Planning an Event in Orlando or Las Vegas?
What Meeting Planners Should Know (and Why the Keynote Sets the Tone)
Over the years, I’ve either keynoted or personally run hundreds of events in both Orlando and Las Vegas. That experience has given me a front-row seat to what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to creating high-impact gatherings in these two unique cities. What follows isn’t theory; it’s the practical insight I’ve seen play out time and again, and I think it can help you as you plan your own program.
Orlando and Las Vegas remain two of the most popular destinations in the U.S. for conferences, association meetings, annual sales events, and large-scale corporate gatherings. With world-class convention centers, endless hotel options, and a steady calendar of events year-round, both cities offer incredible opportunities — and unique challenges — for planners aiming to deliver a memorable, high-impact experience.
1. Best Times to Book in Orlando and Las Vegas
From my own experience, timing can make or break an event.
Orlando
- Fall (September–November) and Spring (March–May) are peak seasons — I’ve seen hotels fill up fast during these months.
- Summer brings more availability and better pricing, but I’ve watched attendees struggle with the heat and crowds.
- Theme park events can completely change the hotel landscape — I always advise planners to check city-wide calendars before finalizing dates.
Las Vegas
- January–May and September–October are the busiest months — I’ve been booked during CES weeks where hotel rates skyrocketed.
- Large trade shows like CES or NFR can overwhelm the city; I’ve learned to avoid competing weeks whenever possible.
- Summer (June–August) often gives planners more leverage — I’ve seen contracts negotiated more favorably thanks to the heat.
Pro Tip: In both cities, I’ve found that booking 12–18 months ahead consistently secures better room blocks, meeting space, and contract flexibility.
2. Strategies for Driving Attendance
I’ve seen firsthand how attendee behavior shifts depending on the city.
Orlando
- Families often come along — I’ve worked with planners who offered evening events or park partnerships, and attendance soared.
- Transportation between venues can be tricky — I’ve watched schedules fall apart without buffer time.
- Sessions need energy — I’ve learned that audiences coming from theme parks or trade show floors respond best to lively, engaging content.
Las Vegas
- Morning sessions before 9:00 AM rarely work — I’ve seen rooms half-empty when planners ignored the nightlife factor.
- Large resorts can be confusing — I’ve personally navigated venues where attendees struggled to find breakout rooms.
- Breakouts thrive when they’re short and interactive — I’ve seen Vegas crowds light up when sessions are dynamic and high-energy.
3. Why the Keynote Matters Even More Here
In both cities, distractions are everywhere. I’ve watched attendees pulled in a dozen directions — entertainment, attractions, competing sessions. That’s why I believe the keynote is the anchor.
A strong keynote sets the tone by:
- Creating alignment and energy right from the start — I’ve seen audiences shift from scattered to focused in minutes.
- Providing clarity in packed schedules — I’ve watched keynotes cut through the noise and give direction.
- Delivering tools attendees can use immediately — I’ve seen people walk out ready to apply what they learned.
- Creating a shared experience — I’ve watched rooms transform when everyone connects around a single message.
4. Why Planners Turn to Dr. Dennis Cummins
I’ve been invited back to Orlando and Las Vegas events time and again because organizers know I bring:
- Storytelling that connects — I’ve seen audiences lean in when the message feels personal.
- Practical communication and leadership strategies — I’ve watched teams leave with tools they can use the next day.
- Experience across sales, leadership, and organizational performance — I’ve worked with industries from tech to healthcare.
- A presentation style that holds attention — I’ve learned how to keep focus even in high-energy environments.
- A proven track record — I’ve seen diverse audiences respond, whether it’s 200 people or 2,000.
My sessions help attendees rethink how they communicate, lead, and perform — and I’ve seen the impact last long after the event ends.
5. Let’s Connect
If you’re planning an event in Orlando or Las Vegas and want to talk through ideas, I’d be glad to share what I’ve learned from running and keynoting hundreds of programs in these cities. Feel free to reach out directly — sometimes a quick conversation can save weeks of planning.
6. Planning Ahead
Dedicated Orlando and Las Vegas event pages are coming soon, but you can already explore keynote topics or check availability here.
