NPE: The Plastics Show: Hotels & Where to Stay
3 May – 7 May 2027 Orange County Convention Center 51,396 attendees
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NPE: The Plastics Show is one of the world's largest plastics industry trade events, held roughly every three years at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida. Organised by the Plastics Industry Association, it fills vast halls over five days with injection moulding machines, extrusion lines, materials, recycling and automation technology running live on the show floor, drawing tens of thousands of processors, engineers and buyers worldwide. For a hotel-booking traveller, Orlando's International Drive corridor is the key context: the OCCC sits on I-Drive amid a dense cluster of convention hotels, restaurants and attractions, only a short drive from Orlando International Airport (MCO). There is no train to the venue, so proximity on or near I-Drive, or access to show shuttles, shapes the daily commute. Business visitors typically choose I-Drive hotels for walkability to the halls, or nearby resort areas for value, using shuttles, ride-hailing or rental cars given the spread-out, car-oriented city.
Popular areas for attendees: International Drive · Lake Buena Vista · Universal / Sand Lake Road.
- A massive triennial showcase of live plastics machinery and processing technology in action.
- Tens of thousands of global processors and buyers gather, making it a rare full-industry meeting point.
- Set on Orlando's International Drive amid convention hotels, dining and attractions.
- Short drive from a major international airport (MCO) with strong domestic and global connections.
Event at a glance
- Dates
- 3 May – 7 May 2027
- Venue
- Orange County Convention Center
- City
- Orlando, United States
- Airport
- MCO
- Attendance
- 51,396
Recommended Hotels for Business Travellers
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Hotels ranked by walking distance.
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Pay Weekly available on free cancellation rooms.
Rates shown for the event window, Sun, May 2 → Sat, May 8 (arrive the day before, leave the day after) — or choose your own dates above.
Hotel rates near major event venues rise as the dates approach and the closest hotels sell out first. Booking a free-cancellation rate early locks the price with no downside.
On the map
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- The best hotels within walking distance of the venue
- Where to host clients for dinner near the halls
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Where to eat during NPE: The Plastics Show
The dining you'll want clusters along International Drive and Restaurant Row (Sand Lake Rd), both minutes from the Orange County Convention Center. Steakhouses fill up when a big convention is in town, so reserve early, and note most upscale rooms don't open until 4-5pm.
The Capital Grille
Steakhouse
Pointe Orlando, walkable from OCCC North/West
A polished, dependable steakhouse for client dinners, with dry-aged steaks and an award-winning wine list. Its Pointe Orlando location makes it one of the closest upscale options to the convention center.
Tip: Has private dining rooms if you're hosting a larger group.
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Ocean Prime
Seafood & Steak
Restaurant Row (Sand Lake Rd), ~10 min from OCCC
A supper-club-style room serving prime steaks and fresh seafood, popular for entertaining. Strong cocktail program and enough energy to feel like an occasion.
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Seasons 52
American (seasonal)
Restaurant Row (Sand Lake Rd), ~10 min from OCCC
A seasonally rotating, lighter menu with a well-regarded wine list, good for a business dinner when you don't want a heavy steakhouse meal. Calm enough for conversation.
Tip: Every dish is portion-conscious, handy after days of convention catering.
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Cafe Tu Tu Tango
Tapas / Small plates
International Drive, ~8 min from OCCC
A shareable tapas concept with live art and a lively room, right on I-Drive. Works well for a casual group meal where nobody wants a formal sit-down.
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Foxtail Coffee Co.
Coffee / Cafe
ICON Park, International Drive, ~7 min from OCCC
Central Florida's homegrown specialty roaster, with a convenient I-Drive location for a proper coffee between sessions. Roasts its own beans and does the espresso basics well.
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First Watch
Breakfast / Brunch
Dr. Phillips / Restaurant Row area, ~10 min from OCCC
A quick, daytime-only spot for a real breakfast or working brunch before the show floor opens. Florida-founded and reliable for eggs, bowls and fresh juices.
Tip: Closes mid-afternoon, so it's a morning option only.
Open in Google MapsAfter the halls close: Orlando
Client dinner, team night out or a free day after NPE: The Plastics Show — bookable experiences in Orlando, same account, same checkout.
While you're in Orlando
Beyond the convention center, Orlando pairs pro basketball and soccer with the theme-park festivals the city is built around.
Orlando Magic (NBA)
NBA home games downtown at the Kia Center, a quick ride from the convention district.
Find ticketsOrlando City SC (MLS)
Major League Soccer with a lively supporters' scene at the downtown Inter&Co Stadium.
