Puerto Rico to Host Connect 2021

June 11, 2019

Adding a page to the comeback story of Puerto Rico, Connect announced it has selected the destination as host of Connect 2021.

Formerly known as Collinson Media & Events (and also now owned by Corporate Event News’ parent company, Tarsus Group), Connect is known for its national marketplace-style shows for meeting planners in the corporate, sports, diversity, association and faith sectors.

Connect 2021 is expected to bring 3,500 planners, suppliers and other industry leaders to Puerto Rico for face-to-face meetings, education, networking and its signature lively receptions.

“We are confident Puerto Rico will deliver an unparalleled experience, as we anticipate another year of providing Connect attendees the exposure and face-to-face opportunities that are crucial in this industry,” said Chris Collinson, president of Connect.

This event will mark the first time Connect has been held in Puerto Rico. As TSNN previously reported in this interview with Discover Puerto Rico CEO Brad Dean, the island is on the upswing for meetings and conventions: Q1 business this year was better than three- and five-year averages for the island, exceeding even pre-Hurricane Maria levels.

Naturally, Dean is enthusiastic about the idea of this many meeting planners descending on the island to see its incredible recovery with their own eyes — with the hope they’ll want to return with their own groups.

“We’re thrilled to host Connect 2021 and have the opportunity to open Puerto Rico’s doors to the industry’s best meetings and events experts,” said Dean. “Welcoming the Connect community will be a testament to Puerto Rico being a strong force in the space — it will further elevate our status as the most technologically advanced destination in the Caribbean that offers the ease of traveling to a U.S. territory, combined with unparalleled culture and diverse natural offerings.”

Currently, Puerto Rico has 150 hotels, nearly 1,900 restaurants and bars, and 13 golf courses. A planned Times Square-inspired entertainment complex in San Juan called El Distrito, currently under construction, will feature a state-of-the-art performance center, a hotel and many entertainment options for groups when it opens in the coming year. 

El Distrito is adjacent to the Puerto Rico Convention Center, where the majority of Connect 2021 events will take place. The PRCC has 600,000 square feet of convention space, a new lobby lounge, 15 meeting rooms, 29 breakout rooms and high-tech capabilities.

 

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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