Puerto Rico Convention Center Hosts Association of General Contractors of America

November 16, 2020

The Puerto Rico Convention Center hosted its first event since achieving GBAC STAR accreditation — the only Caribbean facility to do so — last month. The meeting of the Puerto Rico Chapter of the Association of General Contractors of America (AGC) on Oct. 17 featured a debate among local governorship candidates as well as the organization’s annual convention. More importantly for tourism officials and event organizers, it served as a testimony to Puerto Rico’s ability to produce a safe and successful gathering. 

“We hope that our event will serve as an example for other associations and groups,” says Ali Soami Vargas, executive director of the AGC Chapter of Puerto Rico. Vargas says his organization worked closely with the team at PRCC, and that they were very attentive in ensuring that strict health and safety requirements were met at all stages of the project. 

In addition to achieving GBAC STAR accreditation, the Puerto Rico Convention Center has implemented the VenueShield Environmental Hygiene Program developed by its management company ASM Global. The program includes food safety measures, air quality control, surface cleaning, temperature checks, thermal cameras, hand sanitizers, reduced touch points, contactless transactions, daily monitoring systems and distancing guidance via floor labeling to ensure separation between guests.  

“Groups traveling to Puerto Rico should know that the island is putting health and safety first,” says Ed Carey, chief sales officer at Discover Puerto Rico. Carey notes that in addition to the measures put in place at the convention center, Puerto Rico is enforcing new protocols developed by Puerto Rico Tourism Company alongside U.S. Travel Association guidelines such as mandatory face coverings in public, reduced capacities to maintain social distancing and high standards of cleanliness. 

Carey points out that the island’s near-perfect weather makes it possible to hold gatherings in a variety of open-air spaces and that a number of the indoor venues have virtual capabilities. “Many of our group venues — whether it be a hotel property, our Puerto Rico Convention Center or the soon-to-open El Distrito T-Mobile (which Corporate Event News first reported on here) — can provide hybrid meeting options,” says Carey. 

Travelers entering Puerto Rico must fill out a travel declaration form through the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal, get a molecular COVID-19 test (nasal or throat swab) no more than 72 hours prior to visiting the island, and show proof of a negative test or they must quarantine. And because it is a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico’s hospitals and pharmacies adhere to the same federally mandated guidelines as those on the mainland — and there is no need for passport, currency exchange or roaming charges for U.S. citizens.

Find more information on holding meetings in Puerto Rico here

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact