August 9, 2019
Orange County Board of County Commissioners Select Populous + C.T. Hsu, a Joint Venture as Architect for the Orange County Convention Center Expansion
![](https://populous.com/uploads/2019/08/OCCC-West-Lobby_Final_web-1920x1440-c-center.jpg)
The Convention Way grand concourse will be an enclosed connection between the North and South concourses that includes an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting rooms and an 80,000-square-foot ballroom. The expansion will provide a new grand entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. The multipurpose venue will be a 200,000-square-foot, flexible, divisible, column-free space with a combination of retractable and floor seating to accommodate between 18,000 to 20,000 guests.
“We are thrilled with the outcome. The OCCC has such a long history of bringing people from all over the world together for great experiences and we look forward to continued progress on one of the most incredible convention centers in America,” said Michael Lockwood, Populous Senior Principal and Convention Center Design Director.
The expansion projects will incorporate connectivity between the North and South concourses and vastly improve the OCCC’s North-South building, creating greater flexibility in booking events, and keeping North America’s second-largest convention center at the forefront of the convention industry.
“The growth and innovation at the Orange County Convention Center speaks to the strength of our region’s tourism and business corridors,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “This enhancement continues to sharpen our competitive edge and maintains our position as a dynamic location for conventions, trade shows and guests from around the globe.”
“We are pleased to begin work with Populous + C.T. Hsu, a Joint Venture on a project that will significantly improve the convention center as we continue to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Acting Executive Director David Ingram. “Populous + C.T. Hsu, a Joint Venture has a long-standing partnership with our community that will be advantageous in planning and implementing these projects.”
Both expansion projects are expected to be completed by late 2023. The Orange County Convention Center continues Populous’ global footprint in convention center design. Designs for places like the Anaheim Convention Center, ICC Sydney and Calgary’s BMO Centre create emotional connections between people and the civic, sports and entertainment spaces and events they love best. Contact us to learn more about our approach to convention center design.
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