ORLANDO, Fla. — The Clean Show — officially the World Educational Congress for Laundering and Dry Cleaning and North America’s largest textile care industry trade show — returns here in August for the first time in 20 years.
As of today, more than 390 companies from the laundry and drycleaning industry are registered to exhibit their products and services Aug. 23-26 (Saturday through Tuesday) in the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive.
There will be plenty to grab an attendee’s attention on and around the show floor but Orlando — known as “The City Beautiful” — also presents opportunities for after-hours networking, entertainment and just plain fun.
In Part 1 and Part 2, we shared our list of suggested things to see and do while there. In today’s conclusion, we share some hidden gems nearby, plus get into the nuts and bolts of traveling to Orlando and getting around once you’re here.
HIDDEN GEMS
The districts and nearby cities that encompass the Orlando area are filled with marquee options that can be considered hidden gems, says Cassandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.
“The Milkhouse near downtown Orlando offers unique tapas-style bites and house-made signature cocktails,” she shares. “Local farm-to-table dining can be found at Market To Table, a modern American restaurant nestled in the heart of historic downtown Winter Garden (only 30 minutes from downtown Orlando), or Boca in Winter Park, which bases its menu on the local food movement and sources ingredients from nearby farmers and specialty food purveyors wherever possible.”
MAKE YOUR WAY AROUND
Before we explore local transportation options, it’s important to plan for the Orlando weather expected during The Clean Show’s late-August dates. Forecast highs should be in the low to mid-90s and evening lows in the mid-70s.
Staying hydrated in the warm, muggy environment will be important, so be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day. Plan to wear light clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Packing sunscreen and sunglasses is advisable. Brief periods of rain during the afternoons can be expected, so don’t forget to toss in a poncho or umbrella.
Now, there are many transportation choices for getting to Orlando and then making your way around.
“Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers extensive direct air connectivity, with nonstop flights to 169 destinations across 30 countries, including 108 domestic cities within the United States,” says Greg Jira, group show director for Messe Frankfurt Inc., based in Atlanta. “This robust network makes Orlando a highly accessible hub for travelers from various regions, including the Caribbean and Latin America.”
You’ll find taxis, shuttle vans, private car pickups and ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft available at MCO and the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB).
A complimentary shuttle service will be available on Clean Show days to transport attendees from designated hotels to the Convention Center and back. (For hotel shuttle information or ADA transportation, call or text 312-634-6030; request ADA service at least 30 minutes prior to desired pickup time.)
After hours, there are taxis and ride-share options available, or maybe you’d prefer renting a car and driving yourself.
Riding I-Ride Trolleys is an easy-to-use way to get around the I-Drive District from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. Riders must purchase passes before boarding, because none are sold on trolleys. An adult fare is $2 per ride, and passes from 1 to 14 days are available.
Visit Orlando says I-Ride Trolleys are convenient, economical and fun. Stops are situated up and down the main thoroughfares, and trolleys come along every 20 minutes or so.
And there is the LYNX bus service that provides regional transportation to business, tourist and neighborhood destinations in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Seven-day and 30-day passes are available.
Jira sums things up this way: “These factors together make Orlando an ideal environment for Clean’s community to connect, learn and discover the latest innovations in textile care.
“And maybe find a little time to play.”
If you missed earlier parts: Part 1 - Part 2
Matt Poe, editor of American Laundry News, assisted with this article.
For more Orlando travel information, visit https://www.visitorlando.com.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].
