WEC Ocala Bets Big on Luxury Events With Massive Equestrian Manor Opening

OCALA, FL – January 15, 2026 – The World Equestrian Center - Ocala (WEC), a sprawling destination already distinguished by TIME as one of the '2024 World's Greatest Places,' has officially cut the ribbon on The Equestrian Manor. This monumental addition introduces more than 300,000 square feet of purpose-built event space, signaling a strategic and ambitious expansion beyond its equestrian roots into the competitive high-end meetings, weddings, and corporate events market.

The new venue represents a significant investment aimed at transforming the Central Florida facility into a premier, all-encompassing luxury destination. "The debut of The Equestrian Manor marks an important milestone for World Equestrian Center," said Mason Jordan of World Equestrian Center in a statement. "This venue reflects our continued investment in creating exceptional experiences for both business and social gatherings, while strengthening WEC's role as a Central Florida destination."

A New Contender in Florida's Elite Event Scene

The Equestrian Manor enters a fiercely competitive landscape dominated by the colossal convention centers and resorts of Orlando. Venues like the Orange County Convention Center, with its millions of square feet, and luxury resorts such as Rosen Shingle Creek and Gaylord Palms, which offer over 500,000 square feet of meeting space each, have long been the titans of the state's MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry.

However, The Equestrian Manor is not competing on scale alone. Its strategy hinges on providing a unique, integrated luxury experience that leverages the established prestige of the WEC brand. The venue's design is a testament to this approach, blending modern elegance with refined architectural details. Inside, guests are met with warm wood accents, gleaming white marble floors, and opulent crystal chandeliers. This lavish aesthetic is paired with state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and audiovisual systems to ensure flawless event execution.

The facility offers a versatile mix of spaces, including grand and junior ballrooms, private meeting suites for executive sessions, and a dedicated bridal suite. The design thoughtfully incorporates Florida’s climate with expansive outdoor terraces and covered balconies, allowing events to seamlessly flow between indoor and outdoor settings. This curated, resort-style environment differentiates it from traditional convention halls, appealing to a clientele seeking a more exclusive and memorable setting for everything from corporate galas to dream weddings.

Reshaping Ocala's Economic and Tourism Landscape

The opening of The Equestrian Manor is more than just a new building; it's a calculated diversification of WEC's business model. By aggressively targeting the lucrative MICE market, valued at over $110 billion in the U.S. for 2024, WEC is poised to draw a new stream of visitors and revenue to Ocala and Marion County. This move lessens its reliance on the seasonal equestrian calendar and establishes the complex as a year-round economic engine.

The economic ripple effects are expected to be substantial. The venue will create new jobs in hospitality, event management, and culinary services. Furthermore, the influx of conference attendees and wedding guests will bolster local businesses, from transportation and lodging to retail and entertainment. This expansion solidifies WEC's position as a destination in its own right, capable of attracting significant visitor spending that will benefit the entire region. The strategy mirrors, on a boutique scale, the economic impact that major convention centers have on their host cities, promising to elevate Ocala's profile on the national tourism map.

A Symphony of Design and Culinary Innovation

At the heart of The Equestrian Manor's appeal is an immersive guest experience, with a significant focus on its culinary program. WEC is positioning dining as a central feature, not an afterthought. "Our culinary program at The Equestrian Manor is designed to be a central part of the group experience, offering interactive and immersive dining opportunities that go beyond a traditional meal," explained Jeremy Gow, Senior Director of Food & Beverage for World Equestrian Center.

Two new dining destinations have already opened their doors within the Manor. The Polo Pony offers an elevated American tavern experience, while a second, larger location of the popular Emma's Patisserie serves its celebrated European-inspired pastries and sweets. Gow highlighted the flexibility of the culinary offerings, noting, "From private tastings and chef-led demonstrations to flexible buyout options across our diverse restaurants...we are creating experiences that engage guests, elevate events, and make every gathering at The Equestrian Manor memorable and unique."

Anticipation is also building for two rooftop dining venues slated to open in the coming weeks. Genievieve's will feature elegant Italian cuisine, while The White Willow will offer a pan-Asian menu and bar, both providing sweeping views of the expansive WEC resort. These additions will not only serve event attendees but will also be open to the public, further integrating the venue into the local community and enhancing its destination appeal. This multi-faceted approach, combining exquisite design, technological sophistication, and culinary excellence, is WEC's bold answer to the evolving demands of the luxury event industry.