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 ENN. “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."

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,” 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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