Convention centers
Houses the largest shows (HIMSS, IAAPA). Long internal walks — factor staffing breaks.
Better for shows under 250K sq ft. Tunnel connects to West Building for combined shows.
Labor & union rules
Florida is right-to-work. OCCC labor is generally more flexible than McCormick or Javits, but rigging and electrical still require union crews. Exhibitor self-install rules are among the most permissive of any major US venue — confirm in the show kit.
Freight, drayage & logistics
Drayage at OCCC is moderate by US standards. I-Drive's hotel concentration means staff can walk to most properties — booth staff productivity is typically higher in Orlando than in Vegas or Chicago.
Top industries & recurring shows
- • Healthcare & HIT (HIMSS)
- • Theme parks & attractions (IAAPA)
- • Surfaces & flooring (Surfaces)
- • HVAC (AHR Expo)
- • Golf & outdoor (PGA Show)
Choosing a builder in Orlando
Orlando builders compete heavily on drayage management and turnaround speed because the venue runs constant back-to-back shows. Ask vendors to walk through a real OCCC drayage invoice from last year — anyone who can't is not actually local.
Beyond Orlando
Frequently asked questions
How much does an exhibit cost at OCCC?
Custom 20×20: $45K–$85K. Custom 30×30: $115K–$240K. Rental 20×20: $16K–$36K. Drayage typically adds $0.80–$1.20 per pound of crated freight.
Should I hire a local Orlando exhibit company?
For repeat OCCC exhibitors, yes — local warehousing eliminates round-trip freight on rental assets and cuts response time during build days from days to hours.
What's the best venue in Orlando for a 30×30 booth?
OCCC West Hall handles the largest footprints. North/South works for islands up to 30×30 with easier loading windows.
When does HIMSS booth space go on sale?
Priority points exhibitors select space ~9 months before show. Public allocation follows. For premium islands, decide your space size 12+ months out.
Are exhibitor crews allowed to self-install at OCCC?
Yes for limited setups — generally under 30 minutes with hand tools and no power tools. Anything beyond requires union I&D.