Florida Re-Opening: List of Rescheduled Events
Hundreds of sporting events, conferences, and other events worldwide have been cancelled, postponed, or transformed into “digital-only” affairs as coronavirus continues its global spread.
To date, more than 83 million attendees have been forced to change their plan, according to Forbes Magazine.
So what does that mean for Florida? Tourism, including special events, conventions, and festivals account for among the largest portions of the state’s revenue.
Florida's Gov. Ron Desantis recently announced his Safe. Steady. Step-by-Step plan, which meant restaurants and retail could open within restrictions. Those rules apply to beaches as well. Many beaches across the state have begun re-opening. See a County by County breakdown of which beaches are open.
Starting May 4, Florida State Parks will reopen select parks and trails for restricted recreational use.
Large players like Disney and Busch Gardens have not opened yet, but have revealed early stages of their plans based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to once again open.
So what about other large events that had to be rescheduled because of COVID-19.
Orlando Area
The Orange County Convention Center recently published updates regarding their planned events. More than two dozen shows scheduled at the convention center were canceled. More than 20 were rescheduled. Among the most anticipated is the World Ballet Competition 2020. This event draws thousands from the dancing world and had been scheduled for mid-June. It is now rescheduled for August 30-31, 2020. Stay near the OCCC at the Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando Intl Drive N.
Fans of financial guru Dave Ramsey can rejoice. Ramsey’s Smart Conference has now been rescheduled for August 15 at the Addition Arena in Orlando. The event had previously been scheduled for early April. Our hotel near UCF and Addition Arena is great for fans.
The Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando announced recently that An Evening with Neil deGrasse Tyson would be rescheduled for February 3, 2021. Stay at a top-rated Downtown Orlando hotel.
Miami
Known for a lively season of festivals, events and concerts - the Miami area has taken a hit due to the COVID-19.
The 2020 World Perfumery Congress known for its annual convention has decided to reschedule the event from June to December 15-17, 2020. This global event attracts thousands of people in the fragrance industry.
Speaking of sweet fragrances. The 2020 International Floriculture Expo has been rescheduled to September 15-17, 2020. Scheduled to be held at the Miami Convention Center, this event was slated for summer. The expo is the largest floral B2B trade show in North America.
Miami is known for its music scene. While the highly anticipated Ultra Music Festival has been canceled, the Rolling Loud festival is still taking place. The 3-day rap festival was rescheduled from May to February 12-14, 2021. The same lineup is planned.
A great hotel option is the Home2 Suites by Hilton Miramar Ft. Lauderdale a short driving distance and one of the closest hotels to Hard Rock Stadium.
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Pride events took a hit due to the pandemic. Both St. Pete Pride and Tampa Pride, which attract hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, have had to reschedule their events. St. Pete Pride Parade: LGBTQ pride festival was originally set for late June. It will now be held in the fall. Tampa Pride originally planned for March 28 in historic Ybor City will now be held on May 30.
Accommodation options near Tampa include the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Trinity and the Fairfield Inn & Suites Tampa Riverview.