Atlanta Convention Centers and Congress Venues: Your Guide to Major Event Spaces in Atlanta

If you’re searching for “Atlanta Congress Center”, you’re most likely looking for a major convention or conference center in Atlanta, Georgia—a place that hosts large meetings, trade shows, expos, and professional events.

Atlanta doesn’t have a facility formally named “Atlanta Congress Center,” but it does have several major centers that fill that role, especially the Georgia World Congress Center, one of the largest convention complexes in the country. This guide walks you through the key options, how they’re used, and what to know as an attendee, planner, or visitor.

Main “Congress-Style” Centers in Atlanta

Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)

For most people, “Atlanta Congress Center” = Georgia World Congress Center.

Location:
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
(Downtown, next to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena)

What it is:
A massive convention and exhibition center used for:

• National and international conferences
• Trade shows and expos
• Corporate meetings and product launches
• Large public events, festivals, and fan experiences

Key features:

• Multiple interconnected buildings (Halls A, B, C)
• Large exhibit halls, ballrooms, and breakout rooms
• Direct access to Centennial Olympic Park and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Close to major hotels in Downtown and Centennial Park District
• MARTA access via GWCC/CNN Center Station on the Blue/Green line

Who typically uses it:

• Professional associations and industry groups
• Large companies hosting national meetings
• Event organizers planning multi-day conferences with exhibits
• Fans and attendees for large consumer events (e.g., sports, fan expos, festivals)

Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart

Location:
240 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
(Downtown, near Peachtree Center)

What it is:
A conference and event center integrated into the AmericasMart complex, used heavily for:

• Trade events (especially apparel, home, and gift markets)
• Corporate meetings and seminars
• Mid-to-large sized conferences and receptions

Key advantages:

• Central downtown location
• Direct hallway connections during large market events
• Nearby access to Peachtree Center MARTA Station
• Walkable to many hotels and restaurants

Atlanta Convention Center at Georgia Tech

Location (main facility):
Technology Square / Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center
800 Spring St NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
(Midtown Atlanta)

What it is:
A university-affiliated conference center that often feels like a smaller, more academic “congress” venue—suited for:

• Academic conferences and symposia
• Professional development programs
• Corporate training and retreats
• Research and technology-related events

Highlights:

• Walkable Midtown location near Tech Square
• Professional meeting rooms with built-in AV
• Close to Georgia Tech campus and innovation-focused companies
• MARTA access via Midtown Station or North Avenue Station

Quick Comparison: Major “Congress-Type” Centers in Atlanta

If You’re Attending a Conference in Atlanta

1. Confirm the Exact Venue Name

Because terms like “convention center,” “congress center,” and “conference center” get used loosely, double-check your event details:

• Look for the full venue name (e.g., “Georgia World Congress Center – Building B”)
• Note building and hall (e.g., B3, C1, etc.) at GWCC
• Confirm the street address and cross streets
• Check whether the event also uses nearby hotels for breakout sessions

Many large events in Atlanta spread activities across GWCC and nearby hotels like the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center or properties near Centennial Olympic Park.

2. Getting There: Transportation Tips

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

• MARTA rail:

  • Take the Red or Gold line from Airport Station downtown.
  • For GWCC and CNN Center: exit at GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green) after transferring at Five Points.
  • For AmericasMart: exit at Peachtree Center Station.
  • For Georgia Tech area: exit at Midtown Station or North Avenue Station.

• Rideshare / taxi:

  • Common pickup area at the airport; traffic can be heavy during big events.
  • Allow extra travel time if your event overlaps with a Falcons or Atlanta United game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Driving and Parking:

• GWCC has multiple parking decks and surface lots around the complex.
• During major events, some lots may fill; pre-purchasing parking (if offered) is often recommended.
• Downtown and Midtown both offer public garages and lots, but daily rates vary.

If You’re Planning an Event in Atlanta

1. Choosing the Right Center

Consider:

• Size of your event

  • Thousands of attendees with a trade show floor → GWCC
  • Mid-sized corporate conferences or markets → AmericasMart
  • Academic, tech, or training-centric program → Georgia Tech–affiliated venues

• Location needs

  • Want walkable access to Centennial Olympic Park, sports venues, and tourist attractions → GWCC
  • Want direct connection to wholesale markets and showrooms → AmericasMart
  • Want a campus environment with tech and research feel → Georgia Tech area

• Hotel proximity

  • Downtown centers are surrounded by large hotels and restaurants.
  • Midtown offers a mix of hotels, dining, and a more neighborhood-style feel.

2. Typical Support Services You Can Expect

Most Atlanta convention and congress-style centers offer:

• In-house catering or approved caterers
• On-site or preferred AV/production partners
• Event coordination or planning support
• Security and crowd management
• Wi-Fi, networking, and technical infrastructure
• Accessibility accommodations (ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms)

For large events, it’s common to coordinate with:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) – for citywide planning help, room blocks, and visitor information
• Nearby hotels and transportation providers – for shuttles, group transport, and overflow events

Nearby Areas and What to Expect Around Each Center

Georgia World Congress Center Area

You’re in the Centennial Park District in Downtown Atlanta. Nearby attractions include:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
• CNN Center
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Food options range from fast-casual to sit-down restaurants within walking distance, plus in-building concessions during events.

AmericasMart / Downtown Core

Around AmericasMart and Peachtree Street you’ll find:

• Many business hotels
• Indoor walkways and food courts around Peachtree Center
• Quick access to Woodruff Park, Fairlie‑Poplar Historic District, and office towers

This area is busy on weekdays and during markets or conventions.

Georgia Tech / Midtown

Around the Georgia Tech convention spaces:

• Tech Square with restaurants, coffee shops, and startup hubs
• Easy access to Midtown’s arts district, including the Fox Theatre and museums (a short rideshare or walk, depending on your route)
• A mix of students, professionals, and tech-focused businesses

Practical Tips for Atlanta Congress & Convention Visitors

• Check your schedule closely. Many conferences in Atlanta use multiple venues (e.g., GWCC + nearby hotel ballrooms).
• Wear comfortable shoes. GWCC and AmericasMart are large complexes with long walking distances between halls.
• Plan for weather. Atlanta can be humid and stormy in warm months; some routes between buildings are outdoors.
• Use MARTA when possible. It can be faster than driving during rush hour or big game days.
• Allow buffer time. Traffic near Downtown and Midtown can slow significantly when conventions overlap with sports, concerts, or festivals.

Key Takeaways

• There is no building officially named “Atlanta Congress Center,” but the role is primarily filled by the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in Downtown Atlanta.
• Other major “congress-style” venues include the Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart and the Atlanta Convention Center at Georgia Tech.
• For anyone living in, visiting, or planning an event in Atlanta, understanding which center you’re headed to, how to get there, and what’s around it will make your conference or convention experience much smoother.