Orange County Convention Center Partners With Walt Disney World to Offer Exclusive Benefits for Trade Shows

July 17, 2023

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) signed an agreement with Walt Disney World to offer a new Gold Key Partnership, which provides exclusive benefits for trade shows, corporate events, exhibitors and attendees at OCCC. 

Walt Disney World was a Gold Key Partner with OCCC prior to the pandemic, and the venue has existing partnership agreements with Universal and SeaWorld.

“In June, one trade show had a buyout at Universal and hosted all its attendees for a reception at the park,” OCCC Deputy Director Eric Blanc told TSNN. “We encourage clients to embrace being in Orlando by hosting off-site events at the amusement parks. It’s quite common for events at OCCC to do park buyouts or host special events at one of our three Gold Key Partners.”

The partnership provides exposure through various sales and marketing channels, fostering relationships and facilitating off-site events. The three-year agreement, effective as of May 1, 2023, includes the option for three additional one-year renewal periods, subject to mutual agreement.

OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester, expressed excitement about the Gold Key Partnership, "Walt Disney World's premier resources and offerings will be extremely valuable for our customers, exhibitors and sponsors. This collaboration will greatly enhance our mission and support our clients' events in our destination."

Citywalk block party at Universal

Disney Meetings & Events will offer meeting planners, exhibitors and attendees access to venues with nearly 29,000 hotel rooms, immersive experiences and creative resources to elevate their events — whether it's custom private events in Disney theme parks, water parks and resorts or full-scale productions at the OCCC.

"We are thrilled to work alongside the Orange County Convention Center through this new Gold Key relationship, infusing the magic and wonder of Disney storytelling into the conferences and conventions coming to Central Florida,” said Walt Disney World Gatherings Vice President Ramiro Vazquez. “Event planners and exhibitors will have full access to exclusive benefits and world-class Disney entertainment, production and creative resources onsite at the Orange County Convention Center or at our Walt Disney World theme parks."

By collaborating with partners who align with the OCCC’s vision and mission, attendees and exhibitors can expect transformative experiences that leave a lasting impact. OCCC generates an estimated $3 billion in economic impact annually for Central Florida. The center hosts an average of nearly 200 events, including 115 conventions and trade shows, attracting more than 1.5 million attendees to the region each year. 

“The opportunities are open to show managers, exhibitors, corporate clients — anybody we do business with,” Blanc said. “They've been really successful with our sports market, too.” 

He recommended that exhibitors work through show management for group tickets, park buyouts and special events at the amusement parks.


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Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry 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.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact