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 380 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.
Part 1 started our list of suggested things to do while there, so let’s continue.
The popular Blue Man Group has returned to Orlando with a new residency show featuring its signature mix of art, live music, comedy and non-verbal storytelling, shares Cassandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. Each multi-sensory performance will take place in a custom-built 578-seat theater located beneath the towering 400-foot Orlando Eye, the centerpiece of ICON Park’s entrance.
For the outdoor type, Matej says Orlando’s lakes, natural springs and bike trails present a perfect backdrop for attendees looking to get away from the trade show floor and get back to nature.
Airboat rides — including Boggy Creek Airboat adventures, Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides, and Wild Florida — plus kayaking, fishing and swimming with manatees are just a few of the outdoor experiences.
Or how about taking your team to tackle a challenging zipline obstacle course at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park and Screamin’ Gator Zip Line at Gatorland?
There are a mix of contemporary and traditional art and culture venues in Orlando where show attendees can take in a hit Broadway show at the Dr. Phillips Center or check out engaging exhibits and collections at Rollins Museum of Art, Orlando Museum of Art and the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts.
DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
The city’s dining scene has become widely recognized. From dining with fireworks views or along the water to exploring local neighborhood eats and trendy food halls, Orlando offers options for all foodies.
Visit Orlando says the city offers several distinct dining and entertainment districts with some of the region’s best lounges, nightclubs, and other delightful diversions.
Oza Izakaya by Tim Liu, an omakase-style eatery, was scheduled to open in downtown Orlando in early 2025. The dining experience will showcase a blend of the Japanese izakaya setting and omakase style of dining. The upscale eatery will be the second Oza location in Orlando as it follows the 2024 opening of the first location near SeaWorld Orlando and the Orange County Convention Center.
Lorelai Wine Bar opened in February in the Thornton Park neighborhood district in downtown Orlando, offering European wines by the bottle or by the glass, along with shareable plates for snacking. Lorelei houses a 10-seat bar, lounging areas and two rooms with tables that will play host to wine storytelling events with winemakers.
Moso Nori, a concept by James Beard Award finalist and Michelin-recognized chef Henry Moso, opened in November 2024 in Winter Park. The new restaurant features a hand-roll bar serving a variety of temaki, sake, beer, wine and sake-based cocktails. Reservations are not required, allowing sushi aficionados to walk up and dine.
The Glass Knife opened a second location this spring along Winter Park’s Park Avenue, with its signature array of pastries, cakes and baked goods.
The Lake Nona Wave Hotel introduced Garni Café and Nectar Room as the newest offerings to the hotel’s award-winning food and beverage scene. Garni is an all-day French bistro serving breakfast, brunch seven days a week, light fare and dinner. The upscale Nectar Room is a cocktail lounge concept offering inventive mixology and creative takes on small plates.
Live! at The Pointe Orlando is a new 73,000-square-foot immersive indoor and outdoor dining and entertainment destination located in the Convention District. Anchored by several restaurants that include Sports & Social, a PBR Cowboy Bar, Shark Bar, and the Houndsmen English Lounge, the area also includes Live! Plaza, a 37,000-square-foot space for special events.
Judson’s Live brings a low-key, 150-seat, cabaret-style music space with unparalleled sound to the spectacular Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Experience all types of music genres during scheduled 50-minute performances while enjoying specialty cocktails and a seasonal scratch-kitchen menu of shareable bites.
Caribe Royale Orlando debuted Stadium Club in 2024, a 500-seat, sports-themed entertainment venue that features eight pro-level sports simulators, two bars and several areas for private events.
Epilogue, a new adult-only speakeasy, recently opened at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. The new intimate lounge features a library-inspired theme and offers a variety of specialty, on-theme cocktails.
Come back Thursday as we conclude our pre-Clean look at the host city.
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].
