Destination News: New Offerings from Visit Milwaukee, Orlando, Anaheim, and Ottawa TourismDestination News: New Offerings from Visit Milwaukee, Orlando, Anaheim, and Ottawa Tourism
Four major destination marketing organizations—Visit Milwaukee, Visit Orlando, Visit Anaheim, and Ottawa Tourism—have announced significant updates including new accessibility resources, an expanded culinary program, a venue contract extension, and a comprehensive sustainability guide.
August 26, 2025
So far this summer, four leading destination marketing organizations have announced major updates, strategic enhancements, and new offerings to enhance visitor experiences and community impact.
Visit Milwaukee Launches New Digital Accessibility Resources
Visit Milwaukee unveiled two new digital tools on its website designed to make the city more inclusive and navigable for travelers of all abilities: a dedicated accessibility hub and adaptive events calendar.
Launched to coincide with Disability Pride Month and the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and developed in partnership with more than 100 local businesses, attractions, and venues, the new platform provides easily searchable, transparent information about accessible amenities and inclusive experiences across Milwaukee.
“We believe every traveler deserves to experience the energy, culture, and hospitality that make Milwaukee special,” said Peggy Williams-Smith, president and CEO of Visit Milwaukee. “The accessibility hub and adaptive events calendar are not only about better digital tools, they [also] reflect our deeper promise to welcome everyone to our city.”
The accessibility hub features curated itineraries, sensory-friendly attractions, partner-submitted information, and educational blog content highlighting inclusive travel experiences, while the adaptive events calendar showcases events offering accommodations such as ASL interpretation, sensory accommodations, and tactile experiences. Site visitors can filter listings across the platform by specific accessibility criteria including wheelchair access and sensory-friendly environments.
Photo courtesy of Visit Milwaukee
These digital enhancements complement Visit Milwaukee’s recent participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative, which helps individuals with non-visible disabilities signal their need for additional support while visiting Milwaukee. Visitors can obtain complimentary sunflower lanyards at Visit Milwaukee’s downtown office, visitor centers at Baird Center, and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the CVB to position Milwaukee as a leading inclusive destination in the Midwest, which included sponsoring the recent ADA Day at Independence First on July 31, as well as social influencer campaigns, and a fall partner toolkit to help businesses highlight their accessibility offerings.
“Whether you’re a caregiver planning a family getaway, a traveler with specific accessibility needs, or an event planner seeking inclusive venues, our new digital resources make it easier than ever to explore Milwaukee,” Williams-Smith added. “Our hope is that this project not only brings in new visitors but also deepens our local commitment to creating a city that truly welcomes everyone.”
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Program Celebrates Two Decades with Record Participation
Meeting and convention guests attending events in Orlando mid-August through September can experience the destination’s thriving culinary scene while giving back during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining annual culinary program, which showcases Orlando’s diverse restaurant scene while supporting local charities.
Presented by Orlando Health, Visit Orlando’s official Health & Wellness Partner, the six-week program is marking its 20th anniversary this year with a record-breaking 160+ participating restaurants, all offering three-course, prix-fixe menus priced at $40 or $60 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
This milestone year features 24 new restaurant additions and 15 MICHELIN Guide-recognized establishments, and many venues will be offering a special 20th Anniversary Dish to commemorate the occasion.
“For 20 years, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining has been a cornerstone program supporting both our restaurant community and local nonprofits,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “With a record-breaking number of restaurants participating this year, we’re proud to see the community come together again to continue this legacy of impact.”
Since 2009, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining has raised nearly $3 million for local organizations, and in 2024, the program donated $352,218 to charities making sustainable efforts throughout Central Florida.
This year’s program continues its tradition of giving back, with $1 from each $40 meal and $2 from each $60 meal benefiting the REED Charitable Foundation, which focuses on early childhood literacy and development. Visit Orlando will also award $3,000 donations to local nonprofits in each of Orange County’s six commission districts to support the expansion of educator training programs.
Also returning this year is the popular Magical Nights component, offering exclusive hotel deals and arts-and-culture pairings at more than a dozen properties, including Lake Nona Wave Hotel, Orlando World Center Marriott, Caribe Royale Orlando, Mission Resort + Club, Rosen Plaza, Rosen Shingle Creek and more.
