Orange County Convention Center could be back in business by mid-June, officials said

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Orange County Convention Center, a hub for some of the largest conventions and trade shows in the world and one of the centerpieces of Central Florida’s economy, plans to be back in business by mid-June, officials said.

As of this week, 48 conventions at the convention center have either been canceled or rescheduled, with an estimated impact over $1 billion.

The convention center is taking a three-pronged approach to reopening.

It starts with rapid implementation of the center’s “recovery and resiliency guidelines” created by an internal committee, plus industry accreditation with the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, a well-respected sanitation program.

Convention center officials are also in early conversations with health care providers to possibly bring nurses on site and even provide telemedicine.

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Serving up the first event is the AAU Junior Nationals, one of the largest volleyball competitions in the world. It’s scheduled from June 16 through 28.

Officials said the volleyball courts will be spaced further apart to widen the walkways and increase seating space. Temperature checks and face coverings will be required. The players will also have very limited interactions, and absolutely no handshakes.

Spectators and international teams will not be allowed.

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As of now, 75 conventions are still on the books between June and February 2021, bringing nearly a million attendees to our community.

The Orange County Convention Center also made it clear that this is all still tentative, and contingent upon the governor’s phase two plan for Florida.

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