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Visit Orlando Events
 

June 24
Visiting Ours
I-Drive NASCAR Indoor Kart Racing

5–6:30 p.m. Cost: $15 members; $25 non-members; $20 walk-in (space permitting)
Click here to register.

June 25
Business Referral Group
Avanti Resort

8738 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
Cost: $18 inclusive
Click here to RSVP.

July 9
Member Orientation
Click here to register.

Member Presents
Members interested in targeting the meetings and convention market can present their products or services during monthly, 30-minute sessions with Destination Meeting Services. Click here to schedule a session.

 
Featured Corporate Ambassador
 

The Florida Mall
The Florida Mall is thrilled to announce the official grand opening of the newly-added Dining Pavilion and the center's newest attraction, Crayola Experience, on Wednesday, July 1! In celebration of the new Dining Pavilion, The Florida Mall will host a free, family friendly day of fun with activities, live entertainment, giveaways and more. Additionally, Crayola Experience will host a family friendly celebration to commemorate the grand opening of this exclusive-to-market family attraction. You won't want to miss this day of fun! For more information, please click here or check out The Florida Mall's social media pages.

the florida mall

 
Member-to-Member Offers
 

Wild Florida is rolling out Rockin' Ranch Buggy tours! Five-foot-tall tires, 12 feet of elevation and more than 60 minutes of happy trails! Boldly go back in time and see the 'real' Florida while exploring one of the oldest working cattle ranches on Wild Florida's new all-terrain Ranch Buggy tour. Buy one at the regular price of $30, get one free, includes admission to the Wildlife Park. Offer expires June 30. For more information and reservations, call 407-957-3135.

Through July 15, receive 35 percent off of GLO-Get Leads Online (regular cost is $150 per month). Turn anonymous website visitors into qualified sales leads. This software will identify various components of the website visitor such as company, products and services of interest, contact information and length of time on site. Click here for a free 14-day trial. For more information, call 407-909-9036 x1037.

Barnie's CoffeeKitchen has launched a new website! Built to meet the needs of small- and mid-sized businesses that appreciate Barnie's high-quality specialty coffee, the site is tailored for offices seeking quick, easy, cost-efficient solutions. Through July 31, businesses will receive 15 percent off of their first order. Use code: OfficeCoffee15. For more information, click here.

barnies coffekitchen

Inspire your employees and staff this summer with Marc Mero's Dream Big Presentation, described as life-changing! Through August 28, Champion of Choices - Marc Mero is offering a 30 percent discount. Click here for more information or call 407-448-9956.

 
Industry Events
 

July 24
Orlando Site Florida & Caribbean Socializer
The Orlando Eye

September 9-11
CFVRMA Xtravaganza
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate

October 17
The Pineapple Ball
Rosen Shingle Creek

 
Community Events
 

June 20
Reinventing Radio: An Evening with Ira Glass
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

June 20-August 8
Summer Nights& Island Nights
SeaWorld® Orlando & Aquatica, SeaWorld's Waterpark

June 25
Velvet Sessions, Featuring The Fixx

Velvet Bar and Lobby Lounge
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando

June 27
Blindsided by the Walking Dead

Orange County Convention Center

July 8
National Federation of the Blind

Guinness World Record Attempt
Rosen Centre

October 24
2015 Wyndham Vacation Ownership Charity Championship Golf Tournament

Metrowest Golf Club

Oct. 30–31
6th Annual Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Through Nov. 29
Mummies of the World: The Exhibition

Orlando Science Center

 
President & CEO's Message
 
June 19, 2015

ORLANDO IS TOP SUMMER DESTINATION IN 2015

George AguelIf there were an official season for Orlando's tourism industry, it would be summer.

Don't get me wrong, we all know that our destination is a special place to visit any time of year. However, there's something about school breaks and longer operating hours that shine a spotlight on our position as the No. 1 family vacation destination in the world.

