Atlanta Convention Center Guide: Top Venues, Locations, and Tips for Events in the City

Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s busiest event hubs, and when people search for “Atlanta convention center” they’re usually trying to figure out where major events are held, what the main facilities are like, and how to choose the right venue for a conference, trade show, or large gathering.

This guide focuses specifically on Atlanta, Georgia, and walks you through the primary convention centers, how they differ, and what to consider if you’re planning to attend or host an event in the city.

The Major Convention Centers in Atlanta

Atlanta doesn’t have just one “Atlanta Convention Center.” Instead, it has several major convention and event facilities, mostly clustered in or near downtown.

1. Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)

The Georgia World Congress Center is Atlanta’s flagship convention complex and one of the largest in the country.

• Location: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Area: Multi-building convention complex with extensive exhibit halls, meeting rooms, and ballrooms
• Nearby landmarks: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Centennial Olympic Park

What it’s used for:

• Large national conferences
• Trade shows and expos
• Professional association meetings
• Major consumer shows, fan conventions, and festivals

Why it matters to you:

• If you’re attending a big convention in Atlanta, there’s a strong chance it’s at the GWCC.
• It’s connected to hotels and attractions via walkable streets and pedestrian bridges, which is helpful for out-of-town visitors.

2. AmericasMart Atlanta (Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart)

Another search result you may see for “Atlanta convention center” is AmericasMart, a major wholesale market and event space located downtown.

• Location: 240 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 (multiple interconnected buildings)
• Type: Wholesale market complex with showrooms and exhibition/event space

Common uses:

• Apparel, gift, home, and furnishings markets
• Industry-specific trade shows
• Some meeting and event spaces for conferences and seminars

AmericasMart is especially important for buyers, retailers, and industry professionals. While many events are industry-only, some public events and special exhibitions are held there.

3. Cobb Galleria Centre

Located just outside the city of Atlanta in the Cumberland/Galleria area (still part of metro Atlanta), Cobb Galleria Centre is a major convention destination that many locals still think of when they say “Atlanta convention center.”

• Location: 2 Galleria Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
• Area: Near The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park

What it’s known for:

• Mid- to large-size conferences
• Professional seminars, banquets, and galas
• Consumer events (comic cons, bridal shows, job fairs, etc.)

If you’re staying or living on the north side, Cobb Galleria may be more convenient than downtown venues, with easy access from I‑75 and I‑285.

4. Atlanta Convention Centers on College Campuses and in Hotels

Beyond the headline facilities, Atlanta has several hotel-based and campus-based convention centers that often host sizable events:

• Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center

  • 800 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
  • Popular for academic and tech-related conferences in Midtown.

• World of Coca-Cola / nearby meeting spaces

  • While not a formal “convention center,” it’s common for corporate groups to combine GWCC or hotel space with nearby attractions for receptions and off-site events.

• Major hotels with large ballrooms and meeting space, such as:

  • Atlanta Marriott Marquis (downtown)
  • Hyatt Regency Atlanta (downtown)
  • Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center (connected to GWCC)
    These can function like mini-convention centers for small to mid-sized conferences.

At-a-Glance Comparison of Key Atlanta Convention Venues

Getting to Atlanta Convention Centers: Transportation Tips

Most major convention venues in Atlanta are MARTA-accessible or located near major highways.

Using MARTA (Public Transit)

Georgia World Congress Center & AmericasMart:

• Rail stations:
  • GWCC: Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
  • AmericasMart: Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold Line)
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you can take MARTA directly downtown and walk or connect as needed.

Midtown and campus venues:

• Midtown Station and North Avenue Station serve many Midtown hotels and the Georgia Tech area.

Using MARTA is often faster than driving during events, especially when downtown traffic and parking garages are full.

Driving and Parking

If you prefer to drive:

• GWCC: Multiple large parking decks and surface lots surrounding the complex and nearby stadium/arena.
• AmericasMart: Attached and nearby parking decks; rates vary by event and day.
• Cobb Galleria Centre: On-site parking areas, often more straightforward than downtown.

🅿️ Tip: During very large conventions or when there’s a game or concert nearby, parking can become limited or more expensive. Many Atlanta residents choose rideshare, MARTA, or carpooling on peak days.

