Hosting an Event at the World of Coca‑Cola in Atlanta: What You Need to Know
Planning a meeting, reception, or corporate celebration in Atlanta and want something that feels uniquely local? The World of Coca‑Cola event space in downtown Atlanta is one of the city’s most recognizable and flexible venues for business and special events.
Below is a practical guide to how the space works, what types of events it fits best, and what to consider as you plan.
Where the World of Coca‑Cola Fits Into Atlanta’s Event Scene
Located in Pemberton Place near Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca‑Cola is a major attraction and a popular unique event and meeting space for:
- Corporate meetings and conferences
- Networking receptions and cocktail events
- Award ceremonies and product launches
- Holiday parties and client appreciation events
- Association and nonprofit fundraisers
Its central location makes it especially helpful if you’re:
- Hosting attendees staying in downtown Atlanta hotels
- Coordinating with other major venues like Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
- Planning an event that blends business with a “only in Atlanta” experience
Address:
World of Coca‑Cola
121 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Key Event Spaces Inside the World of Coca‑Cola
The World of Coca‑Cola has several distinct areas often used for private or semi‑private events. Exact capacities and configurations can change with layout, but the spaces generally cover a range from small meetings to large receptions.
1. Lobby & Reception Areas
These front‑of‑house spaces are commonly used for:
- Welcome receptions
- Registration/check‑in
- Pre‑event networking with drinks and light bites
They feel energetic, bright, and branded, which can work well if you want an immediate “wow” when guests arrive.
2. Theater Spaces
The attraction includes theater‑style areas suitable for:
- Presentations and keynote talks
- Corporate announcements or town halls
- Short program segments before moving into a reception
These spaces are useful if you want a formal program first, followed by more relaxed social time elsewhere in the building.
3. Gallery & Exhibit Buyouts
For larger or high‑impact events, organizations sometimes arrange:
- After‑hours buyouts of all or part of the attraction
- Access to interactive exhibits as part of the evening
- Flows where guests move between exhibits, tasting areas, and event stations
This format can feel more like an “experience night” than a traditional banquet hall event and is often used for client entertainment or incentive trips coming to Atlanta.
4. Tasting and Lounge‑Style Areas
Areas associated with the Coca‑Cola beverage experience can be used for:
- Beverage-themed receptions
- Casual networking
- Pairing experiences or brand activations
These feel more relaxed and immersive, which can be a strong fit for creative industries, marketing teams, or informal gatherings.
Types of Events That Work Especially Well Here
While the World of Coca‑Cola can host a variety of functions, it’s particularly well‑suited for:
Corporate & Business Events
- Leadership retreats and off‑sites
- Sales meetings and recognition events
- Client hospitality during Atlanta conventions
Association & Nonprofit Events
- Donor or sponsor appreciation evenings
- Conference opening or closing receptions
- Young professional or board networking events
Travel & Incentive Groups
- Part of a multi‑day Atlanta itinerary
- Evening off‑site during a conference at Georgia World Congress Center
Hybrid “Work + Experience” Programs
You can schedule:
- A short meeting or program in a theater or event room
- A guided or self‑guided experience through exhibits
- A catered reception in a dedicated area
This format appeals to groups that want to mix business content with something memorable and local.
Location, Parking, and Transportation
Being in the heart of downtown Atlanta makes the World of Coca‑Cola convenient for most city‑center events.
Nearby landmarks and venues
- Centennial Olympic Park
- Georgia Aquarium
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
- Georgia World Congress Center
- CNN Center (now undergoing changes but still a transit and landmark hub area)
Getting there
🚇 MARTA:
- Closest rail stops are generally GWCC/CNN Center Station and Peachtree Center Station, depending on your walking route.
- Many event planners encourage attendees staying downtown to walk or use MARTA to limit parking strain.
🚗 Driving & Parking:
- There are parking decks and surface lots around Pemberton Place and Centennial Olympic Park.
- For a larger event, it’s common to coordinate clear parking instructions or arrange for buses/shuttles from conference hotels.
🚐 Group Transportation:
- For conventions, planners frequently use charter buses or shuttles to move groups between the Georgia World Congress Center, downtown hotels, and Pemberton Place.
