WELCOMING MORE THAN 20,000 MEETING PLANNERS TO THE DESTINATION

ConferenceDirect, Connect Marketplace, World Education Congress, IPW & More, To Headline Anaheim’s 5-Year Meetings Pipeline

 

Anaheim, CA (April 23, 2026) — Visit Anaheim, the official destination marketing organization for Anaheim and Garden Grove, announced it will host a lineup of major, high-profile meetings and events over the next five years, reinforcing Anaheim’s position as one of the nation’s premier destinations for meetings, conventions, and large-scale industry gatherings.

Confirmed events include ConferenceDirect, Connect Marketplace, MPI’s World Education Congress, IPW, and more, collectively bringing more than 20,000 meeting planners, industry leaders, and decision-makers to Anaheim through 2030.

“These events represent far more than attendance numbers; they are a vote of confidence in Anaheim’s long-term vision, infrastructure, and ability to deliver at scale,” said Ronnie Collins, Chief Sales Officer, Visit Anaheim. “Welcoming this caliber of industry events positions Anaheim at the center of the meetings industry conversation for years to come.”

Meeting planners represent the decision-makers behind future conventions, corporate meetings, and incentive programs. Hosting more than 20,000 planners over the next five years creates a powerful multiplier effect, driving future bookings, repeat visitation, and sustained economic impact for the destination.

These events will generate significant hotel demand, citywide economic activity, and exposure to Anaheim’s evolving meetings ecosystem, including the Anaheim Convention Center, the Disneyland Resort, and emerging developments such as OCVIBE and DisneylandForward, which are reshaping the destination’s live-entertainment, dining, and hospitality landscape.

Anaheim’s selection as host for these marquee events reflects continued investment in infrastructure, walkable connectivity, and experiences that extend well beyond the convention floor. With more than 200 hotels, a robust culinary scene, world-class entertainment, and a growing portfolio of off-site venues, Anaheim offers meeting planners flexibility, scale, and creativity in one connected destination.

“These organizations are choosing Anaheim not only for what it offers today, but for what’s coming next,” added Mike Waterman, President & CEO, Visit Anaheim. “As Anaheim enters a decade defined by global events and transformational growth, these meetings place the destination front and center with the industry leaders who will shape future demand.”

For more information on hosting meetings and events in Anaheim, visit Meetings, Conventions, and Corporate Events | Visit Anaheim

 

2026 – ConferenceDirect

2027 – Connect Marketplace

2028 – Confidential

2029 – MPI’s World Education Congress

2030 – IPW