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Center has averaged nearly 200 events, including 115 conven- tions and tradeshows that attract more than 2.3 million atten- dees to the region each year. For more information about the Orange County Convention Center, visit www.occc.net. RENO TAHOE TOURISM REACHES RECORD HIGH WITH NEARLY $500 MILLION IN TAXABLE ROOM REVENUE Six Consecutive Monthly Records and Double-Digit Growth in Group and Tourism Sales Signal Continued Destination Momentum Visit Reno Tahoe closed fiscal year 25-26 with its highest taxable room revenue on record, reaching nearly $500 mil- lion, and increasing 8.8% year-over-year.* The milestone caps a year of broad tourism growth across the destination, includ- ing double-digit gains in group and tourism sales and six con- secutive monthly taxable room revenue records to start 2026. From January through June, every month set a new taxable room revenue record for that month, driving a nearly 20% increase compared to the same six-month period in 2025. Visitor counts during that period also increased nearly 14%, with January, April, and May each setting monthly records. At the same time, group sales room nights increased 20% year over year to 340,479, while tourism sales room nights climbed 12% to 758,863—the highest total of the past three fiscal years and nearly 20% higher than two years ago. "This record-breaking year shows real momentum across Reno Tahoe's visitor economy," said Mike Larragueta, President and CEO of Visit Reno Tahoe. "We're seeing growth in leisure travel, conventions, sporting events, and air access, all while continuing to invest in the venues and expe- riences that make Reno Tahoe competitive. Nearly half a bil- lion dollars in taxable room revenue is an important mile- stone, but what matters most is what that visitation means for our hotels, restaurants, attractions, small businesses, and the people who call this region home." Major Events Drive Group and Sports Tourism Growth A strong calendar of conventions and sporting events helped drive visitation throughout the year, beginning in B M & T ••• September/October 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 6 IN THE NEWS OCCC GOES PLATINUM: NORTH-SOUTH BUILDING EARNS TOP LEED CERTIFICATION The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) North- South Building has achieved LEED v4.1 O + M (Operations + Maintenance) recertification at the Platinum level, the high- est level awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The recognition, officially awarded on Aug. 5, marks the first time in the Convention Center's history that the OCCC has achieved Platinum level. With the OCCC having been previously certified LEED Gold in 2013 and again in 2018, the elevation of the North- South Building to Platinum demonstrates continuous improvement across energy efficiency, water conservation, waste diversion, indoor air quality and exceptional envi- ronmental performance. The North-South Building is among the largest LEED Platinum-certified convention center facilities in the world and only seven other conven- tion centers worldwide currently hold Platinum certifica- tions. "This achievement is a direct reflection of our commitment to sustainability and our ongoing efforts to lead by example in responsible convention center operations," said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. "Reaching LEED Platinum is an extraordinary milestone for a building of this magnitude, and it reinforces our position as one of the world's premier sustainable destinations. I am deeply proud of our team for delivering exceptional performance and innovation at every step." LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized green building program that provides a framework for designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining environmentally responsible buildings and communities. About the Orange County Convention Center The award-winning Orange County Convention Center provides approximately $5 billion in economic impact to Central Florida annually. In recent years, the Convention