5 New Venues in Orlando/Central Florida for Summer 2025 Meetings and Events

Universal Epic Universe officially opened this spring, bringing buzzy attractions like Super Nintendo World and three brand-new hotels to Orlando. Meetings and events on campus are available at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, which offers nearly 5,000 square feet of space for gatherings. Planners can work with the 1,695-square-foot Helios Grand Hall, accommodating up to 160 guests. The hall also boasts a foyer and prefunction space. Overall, the 500-room Helios hotel features a Mediterranean-inspired design, themed kids' suites, a rooftop bar, and a dedicated entrance into Epic Universe. On-site amenities also include a resort-style pool with cabanas, a game room, and a fitness center.

In May, on the heels of Epic Universe's opening, Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Orlando Resort & Suites unveiled a $7 million, top-to-bottom renovation of its South Tower. The transformation brings modern upgrades to 164 of its guest rooms in the heart of Orlando’s theme park and convention corridor. The property offers event and meeting space for groups of 10 to 175 guests. Planners can work with three separate rooms, with a total combined meeting space of 2,710 square feet. There's also additional prefunction space. Elsewhere on property, guests can enjoy free continental breakfasts, self-parking, and a rooftop pool, sun deck, and fitness center with panoramic views of the Orlando skyline. Guests also have access to complimentary shuttle service to Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World.

Located in Tampa's Westshore district, the all-suite Residence Inn Tampa Westshore/Airport completed a multimillion-dollar renovation in April. The transformation spans the entire 160-room property, including redesigned guest suites, updated public areas, refreshed meetings and events spaces, new landscaping, and the addition of an outdoor game lawn. The hotel offers 670 square feet of event space, ideal for executive meetings, team-building sessions, or client presentations. With updated tech and modern design, the spaces can host groups of up to 30. The hotel’s poolside and outdoor areas are also options for larger corporate and social gatherings.

Over in St. Petersburg, beachfront property SkyBeach Resort unveiled upgrades and additions in April. The historic boutique hotel has transformed its lobby and indoor event center, as well as opened a Paradeco Coffee Roasters location on property. Later this year, the hotel will also welcome a new upscale restaurant, SouthSeas Tapas. Inspired by the serene hues of the Gulf and sky, the new lobby features soft, neutral tones, plus warm wood finishes and rich textures. The SkyBeach Event Center, meanwhile, is a 6,260-square-foot coastal-inspired venue ideal for a wide range of occasions. Guests can access the event center from the main lobby or via an exterior entrance in front of the resort. The space features a 544-square-foot lobby, which can be used for registration or check-in purposes; the 4,228-square-foot Grand Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 250 guests; and Coral Cove, the second-largest room offering a more intimate setting. The Grand Ballroom comprises three smaller rooms—Banyan Tree, Royal Palm, and Ocean Breeze—which can be used individually.

Fully opened in March, Villatel Orlando Resort is a colorful, sprawling resort in Orlando perfect for corporate groups. With spacious accommodations for the whole team (villas sleep up to 26 people) and state-of-the-art amenities for team bonding—like game rooms and pickleball courts—this 80-acre resort offers an ideal group stay in Orlando. The Orange County Convention Center is also just minutes away. Newly opened amenities include a pool, waterplay slides, a lazy river, the aforementioned sports courts, a golf simulator, a clubhouse, and a pool deck.