What It Actually Costs to Exhibit in Orlando in 2026

Orlando has quietly become one of the smartest choices in the American trade show landscape. While Las Vegas gets the headlines and Chicago gets the heavyweight industrial shows, Orlando offers something that budget-conscious exhibitors increasingly value: a world-class convention center with costs that do not require a second mortgage. The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is the second-largest convention center in the United States, with 2.1 million square feet of exhibit space, and it operates in a market where hotels are plentiful, labor is more flexible, and the overall cost of doing business is meaningfully lower than its northern and western competitors.

We analyzed exhibitor invoices from more than 20 OCCC events, surveyed companies that exhibit regularly in Orlando, and compared costs line-by-line against Las Vegas, Chicago, and New York. The results confirm what savvy exhibit managers have known for years: Orlando delivers 80% of the venue quality at 60-70% of the cost.

The Orange County Convention Center: Orlando's Exhibition Hub

The OCCC is located on International Drive, Orlando's main tourism and convention corridor. The venue consists of two buildings: the West Building (originally built for the 1983 World's Fair bid) and the larger North/South Building, connected by a skybridge over International Drive. Together, they provide 2.1 million square feet of exhibit space, 74 meeting rooms, and some of the most modern convention infrastructure in the country.

The OCCC hosts major events across every industry, including IAAPA Expo (the attractions industry's largest show), the AHR Expo (HVAC/R), HIMSS (healthcare IT), and multiple medical, technology, and consumer product shows throughout the year. The venue underwent a $605 million expansion and renovation completed in 2024, adding new exhibit halls, improved loading docks, and upgraded technology infrastructure throughout.

Why Orlando's Venue Costs Less

Several structural factors keep OCCC costs below those of competing cities. Florida is a right-to-work state, which means union labor is not mandatory for most setup and teardown work. The OCCC is publicly owned by Orange County and operates with a mandate to attract events to the region, which keeps venue surcharges lower than privately influenced facilities. And Orlando's tourism-driven economy means there is an enormous supply of hotel rooms, convention services vendors, and support infrastructure that creates genuine competition and keeps prices in check.

Booth Space Costs

Booth space at OCCC shows is priced by the show organizer, not the venue, but the generally lower operating costs of the facility translate into lower per-square-foot rates compared to Las Vegas and Chicago:

• Standard 10x10 inline booth: $2,500-$6,500
• Corner booth (10x10): $3,000-$7,500
• 20x20 island booth: $10,000-$26,000
• Large island (30x30+): $22,000-$60,000

At mid-tier shows, a 10x10 booth at the OCCC typically runs $2,500-$4,500, compared to $3,500-$8,000 at McCormick Place and $3,000-$8,000 in Las Vegas. The savings are proportionally even larger for bigger booths, where the per-square-foot rate differential compounds across hundreds or thousands of square feet.

Hotels: Orlando's Biggest Advantage

This is where Orlando truly separates itself from every other major convention city. Orlando has more than 130,000 hotel rooms within a 20-minute drive of the OCCC, creating a supply dynamic that keeps prices reasonable even during the biggest shows. The city's hotel infrastructure was built for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and the theme park tourism industry, which means there are rooms at every price point in quantities that convention demand rarely overwhelms.

Hotel Rates During Major Shows

• OCCC-adjacent (Rosen, Hilton, Hyatt on I-Drive): $180-$250/night
• International Drive mid-range: $140-$200/night
• Budget (slightly off I-Drive, Kissimmee area): $100-$140/night
• Premium/resort (Marriott World Center, JW Marriott): $220-$350/night

Compare these numbers to Las Vegas ($250-$400 during shows), Chicago ($220-$400), or New York ($300-$500+), and the savings are dramatic. A team of four staying four nights in Orlando will spend $2,240-$4,000 on hotels. That same team in Chicago would spend $3,520-$6,400. In New York, $4,800-$8,000+.

Orlando's hotel tax rate is approximately 12.5% (6% state sales tax + 6% tourist development tax + 0.5% county surcharge), which is significantly lower than Chicago's 17.4% or New York's combined 14.75% plus per-night surcharges. On a $200/night room, Orlando taxes add $25/night compared to $34.80 in Chicago and $40+ in New York.

The Rosen Advantage

The Rosen hotels (Rosen Centre, Rosen Plaza, and Rosen Shingle Creek) are directly adjacent to or very near the OCCC and are the default choice for most exhibitors. They offer convention rates that are 10-20% below market, complimentary shuttle service to the OCCC, and the convenience of walking to the venue. Rosen Shingle Creek, the newest and most upscale of the three, has become a favorite for companies hosting client events during shows, with meeting rooms and banquet facilities that rival any convention hotel in the country.

