Orlando makes planning environmentally-friendly meetings easy with green venues, hotels, dining and team-building activities (Whisper Creek Farm at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes pictured).
Green practices are no longer a simple “feel good” addition to a meeting as planners are often expected to produce meaningful, environmentally-conscious events for their organizations. In Orlando, delivering on this high eco-expectation is easy. Many of our venues, hotels, restaurants and attractions employ responsible eco-practices, making it a seamless and natural part of the meeting experience.
Read on to discover how you can plan an Orlando eco-meeting with ease that exceeds your organization’s green standards while still creating an unforgettable experience for your attendees.
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A Convention Center With A Green Thumb
At the heart of Orlando’s Convention District is the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). The OCCC is LEED Gold certified and supports greener meetings through energy‑efficient systems, water‑saving initiatives, recycling programs and APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Meeting Standards certification.
One standout feature is the OCCC’s Center-to‑Table Gardens, which grow fresh produce right on site and support responsibly-sourced food and beverage programs — without sacrificing scale or service.
In 2024, the OCCC added high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging to its campus with the opening of Orlando Utilities Commission’s (OUC) ReCharge Mobility Hub. Located near the center’s North Concourse, this hub provides seamless, hassle-free charging for visitors and guests in the Convention District.
Green Hotels Connected to the OCCC
One of Orlando’s biggest eco-advantages is walkability. More than 5,200 hotel rooms are directly connected to the Orange County Convention Center via covered pedestrian bridges, allowing attendees to walk from their hotel room to the show floor.
Several of these connected hotels are part of Orlando’s Florida Green Lodging–designated portfolio, helping planners reduce transportation needs while supporting environmentally responsible accommodations. Connected options include Hilton Orlando, Hyatt Regency Orlando, Rosen Centre Hotel and Rosen Plaza Hotel.
Eco-Responsible Dining That’s Still a Treat
Food plays a main role in the overall meeting experience, and Orlando makes it easy to serve meals that are both memorable and mindful. Planners can choose from restaurants near the Convention District and surrounding areas that focus on farm‑to‑table menus, seasonal ingredients and responsible sourcing — including several MICHELIN‑recognized options.
Whisper Creek Farm: The Kitchen (JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes): A true farm‑to‑table restaurant sourcing ingredients from its on‑site farm. The flexible resort setting makes it a great fit for full buyouts and green‑focused group dinners.
Primo by Melissa Kelly (JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, MICHELIN Recommended): Known for its farm‑to‑table approach using organic and seasonal ingredients. Works well for private dining rooms or partial buyouts within a resort setting.
Knife & Spoon ( The Ritz‑Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes , MICHELIN Recommended): Chef John Tesar’s ingredient‑driven restaurant is focused on thoughtful sourcing, ideal for private dinners or hosted group experiences.
A Land Remembered (Rosen Shingle Creek): A longtime favorite that celebrates Florida’s agricultural roots with locally inspired menus — well suited for buyout‑style events with a strong sense of place.
Soseki Modern Omakase (Winter Park, One MICHELIN Star): A refined, intimate experience centered on seasonality and ingredient quality — best for executive dinners or VIP groups.
Kaya (Mills 50 District, MICHELIN Recommended): Also received a MICHELIN Green Star, which recognizes exceptional responsible eco-dining that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, in 2024 & 2025.
Eco-Friendly Team Building
Orlando’s green practices don’t stop with venues and menus. The destination also offers eco-friendly team-building options that help groups connect while enjoying the outdoors. Teams can build trust through aerial challenge courses and zip-line experiences at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park or conservation-minded attractions like the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line at Gatorland.
With multiple operators ready to host your group, water-based options such as kayaking or guided airboat tours let attendees explore Florida’s natural landscapes together while keeping environmental impact low.
Green Initiatives at Orlando’s Theme Parks
Planners can also incorporate Orlando’s theme parks into the agenda knowing these major attractions have responsible operating practices in place.
Walt Disney World® Resort focuses on large‑scale environmental stewardship through renewable energy investments, extensive use of reclaimed water, elimination of many single‑use plastics, and the preservation of significant on‑site conservation lands. These efforts are part of the Walt Disney Company’s broader Planet Possible commitment to reduce environmental impact while operating one of the world’s largest resort destinations.
SeaWorld® Orlando initiatives are closely tied to animal rescue, rehabilitation and global conservation funding, alongside responsible food sourcing, reduced plastic use, and guest‑facing education around ocean and wildlife protection. Every visit helps support ongoing conservation and research efforts.
Universal Orlando Resort centers on energy efficiency, on‑site solar power, waste reduction through recycling and food‑to‑energy programs, and water conservation using reclaimed water and advanced irrigation systems. Universal’s hotels also participate in recognized green lodging programs, extending eco-practices across the full guest experience.
So, for planners looking to host green meetings without sacrificing scale, flexibility or creativity, be sure to contact Visit Orlando’s convention sales team who can help you create your meeting — naturally.
