Atlanta’s Loudermilk Conference Center: A Practical Guide for Local Meetings & Events
The Loudermilk Conference Center in downtown Atlanta is a popular spot for meetings, trainings, conferences, and community events. If you live in Atlanta, plan events here, or are visiting for a conference, understanding how this center works in the local context can help you plan your day and your logistics much more smoothly.
Where the Loudermilk Conference Center Is and What It Is
The Loudermilk Conference Center is a dedicated meeting and event facility located in downtown Atlanta, close to the Peachtree Center area and not far from the Atlanta Streetcar line.
Typical street address you’ll see on event materials:
It’s commonly used for:
- Corporate meetings and trainings
- Nonprofit and community events
- Conferences and symposia
- Government and public-sector meetings
- Hybrid and AV-heavy presentations
Unlike big convention centers such as the Georgia World Congress Center, the Loudermilk Center is smaller and more focused on meetings, seminars, and mid-sized events rather than massive trade shows.
Getting There: Transportation & Parking Tips
Getting to the Loudermilk Conference Center is usually straightforward, but your best option depends on where you’re coming from in metro Atlanta.
MARTA and Public Transit
For many Atlantans, MARTA is the easiest way to reach the center, especially during weekday rush hours.
Closest MARTA rail options:
- Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold Lines)
- Walk east on Peachtree Center Ave, then toward Courtland St NE.
- Expect roughly a 10–15 minute walk depending on pace.
- Five Points Station (Red/Gold/Blue/Green)
- Transfer point if you’re coming from other lines; usually Peachtree Center is the more straightforward exit for walking.
Atlanta Streetcar:
If you’re staying or parking closer to the Sweet Auburn or Edgewood area, the Atlanta Streetcar has stops near Auburn Ave that can bring you within walking distance of the center.
Driving and Parking
Downtown driving can be affected by rush hour traffic, game days, and major events at nearby venues. Plan extra time if:
- There’s a Falcons game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- A large event is happening at the Georgia World Congress Center or State Farm Arena
- You’re coming in on I-75/I-85 during morning or evening rush
Parking options typically include:
- Nearby parking decks: There are several public and private garages near Courtland St NE and Peachtree Center Ave.
- Surface lots: Some lots in the surrounding blocks may be available, but prices vary based on demand and events.
✅ Local tip:
If you’re hosting an event, ask the center or your event coordinator about recommended parking decks and whether they provide any validated or discounted parking options. These details can change, so it’s safer to confirm close to your event date.
Inside the Loudermilk Conference Center: What to Expect
The center is set up to handle everything from small meetings to larger conferences. While specific capacities can change, this gives a general idea of what Atlantans typically find there.
Types of Rooms and Setups
Common room options include:
- Large conference rooms / ballrooms
- For plenary sessions, keynotes, or large trainings
- Can usually be configured in theater, classroom, or banquet style
- Breakout rooms
- For workshops, board meetings, or smaller team sessions
- Computer or training rooms (when available)
- Popular for software trainings or certification courses
- Pre-function / lobby space
- Often used for registration tables, coffee service, or exhibitor tables
Event planners often coordinate with the center’s staff to choose:
- Room layout (theater, classroom, U-shape, boardroom, rounds)
- Furniture needs (tables, podium, registration tables)
- Technology setup based on what the presenter needs
AV, Wi‑Fi, and Hybrid Meeting Options
For many Atlanta organizations, a key reason to choose the Loudermilk Conference Center is the built-in audiovisual (AV) support.
Common offerings include:
- Projectors and large screens
- Sound systems and microphones (handheld, lapel, or podium mics)
- Wi‑Fi access for attendees
- AV technician support coordinated through the center or its partners
- Hybrid meeting support (ex: connecting Zoom or Teams to room AV)
If you’re hosting:
- Clarify how many microphones you need, especially for panels.
- Ask about technical checks before your event starts.
- Confirm if you need to bring your own laptop, adapters, or clickers.
If you’re attending:
- Expect event organizers to share Wi‑Fi details onsite.
- Bring a charging cable or power bank; outlets may be limited depending on room layout.
Food, Beverages, and Catering
Most conferences and training events at the Loudermilk Center provide some form of onsite catering or refreshments, often arranged through preferred vendors or in-house services.
Typical options include:
- Continental breakfast (coffee, tea, pastries, fruit)
- Buffet or boxed lunches
- Snack breaks in mid-morning or afternoon
- Reception-style setups with light hors d’oeuvres for evening events
If you have dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, etc.):
- Let your event organizer know in advance; they can coordinate with the caterer.
