IPW is the premier travel trade show hosted by the U.S. Travel Association and the most influential marketplace for inbound U.S. travel. Each year, more than 5,000 global travel professionals — including more than 1,200 suppliers, 1,300 international and domestic buyers, and 500 media representatives — gather in a different American city to connect, collaborate, and spark billions of dollars in future travel to the United States. For Experience Kissimmee, IPW is one of our most important stages for showcasing the heart, joy, and hospitality that define our destination. Our presence at IPW strengthens our relationships with top-producing markets, opens the door to new partnerships, and keeps Kissimmee top-of-mind in an increasingly competitive global landscape. We also maintain a signature tradition that sets us apart: hosting the highly anticipated Wednesday Luncheon, a lively and memorable gathering complete with entertainment that introduces attendees to Kissimmee’s warm and welcoming personality. At IPW 2025 in Chicago, Experience Kissimmee delivered one of its most impressive showings yet. Eight valued partners joined us at our booth, and over three days alongside our team, held more than 365 appointments with travel trade professionals from around the world, while our Media Relations team conducted more than 60 meetings with journalists eager to share the Kissimmee story across international outlets. The result was a booth — and an experience — that resonated with attendees long after the show floor closed. Booth Design & Tactics Experience Kissimmee’s booth was designed to fully embody our brand personality: joyful, welcoming, and instantly recognizable. Every visual, textural, and environmental detail worked together to create a warm space that invited conversation, sparked curiosity, and brought our destination’s spirit to life. Core Design Elements Warm, inviting lighting with soft accent glows reminiscent of Florida’s sunshine. Natural textures, including wood elements and lush greenery, referencing Kissimmee’s connection to the outdoors and the headwaters of the Everglades. Comfort-driven spaces, from plush carpeting to thoughtfully arranged seating and meeting nooks that encouraged productive conversations. High-impact brand visuals, such as: - Our "Big, Bold Heart" centered within a Florida cutout - Vivid photography highlighting real guests enjoying Kissimmee Bold color palette aligned with our brand system, ensuring visibility and instant recognition from across the exhibition hall. Branded Takeaways & Engagement Touchpoint To deepen brand affinity and extend our presence beyond the booth, we offered attendees a suite of thoughtfully designed takeaways featuring our beloved characters enjoying our destination: - Tote bags - Socks - Stickers - T-shirts - Plushies of Bruce, Lenny, and Rosie - Luggage tags - Pins - Postcards Tasteful, High-Interest Activation One of the most talked-about moments at the booth was a brief, structured opportunity to see a sloth accompanied by its professional handler. Offered only at select times, this gentle and respectful encounter gave attendees a chance to connect with an animal that inspires our mascot, Bruce the Sloth. Managed with care, the activation served as a charming, optional photo moment that drew interest while remaining mindful of the animal’s well-being.