Experience Kissimmee

Experience Kissimmee proudly celebrates its 10th anniversary, reflecting on a decade of remarkable achievements while remaining true to its core values. Over the past ten years, the organization’s commitment to promoting Osceola County as a premier destination has fueled significant growth and development. Highlights include: - Since 2014, visitation has grown by an astounding 70% to over 10.4 million visitors in 2024. - Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections have doubled, reaching $81.6 million in 2023. - International representation has expanded from three countries in 2014 to 17 in 2024. - The brand’s unaided awareness increased from 2% in 2014 to 30% in 2024. - The Kissimmee Sports Commission has increased room nights from 90,000 in 2015 to more than 450,000 in 2024. - The Meetings Team has increased lead volume from 2015 to 2024, with contracted room nights increasing from 162,229 in 2015 to 370,709 in 2024. - Strategic Partnerships include NFL UK, Jacksonville Jaguars, Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, AdventHealth, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Major League Baseball (MLB), Osceola Magic, NBA G League and Rangers Football Club. Click the article below to read the full press release. #MyKissimmee #GetBold #10Years

We recently hosted our international and domestic agencies for a week filled with fun, collaboration, and innovation. Each agency had the opportunity to brainstorm with their departments, addressing last year's challenges and seizing new opportunities for the upcoming year. Highlights included: - Experience Kissimmee Research and Data Team: Presented valuable insights on visitation and seasonality. - SMARInsights: Shared an enlightening EK brand study from a nationwide survey. - Miles Partnership: Discussed media usage from an advertising standpoint and best practices. - Development Counsellors International: Led a thought-provoking discussion on PR trends and introduced us to the Barcelona Principles. - Soda & Lime: Stole the show with the "Destination Dating Game," a creative group activity that tested our knowledge of the destination and ability to think quickly on our feet. Of course, we believe in working hard and playing hard! Our team-building activities included a thrilling trip to Universal Orlando Resort's Halloween Horror Nights, offering a unique experience like no other. #AgencySummit #TeamBuilding #Innovation #Collaboration #DMO #MyKissimmee

Our Meeting Sales & Services team recently returned from IMEX America 2024, the events industry’s largest trade show. Held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, the event had a record attendance of 15,500 visitors, including 4,300 hosted buyers. The team was excited to have their own booth this year to conduct one-on-one appointments with over 50 meeting organizers, including many new contacts. Here are just a few highlights: · Attended the SITE NITE North America kickoff event at Topgolf – the perfect space for networking! · Connected with our many Kissimmee hotel partners also in attendance! Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Melia Orlando Celebration Hotel, and Margaritaville Resort Orlando · Received 17 RFP’s for 50,000+ potential room nights for Kissimmee for 2025-2029 · Learned more about key industry topics: Sustainability practices, diversity and inclusivity, AI education, and wellness. Thank you to B-for for our wonderful booth design! #IMEX2024 #MyKissimmee

Our Media Relations team recently took the stage at our latest Level Up event, showcasing their incredible work and the immense value they bring to our organization. From crafting compelling stories to hosting media and pitching ideas, they ensure Kissimmee remains top of mind nationally and internationally. The two Level Up sessions were filled with examples, metrics and knowledge, providing an opportunity to educate our partners on the importance of hosting media and how to measure success in earned editorial press. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the success of this event! #LevelUp #MediaRelations #MyKissimmee

Last Thursday, we had the honor of celebrating a decade of excellence at Experience Kissimmee's 10-Year Anniversary Gala, and what a night it was! The event was full of glitz and glamour, and it was wonderful to celebrate the incredible progress of Osceola County over the past decade. We are thrilled by the growth of this vibrant community and eagerly anticipate what the future holds for Central Florida. A heartfelt thank you to: - Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center for hosting us and creating a truly magnificent atmosphere. - Our Sponsors: Title Sponsor - AdventHealth, Reception Sponsor - GODWIN'S GATORLAND, INC, Wine Sponsor - Miles Partnership, Presenting Sponsor - Magic Companies Group - And to all our other sponsors – we couldn't have done this without you. - Our international and domestic agencies for attending this event and all your hard work. And to our more than 1,000 partners, thank you for putting your trust in our organization and supporting our mission to promote this beautiful destination to the world. Here's to many more years of success and growth together! #MyKissimmee #10Years #Partnerships #Thankyou

