CHICAGO — After an extra year off to get back into sync with global trade show scheduling, The Clean Show returns to one of America’s premier destinations when it takes place at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida, on August 23-26.
“Orlando offers a uniquely strong alignment with the textile services industry, making it an ideal host city for Clean 2025,” says Greg Jira, group show director for Messe Frankfurt, which organizes the event. “It’s a destination city able to accommodate our show’s needs and offers some extra incentives after the show that other cities do not have.”
While dry cleaners, suppliers, manufacturers and other industry professionals will be in “The City Beautiful” to see the latest technology, learn from each other and network with their peers, many attendees will still have — or will make — time to visit Orlando and experience some of what the dynamic city has to offer.
To help you navigate what has been named the country’s top meeting destination by meeting and event tech provider Cvent for the 10th consecutive year, we’ve compiled a guide to attractions, restaurants, entertainment venues and other stops you won’t want to miss, along with tips for getting around the Theme Park Capital of the World.
Getting to — and Around — Orlando
The OCCC will host The Clean Show in the heart of Orlando’s Convention District. This central location puts the event near many hotels, world-famous attractions and dining destinations, making it a great launching point for sightseeing adventures during free time.
Since Orlando International Airport (MCO) consistently ranks among the nation’s busiest airports, there will be plenty of flights to choose from. Major airlines serving Orlando include Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, American, United, Spirit, Frontier, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa, among others. The airport sits approximately 14 miles from the OCCC and the many hotels in the Convention District.
Once you arrive, car rental options are plentiful at MCO. Companies operating from the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, SIXT and Thrifty. The airport’s consolidated rental car facility makes pick up straightforward, and there are additional off-airport locations throughout the Orlando area for those making different arrangements.
For attendees who would rather leave the driving to others, Orlando offers numerous transportation choices. The city has an extensive taxi fleet, providing reliable service with flat-rate pricing from the airport to most destinations. Ride-sharing services, including Uber, Lyft and iRYDE, also operate throughout the metro area, with pickup zones marked at the airport. For groups wanting premium service, companies like Blacklane and Executive Transportation offer luxury vehicle options.
The city’s Lynx bus system connects various parts of Orlando, and the I-Drive Trolley provides service along International Drive, connecting many hotels, restaurants and attractions in the Convention District area.
The Clean Show will operate a complimentary shuttle bus program for attendees on show days, with multiple pickup service every 15 to 20 minutes in the morning from participating hotels to the OCCC and in the afternoon from the OCCC back to the hotels. A downloadable PDF is available on the Planning and Preparations page on the Clean Show’s website.
A weather heads-up for your Orlando visit: Summer in Central Florida means warm temperatures and often afternoon thunderstorms. Expect highs in the low 90s and humidity that makes it feel even warmer. Pack accordingly for outdoor excursions. As Clean Show organizers recommend, stay hydrated — the combination of heat, humidity and walking between air-conditioned spaces can be more draining than expected.
Neighborhood Discoveries
Orlando’s diverse neighborhoods each offer their own character and attractions, providing visitors with authentic local experiences beyond the OCCC.
International Drive Entertainment District — The I-Drive corridor houses many hotels, restaurants and attractions within the Convention District. The ICON Park complex features the 400-foot Orlando Eye observation wheel, plus dining, shopping and entertainment options.
Mills 50 — This district has earned recognition for its diverse dining scene, with several Michelin-recognized restaurants calling the area home. The neighborhood features everything from Vietnamese and Korean establishments to Ethiopian cuisine, reflecting Orlando’s multicultural character.
Winter Park — Located near downtown Orlando, Winter Park offers upscale dining and cultural attractions. The area is home to several Michelin-recognized restaurants and provides a more refined atmosphere for those seeking sophisticated experiences.
Downtown Orlando — The city’s urban core continues to evolve with new restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. The Thornton Park neighborhood district welcomed Lorelei Wine Bar earlier this year, offering European wines and shareable plates in an intimate setting with wine storytelling events.
The Downtown Orlando Food & Art Tour showcases the city’s vibrant art scene while sampling fare from top local eateries. For those wanting to cover more ground, trolley tours provide overviews of major attractions and neighborhoods, with hop-on, hop-off convenience.
Local Tips for Clean Show Visitors
Visit Orlando recommends these tips for business travelers:
- Take Advantage of the I-Ride Trolley — Especially useful for visitors staying on or near International Drive.
- Plan for Afternoon Showers — Most summer days bring short rain showers; consider scheduling indoor activities during this time.
- Book Dining in Advance — High-demand restaurants, such as those featured in the Michelin Guide, often require reservations.
Come back Tuesday for Part 2 of this series, where we’ll look at some of the theme park attractions Orlando offers, as well as some budget-friendly ideas.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].
