As I traveled to Orlando a couple of weeks ago, I could see a number of places getting a face lift. Some of the resorts and attractions were expanding and getting new themes, and now it seems as though the Orange County Convention Center is also slated for a new look and feel. Trade Show Week is reporting that the convention center is expanding by 80 acres that are adjacent to their facility. It is indicated in the report that The Peabody Orlando, the OCCC, The Hilton Orlando, Rosen Hotels & Resorts and Universal City Property Management are all working together on the project. The report goes on to state:

…the plan so far includes a 1,400-room hotel – with the brand to be announced this summer – plus attractions, entertainment, retail and a large outdoor entertainment area that will be connected via a waterway concept to create “additional venues, spaces for entertainment and show performances.” The development will be north of the OCCC’s North/South Building and connected to it by pedestrian bridges.

It’s just the latest proposed development for the area surrounding the convention center. The Hilton Orlando, which broke ground last year, will be the first hotel connected directly to the OCCC by pedestrian bridge when it opens next summer on the east side of the North/South Building.

This is a trend I think that is taking place among most of the competitive convention centers vying for that event or trade show by expanding their facilities that are giving more than just space and management of the event. The convention centers are making it more of an experience for the attendees by making it easier for hotel arrangements and also giving them exciting things to do while not attending conferences or meetings. I think they are trying to keep up with the likes of Gaylord Entertainment that has been selling this business plan from the beginning. The all-in-one experience seems to be the new idea for facilities looking to get ahead.

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