Florida’s draw as “The Sunshine State” brings in plenty of tourists and snowbirds retreating from the cold weather. While these temporary visitors flock to the beaches, theme parks, and their warmer home-away-from-home, some fortunate few are planning on visiting the state to improve their careers through professional conferences in Orlando, Florida.
The medical industry is no exception. There are dozens of conferences sprinkled throughout the United States’ most entertaining cities each year. The allure of entertainment value and relaxation potential makes Orlando, Florida an easy destination choice for organizations planning annual conferences.
Today, we are taking a look at some of the medical conferences heading to Florida throughout the rest of 2026, along with some helpful travel tips for first-time visitors. All dates are accurate as of February 10, 2026. Refer to each Orlando, Florida conference's official website for any updates regarding date or venue changes.
Orlando, Florida Medical Conferences in 2026
- Vision Expo
- Orlando
- March 11 through March 14
- Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
- Tampa
- March 25 through March 28
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
- Orlando
- March 27 through March 29
- National Association of Chain Drug Stores
- Palm Beach
- April 18 through April 21
- American Thoracic Society (ATS)
- Orlando
- May 15 through May 20
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS)
- Miami
- October 29 through October 31
- American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM)
- Orlando
- November 8 through November 11
- Medical Fitness Association
- Orlando
- November 17 through November 20
What to Do In Orlando, Florida, in 2026
There is an abundance of entertainment options in Orlando, Florida. SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios Orlando, and of course, Walt Disney World are all list-leading reasons to plan an Orlando vacation, let alone make it a conference destination. Let's take a quick look at those major attractions to give you an idea of what will work best for your visit.
SeaWorld Orlando
Located right across the freeway from the Orange County Convention Center, SeaWorld Orlando is an excellent option for conference-goers traveling solo or with their family, who have a single day to spend at a theme park. Of the trio listed here, SeaWorld is the cheapest option but still comes with family-friendly attractions like animal encounters, shows, and Sesame Street Land. For thrill-seeking guests, SeaWorld offers a handful of high-speed roller coasters. Since SeaWorld Orlando isn't as popular as Universal or Disney, wait times for rides can be notably shorter.
Universal Studios Florida / Islands of Adventure / Epic Universe
Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe are the three parks tied to the Universal Orlando Resort. This is where you'll want to go if you're a Harry Potter fan, as each of the three parks has its own Wizarding World section. There's Hogwarts/Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure; Diagon Alley at Universal Studios; and Epic Universe combines the Fantastic Beasts' France with The Ministry of Magic. If that makes no sense to you, don't worry, the Universal Studios theme parks also feature thrilling attractions based on other well-known franchises like Transformers, Jurassic Park, Nintendo, and more.
Since each of the three theme parks is packed with shows and rides, plan to pick one and spend the day. There is easily something for everyone at each of the three parks.
Walt Disney World
This is the big one. Most people heading to Orlando on a trip are already considering a visit to one of the four theme parks under the Disney World umbrella. Magic Kingdom (the park with the castle), EPCOT (the park with the giant ball), Animal Kingdom (the park with the giant tree), and Hollywood Studios (the park with the tower) are some of the most visited, family-friendly theme parks in the world. EPCOT, in particular, is an excellent option for adults with an evening to spare, as it offers the opportunity to leisurely stroll through eleven countries' worth of food and drink options scattered around the park's World Showcase lagoon. The other three parks are excellent options for traveling families eager to meet Mickey Mouse, see fun shows, and enjoy iconic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Toy Story Mania, and Expedition Everest.
Other Orlando Attractions
Beyond the three major theme park properties, Orlando has plenty of other, smaller attractions to fill an evening with. ICON Park (featuring the SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madam Tussauds, and the Orlando Eye), Fun Spot Orlando, and more are found throughout the I4 corridor, particularly near International Drive.
Gatorland and LEGO Land are additional nearby options, but not necessarily considered in Orlando.
Orlando Medical Conference Travel Considerations
The conferences listed above all fall within Orlando's typically cooler months, avoiding the hottest months of June through September. Additionally, the conferences listed avoid the bulk of hurricane season (June through November). Hurricanes are typically less common in October and November.
If you’re new to the state, prepare for rain. Apart from the winter months, there’s a good chance it will rain at some point during the day, every day. At the very least, pack an umbrella. A rain poncho or waterproof backpack may also be a good investment, depending on the event's dress code and if you need to bring documents or tech along with you.
If post-conference plans call for a day at the beach or theme park, don’t underestimate the Florida sun. In between the rain, the tropical sun is relentless, and Florida’s central and southern areas may be closer to the equator than travelers are used to. Buy appropriate skin protection and take advantage of any shade you can as you’re out and enjoying the entertainment and relaxation options available.
Public transportation options are limited. Plan to rent a car or a taxi service to take you to and from your destinations. If you're staying at a resort near one of the major theme parks, the resort may offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the attraction.
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