Event Amenities and Typical Services
Specific offerings can vary, but planners in Atlanta generally find the following types of support available or expected when working with a venue like this:
Venue Support
- Dedicated event contact or coordinator to help with logistics
- Guidance on floor plans, guest flow, and timing
- Rules and standards for branding, decor, and signage
Catering and Food Service
For the World of Coca‑Cola, food and beverage are typically arranged through:
- Approved or preferred caterers
- Set menu packages with options for hors d’oeuvres, buffets, stations, or plated meals
- Beverage services that naturally feature Coca‑Cola products, often alongside standard event beverage options
If catering rules are important for your budget or brand, clarify early whether:
- Outside caterers are allowed
- There are minimums, service charges, or required packages
Audio‑Visual (AV)
Many event spaces on site have:
- Basic AV capabilities (projectors, screens, microphones, house sound)
- Options to bring in additional equipment or an outside AV provider
When planning in Atlanta—where many attendees may be flying in—reliable AV is especially important. Ask about:
- AV staffing on site
- Support for hybrid presentations or video playback
- Integration with your own laptops or media systems
Accessibility
Event planners often need to consider:
- Wheelchair access and elevator availability
- Restroom accessibility
- Access routes to and from parking or transit
The World of Coca‑Cola is a major public attraction, so it is generally designed with visitor accessibility in mind, but it is still wise to confirm specific needs for your group.
Approximate Event Flow: How an Evening Might Look
To help visualize, here’s a sample event outline often used by Atlanta planners for a weeknight corporate reception:
6:00 p.m. – Arrival & Check‑In
- Guests arrive by shuttle, ride‑share, or walk from nearby hotels.
- Registration table and welcome signage in the lobby.
6:15–6:45 p.m. – Short Program
- Company welcome, brief presentation or award segment in a theater space.
6:45–7:30 p.m. – Exhibit Experience
- Attendees explore interactive exhibits in small groups.
7:30–9:00 p.m. – Reception
- Food stations and beverages in a designated event area.
- Background music, optional branded elements, or themed activations.
9:00 p.m. – Departure
- Coordinated shuttle departures back to hotels or nearby nightlife areas.
You can adjust this flow to include more meeting time, a more formal dinner, or a shorter experience segment depending on your goals.
At‑a‑Glance: Pros and Considerations
Here’s a quick reference to help you decide if the World of Coca‑Cola fits your Atlanta event.
| Aspect | What Works Well | What to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Central downtown, close to convention hotels and major venues | Traffic and large‑event congestion during big conventions or game days |
| Atmosphere | Strong “only in Atlanta” feel, immersive and branded | Less neutral than a traditional ballroom; may not fit very formal branding |
| Event Types | Receptions, client events, celebrations, conference off‑sites | Very small, private meetings might be better suited to hotel boardrooms |
| Guest Experience | Memorable exhibits and interactive elements | Some guests may prefer a quieter, more traditional environment |
| Logistics & Services | Professional event coordination, established catering and AV patterns | Must work within venue rules, vendor lists, and minimums |
Budget and Planning Considerations for Atlanta Planners
Costs will vary by:
- Day of the week and time of day
- Size of your group
- Whether you’re doing a partial rental or larger buyout
- Catering choices and bar service
- AV and any special activation or decor
When planning from within Atlanta—or coordinating for an out‑of‑town group—try to:
- Reach out early if your event coincides with major Atlanta events (big games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, large conventions, or festivals).
- Ask for a detailed estimate that separates venue rental, catering, AV, staffing, and any required fees.
- Confirm timing for setup and breakdown, especially if your vendors need extra load‑in time.
- Clarify branding rules, especially if you work in a heavily branded industry and want to incorporate your own look alongside the Coca‑Cola environment.
How to Take Next Steps
If you’re serious about using the World of Coca‑Cola as your unique event and meeting space in Atlanta, it helps to:
- Gather basic event details before you contact the venue:
- Desired date(s) and time block
- Estimated guest count
- Type of event (reception, seated program, hybrid)
- Catering needs and AV requirements
- Reach out to the World of Coca‑Cola events or group sales team through their published phone number or contact form to:
- Check availability
- Request a site visit (especially useful if you’re local to Atlanta)
- Review sample floor plans and package options
From there, you can compare the World of Coca‑Cola with other Atlanta options—such as hotel ballrooms, the Georgia Aquarium, or more traditional meeting centers—to decide which venue aligns best with your goals, budget, and the kind of experience you want your guests to remember.
