CHICAGO — 2005 was a historic year in many ways.
Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. Pope John Paul II died and was succeeded by Pope Benedict XVI.
It was a year of “firsts.” Google Maps was launched, and YouTube founders uploaded the first video on the sharing platform.
And it was a year of “lasts,” as USB flash drives overtook floppy disks as the standard for saving and sharing data. It was also the last time The Clean Show took place in the popular Florida destination of Orlando.
North America’s largest textile care industry trade show returns there on Aug. 23-26 at the Orange County Convention Center.
“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 Inc. based in Atlanta.
“As a global tourism and hospitality hub, the region consistently generates high demand for commercial laundry, linen rental, and textile care services across hotels, resorts, and theme parks.
“The city is also a major port of access for the cruise industry, a sector with growing demand for hygienic and sustainable textile care solutions. Additionally, Orlando supports a robust institutional laundry sector through its large healthcare networks and senior care facilities.”
Essentially, the city is a hub for textile care operations and jaw-dropping entertainment, the latter of which attendees and exhibitors can enjoy when they’re not on the trade show floor.
“What makes Orlando a unique destination for trade shows is the ease in which planners can create well-attended and productive trade shows of any size,” says Cassandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “We are committed to service, ensuring that our team works closely with planners to make the critical connections within our destination.
“And, we have all of the facilities and amenities trade show planners are looking for, from large meeting spaces to special venues to a wide range of hotel rooms, 59 Michelin-recognized restaurants, and some of the best entertainment in the world.”
Read on for just a small sample of what you can see, do and eat when you’re not engaged in textile care business on the trade show floor during Clean ’25.
MORE TO SEE AND DO
In May, Orlando opened its first new theme park in 25 years, Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth park, Universal Epic Universe.
“I think everybody’s watched the news, and they recently debuted a brand-new amusement area, Universal Epic Universe, which is relatively close to the convention center,” Jira points out. “So, if you aren’t at The Clean Show, I’d probably figure out a way to get to Epic.”
Matej says this expansive park offers another large-scale, off-site venue as it features more than 50 attractions across five immersive worlds, such as Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon-Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.
“Orlando is nothing but bigger than it used to be. We have worked with the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau, and we have arranged a special discounted rate evening pass to Disney, and I believe Universal,” says Jira.
“I’m a little bit of a thrill-roller-coaster guy. I grew up in Ohio, right next to the greatest thrill-ride amusement park ever called Cedar Point. I love the Incredible Hulk coaster at Universal. It’s not the craziest or fastest, but I love that ride. And I went on the (Jurassic World) VelociCoaster last year.”
Beyond the new park at Universal, Matej says Orlando is filled with offsite experience opportunities for trade show attendees to include in their agendas.
“From the magic of Walt Disney World® Resort to aquatic wonderlands at SeaWorld® Orlando, and the endless excitement of Universal Orlando Resort, our world-famous theme parks provide distinct group experiences and also make Orlando the perfect destination for attendees to bring their families and extend their stay,” she says.
The popular Blue Man Group returned to Orlando this year with a new residency show featuring its signature mix of art, live music, comedy and non-verbal storytelling, shares Matej. The multisensory performance takes place in a custom-built 578-seat theater located beneath the towering 400-foot Orlando Eye, the centerpiece of ICON Park’s entrance.
Beyond the theme parks and entertainment venues, Matej says that Orlando’s lakes, natural springs and bike trails present a perfect backdrop for attendees looking to go from the trade show floor to the great outdoors.
“Airboat rides — including Boggy Creek Airboat adventures, Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides and Wild Florida — plus kayaking, fishing and swimming with manatees are just a few of the choices for outdoor experiences,” she shares. “(Attendees) can tackle a challenging zip-line obstacle course at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park and Screamin’ Gator Zip Line at Gatorland.”
Orlando is also home to a mix of contemporary and traditional art and culture venues where show attendees can take in a hit Broadway show at the Dr. Phillips Center or check out engaging exhibits and collections at Rollins Museum of Art, Orlando Museum of Art and the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts.
Click HERE to read part 1 with travel suggestions from an Orlando local. Check back Thursday, July 17, for information on dining/nightlife, hidden gems and getting around Orlando.
For more Orlando travel information, visit https://www.visitorlando.com.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].
