Destinations / Orlando
Destination guide · USA
Planning a corporate meeting in Orlando
When to go, which resort area to pick, how to handle the heat, and how to plan evenings around the theme parks. A practical guide for meeting and event planners.
Why hold a meeting in Orlando
Orlando is one of the most popular meeting destinations in the United States. It has one of the largest convention centers in the country, a long list of resorts with their own meeting space, and an airport with direct flights from across North America and beyond.
It suits large conventions, national sales meetings, incentive trips and programs where attendees bring their families. The theme parks, golf courses and resort pools give groups plenty to do once the sessions end.
When to go
Winter and spring bring warm, dry days and the most comfortable weather. Summer is hot and humid, with short afternoon thunderstorms most days.
December–FebruaryMild and mostly dryA popular time for meetings. Holiday weeks are busy with leisure travelers.
March–MayWarm and sunnyPeak season. Spring break weeks bring crowds to the parks.
June–AugustHot, humid, afternoon stormsOften better rates. Keep outdoor activities to the morning or evening.
September–NovemberHot early, cooling laterGood value outside major conventions. Hurricane season peaks in August–October.
Planner tip: check both the convention calendar and the school holiday calendar. Large shows and peak family travel weeks can fill resorts and push rates up.
Getting there
Most attendees fly into Orlando International, one of the busiest airports in Florida.
- Orlando International (MCO), southeast of the city, usually 20 to 30 minutes by road from International Drive and the resort areas.
- Orlando Sanford (SFB), north of the city, with a smaller number of mainly domestic flights.
Public transit to the resort areas is limited, so plan coach transfers for groups and recommend rideshare to individual travelers.
Where to meet and stay
Most groups choose one resort or convention hotel as a base, close to the convention center or the parks.
Home to the Orange County Convention Center, with many hotels, restaurants and attractions nearby.
Large resorts with their own meeting space, close to Walt Disney World.
Hotels near Universal Orlando, a short drive from International Drive.
A smaller business district around Lake Eola, suited to local corporate meetings.
Distances between areas are longer than they look on the map. Keeping sessions, rooms and dinners in one resort saves a lot of time.
Team building ideas in Orlando
Large resorts and warm weather suit both active outdoor formats in the cooler months and indoor challenges in summer.
Teams design and build their own boat from unusual materials, then race it on a resort pool or lake.
Cardboard Boat Regatta → Lawn and ballroom gamesSix rounds of simple but tough team games, easy to run outdoors or in a ballroom.
Playground Trials → A challenge menuTeams pick creative, mental and active tasks from a menu and race to score the most points.
Task Menu Mayhem → A film challengeTeams write, cast and shoot a short remake of a classic movie, then premiere it at dinner.
Classic Cinema Remake → A give-back sessionTeams build and decorate wooden toys that are donated to children in need.
Little Makers Charity Build →Group dinners and evenings
Evenings in Orlando often revolve around the resorts and the parks.
- Private park events, where parts of a theme park can be booked for a group in the evening.
- Resort dinners and receptions on lawns, terraces or by the pool.
- Dinner shows and entertainment venues along International Drive.
- A day trip to Kennedy Space Center on the coast, about an hour away.
Practical tips for planners
- Plan for the heat. From late spring to fall, schedule outdoor activities early or late, and keep water and shade on hand.
- Build in weather backups. Afternoon storms are common in summer, so have an indoor plan for every outdoor event.
- Check resort fees. Some resorts add a daily fee to the room rate; include it in your budget and contract.
- Book park tickets as a group. Group and event tickets need to be arranged well ahead of peak weeks.
- Tipping is expected. Around 18 to 22 percent in restaurants; check service charges on group events.
Sample itineraries
Morning: sessions at the convention center
Afternoon: a team challenge at the resort
Evening: private dinner by the pool
Day 1: arrivals, welcome reception
Day 2: morning session, free afternoon, private park evening
Day 3: golf or spa, farewell dinner
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a meeting in Orlando?
January to April usually has the most comfortable weather. Summer brings better rates but more heat and afternoon storms.
Do we need ground transportation?
Yes. Public transit is limited, so plan coach transfers for airport arrivals and offsite events.
Can attendees bring their families?
Orlando is one of the easiest places to do this, with resorts and parks that suit all ages.
Can we combine a convention with team building?
Yes. Many formats fit into an afternoon and can run at your resort.
Planning a program in Orlando?
Share your dates and group size, and we’ll suggest venues and a full budget.