Orlando, Florida, may be the home of a famous mouse, but it is also one of the fastest growing technology hubs in the nation, according to the University of Central Florida. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that the city’s tech industry would see job growth of more than 26% by 2030, which would be double the national average.
SHARE Orlando (March 3-7) will capitalize on the expertise of its membership and partners, including Broadcom and IBM, to tap into this growing technology hub. But when it’s time to recharge from your technical sessions, go have a bite to eat with your colleagues, take in the local environment, and have some fun.
Entertaining Technology
While in Orlando, Disney World may already be on your list to explore, especially given the new technology enhancing each attendee’s experience. From MagicBands and the mobile app to the free-roaming Groot robotic character from Guardians of the Galaxy and the technology behind the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction, technology is increasingly at play in the park. The Rosen Center is just minutes away from other theme parks, and there’s a shuttle that takes you directly to Universal Studios Florida, the home of Minions and Harry Potter.
Feed Your Knowledge
Onsite dining options at the center will provide you with the fuel you need to fully engage with SHARE’s technical content. At Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill, sit down for some Caribbean-Cuban meals of jerk chicken or chimichurri steak. Café Gauguin at the Rosen Center pays tribute to the French painter Peter Gauguin with a buffet of international delights. You’ll also find a coffee shop, sushi bar, deli, and more.
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is nearby and offers American favorites like hand-breaded chicken tenders and ribs. Another tropical option is the Bahama Breeze Island Grille, serving coconut shrimp and seafood paella, classic mojitos and margaritas, and the Ultimate Pineapple. Bahama Breeze’s live music and curated playlists will transport you to the beach.
If you need to take a break and have a little fun, check out the Player 1 Video Game Bar, about 14 minutes by car from the Rosen Center. It offers a nostalgic vibe with its video games for every generation. It also has beverages and snacks with similarly themed names like Donkey Kong and Itsa Me, Mario! Mozzarella Sticks.
Stretch Your Imagination
If you’re looking for more mind-bending excitement after your technical sessions, check out the Museum of Illusions on International Drive where you can defy the laws of gravity or shrink to a miniature size. If you are in need of relaxation, reconnect with nature at the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium with its 360-degree underwater tunnel and watch sharks and rays swim above you, or reach out and touch starfish and anemones.
Venture about an hour away from Orlando to Merritt Island and the Kennedy Space Center to learn about the rich and deep history of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). From the early space program to speaking with an astronaut, there’s a lot to explore. And don’t forget to enjoy the Rocket Garden. If you’re feeling like a snack after your stint in space, travel back to Kissimmee for the Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory’s liquid nitrogen-frozen ice cream.
Your Orlando adventures and the technical education at SHARE Orlando are just part of what SHARE has to offer its members. Join as an individual member and have exclusive access to SHARE’d Knowledge and its year-round education opportunities. Register for your own out-of-this-world experience at SHARE Orlando!