GRAPH EXPO Will Take Place in Orlando for First Time in 2016

March 26, 2015

After making its home in Chicago for a long time, Graph Expo will be moving to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando in 2016 for the first time.

The show, owned by the Graphic Arts Show Company, will be held Sept. 25-28.

"We are delighted to be bringing GRAPH EXPO to Orlando in 2016," said GASC President Ralph Nappi. 

He added, “Not only did Visit Orlando and the Orange County Convention Center superbly represent just how ideal a destination Orlando would be for our show’s date and size requirements, they also convinced us with the momentum behind Orlando's booming tourism community that it represents an exceptional overall show visitor and exhibitor experience."

The four-day GRAPH EXPO 16 print technology manufacturing show is expected to draw nearly 25,000 attendees to Orlando in is expected to generate approximately $40 million of economic impact across Orlando.

“Orlando is recognized among the top three convention markets in the United States, based on its modern convention center and dynamic tourism community that is best known for its hospitality and guest service," said Visit Orlando President and CEO George Aguel.

He added, "We are excited to welcome GRAPH EXPO visitors and exhibitors to Orlando for the first time. They will see that our wide variety of resort hotels, the increased investment in our convention center and airport, and the great reputation we now have for award-winning dining and exciting nightlife make Orlando more competitive than ever as a host city for major exhibitions, conventions and conferences."

This year’s show will take place Sept 13-16 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

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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