|
Greetings,
As the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) closes out its third quarter, we reflect on the remarkable success of our event and business operations. During the past three months, the Center has reached outstanding achievements further solidifying its place as the premier venue and meetings destination for organizations across the globe.
In the third quarter of our 2022-2023 fiscal year, from April to June, we welcomed approximately 513,300 attendees to 35 events, generating an estimated $887.6 million in economic impact for the Central Florida region. One of the key factors to our success is the OCCC’s unwavering commitment to its surrounding communities through impactful contributions, groundbreaking innovations and a fervent focus on partner relationships.
Beginning on May 1, 2023, Walt Disney World joined the OCCC’s Gold Key Partner Program. In addition to Universal Orlando and SeaWorld, Walt Disney World will now provide the OCCC’s clients with a customized suite of products and services offering show managers and exhibit managers the opportunity to access specialty programming for offsite events as well as exclusive park experiences. We are grateful for the dynamic relationships that will continue to strengthen due to the collaborations between the Center and all of its Service Partners.
Furthermore, the OCCC’s commitment to improving its surrounding communities was honored on June 15, 2023, at the International Drive Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. During this event, the OCCC received the Harris Rosen Philanthropic Award which recognized the Center for its sustainable practices and charitable donations. From April to June, over 351,00 pounds of food, toiletries, clothing and other items leftover from events were donated to local organizations throughout Central Florida. In April, the Orange County Convention Center also showcased the expansion of its butterfly garden which is helping to preserve North America’s monarch butterfly species. The Center also recycled and composted over 22.4 tons of food and materials helping to divert waste from Orange County’s landfill.
The OCCC is committed to providing exceptional service by consistently refining its business practices, upgrading its facilities, and prioritizing safe, sustainable environments. On June 7th of this year, we had the opportunity to educate the Mayor’s Tourist Development Task Force regarding re-starting the project we had in design to add key components to our North/South Buildings. Currently, our request is under review by the TDT Task Force, the Tourist Development Council and the Orange County Board of County Commissioners. The project, which we called Expansion 5A/B, would include a grand concourse, connecting the North and South Concourses, ballroom, meeting space and a large, multipurpose hall. Funding for the project would come directly from the Tourist Development Tax. We expect a final decision later this year.
On beat with facility improvement projects, we revealed our newest facility feature last quarter, “Bbot” the autonomous security robot, which offers an additional layer of security offering 24-hour surveillance of the West Building’s concourse areas. This quarter, we’re excited to announce that we’re in the process of licensing two additional robots that will monitor our North and South buildings.
With public safety in mind, the OCCC continues to partner with local and federal law enforcement agencies to participate in security audits, intelligence briefings and other programs which help to ensure the community’s wellbeing. As we roll into our fourth quarter, the Orange County Convention Center would like to assure its employees, stakeholders, visitors and community partners of our dedication to offering safe, inclusive environments that foster a culture of diversity, comfortability and improvement.
We appreciate the partnerships we’ve acquired within the convention and tradeshow industry over the last 40 years and look forward to creating more Transformational Experiences here at The Center of Hospitality.
Sincerely,
| 
