2025 Destination Updates & Hot Happenings

As we move into 2025, the new year has so much in store! Five of our amazing destinations—New York City, South Florida, Orlando, Chicago, and Las Vegas—all promise a fabulous 2025. While these places couldn’t be more diverse, we’re seeing some trends, including new hotel openings, revitalized venues, and much-needed transportation and city infrastructure upgrades. 

Wanna know what else is in vogue this year? Food halls. Forget the mall food courts of yesteryear; these nouveau approaches to cuisine are focused on hosting high-end dining experiences under one roof. So, without further ado, let’s take a tour through all the must-stays, sights, tastes, and experiences our destinations can offer you and your groups this year.

New York City, NY

Haute Hotels & Venues

1. Renovations and Rebrands: The Waldorf-Astoria, The Luxury Collection Hotel Manhattan Midtown (Formerly Conrad Midtown), The Surrey, Plaza Athenee Nobu & Spa New York
2. Brand-Spanking New: Convene 30 at Hudson Yards, Faena New York, Warren Street Hotel NYC

Rave-Worthy Restaurants & Culinary Experiences

1. The View at the Marriott Marquis
2. Haymaker Bar & Kitchen
3. La Royale
4. Nom Wah Test Kitchen
5. Kabawa
6. Narkara

Annual Events & Cultural Celebrations

1. Winter: Winter Jazzfest (1/11), Broadway Week (1/21–2/9), New York Boat Show (1/22-1/26), NY Fashion Week (2/06-2/11), 
2. Spring: St. Patrick’s Day Parade (3/17), The Met Gala (5/5)
3. Summer: Tony Awards (6/8), Mermaid Parade (6/21), Pride Fest (6/27-6/29), US Open (8/25-9/7)
4. Fall: Feast of San Gennaro (9/11-9/21), New York Comic Con (10/9-10/12), NYC Marathon (11/2), Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade (11/27)

Transformative Transportation & Infrastructure

Ongoing John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) renovations will improve the traveler experience.

South Florida

Haute Hotels & Venues

1. Renovations and Rebrands: Loews Miami Beach (room renovation), The Diplomat Beach Resort, Fontainebleau (new coastal conference center)
2. Brand-Spanking New: Pier 66, Omni

Rave-Worthy Restaurants & Culinary Experiences

1. Buccan in Coral Gables
2. Eataly in Aventura and West Palm Beach
3. Uchiko in Miami Beach by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole

Annual Events & Cultural Celebrations

Host an event in conjunction with one of these unique experiences to level up the local flair and flavor.

1. Winter: Miami Boat Show (2/12-2/16), South Beach Wine & Food Festival (2/20-2/23), 
2. Spring: Miami Open (3/8-3/30), F1 (5/2-5/4)
3. Fall: Fort Lauderdale Boat Show (10/29-11/2), Art Basel (12/5-12/7)

Transformative Transportation & Infrastructure

As Miami prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, the city and much of the surrounding area are in full construction mode. Contact our South Florida team for insider tips on navigating this destination as updates continue.

Orlando, FL

Haute Hotels & Venues

1. Renovations and Rebrands: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
2. Brand-Spanking New: Live! at the Pointe (just opened at the end of 2024), Universal Epic Universe theme park, Conrad Orlando, Evermore Resort Orlando, St. Regis Longboat Key, Fairmont Orlando

Rave-Worthy Restaurants & Culinary Experiences

1. Eola Food Hall
2. June
3. Cowboy Curry
4. Sparrow
5. City Food Hall featuring Chez Les Copains, Asin, and Taglish
6. Taffer’s Tavern by Bar Rescue host Jon Taffer

Annual Events & Cultural Celebrations

Many of these festivals and events provide a great opportunity for theming for events and specialty tours, including discovering the history of the Fringe Festival and colorful theming to coincide with Pride or the Electric Daisy Carnival.

1. Winter: MegaCon (2/6-2/9), 
2. Spring: Orlando International Fringe Festival (5/14-5/27)
3. Fall: Come Out with Pride Parade (10/19), Electric Daisy Carnival (11/7-11/9), International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) (11/18-11/21)

Transformative Transportation & Infrastructure

A planned expansion to Brightline and Sunrail train services will take place this year.

