With the highest beam in place at the new Hilton Orlando, the team behind the project celebrates the venue’s Topping Off. (L –R): David Sargent, Sr VP Sales & Marketing Orlando/Orange County CVB; Tim Bridwell, VP New Projects/Florida Hilton Hotels Corportation; Mike Schugt, Regional VP Sales & Marketing, Southeast US, Latin America and Caribbean, Hilton Hotels Corporation; Orange County Commissioner Bill Segel, District 5; Ira Mitzner, President RIDA Development Corporation; Ted Ratcliff, SVP America’s Operations, Eastern US, Canada, Caribbean, and Central; Tom Ackert, Executive Director Orange County Convention Center; Juan Garcia, Director of Sales & Marketing Hilton Orlando.

Apollo Real Estate Advisors, Rida Development Corporation, Hilton Hotels Corporation executives, meeting planners, Orlando city officials and civic leaders attended a topping off ceremony for the long awaited 1,400-room Hilton Orlando, connected to the 2.1 million-square-foot Orange County/Orlando Convention Center.  The event marks a significant milestone in the construction of the 19 story—three winged impressive structure, which is scheduled to open inAugust 2009.   

“It is an important day for the city of Orlando as our vision to create a distinctive meeting and convention hotel with resort amenities is becoming a reality,” said Ted Ratcliff, Senior Vice President, Hilton Hotels Corporation, Americas Operations - Eastern US, Canada, Caribbean & Central America.  “After years of planning and working closely with world class developers and Welbro construction, we will soon open our doors to accommodate both leisure and convention guests in unprecedented style.”

When the hotel opens next year, it will enlarge the city's meetings and conventions offerings with the addition of 1,400 guest rooms and 200,000 square feet of versatile meeting space and services on two floors including a 50,000 square foot Orlando Ballroom, a 30,000 square foot Orange Ballroom and 21 meeting rooms, 9 boardrooms, registration areas and a complete and accessible business center. The Hilton Orlando will provide a sky-pedestrian bridge on the south end of the facility for easy convention center access.  

 
Due to open in August 2009, the 1,400 Hilton Orlando will feature 200,000 square feet of meeting space.