ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2024) – The Orange County Convention Center
(OCCC) generates approximately $3.9 billion in economic impact for the
Central Florida economy each year – a significant increase that
highlights the Center’s business activity according to a recent study by
PFM Group Consulting (PFM).
The OCCC sought PFM’s expertise to update the economic and fiscal
impacts of the Center’s event activity. The group conducted its study
based on data through 2023 and has provided its official findings to the
OCCC. In 2023, the total economic impact of the Center was $3.9 billion
– this includes direct, indirect, and induced impacts.
“We are steadfast in our mission of being an economic engine for the
Central Florida region and infusing our local economy with new business
and tourism opportunities,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester.
“This study confirms that we are working in alignment with our mission
and that the business conducted at The Center of Hospitality is
positively impacting Orange County communities.”
The increasing demand for events and venue space in the industry
influences every aspect of the economy and the Center itself. The PFM
study also found that 28,100 individuals are employed directly and
indirectly because of activity at the OCCC. It is also reported that an
estimated 1,200 local businesses depend on the OCCC’s event activity in
full or in part. Additionally, the facilities directly supported by
Convention Center activities, such as hotels, restaurants, offices,
etc., generate about $28.9 million in tax revenue for Orange County
Schools.
“The positive economic and fiscal impact made by the OCCC over time
through a strong clientele base, sustained investment in facilities, and
ongoing competitive improvements in the convention and visitor
experience has contributed to the development of many service
industries throughout the region,” commented Stan Geberer, Senior
Managing Consultant, PFM Group Consulting. “We are pleased to report the
substantial gains in economic contribution and government revenue made
by the Center in this post-COVID era, which exceeds the value of
contributions made prior to the pandemic.”
According to the PFM study, the OCCC has averaged nearly 200 events in
recent years, attracting an estimated 1.5 million attendees to the
market annually. Direct and indirect spending of event
attendees generates economic impact, which is calculated by an overall
economic multiplier of 1.98. This number is based on the understanding
that for each $1 dollar brought into the local economy through
convention center activity, a total of $1.98 is created locally through
the economic ripple effect. Dividing attendees into total economic
impact yields $2,536 in economic impact per attendee, according to the
study. This further translates into more than 2.7 million occupied hotel
room nights per year.
The significant economic impact generated by business at The Center of
Hospitality collectively supports hundreds of local professional
services, trade businesses, hotels, restaurants, and retail stores that
In turn, it employs tens of thousands of people in Orange County. Each entity
is working to improve the local economy while also keeping events and
attendees coming back to one of the premier meetings and events
destinations in North America.
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About the Orange County Convention Center
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center provides approximately
$3.9 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 approximately 1.5 million
attendees to the region each year. For more information about the Orange
County Convention Center, visit www.occc.net.
