Greetings,


In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, we are grateful the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) sustained very minimal damage and has returned to normal operations. We are excited to welcome FABTECH Expo this week and look forward to continuing to serve our clients and guests. As the fourth quarter of our 2023-2024 fiscal year concludes, we reflect on the remarkable events, thousands of attendees and unforgettable experiences that filled our halls over the last year. Our team’s dedication to economic development has shined through as we elevated our customer service and fostered meaningful connections and contributions in our community.

 

From July to September 2024, we hosted approximately 50 events, welcoming 551,000 attendees and generating an estimated $870.8 million in economic impact for Orange County. These numbers are a direct result of the Center’s unwavering commitment to be an economic driver for the region and indicate the Center’s position for future growth.

 

This quarter’s events saw great success and an elevated level of engagement. Returning events such as the AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships saw increased attendance – attracting 300,000 attendees and breaking its previous attendance record from last year. These events not only brought guests together but also gave back in meaningful ways. From donating free event tickets to organizing a successful blood drive, the generosity was extended to various local organizations including the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, Orange County Public Schools, West Orange Habitat for Humanity, OneBlood, Social Offset, and other vital community partners.

 

The collective support from our event partners highlights our ongoing commitment to enhancing the lives of Central Florida residents and making a lasting, positive impact.

 

Looking to the first quarter of our 2024-2025 fiscal year, we are excited to welcome back marquee events such as the IAAPA Expo and the AKC National Championships, as well as first-time event FABTECH 2024. These prestigious events will not only kick off the new fiscal year with great momentum, but will also set a positive tone for our continued success.

 

As an industry-leading convention center, we are grateful for our devoted employees, collaborative partners and loyal clients. Closing out the 2023-2024 fiscal year and stepping into 2024-2025, we remain steadfast in setting new benchmarks of excellence. With our collective efforts and strong partnerships, we will continue to elevate Orange County as the premier destination for trade shows, meetings and events. Together, we will drive growth and ensure that each event leaves an Unbelievably Real impact.


Mark Tester

Executive Director

Orange County Convention Center

FY 23-24 Q4 RECAP VIDEO

PRESS RELEASES

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ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER PROVIDES NEARLY $4 BILLION IN ECONOMIC IMPACT TO CENTRAL FLORIDA REGION


The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) generates approximately $3.9 billion in economic impact for the Central Florida economy each year – a significant increase that highlights the Center’s business activity according to a recent study by PFM Group Consulting (PFM).


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FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA GEARS UP FOR RECORD-BREAKING NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE


A record number of attendees will head to Orlando, Florida next week to attend the Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC). The annual event is attracting more than 17,000 middle school, high school, and college students, as well as their teachers, volunteers, and exhibitors from across the country.


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9TH ANNUAL FLORIDA KIDS AND FAMILY EXPO


The Florida Kids and Family Expo is a few weeks away! The Country’s Largest Kids and Family Expo in the Country will return to the Orange County Convention Center on August 17-18, 2024. Orlando Health returns as the Presenting Sponsor for this epic expo for kids and families.


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THE ORLANDO BOAT SHOW RETURNS TO THE ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER AUGUST 23-25, 2024


The Marine Industry Association of Central Florida (MIACF) presents the Orlando Boat Show, a three-day event on August 23, 24, and 25, 2024, at the Orange County Convention Center, West Hall B and C. The highly anticipated show features 22 of Central Florida's top boat dealers representing more than 80 manufacturers, with approximately 500 boats on display.


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PRINT AND DIGITAL MEDIA MENTIONS

Firehouse

NFPA Donates 500 Comfort Bears to Orange, Seminole County Fire Departments

Orlando Business Journal

Orange County Convention Center expands bids, timeline details

Gotta Go Orlando

The Florida Kids and Family Expo - The largest in the country, returns to OCCC

Game & Fish

As 2024 ICAST Rolls into Orlando, Numbers Climb Toward 'Good Old Days'

Food Service Director

Braille menus make National Federation of the Blind feel welcome at OCCC

Surf Expo

Surf Expo expands reach as The Ultimate Watersports & Coastal Lifestyle Trade Show returns to Orlando

Orlando Business Journal

Orlando tourism industry hits record-high economic impact

Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Boat Show returns this weekend with 500 boats

ASIS International

16,000 Registrants from 86 nations participate in GSX 2024

TV MEDIA MENTIONS

WFTV 9

OCCC Expansion Update

FOX 35

Orlando Tattoo Arts Festival

WFTV 9

WFTV 9 | Central Florida Kids and Family Expo

News 13

Orlando Boat Show Day 2

WFTV 9

OCCC x OUC Charging Stations

WFTV 9

GSX Security Conference to discuss issues at 2024 conference

WFTV 9

OCCC Economic Impact

News 13

Orlando Home and Garden Show

News 13

Orange County ESOL Pilot Program Expansion