Greetings, 

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) continues to work with its clients and partners to ensure the safety of all guests and attendees. The OCCC was among the first in the nation to earn the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation. Providing third-party validation from the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), the GBAC STAR program is a performance-based accreditation designed to help facilities establish a comprehensive cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention plan to protect their venue, employees and guests. 

Focusing on 20 essential program elements, the accreditation teaches proper protocols, techniques and cleaning best practices for situations such as COVID-19. The Center’s environmental services team members have participated in a comprehensive training program to learn the data and science behind infectious disease prevention and control.

Since earning the accreditation, the OCCC has not only increased the frequency of its cleaning, but also the visibility. Hotels and venues across the destination are also securing their accreditation. The continued prominence of this program throughout the region offers a trusted benchmark and assurance that guests are entering a safe, clean space. The OCCC continues to enhance and fine-tune its recovery strategy in line with emerging data, recommendations and feedback.

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and trust in the OCCC.
Mark Tester
Executive Director
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando International Airport Update 
The Orlando International Airport (MCO) continues to remain committed to the safety and well-being of all travelers and employees, and maintains an enhanced cleaning schedule at its facilities, as well as updated security procedures from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). MCO’s TSA agents screened approximately 36,292 people at security checkpoints on Sunday, Oct. 18 making it the busiest day at the airport since March 17.

Additionally, between October 10 and October 17, approximately 229,892 people were screened at MCO security checkpoints, making it the airport’s busiest week since the beginning of the pandemic. MCO has also resumed services to various cities and destinations across the world. At the end of the month, MCO will resume services to Lima, Peru and New York/La Guardia, NY.

Hotels and Accommodations Updates
Hotels and resorts across the destination have implemented robust health and safety protocols. Hyatt Regency Orlando is among the most recent accredited facilities by The Global Biorisk Council (GBAC). Marriott International’s Commitment to Clean ensures guests can travel with confidence and provides a safe environment for guests. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which has more than 30 properties across Central Florida, has also taken important steps for the protection of their guests implementing new health and safety measures.
Theme Park and Attractions Updates
Located in the heart of the Convention Center District, ICON Park is open and ready to welcome your guests. Home to The Wheel, Orlando StarFlyer, Madame Tussauds and other options, ICON Park is a 20-acre, open-air, gate free entertainment destination with plenty of space to spread out and practice social distancing. Many of their shops and restaurant locations are offering delivery, take-out and dine-in services. Most importantly, our theme parks and attractions continue to put safety first as Orlando’s meetings industry ramps up again, further solidifying our commitment to being the safest destination for conventions, meetings and events of all sizes. 
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