IT Nation Connect Global 2026: Flights, hotels, restaurants and travel tips

IT Nation Connect Global 2026 brings the ConnectWise partner ecosystem together at Rosen Shingle Creek.[1] With a little planning before you arrive, you can head home with new ideas to improve your business, stronger vendor relationships, and practical advice from peers who have solved the same challenges. The right travel plan also makes it easier to focus on the conference instead of hotel logistics, expense reports, and other distractions.

What is IT Nation Connect Global and who is it for?

IT Nation Connect Global is ConnectWise's flagship gathering for managed service providers (MSPs) to share growth strategies, product roadmaps, and real-world experiences.[1] Whether you're evaluating new tools, refining service delivery, or looking for practical ways to grow your business, the conference combines product announcements, technical education, and peer networking in one place.

The 2026 conference is expected to attract 4,000+ attendees for its 180+ sessions, 150+ speakers, and 130+ exhibitors.[1] You'll meet MSP owners evaluating acquisitions, operations leaders refining service delivery, sales and marketing leaders building pipeline, engineers evaluating security and automation platforms, and vendor partners meeting buyers on the show floor.

IT Nation Connect Global is designed for the people who make technology and business decisions for MSPs. Role-based tracks span sales, marketing, service delivery, finance, and leadership alongside hands-on workshops and community programming throughout the event.[1]

What makes IT Nation Connect Global 2026 worth the trip

IT Nation Connect Global is as much about the conversations between sessions as the sessions themselves. Alongside ConnectWise product updates, you'll hear how other MSPs are approaching AI, cybersecurity, service delivery, hiring, and business growth. It's an opportunity to compare notes with peers, explore new vendors, and ask questions that don't always get answered in a webinar.

Some of the highest-value experiences happen outside the breakout rooms:

• Solution Pavilion: Meet ConnectWise partners, compare products, watch live demonstrations, and connect with vendors serving the MSP community.[1]
• Workshops: Dive deeper into technical and business topics through hands-on sessions held throughout the conference.[1]
• Community Gathering: Meet other MSP professionals and connect with peers facing similar business and technology challenges.[1]
• PitchIT Competition: Watch emerging technology companies pitch their solutions to a panel of judges and the IT Nation community.[1]
• IT Nation Gives: Join the conference's community service event and network with other attendees while supporting a local cause.[1]
• Evening networking events: The Welcome Reception, IT Nation After Hours, the Pub Crawl, and the IT Nation Celebration provide opportunities to meet customers, partners, vendors, and fellow attendees outside formal sessions.[1]

Getting the most out of IT Nation Connect Global starts before you arrive in Orlando. Planning your travel and conference schedule early leaves more time to focus on learning, networking, and the conversations that make the trip worthwhile.

Where to stay for IT Nation Connect Global 2026

Rosen Shingle Creek is both the conference venue and the primary hotel, making it the most convenient place to stay. Nearby Rosen properties and International Drive hotels provide additional options if the official room block sells out or you prefer a different price point.

Hotels near Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando

Compare hotel locations, travel times, and typical rates to choose the right option:

If staying onsite fits your budget, you'll be within walking distance of every session, networking event, and evening reception. Nearby Rosen properties offer convenient shuttle access, while International Drive hotels typically provide the widest range of prices if you're comfortable using rideshare.

IT Nation Connect Global hotel pricing

Navan analyzed anonymized hotel booking patterns in the area during the same week in 2025 to provide context for hotel pricing. Use these benchmarks while planning your trip:

• Median hotel rate: During conference week, the median nightly rate was $248 — roughly 11% higher than a typical September week near the venue ($223).[11]
• Stay length: Business travelers stayed an average of 2.9 nights.[11]
• Late bookings: Roughly 38% of bookings were made within two weeks of check-in.[11]
• Booking window: Travelers who booked 1–2 months ahead paid a median nightly rate of $211, while those who booked more than two months in advance paid a median nightly rate of $301.[11]

If staying at Rosen Shingle Creek is your priority, book through the official ConnectWise hotel block as early as your travel policy allows. If rooms at Rosen Shingle Creek sell out, compare other Rosen properties nearby or International Drive hotels before booking elsewhere.[2]

IT Nation Connect Global flight trends

The primary airport serving IT Nation Connect Global 2026 is Orlando International Airport (MCO). Navan flight data from the same conference week in Orlando for 2025 showed there were 1,575 business flights into the city, with 8.4% from international origins.[11] The busiest origin cities were Minneapolis, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, New York, and Salt Lake City.[11]

If you're crossing time zones, consider arriving the day before the conference so you're well-rested and ready for opening day events.

How Navan Edge helps you book your conference travel

Use Navan Edge, your travel assistant powered by AI and 24/7 human travel experts, to plan and book your IT Nation Connect Global trip. Compare flights, hotels, and restaurants using live availability, personal preferences and the amenities you need, then combine and book everything in the same thread, without juggling multiple apps or websites.

Continue earning your usual airline miles and hotel loyalty points, get your credit card points, and earn 5% back in Amazon Gift Cards on eligible hotel stays. If needed or wanted, human travel experts are available 24/7 to step into the same conversation thread with full context of your bookings and chat history. See our travel rewards on business trips guide for how it works.

