OCCC Recovery & Resiliency Update

Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center

Dear OCCC Stakeholders and Partners,

Through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have remained resilient and united in the success of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) and our mission of economic development. Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these unchartered waters.

Your commitment to the OCCC helped us successfully host the AAU Junior Volleyball Championships from July 14-22, welcoming a final tally of 9,600 players, coaches and chaperones, who brought an estimated economic impact of $12.3 million to Orange County.

Immediately following the AAU, we welcomed hundreds of convention industry leaders and event professionals for the Together Again Expo on July 24. This event, hosted in collaboration with Alliance Nationwide Exposition, provided a forum on how live events can safely move forward and get back to business as we work to recover from the impacts of the public health crisis. The Together Again Expo hosted 1,400 live industry professionals and nearly 8,225 virtual participants. The Together Again Expo featured a robust lineup of industry experts and more than 250 industry exhibitors.

The exemplary work ethic of the OCCC team, coupled with the collaboration and community support from our clients, stakeholders and partners, as well as the rapid implementation and approval of our Recovery and Resiliency Guidelines by Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and the Florida Department of Health, assisted in successfully hosting these events in July. We remain committed to engaging with our community partners on the future of the convention and trade show industry and look forward to welcoming back many more of our clients, guests and attendees to The Center of Hospitality soon.

The vast economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has had rippling effects throughout the region, including Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenues. The Orange County BCC has made the decision to delay construction of the North-South Building Expansion, upon the recovery of TDT revenues in Orange County. Thus far, the design progress is anticipated to be 60% complete in August.

Our team is working extremely hard to bring back events to the OCCC and meeting safely with our new normal. As part of our three-pronged strategy for recovery, the OCCC has officially received the GBAC STAR accreditation, to ensure the implementation of rigorous disinfection and cleaning protocols, and has finalized its unique medical concierge program with Orlando Health for conventions and trade shows being hosted at the OCCC through 2020.

All of us at the OCCC are grateful for your ongoing trust and support as we work through these uncertain times and thank you for your commitment to the safety of our employees, clients, visitors and attendees.