Atlanta Conference Centers: How to Choose the Right Venue for Your Event

Planning a conference, meeting, or convention in Atlanta, Georgia gives you access to some of the most versatile and well-connected event spaces in the Southeast. From major downtown convention centers to intimate neighborhood facilities, the city offers options for almost every size, style, and budget.

This guide breaks down what “Atlanta conference center” really means in practice, which venues locals and visitors commonly look at, and how to decide which type of center is right for your event.

What Counts as a “Conference Center” in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, a conference center can mean:

• A large convention facility that hosts trade shows, expos, and major conferences
• A university or corporate conference center with lecture halls and breakout rooms
• A hotel-based conference center with meeting rooms plus on-site lodging
• A community or cultural center that offers event space for seminars and smaller meetings

When people search for “Atlanta conference center,” they’re usually looking for:

• Space that can handle groups of 20–20,000+
• Easy access from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Proximity to MARTA stations, hotels, restaurants, and attractions
• Reliable A/V, Wi‑Fi, and on-site or partner catering

Major Atlanta Conference & Convention Centers

These are some of the best-known, large-scale options people consider when hosting big events in Atlanta. Details like capacity and services can change over time, so it’s always wise to confirm directly with the venue.

1. Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) – Downtown

Location: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Area: Downtown / Vine City–GWCC/CNN Center MARTA area

The Georgia World Congress Center is one of the largest convention centers in the country and a central hub for big conferences, expos, and trade shows in Atlanta.

Why it’s popular:

• Multiple exhibition halls, ballrooms, and meeting rooms
• Walkable to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena
• Near a wide range of downtown hotels
• Access to MARTA’s GWCC/CNN Center station (via the Green/Blue Line)

Best for:

• National or regional conventions
• Large trade shows and industry expos
• Corporate meetings requiring big plenary spaces plus many breakouts

If you’re bringing attendees from out of town, GWCC’s central location and transit connections make logistics much easier.

2. Atlanta Convention & Trade Show Venues Around Downtown & Midtown

Beyond GWCC, several large venues in the Downtown and Midtown core function as conference centers in practice, even if they’re also arenas, museums, or cultural sites. Many organizations mix these with hotel conference space to build multi-day event programs.

Commonly used venues include:

• AmericasMart Atlanta (240 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303) – Often used for trade events and markets, especially for wholesale and retail industries.
• The Carter Center (453 Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307) – Offers conference and meeting facilities in a more landscaped, campus-style setting just east of Downtown.
• Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center (800 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308) – In Midtown, combines modern meeting rooms with lodging, often used for academic, tech, and corporate events.

These spaces are often selected for:

• Easy transit access (many near North Avenue, Peachtree Center, or Midtown MARTA stations)
• Proximity to Midtown and Downtown hotels
• Walkable dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions

Hotel-Based Conference Centers in Atlanta

A very common way to host a conference in Atlanta is through a major hotel with large meeting space. This can simplify planning because lodging, meeting rooms, and catering are all in one property.

Why many organizers choose hotel conference centers

• On-site accommodations for attendees
• Built-in banquet and catering services
• Professional event and A/V teams familiar with the space
• Central locations near business districts and tourist areas

Areas in Atlanta with many hotel conference options

Downtown Atlanta
Common for business conferences, association meetings, and conventions because it’s close to GWCC, government buildings, and major attractions like Centennial Olympic Park. Large hotels in this area typically feature:

• Grand ballrooms
• Multiple breakout rooms
• Easy MARTA access (Peachtree Center, Five Points, GWCC/CNN Center)

Midtown Atlanta
Popular for creative, tech, and academic conferences:

• Walkable, vibrant neighborhood feel
• Close to Georgia Tech, Piedmont Park, and arts institutions
• Good mix of modern hotels with flexible meeting setups

Buckhead
Often chosen for finance, luxury, or executive meetings:

• Upscale hotels
• Easy access from GA 400 and Peachtree Road
• Highly walkable business and shopping district

When evaluating hotel conference centers, ask about:

• Maximum capacity for classroom, theater, and banquet setups
• Breakout room options for workshops and smaller sessions
• In-house A/V vs. bringing your own vendor
• Food and beverage minimums and menu flexibility

University & Institutional Conference Centers in Atlanta

Atlanta is home to several large universities that often rent space for conferences, workshops, and academic events.

Georgia Tech Conference Options

Location: Around North Avenue & 5th St NW, Midtown Atlanta

Georgia Tech offers:

• Modern lecture halls
• Classrooms and breakout spaces
• Technology-friendly environments
• Convenient Midtown access and walkability

These venues are often used for:

• STEM and tech-focused conferences
• Academic symposia and continuing education
• Youth and educational programs, especially in summer

Other Institutional Spaces

Depending on your needs and group size, you may also find meeting space at:

• Georgia State University (Downtown, multiple buildings near Decatur St SE)
• Atlanta University Center institutions (e.g., Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, west of Downtown)

Institutional conference centers are particularly attractive if your event:

• Has an academic or educational focus
• Wants access to campus housing (seasonal)
• Benefits from being close to faculty, labs, or research centers

Community, Cultural, and Neighborhood Conference Centers

Not every event needs a massive convention hall. Many Atlanta residents and smaller organizations look for community-oriented or mid-sized conference centers.

