Orlando welcomed a staggering 75.3 million visitors in 2024, reinforcing its position as one of the most sought-after destinations for leisure and business events. For event planners, this isn’t just a number - it’s proof of the city’s unmatched appeal, infrastructure, and capacity to host events of every scale.
When it comes to event planning in Orlando, the possibilities are endless. From high-impact corporate events to intimate leadership retreats, Orlando offers various venues and experiences tailored to meet every planning need.
In this post, we will highlight the top venues and experiences Orlando offers for every occasion--from leadership retreats to product launches and everything in between.
Top Event Venues in Orlando for Every Type of Gathering
Orlando’s diverse range of meeting and event venues makes it a flexible choice for planners organizing everything from large-scale venues to intimate social gatherings. Planning tools like the Cvent Supplier Network make it simple to browse venue profiles and create a shortlist that aligns with your event goals.
Corporate conferences and meetings
These venues are purpose-built for large professional gatherings. They offer robust conference rooms, breakout areas, and integrated technology - ideal for hybrid, in-person, and virtual events.
Orange County Convention Center
As one of the largest convention centers in the U.S., this expansive facility offers over 2.1 million square feet of meeting space, including high-tech conference center rooms and flexible exhibit halls. Located on International Drive, it’s within walking distance of major business hotels, dining, and entertainment - making it a central hub for major group business events.
Rosen Shingle Creek
Nestled along Shingle Creek, this upscale business hotel offers over 500,000 square feet of meeting space, including elegant ballrooms and tech-enabled boardrooms. On-site catering, four swimming pools, a championship golf course, and a full-service spa provide excellent add-ons for attendees and VIP guests.
Hyatt Regency Orlando
Directly connected to the Orange County Convention Center, this property features 315,000 square feet of versatile event space and over 100 meeting rooms. With robust AV capabilities, a 24-hour business center, and stylish modern design, it’s ideal for high-profile product launches and executive summits.
Key Features: Ample meeting rooms, advanced AV, breakout areas, and reliable support for event management.
While corporate events need functionality and technology, formal occasions call for venues with a different kind of sophistication.
Elegant galas and banquets
These Orlando venues shine with their refined ambiance, perfect for black-tie galas, fundraising dinners, and awards ceremonies.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Located in the heart of downtown, this iconic venue offers multiple event spaces—from elegant theaters to outdoor terraces—all infused with artistic flair. It’s an excellent choice for formal banquets, receptions, and sponsor-driven special meeting venues.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
A tropical escape within Universal Orlando, this resort features over 115,000 square feet of stylish indoor and outdoor event space, perfect for destination banquets. Their on-site catering, elegant decor, and island-inspired ambiance elevate any formal gathering.
Key Features: Luxurious ambiance, custom catering options, and high-capacity banquet halls.
Outdoor and garden events
These venues offer a scenic, relaxed backdrop ideal for networking receptions, client appreciation events, or team-building retreats.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Spanning 50 acres of botanical gardens, this serene venue features multiple outdoor pavilions, lakeside lawns, and rose gardens - ideal for outdoor luncheons or evening receptions under the stars.
The Acre Orlando
A hidden gem with rustic-meets-modern charm, The Acre offers eclectic décor, greenery-filled courtyards, and fully customizable open layouts. It is a great choice for creative brands and casual yet refined events.
Key Features: Scenic landscapes, open-air event space, and flexible layout options.
Unique and themed venues
For planners looking to offer guests something truly memorable, these venues provide interactive environments perfect for branding, storytelling, and experiential marketing.
Orlando Science Center
With hands-on exhibits and immersive galleries, this venue allows guests to explore while networking. It's popular for tech companies and STEM organizations looking for a unique twist on a traditional conference venue.
ICON Park
This entertainment complex offers a variety of venues, including The Wheel, restaurants, and rooftop lounges. It’s perfect for experiential events, brand activations, and after-hours networking.
Key Features: Themed environments, immersive backdrops, and high branding potential.
Small gatherings and intimate events
These meeting venues offer a more personalized atmosphere when hosting smaller corporate functions, team workshops, or private client dinners.
Canvas Event Venue
A contemporary, minimalist venue with whitewashed interiors and flexible floor plans. It’s ideal for creative setups, brand pop-ups, or strategic planning off-sites.
Quantum Leap Winery
One of Florida’s most sustainable wineries, this venue offers private event space surrounded by wine barrels and rustic charm. It is great for relaxed networking events or client appreciation nights.
Key Features: Boutique ambiance, customizable layouts, and excellent catering potential.
5 Reasons Why Orlando is a Premier Destination for Events
Orlando continues to lead as a top business destination, offering the perfect mix of infrastructure, convenience, and guest appeal. For event planners, the city is more than just a location - it’s a strategic choice for delivering smooth, high-impact events across formats.
1. Event Industry Reputation: Orlando is home to some of the nation's top business venues, event centers, and meeting spaces, backed by decades of experience hosting world-class business events.
2. Diverse Venue Options: With over 122,000 hotel rooms across 450+ hotels - including 7,300 rooms within one mile of the convention center - the city offers a broad mix of hotels and special meeting venues, from luxury hotels to flexible banquet halls and modern conference center rooms.
