By Amy Calandrino, Beyond Commercial

This week’s Monday Market Update shines a light on Orlando’s growing reputation as a national leader in convention and event tourism, a beloved local golf course getting a modern upgrade, and a broader national dip in consumer confidence. These headlines come together to show how strategic infrastructure, cultural investments, and macroeconomic perceptions are all working in tandem to shape the future of commercial real estate.

🏙️ Regional Focus: Orlando Doubles Down on Convention Tourism in 2025

Orlando’s already-strong presence as a top convention destination is being supercharged this year through both record-setting convention traffic and a massive capital investment in the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). Together, they position our region to be a leading force in business tourism for years to come.

📈 Convention Traffic Surging in 2025

According to TSNN, Q1 2025 has already brought a record wave of conventions and meetings to the city. Major events include:

  • MAGIC Fashion Trade Show, attracting 50,000 attendees
  • The PGA Show and NAFEM, each bringing tens of thousands more
  • A strong return of corporate and association meetings, including international groups

Visit Orlando projects that 2025 will exceed pre-pandemic convention travel levels, a vital driver of hospitality and retail revenue.

🏗️ Convention Center Expansion Fuels Growth

As reported by the Orlando Business Journal, Orange County is investing in a $560 million expansion to the Orange County Convention Center.

Key elements of the expansion include:

  • Over 600,000 square feet of new space
  • A new concourse to connect the North and South buildings
  • More meeting rooms, ballrooms, and pre-function areas

This marks the largest investment in the convention center since its original construction, underscoring the county’s commitment to hospitality-driven economic growth.

🏢 CRE Implications:

  • Hotel Development Surge: Increased visitor volume justifies additional hotel inventory across various tiers.
  • Retail & Dining Activation: Convention attendees generate steady foot traffic for nearby retail centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
  • Office & Flex Demand: As more companies host events in Orlando, demand rises for local outposts, coworking space, and satellite offices.
  • Long-Term Infrastructure ROI: These investments ensure Orlando remains competitive in the global event marketplace.

For commercial real estate stakeholders, the message is clear: Orlando’s convention economy is accelerating—and real estate will move with it.

⛳ Hyperlocal Highlight: Dubsdread Golf Course Gets a Major Upgrade

The City of Orlando has announced an exciting modernization of the historic Dubsdread Golf Course, one of the city’s oldest and most iconic sports venues.

What’s Being Upgraded:

  • A state-of-the-art driving range with launch monitors and LED lighting
  • A new event lawn and outdoor seating for golfers and guests
  • Enhanced practice facilities and golf instruction technology

Local & CRE Significance:

  • Lifestyle Real Estate Bump: Well-maintained courses help sustain nearby home values and attract relocation buyers.
  • Events & Hospitality Boost: The addition of gathering spaces could draw tournaments, charity events, and corporate outings.
  • Civic Investment as Economic Signal: Orlando’s continued focus on recreational assets makes the city more attractive for both residents and businesses.

Dubsdread isn’t just where I learned to play golf—it’s where countless business relationships have been formed, where deals have been discussed, and where community comes together. This investment keeps the course at the top of its game—and keeps Orlando on the map as a world-class place to live, work, and play.

📰 National Update: Consumer Sentiment Dips as Inflation and Rates Weigh

According to Barron’s, U.S. consumer sentiment fell sharply in early May, reaching its second-lowest level in over a decade.

Reasons for the Drop:

  • Concerns about persistent inflation, especially in essentials like groceries and fuel
  • Ongoing unease about interest rates and borrowing costs
  • Uncertainty around upcoming elections and global economic tensions

CRE Implications:

  • Retail and Restaurant Sensitivity: With consumers more cautious, operators may see a shift in discretionary spending behavior.
  • Residential Leasing Stability: As buying power tightens, multifamily housing demand may remain resilient.
  • Delayed Expansion Plans: Some businesses may adopt a more conservative growth posture until sentiment improves.

While Florida continues to outperform many national metrics, this data reminds us to stay tuned to consumer behavior trends that ripple across all sectors.

Final Thoughts from Amy Calandrino

From the expansion of one of the nation’s most important convention centers to the continued enhancement of our cherished public spaces like Dubsdread—and with an eye on shifting consumer behavior at the national level—it’s clear that Orlando is investing in its future.

These are the types of long-range moves that shape communities and markets alike. If you’re building your CRE strategy for 2025 and beyond, now’s the time to lean in.

Until next week,

Amy Calandrino, CCIM, SIOR
Founder & CEO, Beyond Commercial