Greetings,

As we look ahead to the fourth and final quarter of our 25-26 fiscal year, we are proud to reflect on another strong period of activity at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). From April to June, we welcomed more than 400,000 visitors across 44 events, generating nearly $1 billion in economic impact for our region. These results continue to highlight our role as a key economic driver and a trusted home for many of the nation’s most influential events.

Looking ahead to our final quarter, we have an exciting lineup of events, including several anticipated annual gatherings that contribute significantly to our community:

• ICAST returns as the world’s premier sportfishing tradeshow, expected to welcome approximately 15,000 attendees and generate an estimated $38 million in economic impact to Orange County.
• ANIMATE! ORLANDO returns in August for its second event at the OCCC, projecting an estimated 15,000 attendees and another $38 million in economic impact, bringing a vibrant fan community to our campus.
• Rounding out the quarter, the 146^th National Baptist Annual Session returns to the OCCC, expecting to welcome 25,000 attendees and generate nearly $63 million in economic impact for Orange County.

Progress also continues on the Grand Concourse Expansion – the centerpiece of our long-range capital improvement plan. Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings’ has reconvened the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) Citizen Advisory Task Force, which will provide us an important opportunity to apply for funding to support the completion of Phase 5B of our expansion. In addition, a new live-feed camera has been installed, allowing the community to view real-time progress and stay connected to the work taking shape on the transformative Grand Concourse Expansion project.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our customers, partners, staff, and stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration. Your engagement and commitment enable the Center to thrive, and we look forward to building on this momentum throughout the remainder of 2026 as we prepare for another successful fiscal year. 

Sincerely,

Mark Tester

Executive Director

Orange County Convention Center

Sustainability in Action at the OCCC

PRESS RELEASES

OCCC SUPPORTS LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES THROUGH PARTNERSHIP WITH TURNER SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

OCCC is proud to continue its partnership with Turner Construction Company as participants of the Turner School of Construction Management (TSCM) gain the tools, insights, and connections to elevate their operations right here at the Center.

OCCC CELEBRATES THE COMPLETION OF ONE OF FLORIDA'S LARGEST ROOFTOP SOLAR ARRAYS

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) has reached an exciting clean energy milestone with the completion of its 2.2 Megawatt (MW) rooftop solar installation, which is one of the largest of its kind in Florida.

AAU AND OCCC PREPARE TO SET NEW MARK FOR WORLD'S LARGEST VOLLEYBALL TOURNEMENT

Over the course of the 24-day event, there will be an expected $760.8 million in economic impact brought to Central Florida based on 300,000 estimated attendees.

PRINT AND DIGITAL
MEDIA MENTIONS

Facilities Management Now

Communication Has an Essential Role in Emergency Drills

Sports Business Journal

30 Best Sports Business Cities: No. 18 Orlando

US News & World Report
30 Best Conference Cities in the U.S. for 2026-2027

Travel & Tour World

Chicago Joins Las Vegas, Orlando, Atlanta, New Orleans, Nashville, San Diego, Washington, Boston, And Denver Among The Top Ten US Convention Cities Redefining Business Travel Across America

Florida Politics

Orange County hotel tax revenue is booming with $37.7M in a record-topping April

Quartz

The best — and most practical — cities in the U.S. for conferences

Learn More at www.uomeetingsandevents.com

Universal Orlando Resort combines the hospitality excellence of Loews Hotels & Co with the entertainment legend Universal to create an unrivaled meeting and event destination. With eleven spectacular Loews Hotels & Co and over 300,000 sq. ft. of meeting space resort-wide, we offer the best in world-class meeting facilities, service, and accommodations. And at Universal Orlando, everything is within easy reach. Our four groundbreaking theme parks and the Universal CityWalk dining and entertainment complex provide access to some of the hottest brands in today’s marketplace, letting you create a cutting-edge event that will absolutely captivate your attendees. It’s everything you could hope, all in one convenient location.

OCCC Latest News 

For the latest news and updates from The Center, please visit www.occc.net.