Here’s a closer look at Orlando/Central Florida’s newest eateries, drinking spots, hotels, conference areas, private rooms, and other spaces available for events this spring. The new and renovated Orlando/Central Florida venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, fundraisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, team-building activities, conferences, meetings, and more.
The Equestrian Manor at WEC – Ocala
Photo: Maven Photo and Film
January welcomed The Equestrian Manor to Central Florida’s World Equestrian Center – Ocala, adding to the buzzy complex’s already-impressive events footprint. The new space is a refined, four-story, multifunctional meeting and event property with more than 300,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor space in the heart of the Horse Capital of the World. The design blends modern elegance with refined architectural details. Advanced technology elevates events, creating a refined yet highly functional space. Warm wood accents, white marble floors, and crystal chandeliers anchor an elegant backdrop, with state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and audiovisual systems seamlessly integrated. The main draw might be the 10,512-square-foot Grand Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 1,200 guests theater-style or 1,078 for a standing reception. The Equestrian Manor has also introduced four new dining destinations to the property: elevated American tavern Polo Pony, European-inspired bakery Emma’s Patisserie, Italian restaurant Genievieve’s, and Pan-Asian concept White Willow.
Orlando World Center Marriott
Photo: Courtesy of Orlando World Center Marriott
In March, Orlando World Center Marriott, the world’s largest Marriott property, completed a comprehensive renovation of its Grand Ballroom, featuring updated design elements and enhanced functionality for event planners and attendees. The redesigned Grand Ballroom spans more than 36,000 square feet and offers 14 configurable spaces. The renovation includes new carpet, wall coverings, airwall coverings, entry doors, trim, and contemporary chandeliers, along with upgraded lighting and sound systems. The convention center overall also features new and additional furnishings throughout the foyers, including communal and soft seating to expand work and networking spaces, and modernized public restrooms. Additionally, the hotel added three large-scale digital boards in key areas of the convention space for branding and sponsorship opportunities, to complement the digital boards at the entrance and porte-cochere. The venue offers more than 500,000 square feet of function space, including one of the largest pillar-free ballrooms in the world at 105,000 square feet.
Saddlebrook Resort
Photo: Courtesy of Saddlebrook Resort
In late 2025, Saddlebrook Resort, long celebrated for its legendary golf and tennis, unveiled a $92 million transformation that aims to redefine the classic sports retreat for today’s traveler. The reimagined 480-acre resort near Tampa now features an updated lobby filled with natural light, contemporary furnishings, and curated artwork; 451 newly redesigned rooms and suites; and original golf courses that have been reimagined as three interchangeable nine-hole layouts. A reimagined poolside experience includes a 500,000-gallon “super pool,” private cabanas, lush landscaping, and the new Palmhaus poolside bar and kitchen. Other revamped dining concepts include RARE 1981, BREW, and sports tavern GOAT Kitchen & Bar, which opens this spring. The property offers 95,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including the Royal Palm and Pegasus ballrooms.
The Don CeSar
Photo: Courtesy of The Don CeSar
The Don CeSar officially celebrated the debut of its brand-new Royal Ballroom in February, marking a milestone moment for the iconic Pink Palace. Spanning 7,400 square feet with sweeping Gulf views, the Royal Ballroom expands the resort’s event offerings for weddings, galas, corporate gatherings, and large-scale celebrations. The unveiling is part of the resort’s broader property-wide enhancements, including refreshed public spaces and elevated culinary experiences across its signature dining venues. Nestled along the white sands of St. Pete Beach, The Don CeSar has been an icon of Florida luxury since 1928. Overall, the property offers 38,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space.
EVEN Hotel and Staybridge Suites Orlando Universal Blvd.
Photo: Courtesy of IHG
Dual-brand hotels EVEN Hotel and Staybridge Suites Orlando Universal Blvd. are now accepting arrivals on or after June 15. The two concepts share common areas and are described as the closest accommodations to Universal Epic Universe. Located minutes from Universal Orlando Resort, Orange County Convention Center, and Orlando International Airport, EVEN Hotel by IHG focuses on wellness with a fitness center, in-room workout options, and nutrition-focused dining. Staybridge Suites provides extended-stay accommodations with fully equipped kitchens and complimentary breakfast. Both properties share a courtyard, swimming pool, and offer complimentary laundry facilities, serving travelers visiting for theme parks, business, or leisure. The dual-brand properties feature 288 guest rooms and 4,000 square feet of meeting space.