Convention Center News & Views | April 2020
Physically Apart Yet Connected More Than Ever
COVID-19 has had a rippling effect across the convention center industry and across all sectors of the economy – initially impacting the Orange County Convention Center followed by its tourism partners, airlines and hotels, including Orlando’s world-class theme parks and other restaurants and entertainment attractions. The Center of Hospitality  and the trade show industry has withstood many economic challenges like 9-11 and the recession of the late 2000s, but nothing can compare to the repercussions of COVID-19. 

OCCC Sustainability Coordinator, John Roberts, facilitating the donation of goods to a Gift for Teaching.
Center of Hospitality Demonstrates Dedication to Local Community
The OCCC continues to demonstrate its dedication to the local community during these unprecedented times. 

Recognizing the challenges faced by the local region, The Center of Hospitality team have worked diligently to support local organizations throughout these times of hardship. Through innovative waste diversion practices, the OCCC has spearheaded numerous donation initiatives to support several local non-profit organizations.  

Orgill Spring Dealer Market interior signage at the OCCC South Building.  
Orgill Spring Dealer Market at the OCCC Supports Local Organizations 
More than 22,600 home improvement industry experts from around the globe gathered at the OCCC from Feb. 27-29 to attend the Orgill Spring Dealer market, generating an impressive $58 million in economic impact for the Central Florida region.

Through collaboration with the Orgill Spring Dealer Market’s show management and exhibitors, the OCCC was able to secure donations of essential household items and building materials to the value of $300,000 in support of Habitat for Humanity. 

Global Pet Expo 2020 trade show floor in the OCCC West Building.
Global Pet Expo Leaves a Lasting Impression on the Central Florida Region 
The Global Pet Expo returned to the OCCC for the 16th year from Feb. 26-28. With more than 17,000 pet industry professionals in attendance, the show left a lasting impression on the Central Florida region, from introducing an estimated $43.6 million in economic impact, to donating much needed items and supplies to local organizations. 

L-R: Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings; ecoPreserve Vice President Mital Hall MSc, PMP, LEED AP O+M; OCCC Deputy Director Terry Devitt; OCCC Sustainability Coordinator John Roberts; TLC Engineering Solutions Principal Kristy Walson PE, LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP O+M, BEMP; Orange County Chief Sustainability and Resiliency Officer Jeff Benavides at the USGBC Leadership Awards Ceremony on Mar. 6, 2020. 
OCCC Recognized for Commitment to Sustainability by the U.S. Green Building Council 
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) awarded the OCCC with the 2020 Rise to the Challenge Award at the USGBC Leadership Awards Ceremony on Mar. 6, 2020, in recognition of the Center’s green building and sustainability practices within the conventions industry and beyond.  

The annual event identifies outstanding individuals and organizations at the forefront of the green building community. As one of the largest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified convention centers in North America, the OCCC continues to demonstrate industry and community leadership by pioneering pathways for large venues to achieve improving levels of sustainability stewardship.

Participants competing at the USA Volleyball Sunshine Classic Tournament at the OCCC. 
USA Volleyball Sunshine Classic Tournament Kicks Off Volleyball Season at the OCCC 
The USA Volleyball Sunshine Classic Tournament, hosted at the OCCC, welcomed more than 12,300 participants from more than 1,000 teams, on Mar. 6-8, 2020.

With more than 40,000 attendees in total, it is estimated that the event generated approximately $51.3 million in economic impact for the local region. 

North-South Building Expansion Plans
The highly anticipated North-South Building expansion will bring total exhibit space at the OCCC to 2.3 million square feet. This exciting project will allow us to offer greater flexibility and connectivity to our new and existing clients.

To learn more about the North-South expansion project, visit www.occc.net/expansion .
North-South Building expansion rendering
January and February
Client Validation Meetings

The OCCC hosted a total of 27 client validation meetings to provide a range of clients with an overview of our North-South Building expansion.

Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Contract

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) selected to move forward on contract negotiations for the CMAR contract with PCL Construction Services, Inc.
North-South Building expansion rendering
March
Design Ch arret te I

The OCCC Leadership Team and Populous + C.T. Hsu, a Joint Venture hosted a successful Design Charrette on March 11 to address phasing and scope items critical to the coordination around client activity.

CMAR Contract 

The final component of the project team, the CMAR, resolved contract negotiations between Orange County and PCL Construction. The CMAR contract was approved by the BCC on March 24 and the Notice to Proceed was issued on March 27.
Saving the Seas… one group at a time!                      
We provide Events That Matter. Along with unmatched thrills, culinary excellence, 
and flexibility to do events your way, support for our parks contributes to animal 
rescue efforts around the world, with over 36,000 rescues and counting. 

Set the stage with Meetings & Events at Universal Orlando Resort™
With three amazing theme parks and the Universal CityWalk™ dining and entertainment complex, Universal Orlando Resort has everything you need to set the stage for an incredible event.

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