ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida is known for its theme parks and sunshine, but the region’s job market is rapidly evolving, with artificial intelligence (AI) and simulation technology leading the way.

A new study from LinkedIn reveals that “Artificial Intelligence Engineer” is the fastest-growing job title for new college graduates, a sign of the region’s shift from traditional tourism and hospitality toward high-tech industries.

On Friday, the Florida Simulation Summit brought together industry leaders, innovators, and government officials at the DoubleTree by Hilton near Universal Orlando. Hosted by Orange County in collaboration with the National Center for Simulation, the summit showcased how technology is transforming industries ranging from defense to entertainment.

“We are setting ourselves up for the future,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said. “We are creating new businesses and have invested about $1.5 million into startup businesses, working with a global entity called Plug and Play.”

The summit featured presentations on digital twins and virtual versions of real-world systems, as well as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies used by companies like IBM, Universal Orlando, and M3D Technologies.

Matthew Hogan, founder and CEO of M3D Technologies, said his company helps local governments and businesses make more informed decisions through advanced technology.

“Central Florida is becoming a leader in smart city innovation,” Hogan said.

As the region diversifies beyond its traditional economic strengths, leaders say the growth of high-tech jobs could redefine Central Florida’s image as more than just a vacation destination.