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


Updated March 12, 2021

In Orlando, we’re not just committed to hosting world-class meetings — we’re also committed to sustainable practices. A prime example of that commitment can be found at the new Center-to-Table Gardens at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), which is one of the safest in the country thanks to STAR accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council.

Learn more: No. 1 Healthy Meetings Destination

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!

Please note: Depending on the timing of your visit, some experiences may be temporarily modified or closed. Learn more about healthy business travel and safety information in Orlando, and check with your favorite businesses for their current status.

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

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

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.

Building a Sustainable Future

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

The Orange County Convention Center’s leadership in innovative urban agriculture isn’t by accident — it’s a direct result of the center’s alignment with Orange County’s sustainability goals. As part of the “Our Home for Life” sustainability plan published in 2014, Orange County has singled out natural resources and built environment as focus areas for the coming years, along with community, mobility, arts and culture, education and civic engagement.

The OCCC is a proud partner in this program, presenting its commitment in plain view of the public and visitors to the venue. The OCCC Center-to-Table Gardens are the most tangible example of this pledge to date, providing a concrete example of ways to improve access to healthy food choices, connect individuals with nature, and teach the value of the environment. Not to mention great-tasting meals!

To learn more about the OCCC Center-to-Table Gardens and other green initiatives in Orlando and Orange County, submit your RFP. Then, sign up for our newsletter for the latest updates from Cvent’s No. 1 meeting destination in the country.