Chicago, IL

Haute Hotels & Venues

Brand-Spanking New: Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center, Three Top Lounge, 22Thirty9 event space, St. Regis Chicago, The Wellsley, The Neighborhood Hotel

Rave-Worthy Restaurants & Culinary Experiences

Chicago is currently experiencing a culinary renaissance. Many restaurants are placing a strong emphasis on sustainability, focusing on local and seasonal ingredients. Expect more menus to highlight produce grown locally, ethically sourced seafood, and meats from sustainable farms. This trend also extends to reducing food waste and using eco-friendly packaging. The plant-based movement is also gaining momentum with a rise in vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Asian fusion continues to dominate, with an increasing variety of international cuisines finding a home in Chicago. Look out for bold flavors from Southeast Asia, South Korea, and India, blending traditional cooking methods with modern interpretations. You’ll find Korean BBQ, ramen, Indian-inspired dishes, and more creative ways to incorporate spices and umami.

1. Chapel Street Café – Chicago’s first Aussie restaurant and café is coming to the Hilton Magnificent Mile. Owned by Shawn Uldridge—the Australian investor behind The Publishing House and The Press Room.
2. Nic & Juniors – Junior Borges, a James Beard Foundation Award nominee, is opening a globally influenced dining concept in River North this spring. Nic & Juniors will serve everything from housemade pasta to contemporary Brazilian fare.
3. Toro at The Fairmont – A Latin restaurant known for bold South American flavors brought to you by critically acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval.

Annual Events & Cultural Celebrations

As our culinary tapestry expands, groups love experiencing a true “Taste of Chicago.” Broadway in Chicago is a big hit with groups, as is incorporating blues or regional music into your event.

1. Winter: Chicago Theatre Week (2/6-2/16)
2. Summer: Chicago Blues Festival (June), Lollapalooza (8/1-8/4), Chicago Air and Water Show (8/10-8/11)
3. Fall: Taste of Chicago (9/5-9/7), Chicago Gourmet (9/25-9/28)

Transformative Transportation & Infrastructure

Major construction on the Kennedy Expressway continues and isn’t scheduled to be finished until the end of 2025. Our 360DG team recommends taking public transit from O’Hare or landing at non-commute times.

Las Vegas, NV

Haute Hotels & Venues

1. Renovations and Rebrands: JW Marriott Summerlin, Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, Rio Las Vegas, Fontainebleau, W Las Vegas Hotel (formerly Delano)
2. Brand-Spanking New: BLVD, Immersive District expansion at Area15

Rave-Worthy Restaurants & Culinary Experiences

1. Via Via Food Hall – Located at The Venetian Resort, this food hall will bring together celebrated New York and Los Angeles culinary concepts. Expect to find favorites like All’Antico Vinaio, Howlin’ Ray’s, and Scarr’s Pizza.
2. Bazaar Meat by José Andrés – Moving from the Sahara to the Palazzo, this renowned steakhouse will continue offering unique and innovative meat dishes.
3. Zaytinya – Also by José Andrés, this Mediterranean-themed restaurant will open at the Forum Shops at Caesars, offering a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
4. Stubborn Seed – “Top Chef” winner Jeremy Ford brings his acclaimed restaurant to Resorts World, promising a menu of creative and delicious dishes.

Annual Events & Cultural Celebrations

This year, Las Vegas is all about thinking outside the box. This destination brings activities and attractions to the table that will surprise even the most seasoned Vegas tourist or conference attendee. 

1. Spring: Electric Daisy Carnival (5/16-18). 2025 will see an expanded EDC Week with additional events, parties, and performances leading up to the main festival.
2. Summer: Revelry Las Vegas 2025 (6/5-6/8)
3. Fall: Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival (10/1-10/5)

Transformative Transportation & Infrastructure

Many of Vegas’ highways and routes are under expansion or undergoing upgrades this year. Those being made to the Vegas Loop are particularly fascinating. 

This is the year to fall in love with our destinations all over again! We’re so excited about what 2025 has to offer and hope this has given you even more to look forward to. As always, our team of dream makers and hospitality heroes are standing by to help make your next experience one to remember.