Massive convention center project adds ballroom, meeting space, and lays groundwork for further growth
Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is gearing up for a major transformation, announcing the commencement of its $560-million Grand Concourse Expansion in 2026, with completion slated for 2029. This ambitious project signals a strong vote of confidence in the future of the meetings and events industry, offering planners significantly expanded and enhanced spaces.
The expansion, known as Phase 5A of the OCCC’s Capital Improvement Plan, will add a substantial 44,000 square feet of meeting space and a sprawling 100,000-square-foot ballroom to the North-South Building. This strategic enhancement aims to address the growing needs of event organizers, providing greater flexibility and capacity for a wide range of events.
“We are excited to begin work on our Grand Concourse Expansion,” stated OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “This project will significantly improve the convention center as we continue to meet the growing needs of our clients, and the meetings and events industry.”
Beyond the Ballroom: Enhanced Connectivity and Future Expansion
The Grand Concourse Expansion isn’t just about adding square footage. It’s about creating a more seamless and versatile experience for event attendees. The project focuses on improving connectivity within the North-South Building, ensuring smooth traffic flow and easy access to all areas.
Furthermore, the OCCC has also secured approval to begin the design phase for Phase 5B, a future expansion that will add an additional 200,000 square feet of contiguous multipurpose/exhibit space. This phase will also focus on connecting the North and South Concourses, further enhancing the building’s functionality. When both phases are complete, the North-South Building will boast a total of 1.15 million square feet of exhibit space.
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This expansion represents a renewed commitment to the OCCC’s long-term vision. Originally conceived in 2019, the Capital Improvement Plan faced pandemic-related delays in 2020. However, the recent approval of funding signifies a resurgence of momentum.
The completion of both Phase 5A and Phase 5B will ultimately bring the OCCC’s total exhibit space to a staggering 2.3 million square feet, solidifying its position as a premier destination for large-scale events.
What This Means for Event Planners
For meeting and event planners, this expansion translates to:
Increased Flexibility: The addition of a large ballroom and versatile meeting spaces provides greater options for event layouts and formats.
Enhanced Capacity: The expanded exhibit space allows for larger events and more exhibitors.
Improved Connectivity: Seamless integration between different areas of the North-South Building ensures a smooth attendee experience.
Future-Proofing: The OCCC is investing in its infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
The OCCC’s expansion project underscores the resilience and continued growth of the meetings and events sector. As Orlando strengthens its position as a leading event destination, planners can look forward to even more opportunities to create memorable and impactful experiences.
Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.
Photo by Orange County Convention Center
