The International Exhibitor’s Guide to Orlando and the OCCC (2026–2027)

The International Exhibitor’s Guide to Orlando and the OCCC (2026–2027)

Exhibiting at the Orange County Convention Center from outside the United States means planning more than the booth design. This guide covers freight, temporary imports, power, venue services, hotel location and local stand construction so your team can arrive ready for the show floor.

Why Orlando needs its own exhibit plan

The Orange County Convention Center hosts major industry events across attractions, golf, health technology, professional AV and consumer categories. Orlando International Airport is close to the convention district, but your plan should begin with the specific event manual, assigned hall and move-in schedule—not a generic destination assumption.

The OCCC has West and North/South complexes. Hyatt Regency Orlando, Rosen Centre and Rosen Plaza connect to the West Building by covered walkways, while Hilton Orlando connects to the North/South Building. Check the hall assignment before you book accommodation for a large team.

Ship the stand or build locally?

Shipping structural exhibit components from Europe, Asia or Latin America can create separate cost and schedule risks: export packing, customs clearance, a broker, an ATA Carnet or temporary import bond, port and trucking coordination, advance-warehouse deadlines and weight-based material handling. A locally planned rental or build removes the structural exhibit from that freight chain.

You can still send product samples, brochures and other show materials, but those goods may require different customs treatment from a stand that is re-exported. Ask a qualified customs broker for advice specific to your shipment and country of origin.

Customs, carnets and product samples

ATA Carnet and temporary importation

An ATA Carnet can serve as a customs passport for goods that will be temporarily imported and later re-exported, such as demonstration equipment. A Temporary Importation under Bond may be relevant where a carnet is not available. Do not assume that giveaways, brochures or items intended to be sold belong on a carnet; those products may need permanent import treatment.

Freight timing

Sea freight and customs clearance can take weeks, while show advance warehouses may close well before move-in. Build a timeline that allows for the event’s official deadlines and contingency time. Courier shipments for approved product samples are often easier to manage than a full structural exhibit shipment, but still need proper documentation.

Drayage, electrical and venue services

At US convention centers, the show’s appointed contractor generally moves freight from the dock to the booth and bills material handling by weight. Electrical, internet, rigging and other utilities are ordered through the current exhibitor portal. Standard US mains power is 120 V / 60 Hz using NEMA 5-15 style plugs, so equipment designed only for 220–240 V or 50 Hz may need a suitable conversion plan.

If your project is locally managed, plan selected monitors, lighting and furniture around US power from the beginning. Confirm every order against the organizer’s exhibitor manual because service options and deadlines differ by event.

Florida labor and contractor paperwork

Florida’s trade-show labor rules differ from markets such as Chicago or New York. Your exhibit contractor still needs to comply with the organizer’s appointed-contractor process, insurance requirements and the current venue/show rules. Confirm the EAC notice, certificate of insurance and any structural, rigging or electrical documentation well before the show deadline.

A useful 12-week planning framework

• **Weeks 12–10:** Confirm booth number, footprint and objectives; send brand files and receive a design direction.
• **Weeks 10–8:** Approve the chosen scope; review the event manual and appoint any required contractors.
• **Weeks 8–6:** Finalize artwork, utilities and logistics; file documentation by the organizer’s deadline.
• **Weeks 4–1:** Prepare approved product samples and travel; review pre-show photos and handover expectations.
• **Show week:** Arrive to a booth prepared to the agreed scope, then schedule dismantle and any post-show storage.

Get the local facts before you travel

Orlando Trade Show Stand can help shape the exhibit scope for an OCCC event, but visa, customs, tax and import decisions require qualified professional advice. IAAPA Expo, PGA Show and other event names are trademarks of their respective owners. Orlando Trade Show Stand is an independent exhibit rental company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any event organizer or venue mentioned here.