- Many Atlanta event caterers are accustomed to handling a wide range of dietary requests, but they usually need advance notice.
Nearby, downtown Atlanta also offers:
- Quick-service spots in and around Peachtree Center and Auburn Ave
- Coffee shops within walking distance if you prefer to step out between sessions
Planning an Event at the Loudermilk Conference Center
If you’re an Atlanta-based company, nonprofit, school, or government office, the Loudermilk Center can be a practical alternative to hosting in your own building—especially if you need neutral, central space.
How Local Planners Typically Book It
Most groups follow a similar process:
- Initial inquiry
- Contact the main office by phone or through their official request form to check date availability.
- Discuss event details
- Approximate attendance
- Preferred room type and layout
- AV needs (projectors, mics, streaming)
- Catering preferences (breakfast, lunch, snacks, reception)
- Receive a proposal or estimate
- Room rental fees
- AV charges
- Food and beverage minimums or per-person rates
- Confirm and sign an agreement
- Deposits and payment schedule
- Cancellation or change policies
- Insurance requirements (if applicable)
📌 Common use cases for Atlantans:
- Annual board retreats for local nonprofits
- City and state agency trainings
- Multi-day conferences for professional associations
- Community summits and town hall-style gatherings
If you’re on a budget, many organizers find that:
- Adjusting event times (e.g., half-day vs full-day)
- Simplifying AV requirements
- Choosing lighter catering options
can help keep total costs manageable.
Accessibility and Visitor Considerations
For guests coming from around metro Atlanta—or out of state—there are a few practical things to keep in mind.
Accessibility
Event venues in downtown Atlanta, including the Loudermilk Conference Center, typically provide:
- Wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms
- Elevator access to different floors
- Spaces that can be arranged for assistive devices and mobility needs
If accessibility is important for your group:
- Ask the center directly about ADA accommodations, accessible routes from parking, and any additional supports they can arrange.
- Communicate with your attendees ahead of time so they know what to expect.
Safety and Timing
Downtown Atlanta is an active, dense area with offices, government buildings, and schools. Regular attendees often:
- Allow extra time for parking and walking to the building, especially early in the morning.
- Stay aware of their surroundings, particularly if leaving after dark.
- Use rideshare services or MARTA when they don’t want to deal with downtown driving.
If your event runs into evening hours, you may want to:
- Provide clear directions to parking decks or transit options in your event materials.
- Encourage group departures or walking with colleagues when heading back to cars or hotels.
Hotels and Nearby Areas for Out-of-Town Guests
If you’re hosting attendees from outside Atlanta, it helps to understand how the Loudermilk Center fits into the broader downtown layout.
Nearby Hotel Areas
While exact walking distances vary, many event organizers point visitors to hotels in:
- Peachtree Center
- Downtown corridor (near Peachtree St and Marietta St)
- Edgewood/Auburn Avenue historic district for a more local feel
These areas typically offer:
- Multiple hotel price points
- Walking access or short ride distance to the Loudermilk Center
- Easy connectivity to MARTA and the Atlanta Streetcar
Things to Do Between Sessions
Guests often appreciate knowing what’s nearby if they have a break or an evening free. Within a short distance (often a walk or quick ride), you can reach:
- Centennial Olympic Park and the College Football Hall of Fame
- Georgia State University area, with student-friendly food and coffee spots
- Auburn Avenue and the Sweet Auburn district, known for its civil rights history and local businesses
If you’re planning a multi-day event, consider including a short “local guide” section in your attendee information so visitors can make the most of their time in Atlanta.
Quick Reference: Loudermilk Conference Center at a Glance
| Topic | What Atlantans Typically Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Location | Downtown Atlanta, near Peachtree Center and Auburn Ave |
| Address | 40 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 |
| Primary Use | Meetings, trainings, mid-sized conferences, community and public events |
| Transit Access | Walkable from MARTA Peachtree Center; near Atlanta Streetcar stops |
| Parking | Nearby decks and lots; confirm current options and rates with organizer |
| AV & Tech | Projectors, mics, Wi‑Fi, hybrid meeting support commonly available |
| Catering | Breakfast, lunch, and break service usually coordinated through venue |
| Best For | Groups needing central, professional space without a massive convention center |
| Contact | Main office phone commonly listed as (404) 523-3000; confirm via event materials |
The Atlanta Loudermilk Conference Center fills a useful niche in the city’s event landscape: central, professional, and sized for the kinds of meetings, trainings, and conferences that many Atlanta organizations run throughout the year. Whether you’re attending a one-day seminar or planning a multi-day summit, understanding the location, transportation options, and typical services will make your time there smoother and more productive.