3. Accessibility and Hospitality: Convenient flight connections, efficient ground transport, and a highly trained hospitality workforce make it easy for planners to execute events and for attendees to enjoy a stress-free experience.
4. Entertainment and Attractions for Guests: From after-hours networking at theme parks to client dinners in world-class restaurants, Orlando offers unmatched entertainment that enhances the overall event experience.
Orlando's extensive venue options are easily accessible through planning platforms like the Cvent Supplier Network. These platforms allow you to compare facilities, review detailed profiles, and manage every aspect of your event from one dashboard. Now that the advantages of these venues are clear, let's explore the specific venues that make these benefits possible.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Venue in Orlando
While Orlando offers an impressive array of event venues, selecting the right one goes beyond just square footage and style. To ensure a smooth experience for attendees and organizers alike, event planners should consider a few essential factors when narrowing down their venue list:
1. Proximity to airports and hotels
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is just minutes from many top meeting spaces and business venues, making travel easy for out-of-town attendees. To simplify logistics and improve the attendee experience, check the Orlando transportation guide and prioritize venues near major hotels or within close distance to the convention centers.
2. On-site services and amenities
Look for hotels that offer built-in event management support - such as AV services, catering, and setup crews. This can significantly reduce coordination challenges and ensure a smoother planning process.
3. Weather and seasonality
Orlando’s warm climate is a draw year-round. Still, seasonal considerations like summer heat or hurricane season may influence your choice of event space, especially for outdoor venues or garden events. Consider hybrid event options that allow for both indoor and open-air setups.
4. Accessibility and parking
Whether you're booking a banquet hall, reception venue, meeting room, or conference venue, ensure it’s ADA-compliant and offers ample on-site or nearby parking. This is especially critical for local events or in-person meetings where most guests will arrive by car.
Add-On Experiences to Enhance Your Event
One of the biggest advantages of planning events in Orlando is the opportunity to enhance the core agenda with unforgettable experiences. Whether you're hosting a high-stakes conference or a casual team retreat, incorporating curated add-ons can boost engagement, create lasting memories, and elevate your event beyond the meeting room.
1. Theme park private events
Orlando is known for attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. The Waldorf Astoria Orlando—an Official Walt Disney World® Hoteloffers special group event options, including exclusive access and after-hours experiences. It is like hosting a closing-night reception at EPCOT or a product celebration inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—these unique settings double as powerful brand moments and attendee rewards.
2. Team-building outings or tours
Swap the usual conference center rooms for a day of interactive bonding. From escape rooms and zip-lining adventures to backstage theme park tours or kayaking in nearby nature preserves, Orlando is packed with activities ideal for breaking the ice and building stronger internal teams.
3. Local entertainment and catering options
Don’t overlook the city’s local culture. Enjoy your evening receptions with live music, local performers, or themed decor. Many event centers also offer partnerships with top-tier catering vendors, giving you access to everything from gourmet-plated dinners to chef-led food stations with a local flair. These experiential add-ons are just one more reason why Orlando continues to attract event organizers from around the world.
Final words
From expansive conference venues to intimate banquet halls and immersive themed experiences, Orlando offers an incredible spectrum of meeting rooms to suit every occasion. Whether you’re planning a high-end corporate summit, a creative brand activation, or a relaxed outdoor reception, the city’s range of event spaces is as expansive and adaptable as your imagination.
Given the city’s popularity for group business and major conventions, starting your search early is wise. When it comes to event planning in Orlando, tools like the Cvent Supplier Network can be invaluable. They allow you to explore detailed venue profiles, compare layouts and services, and even schedule site visits to experience the space firsthand.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best venues in Orlando for large corporate events?
Orlando is home to top-tier venues ideal for large conferences and professional gatherings. The Hyatt Regency Orlando, located directly across from the Orange County Convention Center, offers 315,000 square feet of meeting space with cutting-edge AV support. Other popular choices include the Hilton Orlando and the Four Seasons Resort, both of which offer expansive, luxurious event settings with integrated services.
2. How early should I start planning my event in Orlando?
Given Orlando's popularity for conventions, corporate retreats, and entertainment events, it's wise to start your venue search at least 6–12 months in advance. Booking early secures your preferred venue, allows time for add-on experiences, and helps manage budget more effectively - especially if you're targeting peak travel seasons or major event windows.
3. Can I host outdoor events year-round in Orlando?
Orlando’s warm, sunny climate makes outdoor events feasible nearly all year. However, consider seasonal nuances - like afternoon summer heat or hurricane season (June–November). Many venues, such as The Acre Orlando or Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, offer hybrid indoor-outdoor setups, providing flexibility and weather contingency options.
4. What experiences can I add to make my Orlando event more engaging?
You can enhance your Orlando event with theme park buyouts (like after-hours events at Disney or Universal), team-building tours, live entertainment, or chef-curated catering from local vendors. These add-ons not only entertain but also elevate brand perception and attendee satisfaction - making your event memorable long after it ends.
5. How do I choose the right venue in Orlando for my event type?
Start by defining your event goals, group size, and budget. Use tools like the Cvent Supplier Network to browse venue profiles, compare amenities, check availability, and even schedule site visits. Focus on factors like proximity to airports, in-house services, scalability, and ambiance. Venues like the Hilton Orlando or JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes are great starting points due to their flexibility and reputation.