Flights: Accessible from Everywhere

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is among the busiest airports in the US, with direct flights from virtually every major domestic city and extensive international service. The competition among airlines on Orlando routes (driven primarily by tourism traffic) keeps fares competitive year-round.

• Domestic flights (major hubs): $150-$350 round-trip
• Domestic flights (smaller cities): $250-$500 round-trip
• International flights (Europe): $600-$1,200 round-trip
• International flights (Latin America): $300-$700 round-trip

From the East Coast, Orlando is one of the most affordable destinations to reach by air. Flights from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Atlanta are typically $150-$250 round-trip. From the Midwest, expect $200-$350. From the West Coast, $300-$450. The airport is also a major hub for international carriers, making Orlando an attractive option for shows with significant international exhibitor and attendee participation.

Orlando's new Terminal C, which opened in 2022, has streamlined the arrival experience and added capacity for international flights. The Brightline high-speed rail connection from Miami (with a station at MCO) has also made Orlando more accessible for South Florida-based companies.

Ground Transportation

Getting around Orlando requires a car or rideshare. Unlike Chicago or New York, there is no subway system, and public transit options are limited. However, the distances are short and traffic (outside of theme park rush hours) is generally manageable.

• Airport to I-Drive hotel (rideshare): $18-$30
• Airport to I-Drive hotel (taxi): $30-$45
• I-Drive hotel to OCCC (rideshare): $8-$15
• Rental car per day: $40-$75 (parking at OCCC is free for exhibitors in most cases)
• Hotel shuttle to OCCC: Free (offered by most I-Drive hotels during major shows)

The proximity of hotels to the OCCC is a major cost advantage. Many exhibitors walk from their hotel to the venue, and free hotel shuttles eliminate transportation costs entirely for the bulk of the trip. Budget $100-$250 per person for the entire trip's ground transportation, compared to $200-$400 in Las Vegas and $250-$500+ in New York.

Labor: Florida's Right-to-Work Advantage

This is where Orlando delivers its second-biggest cost advantage after hotels. Florida is a right-to-work state, and the OCCC does not require union labor for most booth setup and teardown activities. Exhibitors can set up their own booths, use their own staff for installation and dismantling, and hire non-union labor for tasks that would require expensive union workers in Chicago or Las Vegas.

When You Do Need Venue Labor

There are still tasks that require official contractor labor at the OCCC:

• Electrical connections (must be done by licensed electricians through the official contractor)
• Rigging (overhead hanging signs, banners, and structural elements)
• Plumbing (water and drain connections)
• Forklift and heavy equipment operation

However, the rates are significantly lower than Chicago or Las Vegas:

• General labor (straight time): $55-$85/hour
• Overtime labor: $82-$127/hour
• Electrical labor: $75-$110/hour
• Rigging labor: $85-$120/hour

At McCormick Place, general labor starts at $95-$130/hour. At the OCCC, it starts at $55-$85/hour. For a booth that requires 16 hours of labor, that difference alone saves $640-$720. For larger booths requiring 40+ hours, the savings can exceed $2,000 on labor alone.

Drayage

Drayage at the OCCC follows the standard convention model, with rates that are competitive but not dramatically lower than other venues:

• Advance warehouse drayage: $28-$38 per CWT
• Direct-to-show drayage: $35-$48 per CWT
• Special handling: $48-$70 per CWT

The OCCC's loading dock system was upgraded during the 2024 renovation, and the facility now has some of the most efficient freight handling infrastructure in the country. This means fewer delays, fewer forced freight charges, and generally smoother logistics compared to older or more congested venues.

Electricity and Internet

Electricity

Electrical service at the OCCC is provided through the venue's official electrical contractor, with rates that are 10-20% lower than comparable service in Las Vegas or Chicago:

• 500W outlet (5 amp, 120V): $275-$425
• 1,000W outlet (10 amp, 120V): $400-$650
• 20 amp, 120V circuit: $650-$1,000
• 30 amp, 208V circuit: $1,000-$1,600
• 50 amp, 208V circuit: $1,600-$2,500

The OCCC does not charge the kind of electrical distribution surcharges that McCormick Place adds. The price you see on the order form is much closer to the price on your final invoice, which is a welcome change for exhibitors accustomed to Chicago's surprise add-ons.

Internet

• Basic shared Wi-Fi: $250-$400
• Dedicated wired (5 Mbps): $800-$1,200
• Dedicated wired (20 Mbps): $1,200-$2,000
• High-bandwidth dedicated (50+ Mbps): $2,000-$3,500

Cell signal inside the OCCC is generally better than at older convention centers, thanks to the venue's DAS (Distributed Antenna System) that was upgraded in 2024. Many exhibitors with basic internet needs can get by with cellular hotspots at the OCCC, which is not always possible in Las Vegas or Chicago venues.

