OCCC News & Views | April 2023

Greetings,

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is continuing to celebrate its 40th anniversary by creating Transformational Experiences for its clients, partners, stakeholders and guests. With our customizable spaces, 40 years of leadership in the business, world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships, we are committed to bringing our clients’ imagination to life.

During the second quarter of our 2022-2023 fiscal year, from January to March, we welcomed 52 events, generating an estimated $753.5 million in economic impact with approximately 365,000 attendees – indicating a strong momentum for 2023.

We are on track to exceed our attendance and economic impact figures from the previous fiscal year and remain confident as our team continues to work with clients on their evolving needs.

We are also eager to launch two new initiatives to further enhance our security and safety protocols, with the implementation of the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) Badge program and the introduction of Knightscope’s K5 Autonomous Security Robot. You can read more about both initiatives below.

As an award-winning venue which has received dozens of industry awards and recognitions from meeting professionals and publications for its visionary leadership in the industry, the OCCC continually ranks among the best of the best. This is testament to our ability in creating Transformational Experiences.

Sincerely,

Mark Tester

Executive Director

Orange County Convention Center

The ESCA Badge

The OCCC has partnered with Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) to enhance the security of its venue. The ESCA Badge is a national worker identification and security program that allows entry into participating facilities by the workers who have been registered with the program.

Effective July 1, 2023, all general service contractors needing access to work in the OCCC must be identified with The ESCA Badge or a credential issued through the OCCC.

Knightscope Security Robot (BBot)

The OCCC is pleased to have partnered with Knightscope, Inc. for the introduction of the Center’s first autonomous security robot that will enhance security and operational efficiency across the OCCC campus.

The Security team engaged the assistance of Sand Lake Elementary School students to determine the robot’s name, and thus a naming competition was held. At the culmination of the competition, a third-grade student provided the winning name of “BBot” – which stands for “Bringing Bravery Out Together.”

BBot will patrol areas in the West Building including the A-F Concourse areas and level one of Concourse A and B.

OCCC Press Releases

Sand Lake Elementary School students and staff pictured with Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and OCCC Security Director Isiah White, Jr.

Autonomous Security Robot Brings Enhanced Security and Innovation to Orange County Convention Center

The Orange County Convention Center’s (OCCC) Security team introduced its newest addition – a 5-foot, 500-pound autonomous security robot that will play a vital role in ensuring the safety of OCCC guests by increasing the scope of surveillance on the Center’s campus, while significantly augmenting the Security team’s efforts.

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Volunteers package supplies to be donated to West Orange Habitat for Humanity.

Do it Best provides $1 Million in Goods to Habitat for Humanity, Partners with Vendors to Donate Home Improvement Products

Do it Best continues its history of support for Habitat for Humanity, coordinating the record donation of nearly $1 million in home improvement products to the West Orange Habitat for Humanity in Orlando, Florida.

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OCCC builds increased security through new badging partnership.

Exhibition Services & Contractors Association Partners with Orange County Convention Center

Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (‘ESCA’) partners with Orange County Convention Center (‘OCCC’) with the spirit to continue to enhance the security and safety of the OCCC venue.

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Semi-annual Orlando Boat Show sails toward continued success.

The Orlando Boat Show Cruises into the OCCC March 17-19, 2023

The Marine Industry Association of Central Florida (MIACF) presents the Orlando Boat Show for a three-day event March 17-19, 2023 at the Orange County Convention Center, West Hall C & D. The highly anticipated show features 21 of Central Florida's top boat dealers representing more than 80 manufacturers with approximately 400 boats on display.

PGA Show kicks off second quarter generating high economic impact.

70th PGA Show Closes and Signals a Big Year Ahead for Golf

Nearly 30,000 PGA Professionals, golf leaders, industry executives and retailers from more than 86 countries came together to meet with more than 800 golf companies at the 70th PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, Jan. 24-27, 2023. Following two years of business disruptions by the global pandemic, the PGA Show was a clear sign of a bullish year ahead for the continued growth of the sport and the $84 billion golf industry.

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VMX displays latest innovations in veterinary medicine.

Scientific Innovations Unveiled at VMX 2023 Equip Veterinary Professionals with Tools they Need to Provide Better Healthcare to Animals in 2023

The North American Veterinary Community concluded its 40th annual Veterinary Meeting and Expo (VMX 2023) Wednesday, Jan. 18., kicking off the new year with introductions and demonstrations of a myriad of veterinary healthcare innovations. A record-breaking number of over 28,000 people attended from 78 countries, representing a local economic contribution of $70.8 million.

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Surf Expo brings strong attendance to shore during winter show.

Surf Expo Records 21% Increase in Total Attendance

Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, saw a robust 21% year-over-year gain in attendance for its January 2023 edition, hosting more than 8,500 industry professionals at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, from January 4-6 for an incredible buying experience.

OCCC Print and Digital Media Mentions

Orlando Business Journal | Upcoming Veterinarian Convention and Expo Projected to Create $50M Economic Impact

Orlando Sentinel | PGA Merchandise Show Returns to Normal: ‘Being with People Matters’

PCMA Convene | Convention Center Veteran Is Making a Difference in her Community

WMFE | BBot the Robot is Joining the Security Team at the Orange County Convention Center

Canadian Plastics | Record-Breaking Space Draw for NPE2024

ClickOrlando (WKMG) | More than 100,000 people expected to swarm Orange County as MegaCon kicks off

OCCC TV Media Mentions

WESH 2 | IMSH Focuses on Saving Lives

Orange TV | PGA Show 2023

FOX 35 | Global Pet Expo 2023

WFTV | Knightscope Security Robot

FOX 35 | Good Day Orlando at MegaCon 2023

News 13 | MegaCon Traffic Report

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