The groundbreaking marks a historic milestone for Orlando, ushering in new growth and opportunities for groups meeting in the destination (Dec. 17, 2025, groundbreaking ceremony pictured).
Building on its legacy as The Center of Hospitality, the award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) has broken ground on the Grand Concourse Expansion. More than just the start of a construction project, the Grand Concourse strengthens Orlando’s position as a global meetings and events destination and showcases our community’s commitment to meet the evolving needs of planners and attendees.
Go inside this transformational endeavor and its immense impact on future meetings in Orlando.
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Inside the Grand Concourse Expansion
The $560-million Grand Concourse Expansion will provide the OCCC’s North-South Building with enhanced connectivity; a 100,000-square-foot, flexible grand ballroom; 44,000 square feet of versatile meeting room space; and multipurpose areas for additional capacity.
Construction will begin in early 2026 and is expected to finish in 2029.
“This expansion will continue to ensure that the Orange County Convention Center remains one of the premier venues in the world,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. “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, creating valuable opportunities for our community. Once complete, the new space will strengthen the Center’s ability to attract larger and more complex events. This growth will translate into increased visitor spending and a significant boost to Orange County’s economic impact for years to come.
“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 ten 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.”
Next Phase
In March 2025, the OCCC announced the approval to design the second phase of the expansion project. This next phase will bring an additional 200,000 square feet of contiguous multipurpose exhibit space to the building, while also incorporating connectivity between the North and South Concourses.
When completed, both phases will provide a grand total of 1.15 million square feet of exhibit space in the North-South Building.
