Orange County Convention Center hiring as convention business bounces back

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — In the early days of the pandemic, the Orange County Convention Center reassigned more than half its workforce as leaders were forced to make nearly $17 million in budget cuts.

Things are beginning to look up, however.

As convention business bounces back, the convention center is looking to bring back those employees.

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For Hannah Starner, the announcement is good news.

“That’s a big sigh of relief, knowing that we’re on track and getting past this rough time in our lives”, she said.

Over the last ten months, Starner’s reassignment took her to neighborhood services, and before that to the 311 call center, family assistance, and the eviction diversion program.

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“It’s something I didn’t train for, something I didn’t go to college for has completely opened my eyes to what else is out there,” she said.

Executive Director Mark Tester says that thanks to more than 80 bookings already this year they have been able to lift the hiring freeze, clearing the way for dozens of part-time jobs.

“There’s great opportunity for people in at a variety of different levels,” Tester said.

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The county says it will also be part of next week’s job fair held at the fairgrounds by central Florida’s employment council.

A list of employment opportunities can be found here.

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