Orlando, Casandra Matej shared her insight into the meetings industry as she joined Amanda Armstrong, SVP of Encore, for a GMID panel discussion that was part of Meeting Professionals International’s (MPI’s) 12-hour virtual broadcast.

Additionally, Visit Orlando participated in a pre-event panel for U.S. Travel. Orlando’s GMID celebrations will continue on April 13, 2023, with Visit Orlando’s engagement in MPI Orlando’s local chapter event.

Why Meetings Matter in Orlando

Green space outside of the Orange County Convention Center

Welcoming hundreds of events and millions of attendees each year, visitor spending from Orlando meetings and conventions can contribute approximately $4 billon into the local economy. Meetings business also supports thousands of jobs in the hospitality sector.

Overall, this fiscal year, from October 2022 to September 2023, the Orange County Convention Center is projected to welcome 159 events, with more than 1.5 million attendees and a total economic impact of $2.8 billion to the region.

This success should come as no surprise when you consider Orlando is home to the award-winning OCCC, convenient transportation, hundreds of hotels and resorts, and world-class theme parks, attractions, dining and entertainment options.

Ensuring Meetings Matter in the Future

Meeting Planners collaborating at the Bacan Lounge at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel

Most importantly, the destination continues to expand and evolve to offer new options for planners to consider for their next event. In 2023, Orlando will welcome several brand-new hotels, including the Conrad Orlando, which is part of the expansive Evermore Orlando Resort, and increased accessibility for business travelers with the addition of high-speed Brightline rail connecting Miami to Orlando.

Orlando continues to grow as a dining destination with 46 restaurants recognized by the MICHELIN Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa in 2022, including four One-MICHELIN-Star restaurants, with private dining options at MICHELIN-rated restaurants available for groups. In addition, Orlando’s theme parks continue to debut new immersive experiences that offer unique options for attendees to enjoy.

Orlando thanks you for bringing your business here, and we’re eager to help make your organization’s next event a memorable one.

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