MEGACON Attracts 100K Fans to OCCC
The Orange County Convention Center hosted MEGACON Orlando — the largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming event in the Southeast — last week, attracting more than 100,000 fans. Featuring 300,000 square feet of exhibit space, the four-day event allowed fans to celebrate all things pop culture, whether it was an autograph or a photo with their favorite characters or getting the inside scoop about movies and TV shows. MEGACON will return to Orlando in May 2019.
PUBLICITY
Super Coverage of Superhero Offerings
Visit Orlando's public relations team found success with a media pitch showcasing the top experiences for superhero fans in Orlando. The resulting coverage in domestic, Canadian and Mexican news outlets included articles on USA Today's 10Best.com, ElBlogdeYes.com, TodaysParent.com, MSN.ca and ThrillGeek.com . Among the featured experiences are MegaCon Orlando, The Orlando Science Center's "Hall of Heroes" exhibit and the new DC heroes coming to Madame Tussauds.
PUBLICITY
Orlando: 'Golden Age' of Theme Parks
Visit Orlando's public relations team recently secured a second article in the Associated Press on new openings at the theme parks. "Nowhere are new thrills more abundant than in Orlando," says AP journalist Mike Schneider, heralding "even bigger blockbusters slated for next year." The article has been syndicated to 183 publications so far.
TRAVEL INDUSTRY
Inaugural Brazilian Ambassador Training
Visit Orlando hosted its first nine-day, in-depth ambassador training program, providing Brazilian travel agents with the knowledge and tools to sell our destination. Agents, now deemed Visit Orlando Ambassadors, experienced the destination's unique dining offerings, outdoor adventures, distinctive hotels and resorts, attractions and more. Participating companies included: Azul Viagens, Flytour MMT Viagens, HotelDo, LATAM Travel, RCA, Suncoast and VouPra.com.
PUBLICITY
Forward Looking: USA Today Eats
Visit Orlando's public relations team secured future coverage in USA Today Eats with a story on 10 bites in Orlando under $10. Highlighting the destination's affordable and authentic local dining options, the piece is expected to go live in the next quarter.
MEMBERSHIP
Aguel & Team Support DoubleTree Unveiling
President & CEO George Aguel, along with Visit Orlando's convention sales team, attended an unveiling of the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld's expansion and renovation. The multimillion-dollar property makeover now features more than 100,000 square feet of flexible space and banquet facilities for indoor and outdoor events.
M&C
Helping Bring Future Business to Orlando
The convention sales team, along with several Visit Orlando members, hosted a destination orientation this month for 13 meeting planners representing corporate, association and specialty groups. The meetings they represent could bring thousands of new attendees to our Orlando area hotels, restaurants and attractions.
M&C
Promoting Orlando to Planners in Boston
Visit Orlando conducted a successful sales mission in Boston May 9-10, providing members the opportunity to network with key clients, share what's new in Orlando and answer questions regarding our destination's offerings. In addition, meeting with new prospects helped increase destination awareness and opportunity for future business.
