The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is proud to celebrate another successful quarter to close out 2019. The Center of Hospitality welcomed more than 290,000 guests across 36 events from October to December, contributing an estimated $656.2 million in economic impact to the Central Florida region.

In October, the OCCC hosted a series of industry-renowned technology events, such as Grace Hopper, which attracted more than 24,400 female technologists, and consequently generated an impressive $62.8 million in economic impact. Additionally, more than 14,000 industry professionals gathered at Workday Rising, contributing an estimated $35.9 million to the region.

In November, the OCCC welcomed long-time legacy convention, the International Association of Amusements Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). The exciting and much anticipated IAAPA Expo had a record year, welcoming more than 42,000 attendees to the Center, which boasted a remarkable estimated economic impact of $107.8 million.

In December, the OCCC continued to host thousands of attendees from diverse industries and countries. I/ITSEC, recognized as the world’s largest modeling, simulation and training event, attracted more than 17,000 professionals from industry, military and educational communities, subsequently contributing an estimated $44.7 million into the region.

Later in the month, the American Society of Hematology hosted their annual meeting at the OCCC. This premier event welcomed more than 30,000 hematology professionals, introducing an estimated $77 million of economic impact to the local economy.

December also brought positive news with The Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approving the architectural and engineering design services contract with Populous + C.T. Hsu, a Joint Venture, for the Orange County Convention Center’s (OCCC) North-South Building Expansion. The OCCC and Populous + C.T. Hsu, a Joint Venture received approval from the BCC to move forward on contract negotiations in August.