What the Orange County Convention Center offers and who uses it

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is a publicly owned facility in Orlando, Florida, operated by the Orange County Convention Center Authority. It sits on 200 acres and contains 2.1 million square feet of indoor and outdoor space across multiple buildings. The center hosts trade shows, conferences, consumer events, corporate meetings, and conventions that draw attendees from across the United States and internationally.

The facility operates year-round and is managed by a board appointed by Orange County government. Unlike privately owned venues, the OCCC is a public asset, which means its operations and policies are subject to public oversight. The center employs its own staff and contracts with external vendors for catering, security, and other services.

Event organizers and attendees interact with the OCCC through different channels depending on what they need: event planners contact the sales and operations teams to book space, vendors go through a separate procurement process, and the general public purchases tickets to consumer-facing events directly through event promoters or the OCCC website.

Key Takeaways

  • The Orange County Convention Center is a 2.1 million square foot public facility in Orlando that hosts conventions, trade shows, conferences, and consumer events throughout the year.
  • Event organizers book space through the OCCC sales department, which handles contracts, floor plans, and coordination with the facility's operations team.
  • The center operates multiple halls and outdoor areas that can be configured for events ranging from small meetings to large-scale conventions with thousands of attendees.
  • Parking is available on-site and through nearby lots, with rates and availability varying by event and time of year.
  • The OCCC is accessible by car, public transit, and ride-share services, though most attendees drive or use hotel shuttles from nearby resorts.

Space and facilities available for different event sizes

The OCCC contains multiple halls and meeting spaces that can be rented separately or combined. The largest single space is the West Hall, which spans 200,000 square feet and can accommodate major trade shows and conventions. The North and South halls offer additional exhibition space, and the center has dedicated conference rooms and breakout spaces for smaller meetings and seminars.

Outdoor space includes the Central Plaza and surrounding grounds, which are used for receptions, product launches, and outdoor exhibitions. The facility also has loading docks, storage areas, and back-of-house infrastructure designed to support large-scale events with complex logistics.

Event organizers work with the OCCC's space planning team to design floor layouts, determine which halls and rooms fit their needs, and coordinate setup and breakdown schedules. The center provides basic utilities, climate control, and structural support; organizers typically contract separately for audio-visual equipment, furniture, catering, and other services through approved vendors or their own suppliers.

How event organizers book space and what the process involves

Event organizers contact the OCCC sales department to inquire about available dates and space. The sales team provides information about hall configurations, capacity, rental rates, and available dates. Rates vary based on the size of the space, the length of the rental, the time of year, and whether the event is a trade show, conference, or consumer event.

Once an organizer and the OCCC agree on terms, a contract is signed that specifies the rental dates, space allocation, rental fees, and the facility's policies on setup, breakdown, security, and liability. The contract also outlines what services the OCCC provides (utilities, climate control, basic security) and what the organizer must arrange separately (catering, audio-visual, staffing).

After the contract is signed, the organizer works with the OCCC's operations and event management teams on logistics: floor plans, load-in and load-out schedules, parking arrangements, and coordination with vendors. The OCCC also requires organizers to carry liability insurance and to comply with local fire codes, health regulations, and the facility's rules on alcohol, smoking, and noise.

Parking, transportation, and accessibility for attendees

The OCCC has on-site parking in multiple lots surrounding the facility. Parking rates are set by the Orange County Convention Center Authority and vary by event; some events include parking in the admission price, while others charge separately. During large conventions, parking can fill quickly, and the facility may direct overflow traffic to nearby off-site lots with shuttle service.

The center is located on International Drive in Orlando, approximately 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO) by car. Most attendees arrive by rental car or personal vehicle. Ride-share services (Uber, Lyft) operate at the facility, and many nearby hotels offer shuttle service to the OCCC for their guests.

Public transit is available through Lynx, Orange County's public bus system, with routes serving the International Drive corridor. However, bus service is less frequent than in downtown areas, and most attendees do not use public transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking, elevators, and restrooms throughout the buildings. Attendees with mobility needs should contact the event organizer or the OCCC directly to arrange any special accommodations.

Types of events held at the Orange County Convention Center

The OCCC hosts a wide range of events. Trade shows and industry conferences occupy much of the calendar—events like InfoComm, the International Pool Spa and Patio Expo, and medical and technology conferences draw thousands of industry professionals and exhibitors. These events typically run for three to five days and use multiple halls simultaneously.

Consumer events include home and garden shows, comic conventions, auto shows, and sporting events. These are open to the general public and charge admission. The OCCC also hosts corporate meetings, private events, and smaller conferences that use dedicated meeting spaces rather than the large exhibition halls.

The facility's event calendar is published on the OCCC website and updated regularly. Attendees can see which events are scheduled, when they occur, and how to purchase tickets or register. Event-specific information—parking details, hours, what to bring—is typically provided by the event organizer, not the OCCC itself.

Vendor requirements and how to work with the facility as a supplier

Vendors who provide services at the OCCC—catering companies, audio-visual firms, security contractors, florists, and others—must be approved by the facility or hired directly by the event organizer. The OCCC maintains a list of preferred vendors for certain services, though event organizers can bring in outside vendors if they meet the facility's insurance and safety requirements.

Vendors must carry liability insurance, comply with health and safety codes, and follow the OCCC's rules on hours of operation, noise, and waste disposal. Setup and breakdown times are coordinated through the OCCC's operations team to prevent conflicts and may support the facility is ready for the next event.

Vendors interested in being added to the OCCC's preferred vendor list should contact the facility's procurement or operations department. The process varies by service type and typically involves submitting proof of insurance, references, and information about the services offered.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent space at the Orange County Convention Center?

Rental rates depend on which halls or rooms you need, how many days you rent them, the time of year, and the type of event. Rates are not published online; you must contact the OCCC sales department directly for a quote. Rates for large trade shows differ from rates for corporate meetings or consumer events.

Can I bring my own catering company, or do I have to use the facility's vendors?

You can bring outside catering companies, but they must meet the OCCC's insurance and health code requirements. Many event organizers use the facility's preferred vendors because they are already familiar with the space and logistics. Your contract will specify which vendors are allowed and what insurance they must carry.

What is the parking situation during large events?

On-site parking is available, but it can fill during major conventions. Parking rates vary by event. If on-site lots are full, the OCCC directs overflow traffic to nearby off-site lots with shuttle service. Check the specific event's website for parking details and rates.

How far is the Orange County Convention Center from Orlando International Airport?

The OCCC is approximately 20 minutes from MCO by car, depending on traffic. Most attendees rent cars or use ride-share services. Some hotels near the OCCC offer shuttle service to the airport for their guests.

Is the facility accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, the OCCC is wheelchair accessible with accessible parking, elevators, and restrooms throughout the buildings. If you need specific accommodations, contact the event organizer or the OCCC directly before the event to arrange them.