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.
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