April 7, 2017

Global Meetings Industry Day

Global Meeting Industry Day just took place this week on April 6, reminding the Tourism Industry of the vital role meetings and conventions play in our economy. At 2.1 million square feet, the Orange County Convention Center is the second largest center in the nation and this year's attendance is expected to hit another record! In fact, from the recent International Builders show with 80,000 delegates to the upcoming Star Wars Celebration with upwards of 63,000 attendees, we remain the second most popular tradeshow destination, according to Trade Show Network's Top 250 U.S. Trade Shows report, and number one overall, when factoring in the majority of conferences held in our hotels. Our Convention Sales Team representatives in the key markets of New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago as well as here at home work to ensure we remain top of mind with convention organizations all over the country for large citywide or smaller conventions.
 
Not to be forgotten is the added benefit our community receives from the exposure we get from these delegates and their companies. After conducting business in town, they often extend their stay to enjoy some added leisure time. They are also reminded of the great destination we are and many return with family and friends for their vacations. So when you see one of these convention delegates around town with their nametag hanging around their neck, remind them how much we appreciate their visiting us and conducting their business in our town.

-George Aguel

Industry Employment up 6.1 percent in February

Leisure and hospitality employment in the Orlando MSA grew 6.1 percent in February compared to the same month last year, outpacing the 4.3 percent increase in total nonagricultural employment. Industry employment in February 2017 totaled 262,100, accounting for 21 percent of the MSA's total nonagricultural employment and represented an all-time high.

Consumer Confidence Surges to 16-Year High

The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index surged 8.2 percent in March to 125.6, the highest reading since December 2000. Both components of the Confidence Index rose sharply from February to March. The Present Situation Index rose from 134.4 to 143.1 and the Expectations Index increased from 103.9 last month to 113.8. It should be noted the cutoff date for the preliminary results was March 16, prior to the recent dips in the stock market and the failed attempt at healthcare reform. It is possible those factors will weigh on the April results scheduled to be released on April 25.

NBC Morning Shows Promote Destination

All this week, Orlando was showcased on NBC's New York Live morning show and on NBC morning shows in both Miami and Atlanta. Visit Orlando worked with an NBC TV crew to create a series of vignettes showcasing the breadth and depth of the destination. Hosted by popular TV host and lifestyle expert, Ereka Vetrini, segments include a live in-studio piece, where Ereka recaps all of the fun and unique experiences she had in Orlando, followed by four pre-produced pieces that showcase "What's New", "Outdoor Adventures", "Luxury in Orlando" and "Orlando's Dynamic Dining Scene".

Orlando Stories Syndicated Across Canada

The Visit Orlando Public Relations team generated more than 30 articles in Sun Media publications and social media outlets, reaching a combined audience of 3 million, as a result of working with freelancer Jim Byers March 24-25. Titled "4 reasons to visit Orlando that have nothing to do with the theme parks," the article says "Orlando may not be the first American city that pops to mind when visitors think of great ethnic food or hipster cocktail bars, but that's changing fast" and calls out downtown Orlando, Winter Park, Mills 50 and East End Market.

UK/Ireland Roadshow Training Reaches 750+

Visit Orlando, in association with its partners at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Universal Orlando Resort, trained 756 agents through a series of travel agent training events during the month of March. With the addition of Dublin for the first time ever, the Roadshow visited 10 total cities in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

DER Touristik Events Train German Travel Trade

Visit Orlando, along with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, trained 200 travel agents on the latest Orlando news and sales tools through four DER Touristik Talk & Dine events across Germany during the week of March 27. At the end of each evening an Orlando stay was presented as part of a Central Florida grand prize package.

Destination Orientation Spotlights What's New

Visit Orlando's National Accounts Director Susan Zeiri recently conducted a Destination Orientation education session for the American Express Ernst and Young travel team. The American Express Ernst and Young travel team sources hotels and destinations for corporate meetings and events. Participants learned about What's New at the Orange County Convention Center and in the Convention Center District, as well as exciting new dining and entertainment options, the services available through Visit Orlando and details on new hotels, renovations and expansions.

Mexican Radio Personality Raves About Orlando

During a recent visit to Orlando, prominent Mexican influencer and radio personality Eddy Warman recorded two one-hour radio shows and posted 57 social media posts about his visit generating 21M impressions to date. During his visit, a result of working with Visit Orlando's Public Relations Team, Eddy covered a variety of topics including things to do, entertainment, dining options and outdoors activities in Orlando. He raved about the many different places he visited including the Four Seasons Resort, Madame Tussauds, The Coca-Cola Orlando Eye , The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Plant Street Market, Winter Park, The Wine Room, Sea Life Aquarium and Disney Springs.

Entek Planners Conduct Site Visits

Entek, supplier of lead-acid separators, lithium-ion, extruders and engineering services on six continents, is planning a reception and dinner for approximately 200 of their top clients during the NPE International Plastics Showcase 2018. The planners conducted site visits of approximately 11 off-site venues, while they were in town. The sites included Gatorland, where they took photos with a baby alligator, and Paradiso 37 at Disney Springs.

Pictured: Tammy Straw, Entek marketing and development manager at Gatorland holding a baby alligator.

HelmsBriscoe Meeting Planners in Orlando

HelmsBriscoe, a leading meeting management company, sent 14 meeting planners to Orlando for three days of education and tours of hotels and venues. These associates book a variety of association, corporate and social groups.