NAMM Show Extends Anaheim Convention Center Agreement Through 2030
Visit Anaheim announced that National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) will continue hosting its flagship trade show at the Anaheim Convention Center through 2030. The extension comes as NAMM approaches significant milestones in 2026—its 125th anniversary as an organization and 50th year holding The NAMM Show in Anaheim.
To commemorate this partnership, Visit Anaheim and the City of Anaheim presented NAMM with an official proclamation on July 29 recognizing the organization’s substantial contributions to the city’s culture, economy, and community.
Photo courtesy of Visit Anaheim
“For five decades, NAMM has helped shape Anaheim’s identity as a gathering place for music, creativity, and connection,” said Mike Waterman, president and CEO of Visit Anaheim. “This renewed commitment through 2030 reflects the strength of our partnership and the shared value we bring to the city, the industry, and the community.”
The annual event provides significant economic benefits to hundreds of local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and small businesses that have served NAMM attendees for five decades.
A special musical celebration at the Anaheim Convention Center Grand Plaza honored NAMM's 50-year relationship with the city of Anaheim and the extension of their agreement through 2030. Photo courtesy of Visit Anaheim.
“The contract extension through 2030 demonstrates The NAMM Show's strength and resiliency as the largest global music products trade show, with Anaheim, California in January being the global destination for visitors from over 125 countries,” said John Mlynczak, president and CEO of NAMM.
Mlynczak added that the 2026 show will celebrate NAMM's dual anniversaries while continuing to offer immersive brand experiences, product showcases, and education that will drive the organization forward for the next 125 years.
Ottawa Tourism Releases Comprehensive Responsible Events Guide
Ottawa Tourism launched its Responsible Events Guide, a comprehensive and practical resource created to help event planners make sustainable, inclusive, and community-minded choices when hosting events in Canada’s capital.
Developed as part of Ottawa Tourism’s commitment to sustainability and its Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge, the guide is geared to inspire and empower organizers at all stages of their sustainability journey.
Photo courtesy of Ottawa Tourism
Key features include:
An easy-to-use Planning Decision Tree to identify impactful changes throughout the event lifecycle, helping planners eliminate unnecessary waste, rethink materials, and explore local legacy opportunities
Sustainable Menu Planning guidance on incorporating plant-based options, sourcing local and seasonal ingredients, and strategies to minimize food waste
Details on the destination’s À la Carte Food Recovery Program––Canada’s first destination-led food recovery initiative––allowing planners to host events at food recovery partner venues or donate a symbolic “fourth course” to organizations addressing food insecurity
Accessibility Recommendations to help create more inclusive experiences, including accommodation request processes, sharing accessibility details in advance, and forming partnerships with local accessibility organizations
Connections to local social impact programs, such as hosting Indigenous Markets to support Indigenous creators and businesses or contributing to community tree-planting and educational initiatives through Forêt Capitale Forest. Customizable impact partnerships can also be arranged through local nonprofits.
Ideas for waste reduction through circular practices, such as letting delegates opt out of receiving swag, using Ottawa’s “Lend-a-Lanyard” program, prioritizing recyclable signage or digital alternatives, and sustainable trade show guidelines
Design ideas for lower-impact special events, such as replacing cut flowers with donatable live plants, choosing upcycled furniture from local suppliers, and integrating sustainability stories into centerpieces and décor.
A Donations Directory and Group Volunteer Options that help planners connect with a variety of local charities and community organizations for team volunteer activities
Sustainability Storytelling Strategies to effectively communicate initiatives before, during, and after events. From “know-before-you-go” emailers and on-site signage to post-event recaps, the guide helps organizers embed authenticity and transparency into their messaging.
According to Ottawa Tourism officials, the new Responsible Events Guide provides flexible entry points, actionable tips, and local inspiration to help planners at every sustainability experience level create events with positive impact.
“This guide reflects Ottawa’s dedication to creating meaningful change within the meetings and events industry,” said Lesley Pincombe, Ottawa Tourism vice president, business and major events. “By offering tangible tools and local partnerships, we aim to make it easier for planners to align their events with sustainable values and leave a positive legacy in our city.”
“This guide reflects Ottawa’s dedication to creating meaningful change within the meetings and events industry,” said Lesley Pincombe, Ottawa Tourism vice president, business and major events. “By offering tangible tools and local partnerships, we aim to make it easier for planners to align their events with sustainable values and leave a positive legacy in our city.”
