Business
USHCC Kicks Off 44th Annual National Conference in Orlando September 24-26
WASHINGTON, D.C., – The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) begins its descent on Orlando, Florida for its 44th Annual National Conference. Hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort in Orlando, Florida, from September 24-26, 2023, in collaboration with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO), the Chamber’s National Conference is the largest meeting of Hispanic business leaders in the country. This year, more than 5,000 attendees will gather to serve as a catalyst for Hispanic businesses looking to grow and network around Florida and the nation.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in policy-driven discussions with America’s business leaders, members of Congress, and local Hispanic Chamber leaders, that will empower the country’s 5 million Hispanic-owned businesses, which contribute an impressive $2.8 trillion in annual economic input.
Orlando serves as an ideal host, as it’s a major hub for Hispanic commerce in the U.S. and Latin America. As a state, Florida has one of the richest Latino-dominated business environments, with about 600,000 Hispanic-owned companies found throughout the state, contributing more than $90 billion to the economy and employing more than 575,000 workers.
This year’s agenda includes workshops, educational panels, business matching sessions, and networking opportunities highlighting key content tracks related to innovation & technology, business & procurement, and leadership & capacity growing, along with access to exclusive speakers such as:
● The Honorable Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Metro Orlando
● Jamila Gilbert, Head of Communications at Virgin Galactic
● Gaby Ortigoni, President & CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
USHCC President & CEO, Ramiro Cavazossays, “Hosting our National Conference in Florida this year makes sense. With the third largest Hispanic population in the country, it was a natural idea to bring our national network to the Sunshine State.
Together with the significant Hispanic entrepreneurial community in Orlando, we are championing the economic growth and interests of Hispanic-owned businesses.” He continues, “I’m proud of the network we have built, and together with Gaby Ortigoni, look forward to celebrating leaders from our community in the beautiful city of Orlando. We’re showing our commitment to Florida, and embracing Florida’s commitment to us.”
During the Conference, the Chamber will present esteemed awards from the following categories:
● Ohtli Award
● Hispanic Business Person of the Year
● Chamber of the Year (Large, Medium and Small)
● Employee Resource Group (ERG) of the Year
● Corporation of the Year
● Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
● 2023 Startup of the Year Award
● 2023 LGBTQ+ Advocate of the Year Award
Gaby Ortigoni, President & CEO of the HCCMO, shares, “Florida’s Hispanic businesses foster nearly a million jobs statewide, underscoring the vital role Hispanic businesses play in propelling our state’s economy. This year’s National Conference will serve as a powerful gathering, uniting thousands of leaders committed to bolstering the Hispanic business community and advancing our mission of driving economic growth in Central Florida. We’re honored to host this year’s Conference in Orlando and look forward to welcoming thousands to our world-class city.”
Terminal upgrades, parking projects and international connections mark the authority’s fiscal year review.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority highlighted terminal improvements, expanded international connections and parking projects during its fiscal 2026 review, while its board adopted changes to a local business program and announced a new statewide small business initiative.
The updates affect Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport, which GOAA operates.
“We are undertaking an ambitious effort to redefine what it means to deliver a world-class airport experience,” GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle said in the authority’s announcement.
“As we welcome more visitors, more airlines, more routes, and new programs, our responsibility is to elevate every part of the journey — making it more welcoming, intuitive, and connected.”
A Gate Link train travels along an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with the airport’s control tower in the background. Photo courtesy of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
Terminal Improvements Focus on Connections and Families
Among the completed projects was an enclosed pedestrian bridge with moving walkways connecting Orlando International Airport’s train station and Terminal C.
Terminal C also opened a new wing serving gates 250–254, providing additional capacity and becoming the new home for Virgin Atlantic’s airport operations.
Three new Family Zones — one in each terminal — offer spaces for children and families to play, read and recharge. GOAA also highlighted improvements to directional signs along airport roads, in parking areas and throughout the terminals.
Parking Expansion and $40 Million Improvement Program
GOAA reported progress on a parking guidance system at Terminal C, with phased activation across all garages planned through mid-2027.
Dedicated employee parking areas are intended to free additional spaces for travelers. Planning is also underway for two new garages expected to add 8,000 public parking spaces over the next few years.
Separately, the authority’s $40 million Beautiful Airports Program targets safety, functionality and appearance across garages, terminals and other airport areas.
Aviation Investments and International Service
The fiscal year review highlighted a $50 million investment by dnata, a $26 million redevelopment by Signature Aviation at Orlando International Airport and groundbreaking for Sky Harbour’s $40 million campus at Orlando Executive Airport.
International service developments included ZIPAIR’s nonstop passenger charter flights between Orlando and Tokyo and Iberia’s launch of nonstop service to Madrid.
GOAA described ZIPAIR’s service as the first passenger charter connection between Florida and the Asia-Pacific region.
Business Policy Changes Broaden Eligibility
The board adopted revisions to GOAA’s Local Developing Business program following research, town halls and discussions with internal experts.
The changes increase the allowable personal net worth threshold and clarify how assets are excluded from that calculation, including primary residence equity, business equity, retirement assets and certain nonliquid holdings.
Business size standards were also revised to account for inflation and increased operating costs. The announcement did not specify the updated financial thresholds.
A new Small Business program will complement the local program and extend eligibility to qualifying businesses throughout Florida. Under the announced framework, participating businesses must fall within 50% of the applicable U.S. Small Business Administration size standard.
GOAA said detailed guidelines for both programs would be posted on its website. Those guidelines will provide businesses with the information needed to assess eligibility.
Florida National News and FNN News en Español will provide on-site coverage of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Cranes Roost Park.
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (FNN) — Hola at the Park will bring Hispanic culture, local businesses and live entertainment to Cranes Roost Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2 to 6 p.m.
Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and presented by AdventHealth, the event celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month through food, entertainment, entrepreneurship and community connections.
According to the chamber’s event announcement, admission is free, the celebration is open to the community and no registration is required.
FNN to Spotlight Businesses and Community Voices
Florida National News and FNN News en Español, official media sponsors, will be on location covering the festivities.
The FNN team will spotlight chamber representatives, sponsors, participating businesses and community leaders, while sharing attendees’ perspectives throughout the afternoon.
Coverage will highlight the people, businesses and cultural traditions contributing to the celebration.
Photo: Florida National News
Food, Entertainment and Family Activities
The chamber’s announcement lists authentic cuisine, live entertainment, local businesses, wellness experiences, community resources, networking and family-friendly activities among the event’s offerings.
Attendees will have opportunities to explore Hispanic traditions, connect with entrepreneurs and learn about organizations serving Central Florida.
Photo: Florida National News
A Waterfront Setting in Uptown Altamonte
Cranes Roost Park, located in Uptown Altamonte, features a waterfront setting with scenic walkways around Cranes Roost Lake and the Eddie Rose Amphitheater and floating stage.
The park will serve as the gathering place for an afternoon celebrating Hispanic heritage and the connections between culture, business and community.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
- Time: 2–6 p.m. EDT
- Location: Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
- Host: Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando
- Presenting sponsor: AdventHealth
- Admission: Free and open to the community
- Registration: Not required
Photo: Florida National News
Vendor Inquiries
For information about vendor opportunities, contact the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando at info@hispanicchamber.com or events@hispanicchamber.com.
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