Choosing the Right Atlanta Convention Center for Your Event

If you’re planning to host a meeting or conference in Atlanta, your choice of convention center will depend on:

1. Event Size and Layout Needs

• Large trade shows, expos, and national conferences:
  • Georgia World Congress Center is usually the first consideration because of its extensive exhibit halls and breakout rooms.
• Regional events, job fairs, and consumer shows:
  • Cobb Galleria Centre or certain large downtown hotels can be strong options.
• Smaller professional meetings, academic conferences, or workshops:
  • Midtown and downtown hotels or the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center may be the right size and more cost-effective.

2. Audience and Location Preference

Think about where your attendees are coming from:

• Flying in from out of state or internationally:
  • Downtown venues (GWCC, AmericasMart, major hotels) offer direct MARTA access from the airport, plus walkable hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
• Primarily driving from around metro Atlanta or neighboring states:
  • North-side venues like Cobb Galleria Centre may be easier to reach by car, especially from suburbs along I‑75, I‑575, or GA‑400.

3. Nearby Amenities

Convention-goers in Atlanta often expect:

• Walkable dining options (fast casual to sit-down)
• Access to entertainment (parks, attractions, nightlife)
• A range of hotel price points

Downtown’s convention district puts you near:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• World of Coca-Cola
• Georgia Aquarium
• State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Dozens of restaurants and bars within a short walk or quick ride

Cumberland/Galleria puts you near:

• The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park
• Shopping and dining options in and around the Cumberland Mall area

What to Expect When Attending a Convention in Atlanta

If you’re heading to a convention in Atlanta for the first time, here’s how the experience typically feels:

Check-In and Security

• Large venues like GWCC often have bag checks or security screening, especially during major events or when nearby stadium events are happening.
• Allow extra time in the morning for badge pick-up and security lines.

Weather and Walking

Atlanta’s weather can shift quickly:

• Summer: Hot and humid; indoor venues are air-conditioned, but outdoor walks between hotels, transit, and the center can be uncomfortable without water and light clothing.
• Winter: Generally mild, but you’ll still want a light coat for early mornings and evenings.
• Many convention attendees in Atlanta report more walking than expected, especially in the GWCC and downtown area, so comfortable shoes are important.

Food and Breaks

Inside the larger convention centers you’ll usually find:

• Concession stands and food courts
• Coffee kiosks or small grab-and-go counters

However, during peak times they can be crowded. Many locals prefer:

• Stepping out to nearby restaurants or food halls during longer breaks
• Carrying a water bottle and small snacks to navigate long sessions

Lodging Near Atlanta Convention Centers

If you’re visiting from out of town, you’ll have many lodging choices within walking or short transit distance.

Near Georgia World Congress Center / Downtown

Common options include:

• Large convention hotels connected or adjacent to the GWCC
• Hotels near Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center, and Peachtree Street
• Boutique and mid-range properties within a short walk or quick rideshare

Near Cobb Galleria Centre

In the Cumberland area, you’ll find:

• Hotels connected or adjacent to Cobb Galleria Centre
• Properties around Cumberland Boulevard, I‑75, and I‑285
• Options steps away from The Battery Atlanta, useful for attendees who want dining and entertainment without driving.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Convention Visitors and Locals

Here are a few Atlanta-specific pointers to make your convention experience smoother:

• Plan for traffic:
  Rush hours in Atlanta can be intense, especially around downtown connectors and I‑285. Build extra time into your schedule if you’re driving.

• Use MARTA for downtown events when possible:
  It can be quicker and less stressful than hunting for parking, especially during overlapping events.

• Check event-specific guidance:
  Many large conventions provide recommended entrances, on-site registration locations, and security instructions tailored to their use of the venue.

• Explore nearby neighborhoods:
  Areas like Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Cumberland/The Battery offer plenty to see and do before or after convention hours.

When You See “Atlanta Convention Center” Online

Because “Atlanta Convention Center” isn’t just one official building name, listings and event details may refer to different venues. When you’re looking at tickets, schedules, or travel plans, always confirm:

• Exact venue name (e.g., “Georgia World Congress Center – Building B” vs. “AmericasMart Building 3”)
• Street address so you end up at the correct location
• Parking or transit instructions provided by the event organizer

Once you know whether your event is at GWCC, AmericasMart, Cobb Galleria, or a hotel-based center, navigating the rest of your Atlanta convention experience becomes much easier.