Why Tech Company accesso Calls Orlando Home

Why Orlando?

The robust, behind-the-scenes technology industry driving the consumer-facing theme parks in Orlando has an impact that extends far beyond a guest’s day at the park – it also fosters a thriving innovation ecosystem. That’s why entertainment technology companies that are revolutionizing the guest experience, like accesso®, choose to call the theme park capital of the world home.

As an appealing, family-friendly destination, Orlando is a magnet for young and hungry technical talent looking to work in the entertainment sector and put down roots for the future. Plus, being located within a short drive of several of the world’s largest and most popular theme parks gives the accesso team heightened opportunity to witness firsthand how technology is enhancing the ever-evolving guest experience.

Orlando’s magnetic pull for people in the attractions industry, combined with a large pipeline of young talent from local universities and experienced entertainment workforce, is why accesso keeps a significant presence in the world’s most visited destination.

FAST FACTS

• accesso has nearly 500 team members in offices around the world, including Australia, Europe, North America and South America. Orlando serves as the company’s largest office.
• accesso serves over 1,000 venues in 30 countries, providing ticketing, point-of-sale, virtual queuing, distribution and guest experience management solutions, many of which have been specifically adapted to meet the unique challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The company’s patented, award-winning solutions help operators drive increased revenue, improve the guest experience, streamline operations and harness the power of data to educate business decisions.

What Do They Do Here?

accesso’s Orlando office is comprised of employees focused on software development and client services, as well as corporate functions such as finance and human resources. The company is led by former Disney executive Steve Brown, who serves as chief executive officer.

Originally established in Orlando in 2000, accesso was acquired by Lo-Q, a leading virtual queuing solutions provider, in 2012, combining two leading technology companies in the theme park and attractions industry under the accesso name. In the following years, accesso acquired four more companies and technology solutions, all of which were strategically incorporated into the company’s core of diverse product offerings for its thousands of clients around the world. Today, accesso is a global company that employs hundreds of team members around the world.

The company’s history of growth in Orlando mirrors the city’s own economic growth, which has seen a surge in the opening of new coworking spaces, new seed funds and accelerator programs in the last couple of years. In fact, Orlando ranked No. 19 on Inc.’s 2020 list of top 50 Surge Cities due to factors like the rate of entrepreneurship, net business creation and early-stage funding. This progression has provided fertile soil for the company’s accelerated innovation.

What’s the Secret to Their Success?

Many of accesso’s team members come from backgrounds working within the attractions and tourism industry, giving the company a unique advantage in understanding the industry’s needs and challenges. To fuel the company’s innovative solutions, accesso is always searching for software engineers, creative talent and professionals who are passionate problem-solvers. The Orlando area attracts remarkable talent to its leading universities, and is also home to some of the world’s leading attractions, with rich cultural opportunities and an abundance of recreational activities to suit every taste. Being in close proximity to such a diverse pool of professionals positions the company for easy access to promising talent recruitment.

accesso also taps into various programs such as collegiate-backed hackathons and invests heavily in its employees’ training and empowerment. For example, the company provides enterprise-wide Udemy learning platform licenses, as well as continued support of its internal women’s leadership program known as LIFT (Leadership and Inspiration for Females in Technology), which works to break down barriers and empower women within the company through intensive professional development and mentorship.

The Final Word

Bottom line – Orlando is as great a place to live as it is to do business.

Steve Brown, CEO of accesso