Greetings,
We believe that the Orange County Convention Center has proven that following CDC Guidelines and our Recovery and Resiliency Plan allows us to meet safely to build a great tomorrow. We have found that events can happen when you follow our Recovery and Resiliency Plan and the Global Biorisk Advisory Council’s (GBAC) STAR™ program. You can safely host events if you follow the CDC Guidelines and wear a mask. We have shown that it is possible through hosting events like the Surf Expo and MAGIC Pop-Up Orlando, OFFPRICE Orlando Market, and WWIN Orlando Showcase. All had successful safety plans.
Our guiding principles come from our Mayor Jerry L. Demings. His vision is to have a culture of innovation, collaboration and inclusiveness, where a community comes together to solve problems by pooling resources so that we can lift up our citizens and be a good community partner. Since the pandemic first hit, the Convention Center has turned from our mission of economic development to a regional health care hub. Our health care partners have successfully administered more than 300,000 COVID-19 tests since March 2020 and hit the 100,000 mark of vaccine distribution to local residents last week. We are responding to this mission as efficiently as we can with our community. We understand that this recovery is a team effort.
We believe that there is a need and demand for conventions and trade shows. We have worked hard to be part of the industry’s recovery and we hope our customers will appreciate our efforts. Once vaccines are made more widely available, we will come racing back. We are excited to get through vaccinations, so that the entire convention industry will come back.
Many local retailers, such as mom and pop shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, theme parks and transportation companies used by convention visitors during their time on International Drive and across Orange County have also made an effort to stay open as a result of the activity and impact the Center continues to generate during this time. These efforts are an integral part of the Center’s story of economic development, resiliency and commitment to our community.
We look forward to the rest of 2021 with great optimism and confidence in knowing that we can count on the ongoing support and collaboration of our stakeholders, partners and customers.
|
|
|
|
Mark Tester
Executive Director
Orange County Convention Center
|
|
Meeting Safely | Recent OCCC Activity |
|
In Feb. 2021, the OCCC welcomed the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) for its annual Everything Under the Sun Expo. |
|
Everything Under the Sun Expo Brings the Heat to the OCCC |
|
In Feb. 2021, the OCCC welcomed MAGIC Pop-Up Orlando, OFFPRICE Orlando Market and WWIN Orlando Showcase. |
|
Stronger Together: Informa Markets, Clarion Events and Tarsus Group Bring a Little Magic to Orlando |
|
The OCCC continues to support Orange County residents during their time of need. |
|
The Life Saving Convention Center: Serving Essential Public Safety Roles during Local Emergencies |
The OCCC is ground zero in Orange County’s public safety response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Six days a week, thousands of residents are being vaccinated against the coronavirus at the Convention Center site.
|
|
As the Heart of International Drive, the OCCC continues to deliver substantial economic and community value to the Convention Center District. |
|
The Heart of International Drive |
The OCCC remains steadfast in its mission of economic development. The vison is for Orange County to have the healthiest and most robust economy in the nation. By hosting regional, national and international conventions, meetings and trade shows, the Center stimulates and infuses the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.
Delivering substantial economic and community value through the years, the OCCC is committed to achieving this mission. Learn more at www.occc.net/impact.
|
|
CRA funding continues to play an important role in I-Drive's 2040 Strategic Vision. |
|
Community Redevelopment Areas in Orange County |
As one of 15 Community Redevelopment Area’s (CRA) across Orange County, the International Drive District receives support to extend its infrastructure to support commerce, tourism and residents alike.
First established in 1998, CRA funding continues to play a role in the District’s 2040 Strategic Vision, assisting in the development of infrastructure to minimize congestion, solve transportation deficiencies, and improve pedestrian safety.
|
|
In Feb. 2021, the COVID-19 vaccination site at the OCCC administered the vaccine to a 101-year-old Orange County resident. |
|
101-year-old Resident Receives Vaccine |
On Feb. 20, the OCCC welcomed longtime Orange County resident 101-year-old Jose Ros to receive his COVID-19 vaccine at the Center's vaccination site.
|
|
The OCCC continues to forge strong relationships with local and trade media partners, to further instill community and client confidence in Meeting Safely at the OCCC, with the ultimate goal of driving economic growth throughout the region.
|
|
CNTV | MAGIC, WINN and OFFPRICE |
|
OCCC | January 2021 Events |
|
WESH | MAGIC, WWIN & OFFPRICE |
|
|
|
News 13 | OCCC Public Safety |
|
|
WFTV | Staff Reassignments |
|
|
|
In the News Notable Mentions |
|
Follow The Center of Hospitality on social media.
|
|
with step-by-step directions, building maps, parking locations and more:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