As we close out spring this weekend, I'm very pleased to share that the impact of tourism on our community in 2015 continues to be fantastic. Consumer demand for Orlando is driving very positive economic results that benefit each of us and all of our neighbors. And there's every indication that this trend will continue through the summer. In fact, just yesterday, AAA announced that hotel bookings through its website place Orlando as the top domestic summer travel destination in 2015!

Reinforcing the value that our destination offers visitors-especially families-and the likelihood that they will return to see more of our area in the future, TripAdvisor's annual cost-comparison study revealed that Orlando ranks among the top 10 least expensive U.S. cities for a summer escape.

On behalf of everyone at Visit Orlando, I'd like to wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable summer season!

-George Aguel

 
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From the Research & Insights Desk of Visit Orlando
 

Tradeshow Industry Post strong Q1 Growth

Despite the severe winter, during the first quarter of 2015 the business-to-business exhibition industry posted the highest increase since before the recession. The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced the CEIR Total Index posted a year-on-year gain of 4.6 percent in Q1, the highest increase since the second quarter of 2007 and the 19th consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth. All four metrics that make up the Index posted gains during Q1: Net Square Feet +4.1 percent, Exhibitors +3.3 percent, Attendees +3.7 percent and Real Revenues +7.3 percent.

 
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Visit Orlando Updates
 

frozen

Social Media Team Reveals Top Tips for Enjoying 'Frozen' Summer at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Just imagine how much cooler you'll be this summer when you hang out with Olaf and the Royal sisters Anna and Elsa at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. Check out our blog for more information on how to get the most out of Disney's coolest summer ever with its second annual "Frozen" Summer Fun LIVE program, running daily through Sept. 7.

visiting hours

Visiting Ours Networking Event a Success

Visit Orlando members enjoyed an evening of networking in the newly renovated Ruth's Chris Steak House located on Sand Lake Road. Guests enjoyed appetizers, drinks and a fun trivia contest about the recent successful IPW held in Orlando. Winners of a $50 gift card to Ruth's Chris were Vaishali Desai from Bar Louie Orlando and Jennifer Burns from Heaven Event Center. Congratulations!

 

collaborate

Visit Orlando Team Welcomed Industry Professionals to Collaborate Marketplace

This week, Orlando welcomed 1,200 travel industry professionals for Collinson Media's Collaborate Marketplace, which took place at Rosen Shingle Creek. This is a hosted buyer reverse trade show designed to bring corporate meeting and incentive planners together with industry suppliers to do business. The Visit Orlando sales team was able to meet with more than 95 planners over the three-day event. This year's conference opened at one of Orlando's newest attractions, I-Drive 360, and kept audiences motivated with keynote speakers such as Chelsea Clinton and Anderson Cooper, and culminated with a private party at CityWalk and Universal's Islands of Adventure.

American Public Works Association Confirms its International Congress in Orlando for August 2017

The Convention Sales department has booked American Public Works Association's (APWA) International Congress for August 2017. Approximately 6,000 attendees are expected and one of our Destination Services Managers will be working closely with their local host committee, the APWA Florida Chapter, to help facilitate planning and ensure a successful Congress in 2017. We are thrilled to host them as they have not met in Orlando since 1988!

 
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News About Orlando
 

Next Week at the Convention Center

Group Meeting Start End Estimate Attendees Estimate Economic Impact
Healthcare Financial Management Association Annual National Institute June 22 June 24 4,500 $8,865,000
Christian Booksellers Association International Christian Retail Show June 28 July 1 1,300 $2,561,000
 

all aboard florida

Breaking: All Aboard Florida Seeks Construction Manager for Orlando Rail Route

All Aboard Florida is close to naming a contractor that will oversee the construction of a big piece of the $2.5 billion Miami-to-Orlando passenger rail corridor's Orlando leg.

