Florida Encounter

February 2 - 4, 2026 | Hilton Orlando | Orlando, FL

Florida Encounter 2026 - Tentative Schedule of Events

10:00 am - 12:00 pmLake Sheen

AdventureConnect Networking Event, hosted by the Adventure Travel Trade Association and VISIT FLORIDA

Networking & Activities

Do you have a vested interest or work in Florida's adventure travel industry? If so, you're invited to join your local adventure travel friends and colleagues for a casual AdventureConnect networking event at the start of Florida Huddle.

Enjoy fresh coffee and refreshments while you learn more about the Florida Adventure Travel Network (FATN) and mix and mingle with fellow adventure travel professionals. You do not need to be registered for Florida Huddle or Florida Encounter to attend this free AdventureConnect event, but do need to register here.

10:00 am - 5:00 pmOrlando Ballroom Pre-Function Area

Registration & Information Desk Open

Misc.

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Transportation from MCO to the Hilton Orlando

Transportation

12:00 pm - 5:00 pmOrange Ballroom

Exhibitor Move-In

Move-In and Set-Up

Do you need more time to set-up? Please contact conference staff to make arrangements for early access.

4:00 pm - 5:00 pmLake George

Meeting Smarter in 2026 - Where Demand, Destinations & Tech Collide

Networking & Activities

This session will be a deep dive into the 2026 Future of the Meetings Industry study, exploring meeting planners' perspectives on industry conditions, destination selection criteria and the evolving role of destination marketing organizations (DMOs). The study draws insights from 1,499 meeting planners surveyed in fall 2025, representing a broad cross-section of the industry, including corporate, association, third-party, SMERF and sports planner.

Key themes emerging from the study include:

Strong demand for deeper collaboration between planners and CVBs and DMOs to drive measurable outcomes
Rising interest in second- and third-tier destinations offering cost efficiencies and differentiated experiences
Increased reliance on technology and AI to streamline planning and enhance attendee experiences

Attendees will walk away with a data-backed view of what meeting planners expect in 2026, plus practical ways to strengthen planner–DMO collaboration, position second- and third-tier destinations for consideration, and leverage technology/AI to streamline planning and elevate the attendee experience.

The session is presented by Colleen Phalen, VP of Meetings and Events Strategy, Miles Partnership. Colleen Phalen is an events and marketing executive with decades of experience shaping strategy, building brands, and delivering high-impact programs across the meetings and tourism ecosystem. She’s known for translating big-picture vision into practical action—bringing stakeholders together, elevating attendee experiences, and driving measurable outcomes. Colleen’s passion sits at the intersection of planners and destination organizations, where she helps strengthen alignment and collaboration to create meetings and experiences that move people—and the industry—forward.

6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Live! At the Pointe – Pointe Orlando

Opening Evening Event, hosted by Visit Orlando

Networking & Activities

Join us as Visit Orlando kicks off Florida Huddle and Florida Encounter with an unforgettable Block Party at Live! at The Pointe. Experience the vibrant energy of Orlando with fun entertainment, live music, and a taste of the city’s diverse culinary scene, all in one exciting destination. Enjoy delicious food & drinks, and plenty of surprises as Orlando welcomes the world for an evening of networking and connecting. Immerse yourself as you get a taste of what makes Orlando Unbelievably Real!

Bus transportation will start at 6:15 pm and will loop continuously until 11:15 pm.

9:00 pm - 11:00 pmLive! At the Pointe Orlando

After Hours Networking Event

Networking & Activities

Buses will do continuous loops until 11:15 pm.

Click Here to Register Now