OCCC to Host First Auto Show Since Start of COVID-19 Pandemic
The 2021-model Central Florida International Auto Show is confirmed to take place Friday, Dec. 18 through Sunday, Dec. 20. Hosted at the Orange County Convention Center, the show will feature enhanced health and safety precautionary measures to protect attendees, vendors, employees and the surrounding community throughout the duration of the event.
Returning to the OCCC for more than 35 years, the Central Florida International Auto Show has a longstanding reputation for success at the OCCC. This year, OCCC and auto show organizers will work closely to revise traditional experiences and show elements, to prioritize the health and safety of attendees, exhibitors and employees.
The OCCC was amongst the first in the industry to unveil its data-driven Recovery and Resiliency Plan, focusing on the future of safe meetings at “The Center of Hospitality.” This strategy follows a direct, deliberate and actionable set of Recovery and Resiliency Guidelines, establishing the Center as a Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accredited venue, and pioneering a first-of-its-kind medical concierge program to provide personalized medical services, courtesy of Orlando Health.
“We are grateful to be working closely with the professional team at the OCCC and the participating manufactures, in conjunction with health officials to create a safe show experience during this unprecedented time as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Central Florida Automobile Dealers Association President Evelyn Cardenas. “We look forward to offering an up-close look at hundreds of 2021-model vehicles, test drives, classic cars and more, for the residents and visitors of Orlando, safely.”
The OCCC will transform into a car enthusiast’s paradise featuring hundreds of the latest cars, trucks, crossovers, SUVs and alternative fuel option vehicles, as well as exotics and classics. Attendees are invited to check out all the latest vehicles in this non-selling environment, talk to product specialists, inspect engines and experience the latest automotive technology.
“We continue to make enormous strides in securing our venue for the future of live events,” says OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “Since July, we have successfully resumed hosting live events under modified operations, safely hosting thousands of attendees and exhibitors. We continue to refine and strengthen our health and safety protocols every day, so we can continue meeting safely today for a stronger tomorrow at ‘The Center of Hospitality.’ ”
This year’s auto show will feature:
- Test Drives – Licensed drivers are invited to get a feel for the performance and handling of dozens of new vehicles from several manufacturers including Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Jeep, Ram and BMW.
- Camp Jeep® Off-Road Test Drive – Professional 4×4 drivers will take passengers on a thrilling interactive adventure along an off-road test track at Camp Jeep® featuring all-new Jeep models.
- RAM Truck Test Drive Experience – Truck fans are invited to experience firsthand, the towing and maneuverability on the latest RAM trucks.
- Multi-million-dollar Exotics Display – An up-close look at ultra-luxury vehicles from Bentley, Lamborghini, Karma, Rolls Royce and more.
- Subaru Pet Adoptions – Pets looking for forever homes will be available for adoption in Subaru.
The Central Florida International Auto Show will be open to the public Dec. 18-20. The event was originally set to take place in September but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The auto show takes place at the OCCC North Concourse, located at 9400 International Drive in Orlando, Fla. Show hours are Friday from 2-9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission is $12 for adults (13 and over) and $7 for senior citizens (62 and older), military and first responders (with any DOD/municipal ID) and students (21 and under with school ID). Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets online, to lessen in-person contact. Contactless ticket scanners will be in place at the show entrance. Ample parking is available in the North parking lot off of Universal Drive for $15.
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center provides approximately $3 billion in economic impact to Central Florida annually. In recent years, the OCCC has averaged nearly 200 events, including 115 conventions and tradeshows that attract more than 1.5 million attendees to the region each year. For more info, visit www.occc.net.
The Central Florida International Auto Show is owned and presented by the Central Florida Auto Dealers Association. For more info, visit www.orlandoautoshow.com or follow www.facebook.com/OrlandoAutoShow, @OrlandoAutoShow on Twitter and @OrlandoAutoShow on Instagram.
—