Pictured, from left, are: HelmsBriscoe associates, Visit Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando staff with Jack Hanna, American zookeeper, author and wildlife advocate.

Allegiant Air Hosts Destination Orientation

Allegiant Air brought 10 travel agents to Orlando for a Destination Orientation March 12-16. Allegiant brings more than 8,000 flights into Orlando with 1.2 million passengers annually. The group stayed at the CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort and the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista, and experienced an amazing itinerary hosted by Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Boggy Creek Airboat Rides, Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld®, Marriott's Orlando World Center, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets.

UCF Tweet Captures Orlando Messaging in NYC

While touring New York City recently, the University of Central Florida (UCF) Marching Knights and cheerleaders performed on a sightseeing bus wrapped with Visit Orlando's "Never Ending Story" campaign message. The bus wrap is just one example of a larger marketing campaign running in key northeast markets through April.

At the Center

Endocrine Society Hosts Conference at OCCC

Celebrating its 99th year, the Endocrine Society, the largest global membership organization representing professionals from the field of endocrinology, held its annual conference for the first time at the Orange County Convention Center April 1-4. The attendance at ENDO2017 is estimated at 15,000.

Pictured, from left, are: Wanda Johnson, senior director of Meetings & Education; Ayuko Kimura-Fay, director of Meetings; Gwen Laster, meeting specialist; Danielle Raiford, meeting coordinator; Michelle Klinke, director of Education; Carolyn Martin, Visit Orlando.

Star Wars Celebration Returns to Orlando

Star Wars Celebration returns to Orlando April 13-16 at the Orange County Convention Center. The event will feature "40 Years of Star Wars," a special panel gathering Star Wars creators and stars from across the saga's history.

All Ticket Options for Volcano Bay Available

Universal has announced guests can now book their visit to Volcano Bay with a variety of options to choose from. From Multi-Day, 3-Park tickets to 3-Park Annual Passes to a special ticket for Florida Residents, our new ticket options offer something for everyone.

WWE Economic Boon to Region

The week of WWE professional wrestling events in Orlando, including WrestleMania 33 on April 2 at Camping World Stadium, was easily a $100 million-plus economic impact boon for the region, including some additional perks if any fans extend their stays to visit the theme parks.

Global Pet Expo 2017 Attendance Up

Attendance was up 10 percent from the prior year at American Pet Products Association's annual Global Pet Expo held at the Orange County Convention Center March 22-24. The Expo is considered the industry's premier event and brings together independent retailers, distributors, mass-market buyers and other qualified pet product retailers for the three-day tradeshow.

Pictured, from left, are: Anne Rotberg, American Pet Products Association; Adrienne Six, Visit Orlando; and Edith Martignetti, American Pet Products Association.

Seven Seas Food Festival Extended

SeaWorld Orlando is extending its Seven Seas Food Festival daily through April 16. The festival features international street food traditions and a wide array of craft beer, wine and specialty cocktails, plus live entertainment every Saturday.

Universal Announces First House Reveal for HHN27

You've been patiently waiting for the first house reveal of Halloween Horror Nights 27, and this one won't disappoint. FX's American Horror Story returns for a second year.

Darden Agrees to Acquire Cheddar's

Darden Restaurants has announced that it has agreed to acquire Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen (Cheddar's), adding to Darden's portfolio of differentiated brands which currently includes Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and Eddie V's.

Industry Celebrates Global Meetings Industry Day

On April 6, leaders from across the meetings and events industry celebrated the second annual Global Meetings Industry Day, led by industry advocacy coalition Meetings Mean Business. The impact of the industry is no more evident than in Orlando. In 2016, Visit Orlando's Convention Sales Team booked 615 events representing an estimated 1.8 million in attendees. That's in addition to the 862 events previously booked by Visit Orlando for 2016 and representing more than 1.5 million attendees.

International Visitors to U.S. Spent More in January

According to the National Travel and Tourism Office, international visitors spent more than $20.8 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States in January, an increase of one percent ($220 million) when compared to January 2016.

United Starts Advanced Screening Lanes at Newark

Advanced screening lanes at security checkpoints have been around for years at airports such as London Heathrow, but only recently have they started expanding into the United States - largely driven by the airlines themselves. United Airlines is the most recent to make a push, and it started with its hub at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Latest TTI: Year-Over-Year Growth in February

Overall travel volume (person trips to or within the United States involving a hotel stay or air travel) grew in February 2017, according to the U.S. Travel Association's latest Travel Trend Index (TTI). Domestic travel growth was supported by the leisure travel sector. Meanwhile, international inbound travel experienced its 10th straight month of positive and generally strong year-over-year growth in February.

Airlines Serving U.S. Carried All-Time High in 2016

U.S. airlines and foreign airlines serving the United States carried an all-time high of 928.9 million system-wide (domestic and international) scheduled service passengers in 2016, 3.5 percent more than the previous record high of 897.9 million reached in 2015.

CDC Zika Information

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), its most current data available at the time of this writing (for the period of Jan. 1, 2015-April 5, 2017) indicate that 222 locally acquired cases have been reported in the United States, while 4,901 travel-associated cases have been reported. For the most current information about the Zika virus, visit the CDC's Zika page.