Set your Orlando budget before traveling

The cost of attending IT Nation Connect Global goes well beyond airfare and accommodations. You have to account for your conference pass, MCO transfers, client dinners, and incidentals beyond what ConnectWise provides to conference attendees.

Federal per diem for Orlando

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) sets federal per diem rates by city and season. At the time of publication, the following November rates for FY2026 applied to Orlando (Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties):

• $220 per day combined: Includes $140 for nightly lodging plus $80 for daily meals and incidental expenses (M&IE)
• M&IE breakdown: Includes $20 for breakfast, $22 for lunch, $33 for dinner, and $5 for incidentals (reduce your meal allowance for any catering at the event)[5]
• First and last travel days: Includes M&IE allowance of $60 (i.e. 75% of the daily M&IE rate)[5]

Updated rates for FY2027 (October 2026–September 2027) are expected to be published in mid-August 2026 at gsa.gov. During conference week, rooms at and around Rosen Shingle Creek often exceed the federal lodging rate, so budget for the difference or confirm with finance before booking.[11]

Additional expenses

Budgeting for these expenses before you travel can help you stay within policy, avoid last-minute surprises, and make your expense report easier to complete when you get home.

• Conference registration: An All-Access Pass starts at $900, with early-bird pricing of $700 through Sept. 25, 2026. Check the official event website for current rates.[4][5]
• Keynote & Solution Pavilion Pass: A pass starts at $350 and includes access to keynote sessions and the Solution Pavilion.[4]
• Social Guest Pass: A Social Guest Pass costs $350 and allows a non-attendee guest to join conference social events.[4]
• Team discount: Register two or more colleagues from the same company in one transaction to receive 25% off additional All-Access Passes.[2]
• Conference meals: Dinner at the Wednesday Welcome Reception plus breakfast, lunch, and dinner during conference events on Thursday and Friday are included with an All-Access Pass, so adjust your M&IE reimbursement accordingly.[2]
• Airport transfer: Expect to pay about $30–$50 for a rideshare from Orlando International Airport (MCO), $40–$60 for a taxi, or $15–$30 per person for a shared shuttle.[6][7]
• Client dinners: Private dining at A Land Remembered or Cala Bella typically costs $85–$200 per person before taxes, gratuity, and group minimums.
• After-hours networking: Leave room in your budget for partner receptions, team dinners, or other informal networking events beyond the conference schedule.

Add up these costs before you buy so approvals and your post-trip expense report stay clean.

Plan your IT Nation Connect Global 2026 agenda

ConnectWise has published the agenda for IT Nation Connect Global 2026. Build your schedule around the sessions, meetings, and networking opportunities that best match your goals. Leave room for time in the Solution Pavilion, conversations with peers, and the unexpected introductions that often become the most valuable part of the conference.

Here are some of the conference highlights:

• Wednesday (Nov. 4): Workshops, IT Nation Gives, the Community Gathering, the PitchIT Competition, the Welcome Keynote, the Welcome Reception, and IT Nation After Hours[1]
• Thursday (Nov. 5): The ConnectWise Product Keynote, the ThreatLocker Keynote, breakout sessions, the Solution Pavilion, the Pub Crawl, and the IT Nation Celebration[1]
• Friday (Nov. 6): Breakout sessions, the Solution Pavilion, the Guest Keynote, and the IT Nation Closing Reception[1]

Build a plan based on priorities

Start by reviewing the published agenda and identifying your highest-priority sessions. If you're traveling with colleagues, divide up overlapping sessions and compare notes afterward.

Here are some tips to get ready for the event:

• Sessions: Save your must-attend sessions in the IT Nation Connect app and register for workshops or other limited-capacity events as soon as they become available.[1]
• Meetings: Reach out to customers, partners, vendors, or peers about two weeks before the conference to schedule a quick meeting while you're both onsite.
• Logistics: Download the IT Nation Connect app, enable session notifications, and set up your out-of-office auto-reply message.
• Contacts: Decide how you'll exchange contact information, whether that's LinkedIn, QR codes, or digital business cards, and jot down a quick note after each conversation so you remember the context later.

Check out our business trip planning guide, covering flights, hotels, and departure checklists.

What to pack and wear at IT Nation Connect Global

Business casual is the norm at IT Nation Connect Global. Comfortable shoes are a must, especially if you'll be spending time in the Solution Pavilion, attending networking events, or walking across Rosen Shingle Creek's large resort campus.

Orlando in November is mild and humid, with daytime highs around 80°F (27°C) and overnight lows near 60°F (16°C).[8] You'll move between air-conditioned ballrooms and outdoor walks across the resort grounds, so pack breathable daytime fabrics and a light layer for cold session rooms.

Conference essentials

A few small packing choices can make long days of sessions, meetings, and networking much more comfortable. Add these items to your suitcase before you leave:

• Two pairs of comfortable shoes: You'll spend a lot of time on your feet between sessions, the Solution Pavilion, networking events, and meetings across the resort.
• Portable charger: The conference app, note-taking, and networking can drain your phone before the day is over.
• Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is especially important if you're moving between outdoor walkways and warm November weather.
• Notebook or digital note-taking app: Capture ideas, vendor comparisons, and follow-up tasks while they're still fresh.
• Light sweater or zip-up: Meeting rooms are often much cooler than the outdoor temperatures.

