Greetings,

This past weekend, the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) safely welcomed attendees to the Orlando Winterfest and Holiday Market, demonstrating a safe path forward for the future of live events. Pioneered by the stellar team that brought the Together Again Expo to the OCCC in July, we collaborated with Alliance Nationwide Exposition to provide a festive marketplace to safely connect local businesses and consumers this holiday season.

The event implemented multiple health and safety measures to ensure attendees, exhibitors and employees were safe. Increased hand sanitizer stations, wider aisles with directional signage, temperature checks for all guests entering the exhibit hall and enhanced cleaning protocols were just some of extensive procedures put in place throughout the event. Even Santa and his elves had to opportunity to enjoy the four-day event at the West Building.

In the coming weeks, we will be hosting various sporting, consumer and trade events under modified operations. This week, the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin will host 6,000 attendees across nearly one million square feet of exhibit space in the North-South Building. With no spectators, AKC attendees are limited to exhibitors, handlers, handler assistants and owners. Additionally, staggered attendance, proper social distancing and safety protocols are being implemented for this event celebrating its 10th year at the OCCC, scheduled from Dec. 8-13.

The Central Florida Auto Show, scheduled Dec. 18-20, will welcome an estimated 13,000 attendees over the three-day event. With wider aisles, staggered attendance and following our Recovery and Resiliency Guidelines, we’ve ensured that our controlled gatherings prioritizes the health and safety of attendees and exhibitors.

As home to these esteemed conventions and trade shows, the OCCC continues to be an industry leader, affirming the Center’s competitiveness and reputation for excellence. As we work to navigate these unprecedented times, we are confident that our clients, exhibitors and attendees are able to Meet Safely Today for a Stronger Tomorrow at The Center of Hospitality.
Mark Tester
Executive Director
Orange County Convention Center
OCCC Upcoming Convention and Events
Returning to the OCCC for their 10th year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) National Championship presented by Royal Canin celebrated its 20th anniversary from Dec. 8-13 at the Center.

Recognizing the OCCC’s extended commitment to meeting safety, planners of the Mr. Olympia fitness competition recently announced plans to relocate the renowned bodybuilding event to The Center of Hospitality from Dec. 15-19, 2020.

Calling the OCCC home for more than 35 years, the 2020 Central Florida International Auto Show will take place from Dec. 18-20, and will be the first nationwide auto show hosted since the onset of the pandemic. 

With a legacy spanning more than three decades, the Surf Expo is moving forward at the OCCC from Jan. 6-8, following Emerald’s recent success in hosting its first live event under modified operations.

The first-ever MAGIC Pop Up Orlando by Informa Markets Fashion is set to take place Feb. 9-11 at the OCCC. This limited capacity event will showcase women’s trend and contemporary apparel, accessories, and footwear, as well as select menswear brands, and will draw a US-based audience of big-box, online, specialty, and boutique retail buyers.  
Orlando International Airport Update 
The Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the Hyatt Regency have both received the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation. The GBAC STAR accreditation is the gold standard of prepared facilities. This accreditation means that the facility has established and maintained a cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention program to minimize risks associated with infectious agents like the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). MCO has the proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques and practices in place to combat biohazards and infectious disease, as well as highly informed cleaning professionals who are trained for outbreak and infectious disease response.
Hotels and Accommodations Updates
At Loews Hotels & Co, the health and safety of guests, team members and local community is always a top-priority. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have developed enhanced Safety & Well-Being Protocols that address the entire guest experience. From arrival to check out, Loews Hotels & Co. are committed to providing quality customer service, while keeping every guest safe. 
Gold Key Partner Update | Universal Orlando Resort
We can’t wait to see you again. As we begin to welcome back your attendees, health and safety is our top priority. We want to remind you of the ongoing efforts we make on a daily basis, and new measures we have added to provide a clean environment at our parks. From arrivals to seating arrangements and more, we’re ready to accommodate your programs safely. Learn more about our safety guidelines for your next event.

With three amazing theme parks and a dining and entertainment complex, we have everything you need to deliver unforgettable event experiences, including a night on the town in our New York street sets and the live entertainment and all-night excitement of Universal CityWalk.

Staying at one of our hotels, or just enjoying the parks during the day? Click here to review our full destination safety guidelines.

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