Orange County Convention Center Partners With Walt Disney World to Offer Exclusive Benefits for Trade Shows
July 17, 2023
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 TSNN. “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,” said 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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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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