The Experience Kissimmee Public Relations team recently partnered with VISIT FLORIDA for two significant media missions this month. The first mission took place in the vibrant cities of Montreal and Toronto, Canada, followed by an engaging journey to Boston and Chicago in the United States. Collaborating with other Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) across the state, we had the opportunity to promote the beautiful state of Florida. From entertaining cooking classes to the unique experience of puppy yoga and celebrating our locally-owned brewery - Celebration Brewing, we participated in a variety of activities. We had the pleasure of meeting with journalists and content creators in these dynamic settings, sharing all the wonderful things Kissimmee has to offer travelers. We extend our gratitude to everyone involved for making these missions a success. We look forward to more exciting collaborations in the future. #MyKissimmee #GetBold #Tourism #Traveltourism #PublicRelations

Our graphic design team had the chance to innovate and ideate, all while feeling inspired at the HOW Design Live Conference in Denver, Colorado. Grant Toranzo and Lois Kamandulis delved into sessions with some amazing leaders within the design field, covering topics from AI to design data to turning creative sparks into visions the whole company can rally behind. Thank you to HOW Design Live for hosting an incredible event and welcoming so many of us from across the country! Here’s to more powerful design, empowered designers and stronger communities! #MyKissimmee #Getbold #GraphicDesigners #CreativeSpark

As Hispanic Heritage Month approaches, we are excited to present the final episode of ¡Vámonos a Kissimmee! Season 2. This season has been a remarkable journey, showcasing Kissimmee's vibrant culture and incredible stories through the eyes of the Hispanic talent and voices featured in the show. In our last episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Colombian YouTuber and streamer Juan Guarnizo, along with his family and friends. Their adventure in Kissimmee was filled with unforgettable moments and joy. We also extend our thanks to all the other talents who joined us this season: Bárbara Bermudo, Puerto Rican journalist; Hirving "Chucky" Lozano, professional Mexican soccer player; and Marjorie de Sousa, Venezuelan actress. Join us in celebrating this grand finale by watching Juan Guarnizo's episode and reliving the magic of Kissimmee. Watch the video here: https://lnkd.in/eeXhQ_Jp #HispanicHeritageMonth #VamonosAKissimmee #ExperienceKissimmee

This month, Experience Kissimmee will begin working with two agencies from around the globe. In Brazil, we're excited to announce that Imaginadora Brasil, who appointed Dinah P., will spearhead all trade strategies for the destination as an experienced professional in promoting destinations and tourism products. Additionally, we’re thrilled to announce Tricia Henson Consulting, Inc. as the new international sales representative for Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands. With over 20 years of expertise in travel and tourism, Tricia Henson Consulting, along with in-market representative Rukhsana Timmis, will help us boost awareness and visitation to Osceola County among Northern European travelers. Join us in welcoming IMAGINADORA and Tricia Henson Consulting, Inc. to the Experience Kissimmee family! #MyKissimme #GetBold

During September, the Experience Kissimmee Meetings Team didn’t slow down, attending industry events and site visits and participating in professional development to enhance our selling skills: - September 6 – Adrianna Sekula and Jo Newell with DROP THE MIC Coaching spent the morning with us to share valuable tips to improve our public speaking and networking skills. - September 4-19 – The team traveled to Houston, TX, for the HPN24 Conference hosted by Hospitality Performance Network. We met with 28 associates during appointments, networking and at our Destination Showcase booth. HPN is one of our top-producing sources of meetings. - September 18 - EK sponsored FSAE (Florida Society of Association Executives) Executive Series Luncheon in Tallahassee for 43 participants. Embassy Suites by Hilton™ Orlando Lake Buena Vista South Lake Buena Vista South and Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center joined us to share what makes Kissimmee the ideal meetings destination for Florida associations. We demonstrated our commitment to sustainability by providing centerpieces of greenery, home-grown by the host hotel’s event planner for attendees to take home. Kissimmee-scented candles, lip balms and car diffusers crafted by @Travelers Apothecary were a big hit! Throughout the month, the Meetings Team attended 15 Partner Site Visits and 1 Client Site Visit and hosted a virtual Partner Spotlight session with 2 Meeting Services partners: AV-AMERICA. Looking ahead to October: - October 7-10 - IMEX America in Las Vegas - October 14-17 - MME Experience 2024 hosted by Meetings Made Easy in Denver, CO - October 22 - MPI Orlando/PCMA Southeast Education and Networking Event in Orlando #MyKissimmee #GetBold