The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) celebrated the official groundbreaking of its Grand Concourse Expansion last week, Dec. 17.
The transformative $560-million project will enhance the North-South Building with new meeting space, a grand ballroom and improved connectivity between concourses.
Set to begin construction in early 2026 and conclude in 2029, the expansion will add 44,000 sf of meeting space and a 100,000-sf ballroom, designed to accommodate the growing demand for flexible, high-capacity event venues.
“This expansion will continue to ensure that the Orange County Convention Center remains one of the premier venues in the world,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings told the audience. “Orange County has been ranked the No. 1 meeting destination in the country for 10 consecutive years, and this expansion ensures we will continue to lead that charge.”
The Grand Concourse Expansion is expected to generate more than 800 jobs during construction and will strengthen the Center’s ability to attract larger and more complex events, Demings said.
“This groundbreaking is more than the start of a construction project — it is the beginning of a new chapter in our story of growth, innovation, and impact,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As construction begins next year, we remain committed to delivering this project on schedule and with the excellence that defines the OCCC. By 2029, when the Grand Concourse is complete, we will have a facility that not only meets the growing needs of today’s events but anticipates the opportunities of tomorrow.”
The OCCC remains a cornerstone of Orange County’s economy, generating approximately $4.6 billion in annual economic impact. Hosting nearly 200 events each year, including more than 115 conventions and tradeshows, the Center welcomes over 2 million attendees annually.
“For 10 years, Orlando has been named the number-one meetings destination in the U.S. by Cvent as a result of strategic investments and our community’s commitment to meet the evolving needs of planners and attendees,” said Casandra Matej, Visit Orlando president & CEO. “The Grand Concourse expansion is a shining example of how Orlando will continue to meet those needs in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”
More info: occc.net/expansion.
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