Learn about the Center-to-Table Gardens (pictured) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Updated Sept. 29, 2025

In Orlando, we’re not just committed to hosting world-class meetings — we’re also committed to eco-friendly practices. A prime example of that commitment can be found at the Center-to-Table Gardens at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC).

Hailed as the country’s largest aeroponic garden in a public venue, this marvel is making Orlando meetings better, one meal at a time. Read on to learn how this delicious addition can improve your organization’s Orlando meeting experiences.

Ready to learn more about hosting meetings in Orlando? Submit your RFP, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates from Cvent’s No. 1 meeting destination in the country. You can also follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Center-to-Table Gardens at the Orange County Convention Center

Orange County Convention Center West exterior and fountain
Orange County Convention Center

Created in partnership with Centerplate and designed in conjunction with Urban Smart Farms, the 2,000-square-foot OCCC Center-to-Table Gardens are inside the convention center’s Westwood Lobby. They produce the freshest vegetables and herbs in an all-natural, chemical-free environment, with the output being prepared daily for the center’s clients.

The Center-to-Table Gardens boast 81 vertical towers, each of which have 44 planting spots for a total of 3,564 plants. What’s more, growth is conducted in scheduled increments, which allows the OCCC to harvest according to attendee demand.

The schedule keeps plants growing at various stages in all 81 towers, with 780 plants being harvested every week — or 40,000 per year. This system also allows for lots of diversity, as evidenced by the variety of produce grown. Crops include:

  • Basil
  • Bok Choy
  • Celery
  • Edible Flowers
  • Herbs
  • Kale
  • Lettuce
  • Peppers
  • Rainbow Chard
  • Spinach

Having the plants grown on site results in tastier, fresher produce that doesn’t have time to lose any fragrance or nutrients before it’s prepared and served — not to mention eliminating the carbon footprint associated with having vegetables shipped in. Accordingly, OCCC guests can look forward to catering services that are a cut above other destinations’ convention centers, and eco-minded attendees can sleep easier knowing their meals had less impact on the environment.