Orlando Convention Center ~ Orange County Orlando Florida

The idea for the Orange County Convention  Center (OCCC), originally developed out of a law passed in 1977 by Florida’s State Legislature that permitted counties to collect a “Tourist Development Tax” on top of the regular sales tax for hotel room stays. The tax was approved by the county voters and in April 1978, the voters of Orange County approved a 2% Tourist Development Tax for the purpose of building a Convention and Civic Center. That August, a location for the OCCC was chosen in Orlando Central Park, off of the famous International Drive.  The creation was to consist of 325,000 sq ft gross area. In 1979, the land was donated by the Orlando Central Park for the initial facility, and they too gave the county an option on purchasing an additional 45 acres for future expansion.

The first 4 phases of the Orange County Convention Center‘s West Building were completed in 1998-built over the span of two decades in order to accommodate the growing demands for conventions and tradeshows, the OCCC is now enhanced by the addition of the North/South Building, making it the second largest convention facility in the country (at 2.1 million square feet), after the reigning McCormick Place in Chicago. Home to 23 exposition halls and 141meeting rooms of all sizes, the OCCC can cater to any small gathering or even a large trade show.

While size and space is an essential and basic necessity of the center, service and atmosphere are a priority. The Center of Hospitality program is focused on providing you, the guest, with the very best services available. No matter what you need- whether it be directions within or outside of the center or maybe you’d like recommendations for restaurants in the area- the super-friendly staff at the Guest Services desk can provide key details to make your visit that much better.

The OCCC is conveniently located just 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport and is surrounded by thousands of businesses including hotels, restaurants, specialty shops and even outlet malls.  All you’ll need is located on this 14.5 mile strip known as International Drive- the main tourist strip in the Southwest Orlando area.If you’re interested in attending any of the events at the convention center during your stay in Orlando, please see the Calendar of Events for more information.  Have a great time!

Upcoming Orlando Conventions

For December 2011 you may visit the following:

• Dec 1-3: Performance Racing Industry
• Dec 1-2: Athletic Business Conference
• One day events on Dec 1: L-3 link simulation and raining, Geohemia Interactive Simulations
• Dec 3: UCA Central Florida Regional
• Dec 3: Gujarati Cultural Dance and Talent Show
• Dec 10: Florida Citrus Region by the Porsche Club of USA
• Dec 11: Martin Sports Car Club
• Dec 14-18: Eukanuba National Championship
• Dec 16-18: Cities Of America

If there are blue links associated with any of the events here above, you can learn more about this event on our blog pages by clicking the hyperlink.