Orange County Convention Center Finishes 2021 on a High-Note

Following the unprecedented impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) has experienced an exceptional first quarter – finishing 2021 on a high note. The Center of Hospitality has welcomed many long-standing clients and new conventions and trade shows, after many went virtual last year. As the OCCC and hospitality industry embrace 2022, the focus remains on working with both new and existing clients to ensure the Center is doing Business Better than Usual.

From October through December 2021, the OCCC generated an estimated $370 million in economic impact for Orange County across 42 events, with approximately 221,500 attendees.

In October, the Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) hosted its 2021 Annual Convention and Trade Show at the OCCC from Oct. 24-26, 2021. Relocated from another destination, STAFDA welcomed nearly 2,400 industry leaders generating an estimated economic impact of $6.1 million for the Orange County community.

In November, the Center had the pleasure of hosting the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo, the global leader for all leisure and attractions professionals. After foregoing an in-person event in 2020, IAAPA hosted more than 28,000 international amusement park and attraction industry professionals. This event is expected to create an economic impact of approximately $79.6 million for Orange County.

IAAPA

Finally, the OCCC will round out the quarter by hosting its furry friends at the American Kennel Club (AKC) for its National Championship presented by Royal Canin. This year’s event will showcase the country’s top canine athletes. From Dec. 14 through Dec. 19, AKC will bring approximately 25,000 attendees for an estimated economic impact of $64.2 million to the Center.

After an unprecedented year, the OCCC is thrilled to be experiencing a steady event calendar and looks forward to a strong 2022. By continuing to leverage regional partnerships and enhanced safety protocols, the Center remains focused on instilling confidence and maintaining its long-held reputation as a leader in the conventions and trade show industry.

Partner Voices

HERE, EVENTS HELP YOUR COMPANY AND THE COMMUNITY

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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