The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is celebrating a new milestone, breaking its previous occupancy rate for conventions and tradeshows. OCCC attained a 96% occupancy rate during May 2002. This achievement is especially significant because the Center's previous occupancy record for a single month was 86%. The national average is 70%. What's more, attendance at many events surged higher than original projections prior to September 11.

Coverings, the International Tile and Stone Exposition, drew more than 30,000 attendees, a 23% increase over original projections. Delegate spending was nearly $39 million. The American Urological Association estimates its attendance was 21% higher than original projections, with delegate spending of approximately $21.5 million.

"Our occupancy record and higher attendance are tremendous achievements," says Joe Boyd, OCCC's Director of Public Relations. "These trends also show the significant economic impact OCCC brings to Central Florida."

Source: OCCC Expansion Express

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