Find ticketsEpcot International Food & Wine Festival
Disney's long-running food-and-drink festival turns Epcot into a global tasting circuit, plus concerts.
Find ticketsHalloween Horror Nights (Universal Orlando)
Universal's after-dark haunted-house event, one of the biggest annual draws in the theme-park calendar.
Find ticketsFixtures recur each season; exact dates for your fair week are confirmed at ticket search.
Getting there
From Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- MCO is about 15-20 km from the OCCC, roughly a 15-25 minute drive in normal traffic.
- There is no direct rail to the convention centre; use a taxi, ride-hailing, shuttle or rental car.
- Ride-hailing (Uber, Lyft) and taxis queue at the terminals; shared shuttle vans also serve I-Drive hotels.
- The Brightline train links MCO to other Florida cities but not directly to the convention area.
By road and shuttle
- The OCCC sits on International Drive, well signposted from Interstate 4 (I-4) and the Beachline Expressway.
- Official show shuttles typically run between partner hotels and the convention center during NPE.
- The I-Ride Trolley serves the International Drive tourist corridor for short local hops.
- Rental cars are popular given Orlando's spread-out layout, though parking fills at peak show times.
Getting around during NPE: The Plastics Show
Shuttles and local transit
- NPE usually offers a shuttle network linking official hotels to the OCCC; check the schedule on arrival.
- The I-Ride Trolley runs the length of International Drive, handy for meals and nearby hotels.
- Public bus service (Lynx) exists but is limited for convention travellers.
- Walking is viable between I-Drive hotels and the halls, though distances and Florida heat add up.
Taxis, ride-hailing and driving
- Uber and Lyft are widely used and often the simplest option beyond the show shuttles.
- Taxis are available but generally pricier than ride-hailing for the same trips.
- If you rent a car, note that OCCC and hotel parking can fill and charge premium rates during NPE.
- Traffic on I-Drive and I-4 peaks at show open and close, so allow buffer time.
Visa & entry
ESTA and Visa Waiver Program
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries can enter the US for business with an approved ESTA.
- Apply for ESTA online well before travel; approval is usually quick but not guaranteed instantly.
- ESTA covers stays of up to 90 days for eligible business and tourism visitors.
- Ensure your passport meets US validity and machine-readable requirements.
B-1 business visa applicants
- Travellers from non-VWP countries need a B-1 business visitor visa arranged in advance.
- US visa interviews can involve long wait times, so apply early, especially before major shows.
- Bring evidence of purpose, such as NPE registration or an invitation, to your interview.
- Keep your visa and supporting documents accessible for entry at MCO.
Entry rules change; confirm current requirements with the United States embassy or official immigration site before booking travel.
First time at NPE: The Plastics Show?
- Book an International Drive hotel near the OCCC or on the official shuttle route to simplify your commute.
- Reserve accommodation early; NPE's huge crowd fills Orlando convention hotels and lifts rates.
- Plan for long days of walking across enormous halls; wear comfortable shoes.
- Arrange airport transfers in advance, as there is no train from MCO to the convention center.
Insider tips from repeat attendees
- Use the show shuttles at peak times to avoid I-Drive traffic and parking scrambles.
- The OCCC has North and West buildings; confirm which houses your target exhibitors before setting out.
- Stay hydrated and layer up; Florida heat outside contrasts with strong hall air-conditioning.
- Book client dinners early, as I-Drive restaurants get slammed during a show of this scale.
NPE: The Plastics Show travel FAQs
Which airport should I fly into for NPE: The Plastics Show?
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the main gateway, with extensive domestic and international connections and a short drive to the Orange County Convention Center.
How far is the Orange County Convention Center from the airport?
The OCCC is about 15-20 km from MCO, roughly a 15-25 minute drive. There is no direct train, so plan on a taxi, ride-hailing, shuttle or rental car.
Where is the best area to book a hotel for NPE?
The International Drive corridor around the OCCC offers the most walkable and shuttle-linked hotels. Nearby resort areas can offer better value with a short drive or shuttle ride.
When should I book my hotel for NPE?
Book as early as possible. NPE draws tens of thousands of attendees, so convention hotels near the OCCC sell out and rates rise well ahead of the show.
How often is NPE held?
NPE runs on a roughly triennial cycle, typically in spring at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, so it takes place about once every three years.
EventEscapes is an independent travel platform and is not affiliated with NPE: The Plastics Show or its organizers. Dates and venues can change — verify with the official event site before booking travel.