Meals and Per Diem

Orlando is one of the more affordable major convention cities for dining. The International Drive area has hundreds of restaurants at every price point, and the competition keeps costs reasonable:

• Budget meals: $55-$75/day per person
• Standard business meals: $75-$100/day per person
• Client entertainment: $100-$160/day per person

Show floor food at the OCCC is moderately priced compared to other major convention centers. A lunch combo (sandwich, chips, drink) runs $15-$20, compared to $18-$25 at the LVCC and $20-$28 at McCormick Place.

For client dinners, Orlando offers excellent options that do not carry the extreme pricing of Las Vegas or New York steakhouses. High-end restaurants on Restaurant Row (Sand Lake Road, just south of the OCCC) like Christner's Prime Steak, Vines Grille, and Ruth's Chris run $80-$150 per person with drinks. The Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk dining districts offer more casual but impressive options at $40-$80 per person.

For a team of four over four days at the standard level, budget $1,200-$1,600 for meals. That is $200-$400 less than the same team would spend in Las Vegas and $300-$600 less than in Chicago.

The Complete Cost Breakdown: Small vs. Large

The headline number tells the story: a small exhibitor can do a professional 10x10 booth in Orlando for $10,000-$20,000, compared to $15,000-$25,000 in Las Vegas and $18,000-$30,000 in Chicago. For larger exhibitors, the savings scale proportionally, with a 20x20 presence costing $55,000-$110,000 versus $75,000-$150,000 in Las Vegas.

Orlando vs. Other Cities: The Value Comparison

Climate and Logistics Considerations

Orlando's subtropical climate is a factor worth mentioning. Shows from October through April enjoy pleasant weather that makes moving between hotels, restaurants, and the venue comfortable. However, shows during the summer months (June through September) coincide with Orlando's intense heat and humidity (daily highs of 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity) and the afternoon thunderstorm season. This affects outdoor events, client entertainment options, and the general comfort of walking between venues.

The OCCC is entirely indoors and climate-controlled, so the weather does not affect the show floor itself. But if your team is walking from a hotel to the venue in August, expect to arrive sweating. Budget accordingly for rideshare or shuttles during summer shows.

Tips to Save Even More in Orlando

1. Set up your own booth. Orlando's right-to-work status means you can install your own booth for most configurations. A team of two can set up a 10x10 in a few hours, saving $300-$800 in labor.
2. Book Rosen hotels early. The Rosen properties near OCCC offer the best combination of price, proximity, and convention services. They fill up fast for major shows. Book 3-4 months ahead for the best rates.
3. Use hotel shuttles. Most International Drive hotels offer free shuttle service to the OCCC during major shows. This can eliminate ground transportation costs for your entire team during the show.
4. Fly Southwest into MCO. Orlando is a major Southwest Airlines market, and their flexible booking policies and competitive fares make them a top choice for exhibitor travel.
5. Use Scannly for lead capture. Why pay $300-$500 for an official lead retrieval scanner when Scannly captures contact information instantly on any smartphone? Save the cost, get better data.
6. Take advantage of the food options. International Drive has dozens of affordable restaurants within walking distance of the OCCC. Skip the show floor food and walk to a nearby restaurant for better meals at lower prices.
7. Consider off-season shows. Orlando shows in the summer months often have lower booth space costs and significantly lower hotel rates because it is the tourism off-season. If your industry has a summer show at the OCCC, you can save 15-20% across the board.
8. Rent a car for teams of 3+. At $40-$75/day with free parking at the OCCC, a rental car becomes cheaper than rideshare for teams of three or more people. Plus, you have the flexibility to explore Orlando's dining options beyond International Drive.

"We moved three of our annual shows from Chicago to Orlando over the past five years. Our exhibitor satisfaction went up because their costs went down, and our attendance grew because Orlando is a more attractive destination for attendees who want to bring their families."

-- Show director, healthcare industry association

The Orlando Value Proposition

Orlando will not give you the glamour of Las Vegas or the industrial gravitas of McCormick Place. What it will give you is a modern, well-run convention center, affordable hotels, reasonable labor costs, accessible flights, and a cost structure that allows you to invest more in your booth experience and marketing instead of burning your budget on overhead.

For companies exhibiting at multiple shows per year, including even one Orlando show in your calendar can meaningfully reduce your overall trade show budget while maintaining attendee quality. The OCCC draws strong attendance because the city is pleasant, the travel is easy, and the convention infrastructure is first-rate.

Use our ROI Calculator to compare projected returns for the same show at different venues, and consider whether an Orlando event might deliver a higher ROI simply because you start with lower costs.