These can include:

• Community centers operated by the City of Atlanta or Fulton County
• Cultural institutions with rentable meeting rooms
• Nonprofit or civic centers with event facilities

Examples of areas where you might find this type of space:

• Eastside neighborhoods (Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Kirkwood) – often smaller, more intimate venues
• Westside and West Midtown – renovated warehouses and loft-style spaces with meeting infrastructure
• Perimeter area (around I‑285 & GA 400) – suburban conference centers and hotels that are convenient for local corporate offices

These are commonly used for:

• Training seminars
• Local professional association meetings
• Community forums and public information sessions
• Small conferences and retreats

Comparing Atlanta Conference Center Options

Use this simple overview to narrow down where to focus your search:

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Atlanta Conference Center

When you’re planning an event in Atlanta, the right conference center depends on more than just size. Here are the main points locals and visitors typically weigh.

1. Location & Transportation

Atlanta’s traffic is well known, so location and transit matter a lot.

Consider:

• Distance from ATL Airport – Many planners choose Downtown or the Airport area for faster access.
• MARTA access – Stations in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and near the airport help guests who prefer public transit.
• Parking availability and cost – Especially important if your attendees are local and driving.

Tip ✅: If most attendees are flying in, look at Downtown, Midtown, or Airport-area venues on MARTA’s Red/Gold lines for easier arrivals and departures.

2. Capacity & Room Layouts

Clarify:

• How many people you expect at maximum
• Whether you need plenary sessions plus multiple breakouts
• If you require exhibit space, poster sessions, or vendor tables

Ask venues for:

• Sample floor plans
• Maximum capacities for theater, classroom, and banquet setups
• Options to divide or combine rooms

3. Technology & A/V Support

Most Atlanta conference centers can support standard needs, but requirements can vary.

Confirm:

• Quality and reliability of Wi‑Fi
• Availability of projectors, screens, microphones, and hybrid/virtual meeting tech
• On-site A/V support staff during your event hours
• Any policies about bringing in outside A/V vendors

4. Catering & Food Options

Many centers either:

• Provide in-house catering, or
• Maintain a list of approved caterers you must use

Ask about:

• Meal and break service options (buffet, plated, grab-and-go)
• Ability to accommodate dietary needs
• Minimum spend or food and beverage minimums

If your conference is in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, it’s also realistic to plan some meals off-site at nearby restaurants, which many attendees enjoy.

5. Lodging for Out-of-Town Attendees

If your event draws people from outside Atlanta, think about:

• Whether the conference center has on-site or nearby hotels
• Group rate possibilities
• How safe and walkable the area is in the evening

Common patterns:

• Downtown – Good for large groups, close to GWCC and major attractions.
• Midtown – Great mix of hotels, restaurants, arts, and nightlife.
• Buckhead – More upscale, often used for executive and business-focused events.
• Airport area – Practical for very short stays or early/late flights.

Practical Steps to Find and Book a Conference Center in Atlanta

Here’s a straightforward process that works well for most organizers:

1. Define your event basics

   • Dates (and flexibility)
   • Estimated attendance (low and high scenarios)
   • General format (single track, multi-track, trade show, workshop-based)

2. Choose your target area

   • Downtown for large, central events
   • Midtown for creative, tech, and academic energy
   • Buckhead or Perimeter for business-focused or regional meetings
   • Airport area for quick in‑and‑out travel

3. Create a short list of 3–6 venues

   • Include at least one large convention-style option (if needed)
   • One or two hotel conference centers
   • Optionally, a university or community-style venue

4. Contact venues directly
   Share your basics and ask for:

   • Meeting room options and capacities
   • A rough cost estimate (room rental + catering + A/V)
   • Policies on deposits, cancellation, and rescheduling

5. Visit in person if possible
   Walking the space, checking neighborhoods, and testing travel routes (by car and MARTA) is particularly useful for Atlanta, given traffic and layout.

Useful Atlanta Points of Contact & Orientation

While there’s no single “Atlanta Conference Center” office, several local resources can help you plan:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB)
  Often provides guidance and connections to hotels, convention centers, and large venues for meeting and conference planners.

• City of Atlanta – Department of Parks & Recreation
  Can provide information on city-run community centers and rental policies for smaller or neighborhood-based events.

• MARTA Customer Service
  Helps you understand rail and bus routes so you can choose a venue with convenient public transit access for attendees.

Is Atlanta a Good City for Your Conference?

For many organizers and visitors, Atlanta offers:

• A major international airport with extensive flight options
• Strong hotel and convention infrastructure
• A mix of professional, academic, cultural, and community venues
• Distinct neighborhoods that let you match your event’s tone to the area

If your question is simply whether an “Atlanta conference center” can handle your meeting, trade show, or convention, the answer is almost always yes. The most important step is to match your event size, style, and audience to the right type of center—large convention facility, hotel-based conference space, university campus, or community venue—within the part of Atlanta that makes the most sense for your attendees.