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When it comes to planning a meeting in the Orlando area, the International Drive Resort Area offers many options depending upon space requirements to accommodations. And with the choices in accommodations and activities, there are value offerings for every budget. Here are just a few great reasons to meet on I-Drive:
- The I-Drive Area includes more than 1.5 million square feet of meeting space.
- Choices of accommodations in all budget categories may be made from more than 107 hotels and resorts with a total of 35,883 rooms.
- Meeting planners find a selection of venues that includes everything from large, separate convention centers to small, intimate executive meeting rooms.
- The Orange County Convention Center, right in the middle of I-Drive, is ranked second in the U.S. in terms of exhibition space with more than 2.1 million square feet. The Center also offers 235 function rooms with 479,190 square feet of space. There are more than 7,600 hotel rooms within walking distance of the convention center.
- Finding a headquarter hotel near the convention center is easy and convenient with 1,334 rooms and 106,000 square feet of meeting space at the Rosen Centre Hotel; 800 rooms and 60,000 square feet of meeting space at the Rosen Plaza Hotel; and 891 rooms and 57,000 square feet of meeting space at The Peabody Orlando. In 2009, the Hilton Convention Center will offer 1,000 rooms and 130,000 square feet of meeting space adjacent to the Convention Center. Also nearby, 1,102 rooms and 75,000 square feet of meeting space at the nearby International Plaza Resort and Spa and 778 rooms and 185,000 square feet of meeting space at the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld.
- For meetings at Universal Orlando Resort, the Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort offer a combined 2,400 guestrooms and 133,000 square feet of versatile meeting space.
- Six of the world’s great theme parks are located within the I-Drive area: SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Aquatica Water Park, Wet ‘n Wild, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
- For fun and recreation: more than 150 restaurants, more than 485 designer, brand-name and outlet shops, golf, nightlife and spas.
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located within 15 miles of the Orange County Convention Center and major I-Drive attractions. A total of 67 carriers, 13 charters and 12 cargos provide nonstop service to 82 destinations in the U.S. Scheduled nonstop service is available to 16 international cities. In 2006, Airport Revenue News ranked MCO as the "Airport with the Best Customer Service airport-wide."
- Parking the car and getting around the I-Drive area is a breeze with the popular I-Ride Trolleys that run throughout the area from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. Single rides and unlimited ride passes are available.
- A variety of exciting spouse programs may be tailored to the specific interests of the group with I-Drive’s shopping, spas, attractions, restaurants and more.
Green meetings
- The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is the first in the country to receive certification for its recycling efforts. Recognized for recycling 40 percent of its waste, the center also uses reclaimed water for all of its landscape irrigation, has energy-efficient motors to power fountain pumps and has a control system to regulate air-conditioning and lighting levels. Hosting 300 events, shows and meetings a year, the OCCC is the second largest convention center in the U.S. www.occc.net.
- As of early 2009, 20 I-Drive accommodations have been named to the Florida Green Lodging Program. To achieve this recognition, the facilities must follow certain eco-friendly practices including water conservation measures through low-flow plumbing fixtures; linen reuse programs; energy efficiency and programmable thermostats; waste reduction programs such as recycling, purchasing items in bulk and purchasing recycled materials; as well as the use of green cleaners, high-efficiency air filters and clean air handler units. Among the convention center hotels to achieve this ranking are the Rosen Centre Hotel, Rosen Plaza Hotel and Rosen Shingle Creek. Launched in March 2004, the Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. After receiving the designation, hotels are recommended to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging facilities. www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging
Recent additions and future expansion
- The Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld recently opened an 8,000-square-foot full-service spa.
- Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel completed a $5.5 million renovation of 750 rooms and suites.
- Hard Rock Hotel recently completed a $6.8 million renovation including the addition of flat panel TVs and mp3 landing stations in all rooms.
- The Peabody Orlando has announced a 400 million expansion including a new 750-room tower and an additional 140,000 square feet of meeting space due for completion in 2010.
1/09
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