On Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC).

The Phase 5A project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an enclosed, air-conditioned connection between the North and South concourses that includes 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and a grand entrance to the North-South Building along Convention Way.

“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”

Following the TDT approval, the OCCC will re-engage the design process for Phase 5A, which was paused in 2020 due to the pandemic. The initial project design is at 50%. With the approval to move forward, the Center is eager to regroup, finalize the design and begin construction on Phase 5A. The OCCC will pursue funding for Phase 5B, which included a 200,000-square-foot Multipurpose Venue, at a later date when TDT reserves are at an optimal level to finance the project.

The vote also provided approval for TDT funding for three additional community projects: $90 million for the University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Stadium Tower, funding for the Application Review Committee (ARC) and increased funding for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

“This is my home, and I feel good about the decision made that will translate to investments in our community,” Mayor Demings said. “It’s an affirmation that this Board of County Commission also believes in our community.”

The Center’s mission is economic development and the approval to continue with Phase 5A will further the OCCC’s ability to fulfill its mission, while sharpening its competitive edge and maintaining its position as a leading destination for conventions, trade shows, sporting events and more.

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About the Orange County Convention Center
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center provides approximately $3 billion in economic impact to Central Florida annually. In recent years, the Convention Center has averaged nearly 200 events, including 115 conventions and tradeshows that attract more than 1.5 million attendees to the region each year. For more information about the Orange County Convention Center, visit www.occc.net.