Read More

Universal Closing Wet 'n Wild Orlando at the End of 2016

Wet 'n Wild, the longstanding International Drive water park, will close for good at the end of 2016, a Universal Orlando official announced Wednesday.

Read More

Starwood Vacation Ownership Spinoff Gets Name, Details Revealed

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. has filed the paperwork to spin off its Orlando company, Starwood Vacation Ownership.

Read More

Orlando Enhances the Global Village of InfoComm

The doohickies, whatsits and thingamabobs are on display while entrepreneurs, CEO's and sales reps more tech savvy than yours truly are packing Orange County Convention Center for the eye candy crush.

Read More

KISS's Rock & Brews, Red Robin to Come Near Orlando Airport?

A long-awaited shopping center is finally starting to take shape just north of Orlando International Airport-and attracting some big-name national restaurants.

Read More

 

jill estorino

Jill Estorino Named EVP of Global Marketing and Sales for Disney Parks

Jill Estorino has been named executive vice president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts' global marketing and sales.

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I-Drive's New Ethnic Grocery Store, Distribution Hub to Create 150-Plus Jobs

New Jersey-based Seabra Foods Supermarket-which caters to Brazilian, Portuguese and Hispanic shoppers-expects to start buildout in May on a 17,000-square-foot space at the Orlando Crossings shopping center on International Drive, a tourist corridor popular with international travelers. The new store, which replaces the former International Drive Flea Market, will hire up to 150 workers.

Read More

Surf Park Added to Skyplex's Plan

A surf park has been added to the plans for Skyplex, the entertainment complex set for the corner of International Drive and Sand Lake Road and anchored by Skyscraper, the world's tallest roller coaster.

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Orlando Meetings Hub Tabs New GM

John Luke has been appointed general manager at the 1,400-room Hilton Orlando connected to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, according to Ted Ratcliff, senior vice president operations eastern North America for Hilton Worldwide.

Read More

 
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Industry News
 

norwegian

Norwegian Air Named World's Best Low Cost, Long Haul Airline

Norwegian was named the "World's Best Low-Cost Long-Haul Airline" by the renowned SkyTrax World Airline Awards, the leading international airline rating system as voted on by the travelling public.

Norwegian was also named "Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe" for the third consecutive year according to travelers, who evaluated more than 200 airlines worldwide. Above: Norwegian's CEO Bjørn Kjos and four crewmembers accepted the awards at the Paris Air Show.

GOP Lawmaker Proposes Privatization of Air Traffic Control

The chairman of the House transportation committee said Monday he'll introduce a bill that takes control of air traffic operations away from the government and places it under the control of a nonprofit corporation run by airlines and other segments of the aviation industry.

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JetBlue Rolls Out Corporate Booking Tool

JetBlue Airways has launched Blue, Inc. a free tool for small to midsized businesses.

Read More

 

travel

9 Charts that Show the Health of International Business Travel into the U.S.

The U.S. business travel sector has recovered from the big dip of 2009 and 2010, but is still nowhere near the 2007-2008 levels, according to latest data from National Travel and Tourism Office, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

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Travel Group Offers Compromise on Airport Passenger Fees

The U.S. Travel Association is offering a potential compromise in a fight over the amount of money that airline passengers can be charged to help pay for airport improvements.

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Are the People Who Take Vacations the Ones Who Get Promoted?

Too many people limit their happiness and success by assuming that taking time off from work will send a negative message to their manager and slow their career advancement. But new research, says that the exact opposite is true.

Read More

 
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Corporate Ambassadors
 
ARDA Bags BB&T British Airways Clear Channel Outdoor
Darden Fairwinds Credit Union Florida Distributing Company Florida Hospital The Florida Mall
Lufthansa The Mall at Millenia Nemours Children's Hospital Orlando Economic Development Commission Orlando Health
Orlando International Airport Orlando Magic Orlando Premium Outlets O'Town Television OUC
Smart City Stay Sky Hotels & Resorts Tupperware Brands United Service Companies
 
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