The Convention Center Orlando has been the site of major conventions, trade shows, and other events for many years. Today it is one of the largest facilities its size in the country, with a capacity of about 22,000 people. There are plans to expand it even more by adding another 200,000 square feet and an adjacent building that will be used as a hotel. Understanding how this expansion will affect you as a visitor can help you plan your next trip to Orlando. Here are 5 things you should know about the Orange County Convention Center Orlando (OCCC) if you plan on visiting soon or want to work at this iconic location in the future.
What's Taking Place at the Convention Center Orlando?
The Convention Center Orlando is a major convention center that draws people from all over the world. It hosts events such as Disney’s D23 Expo, the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and the National Religious Broadcasters annual convention.
But it is not just major conventions that take place here. In fact, the Orlando Convention Center hosts more than 300 events each year. Each event attracts anywhere from a few hundred people to more than 20,000 people.
Some of the events that take place here include:
– Major conventions like the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA), the National Religious Broadcasters, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), and the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
– Trade shows like the Florida Boat Show, the Florida Strawberry Show, the Florida Citrus Conference, and the Florida Flower and Garden Show.
– Sports tournaments and events like the USA Volleyball National Championships, the National Fencing Championships, and the Florida Gymnastics Championships.
– Religious events like the Billy Graham Fest, Celebrate Jesus, and the Music and Worship Experience. – Other major events like the Orange County Auto Show, the Orange County Home Show, Orlando Fashion Week, and the Orlando International Fringe Theater Festival.
Expansion Plans
The Convention Center Orlando is in the process of expanding. The new addition will add an additional 200,000 square feet to the current facility, growing the convention center to an almost 1 million square foot facility.
While the convention center has hosted large-scale events in the past, the new space should allow it to host even more events. The expansion is expected to cost $690 million and be completed by 2023.
The expansion will be built just to the south of the current convention center, occupying the same block. The addition will be connected to the existing building via a sky bridge that will allow people to walk between the two facilities without going outside.
The addition will include meeting spaces and exhibit halls, along with the following features:
– A Grand Ballroom with a 10,000 square foot stage and 40-foot wide retractable ceiling.
– A 7000 square foot ballroom.
– An event lawn large enough to host a concert with a capacity of 15,000 people.
– Three meeting rooms, each with a capacity of 2,000 people.
– An outdoor patio area with a capacity for 1,000 people.
– Fifty-five meeting rooms, including three board rooms with a capacity of 2,000 people each.
– Six exhibit halls with a total combined area of approximately 600,000 square feet.
Where is the Convention Center Orlando?
The Orlando Convention Center is located at 8001 Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida 32819. The convention center is located in the heart of Orlando, just south of the Amway Center and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and north of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The center can be easily accessed by car, public transportation, or taxi. If you want to make your visit even easier, you can download the REND Travel app.
This app lets you plan your trip based on your interests, including hotels, restaurants, landmarks, and more. It also lets you save all your trips so you can easily plan your next trip.
History Of Orlando Convention Center
Like many cities, Orlando relied on tourism as a major source of revenue for many years. However, by the 1950s, the city realized that it needed to establish itself as a business destination as well.
At that time, the city began promoting itself as a convention destination. However, it lacked the facilities to host major conventions and trade shows.
As a result, the city decided to construct a convention center. In 1965, the city purchased a piece of land that would become the site of the Orlando Convention Center.
Construction on the center began in 1967 and was completed in 1971. Designed by architect Edward D. Stone, this convention center was built as a single-building facility with an adjacent parking garage. The convention center was opened to the public by May 1, 1971. The original convention center was 300,000 square feet, making it the largest convention center between Atlanta and Miami. In 1995, the city of Orlando decided to expand the convention center.
This expansion added an adjoining building. In addition, the entire facility was renovated, adding a new facade, new entrances, and more parking. The expansion increased the total convention center space to 700,000 square feet.
Who Works At The OCC?
The Orlando Convention Center employs about 200 people on a full-time basis. This team includes administrative staff, engineers, facilities management, IT staff, and security officers. The Convention Center also employs people on a part-time and contracted basis.
These people perform a wide variety of functions, including audiovisual, guest services, engineering, event operations, and food and beverage.
Why is it Important for You to Know About This Location?
The Orlando Convention Center is a large and important part of the tourism and business industries in Central Florida. It has hosted many major events and conventions over the years.
If you are interested in attending one of these events or would like to attend one of the many smaller conventions that take place here, you need to be aware of the location.
When you attend a convention, trade show, or other event at the Orlando Convention Center, you need to know how to get there. You also need to know where to stay near the center if you are attending the event and don’t live in the area.
Knowing the address and how to get there will help you plan your trip to the convention center. It also helps you find hotels near the Orlando Convention Center where you can stay.
How To Get Convention Center Orlando
The Orlando Convention Center is easily accessible by car, public transportation, or taxi. The center is located in the heart of downtown Orlando, just south of the Amway Center and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and north of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
If you are driving to the Orlando Convention Center, you can use Google Maps for directions. You can also use the REND Travel app to not only find nearby attractions but also get directions.
The app will let you know the best route to take to get to your destination. If you are flying into Orlando, you can get to the convention center by taking a taxi or using public transportation. If you decide to use public transportation, you have a few options. You can take the Lynx bus or SunRail to the Convention Center station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the center.
You can also take the Lynx Central route to the Center Street station, which is about a 15-minute walk to the convention center.
Where to Stay Near Convention Center Orlando
There are many hotels in Orlando that are close to the convention center. Here are a few of the best options:
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, located just a few miles from the convention center, offers a variety of luxurious rooms and suites.
The Kimpton Amory Orlando, a luxurious hotel just a few blocks away from the convention center, offers a variety of rooms and suites that are perfect for a relaxing stay.
The Wyndham Garden Orlando International Airport offers a variety of rooms and suites that are perfect for travelers who are looking for a comfortable stay near the airport.
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Final Thoughts
The Orlando Convention Center is a major convention center that attracts people from all over the world. It hosts events such as major conventions, trade shows, religious events, and sports tournaments. The center also employs many people and is important for you to know about if you plan on attending an event there or visiting Orlando.
You can use Google Maps for directions, take a taxi, or use public transportation to get to the convention center. Regardless of how you travel, you need to know the address and nearby landmarks so you can find the convention center.