Getting from the airport to the IT Nation Connect Global venue

Most attendees arrive for the conference at Orlando International Airport (MCO), roughly 12 miles from Rosen Shingle Creek.[6] For weekday business arrivals with checked bags, a rideshare or taxi is usually the fastest and easiest door-to-door choice. A little planning can make your arrival smoother, especially if you're landing during peak travel times.

Beyond sessions: Make time for Solution Pavilion and networking

It's tempting to fill every hour with breakout sessions, but some of the best conversations at IT Nation Connect Global happen in the Solution Pavilion, at networking events, and between sessions. Leave room in your schedule to explore, meet with vendors and partners, and connect with other MSP professionals.

A few ways to plan your time:

• Set aside dedicated Solution Pavilion time: Don't try to squeeze vendor visits between sessions. Blocking time for demonstrations and conversations makes it easier to compare solutions and ask thoughtful questions.
• Schedule important meetings before you arrive: Reach out to customers, partners, or vendors a week or two before the conference so you're not coordinating calendars onsite.
• Leave room for networking: The Welcome Reception, IT Nation After Hours, the Pub Crawl, and other evening events offer additional opportunities to connect with peers and industry partners.[1]
• Take breaks throughout the day: A short walk, a coffee break, or a quiet moment between sessions can help you recharge and stay engaged through afternoon meetings and evening events.
• Capture your next steps: Jot down a few notes after each conversation so it's easier to follow up once you're back at the office.

Where to eat at IT Nation Connect Global 2026

Most of your conference meals are covered with an All-Access Pass, including the Wednesday Welcome Reception and meals served during conference events on Thursday and Friday.[2] Packing a protein bar or other easy snack is also a good idea in case you find yourself heading straight from a breakout session to the Solution Pavilion without much downtime.

You'll also want to plan for client dinners, coffee meetings, and the occasional meal between sessions. Here are a few good dining options at Rosen Shingle Creek:

• Client dinners: A Land Remembered offers Florida-inspired cuisine and handles executive steakhouse dinners with the MacIvey private dining room for up to 24 guests.[9]
• Team meals: Cala Bella serves Italian and Mediterranean fine dining, with a private room that seats up to 42 for group celebrations and partner dinners.[10]
• Quick fuel: Café Osceola offers a full American buffet for breakfast and lunch, while Tobias Burgers & Brews and 18 Monroe Street Market are faster casual options on property.[12]
• One-on-one or small groups: Banrai Sushi and Mi Casa Tequila Taquería are great for smaller meetings, with flexible seating and shorter service times than formal private dining.[12]

If you need help booking a restaurant, Navan Edge can reserve restaurants in Orlando in the same chat where you arranged your hotel and flights.

Finish strong on departure day

Your time at IT Nation Connect Global isn't over when the closing reception ends. Before you head home, take a few minutes to wrap up the week and set yourself up for an easier return to work.

• Pack the night before: Charge your devices, set aside your travel clothes, and check the room for chargers, conference swag, and anything else you may have left behind.
• Confirm your checkout time: If you need a little extra time before heading to MCO, request a late checkout at the front desk or let Navan Edge coordinate it for you.
• Leave extra time for the airport: MCO is a busy airport, so plan to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight or three hours before an international departure.
• Submit your expenses while they're fresh: Upload receipts before they disappear into your backpack, and complete your expense report before you're back in the flow of everyday work.
• Follow up with new contacts: Send a quick email or LinkedIn message to the people you met while the conversations are still fresh in everyone's mind.
• Schedule a team debrief: Set aside time to share what you learned, compare notes with colleagues, and decide which ideas or vendor conversations deserve a closer look.

Make your IT Nation Connect Global 2026 trip count

IT Nation Connect Global 2026 is where MSPs discover new solutions, strengthen partner relationships, and share ideas for growing their businesses. Plan your hotel early, build a realistic budget, prioritize the sessions and meetings that support your goals, and leave time for the conversations that happen between them.

A little planning before you arrive makes it much easier to return home with stronger relationships, practical ideas, and a clear list of next steps. If you're heading to IT Nation Connect Global 2026, let Navan Edge help book your flights, hotel, and client dinners in Orlando.

Navan is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by IT Nation Connect Global, their organizers, and this guide is not an official IT Nation Connect publication. IT Nation Connect and all other third-party trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification and descriptive purposes only. All schedules, pricing, venue details, and program information are subject to change; verify current details with the official organizers before you travel.

Navan publishes this guide as part of its Navan Edge content series. Navan Edge is a Navan product referenced throughout this post. Card benefits, fees, loyalty program thresholds, earning structures, reward values, and AI capabilities described in this article are subject to change and were accurate as of the date of publication. Verify current terms with your card issuer, loyalty program operator, or the relevant program's website before making decisions. Amazon Gift Card rewards are subject to Navan Edge Terms and Conditions for eligible hotel bookings.

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