Meetings & Conventions

The Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau is dedicated to giving you complete meeting planning assistance for your next retreat, board of directors meeting, training session, conference and reunion.

Location, Location, Location

Located in the geographic center of Florida, Central Florida’s Polk County offers a relaxing locale where your delegates can get down to business. Situated directly between Orlando and Tampa, Polk County is easily accessible from two major international airports and also has commercial airline service into Lakeland Linder Regional Airport via Direct Air.

With over 300,000 square feet of meeting space, 6,500 hotel rooms and 8,000 vacation homes, Central Florida’s Polk County offers the perfect location to chair your next meeting.

Online RFP

The Lakeland Center

The City of Swans, Lakeland is one of the most beautiful, versatile and affordable meeting destinations in Florida. Located just off Interstate 4 between Orlando and Tampa, it is home to the 100,000 square foot Lakeland Center, Central Florida’s entertainment, sports and convention complex. The multi-faceted complex houses a number of venues including the 10,000 seat Jenkins Arena, 2,296 seat Youkey Theater,39,027 square feet of flexible space in Sikes Conference Hall, 28,262 square feet Exhibit Hall and additional meeting rooms.


The Hyatt Place is conveniently located adjacent to The Lakeland Center and there are an additional 2,500 hotel rooms within a five-mile radius. Lakeland features a wide variety of shopping opportunities from unique specialty shops to major shopping malls and flea markets. Lakeland offers a dining experience to fit every taste and budget. View our Calendar of Events and plan to attend a museum exhibition, theater performance, or the symphony.

One of a Kind Locations

Central Florida’s Polk County has many hidden treasures waiting to be discovered for hosting meetings, conventions and corporate functions.


Westgate River Ranch
One such jewel is Westgate River Ranch located 25 miles east of Lake Wales, Florida. This authentic "Dude Ranch”...more


Florida Leadership Training Center
Another jewel is the Florida Leadership Training Center on the shores of Lake Pierce, just 15 miles east of Haines City, Florida....more


Lake Eva Banquet Hall
One-of-a-kind event opportunities can be staged at unique sites and alternative meeting venues, such as opening night receptions...more


Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens is a national historic landmark that opened more than 75 years ago with over 250 acres of scenic gardens...more


Fantasy of Flight
Surround yourself with more than 40 vintage aircraft including the WWII B-26 Marauder, B-24 Liberator and the unstoppable....more


Polk County Historical Museum
The Historical Museum is an extraordinary venue for hosting group functions such as weddings, receptions, meetings...more





To see the meeting facilities on a map click here.

For more information and for meeting and event planning assistance call 800-828-7655 or 863-551-4709.

Complete Facility Listing