Orange County Convention Center Finishes 2021 on a High-Note

Following the unprecedented impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) has experienced an exceptional first quarter – finishing 2021 on a high note. The Center of Hospitality has welcomed many long-standing clients and new conventions and trade shows, after many went virtual last year. As the OCCC and hospitality industry embrace 2022, the focus remains on working with both new and existing clients to ensure the Center is doing Business Better than Usual.

From October through December 2021, the OCCC generated an estimated $370 million in economic impact for Orange County across 42 events, with approximately 221,500 attendees.

In October, the Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) hosted its 2021 Annual Convention and Trade Show at the OCCC from Oct. 24-26, 2021. Relocated from another destination, STAFDA welcomed nearly 2,400 industry leaders generating an estimated economic impact of $6.1 million for the Orange County community.

In November, the Center had the pleasure of hosting the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo, the global leader for all leisure and attractions professionals. After foregoing an in-person event in 2020, IAAPA hosted more than 28,000 international amusement park and attraction industry professionals. This event is expected to create an economic impact of approximately $79.6 million for Orange County.

IAAPA

Finally, the OCCC will round out the quarter by hosting its furry friends at the American Kennel Club (AKC) for its National Championship presented by Royal Canin. This year’s event will showcase the country’s top canine athletes. From Dec. 14 through Dec. 19, AKC will bring approximately 25,000 attendees for an estimated economic impact of $64.2 million to the Center.

After an unprecedented year, the OCCC is thrilled to be experiencing a steady event calendar and looks forward to a strong 2022. By continuing to leverage regional partnerships and enhanced safety protocols, the Center remains focused on instilling confidence and maintaining its long-held reputation as a leader in the conventions and trade show industry.

Partner Voices
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