Imagine being surrounded by year-round sunshine and a warm tropical climate. Imagine being within striking distance of Disney World and Universal Studios.  

Now, imagine you’re in Orlando. Didn’t expect that, did you? 

Well, the truth is that Orlando is known as the cultural heart of Florida.  

This bustling, underrated Florida city is famed for its world-class theme parks and offers endless entertainment, but Orlando is more than a tourist location. 

Orlando boasts a diverse and thriving little economy, making it an ideal location for trade shows and business events alike.  

Orlando has some of the most prominent state-of-the-art convention centers in the United States and the world. Notably, the Orange County Convention Center is among the largest in the country. This venue provides ample space and cutting-edge facilities for a wide range of industries, big and small.  

Orlando’s blend of leisure and business amenities, combined with its welcoming atmosphere and a rich Florida cultural tapestry, makes it a lot more than just a tourist destination to Disney- it’s a dynamic city where commerce and creativity go hand in hand, making it perfect for trade shows and corporate events.  

Today, we will take a look at the Top 10 trade shows you must attend when you’re in the Sunshine State. 

10. Future of Education Technology Conference & Expo 

When: Tuesday, January 23- Friday, January 26 

Where: Orange County Convention Center 

The Future of Education Technology Conference & Expo is a popular event that brings together thousands of education and technology leaders for a comprehensive exploration of new technologies, best practices, and pressing issues in education. This event is recognized as one of the premier K through 12 education technology events in the United States. This expo event has been supporting education teams for over 40 years.  

9. I/ IPSEC 

When: Monday, December 2- Friday, December 6 

Where: Orange County Convention Center 

The Interservice/ Industry Training, Simulation, and Education conference is the world’s largest modeling, simulation, and training event. This important event promotes cooperation among the Armed forces, industry, Academics, and Government agencies in the hopes of improved training and education programs. This conference is typically attended by a diverse group of professionals, including defense contractors, armed service personnel, educators, and industry representatives.  

This conference has a wide net of professionals and is considered one of the most informative conferences in America.  

8. Mobile Tech Expo 

When: Thursday, February 1- Saturday, February 3 

Where: Gaylord Palms Resort 

The Mobile Tech Expo is an expo event tailored for professionals in the mobile automotive technology industry. This event includes a variety of activities, such as world-class seminars led by automotive industry experts, practical demonstrations, and even industry competitions. One of the highlights and unique features of this event is the PDR Dent Olympics; this is a friendly competition in which industry professionals compete to showcase their skills by removing minor dents and dings from the body of the vehicle without the need for repainting.  

7. PGA Show 

When: Tuesday, January 23- Friday January 26 

Where: Orange County Convention Center 

The PGA show, in partnership with the PGA of America, is one of the most meaningful golf exhibits and events in the calendar year for the industry. The PGA of America and Golf Professionals have formed a dynamic event that allows industry leaders to network and try out the new golf product programs and pitch ideas that are bound to elevate the industry. 

If you’re into golf, this is your event. 

6. InfoSec World  

When: Monday, September 23- Wednesday, September 25 

Where: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort  

InfoSec World is the leading cybersecurity event for security practitioners and executives. InfoSec World is entering its 29th year as the “Business of Security” conference. This event will feature expert insights, informative keynote speakers, and interactive sessions that inform, engage, and connect the business security world.  

5. Surf Expo 

When: Wednesday, January 10- Friday, January 12 & Thursday, September 5- Saturday, September 7 

Where: Orange County Convention Center 

Surf Expo is the largest and longest-running board sports and beach/ resort lifestyle trade show in the world. This premier trade show specializes in the water sports and all things beach lifestyle industries.  

Produced in January and September in Orlando, this convention invites thousands to see the latest in surfing apparel and goods, and it also includes fashion shows, industry parties, and even an annual award ceremony.  

4. VMX Orlando 

When: Saturday, January 13- Wednesday, January 17  

Where: Orange County Convention Center 

VMX, known as the Veterinary Meeting and Expo, is the premier conference for the Veterinary industry. This renowned Orlando-based nonprofit brings in over 22,000 attendees a year to this event. VMX also prides itself in affordability, offering registration at the same price as it was back in its inaugural year, 1983.  

This event is a must for anyone in the Veterinary field. 

3. HIMSS  

When: Monday, March 11- Friday, March 15 

Where: Orange County Convention Center 

HIMSS is the pinnacle event for health information technology. With over 33,000 industry professionals from around the global health landscape converging on Orlando, you are bound to witness the newest advancements in the field. You’ll be the first to experience the unveiling of the newest technologies in the industry and experience the unrivaled knowledge of the leading professionals in the medical field.  

With over 1,000 healthcare companies in attendance, if you’re in the health information field, this is a must-attend.  

2. NPE The Plastics Show 

When: Monday, May 6- Friday May 10 

Where: Orange County Convention Center 

Every three years, leaders and creative-minded professionals from a wide variety of industries gather at NPE to advance their brands through the innovation of plastics. This five-day event allows you to build new partnerships, experience the newest and shining technology, and potentially unlock new opportunities with plastic.  

 Global Pet Expo  

When: Monday, March 20 – Wednesday, March 22 

Where: Orange County Convention Center 

The Global Pet Expo is the premier pet industry event featuring the newest, most innovative products in the world. This event showcases animals from all walks of life, like dogs, cats, birds, fish, and even horses.  

This event is catered to any and all members of the Pet community, from suppliers to animal enthusiasts. This event is a great barometer for a $137 billion pet supply industry.  

We all love our furry little friends; you can now experience all the advancements in the pet resources we have to help our little companion thrive at the Global Pet Expo. 

Conclusion 

With our list of top 10 trade shows in the Sunshine State, we hope you take advantage of all that Orlando offers you. Orlando is more than just a city near Mickey Mouse’s Castle or where year-round sun is the culture. Orlando offers a place for any industry to gain innovation to grow and foster their brand. 

Orlando is a place where the magic happens on the trade show floor. 

Now, it’s time for you to make the most of the Sunshine State.   

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