Atlanta's Georgia World Congress Center: Your Complete Local Guide

The Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in downtown Atlanta is one of the city’s busiest and most important hubs for conventions, trade shows, sports events, and large gatherings. Whether you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are organizing an event, understanding how the Atlanta World Congress Center works can make your experience much smoother.

Where the Georgia World Congress Center Is and What It Includes

The Georgia World Congress Center sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta’s entertainment and convention district:

Address:
Georgia World Congress Center
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

The GWCC campus is more than just a single building. It’s a large complex that typically includes:

• Multiple exhibit halls and meeting rooms
• Large ballrooms and flexible event spaces
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium next door (home to major sports and concerts)
• Centennial Olympic Park directly adjacent
• CNN Center area and other downtown attractions nearby

For locals, this area is a regular destination for big-name events. For visitors, it often becomes the center of their Atlanta trip.

Types of Events You’ll Find at the GWCC

The Atlanta World Congress Center hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. Common examples include:

• National and international conventions
• Industry trade shows (automotive, tech, healthcare, construction, and more)
• Professional and academic conferences
• Fan conventions (comics, gaming, pop culture, etc., when scheduled)
• Corporate meetings and product launches
• Regional competitions and tournaments
• Community, cultural, and public events when booked

If you live in Atlanta, it’s likely that at some point you’ll visit the GWCC for a work conference, career expo, job fair, or a ticketed public event.

Getting to the Georgia World Congress Center

MARTA and Public Transit

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is one of the easiest ways to reach the GWCC.

• Rail station: GWCC/CNN Center Station (on the Blue/Green line)
• The station exits near the Congress Center and CNN Center area
• From there, it’s a short walk to GWCC buildings and surrounding venues

Using MARTA helps you avoid downtown parking costs and traffic, especially during big events.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving:

• The GWCC has multiple parking decks and surface lots on and around the campus
• Event organizers often designate specific lots or decks for their attendees
• Parking rates vary by event, time, and location

Common nearby garages and lots serve:

• GWCC buildings
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (on game days and event days)
• State Farm Arena and surrounding downtown attractions

When driving in, it’s a good idea to:

• Arrive early to account for traffic and walking time
• Check event-specific parking instructions from your organizer or ticket
• Plan your exit route in advance if you’re leaving during a large event’s peak time

Navigating the Campus Once You Arrive

The GWCC is large and can feel overwhelming on a first visit. A few key points help:

• The complex is generally broken into multiple buildings or “phases”, often labeled (for example, A, B, C halls or similar designations)
• Events will usually list a building, hall, or room number on your badge, ticket, or confirmation
• Overhead signs, digital boards, and staffed information desks help direct foot traffic

If you’re attending a conference:

• Look for event registration or check-in areas in the main lobby or a designated hall
• Organizers often provide maps and directional signs within the building for larger conventions
• Escalators and elevators connect exhibition levels, meeting rooms, and lobby areas

For those with mobility needs, the GWCC and its sidewalks are designed with accessible entrances, elevators, and ramps to reach different levels and nearby venues.

Hotels and Places to Stay Near the GWCC

The downtown Atlanta hotel district surrounds the Georgia World Congress Center, making it easy to stay within walking distance. You'll find:

• Large convention hotels with direct or short walking access to GWCC
• Mid-range hotels within several blocks
• Additional options around Peachtree Center, a quick walk or short MARTA ride away

If you live outside the city but within metro Atlanta and are attending an early-morning convention, many people choose to:

• Book a downtown hotel to avoid rush-hour traffic
• Park once and walk to GWCC and nearby restaurants and attractions

Food, Dining, and Nearby Attractions

On-Site and Nearby Food

Inside or adjacent to the GWCC, you can generally find:

• Concession stands or temporary food setups during major events
• Quick-service options within walking distance, especially in the CNN Center area and around Centennial Olympic Park

Within a short walk, downtown Atlanta offers:

• Casual spots for burgers, sandwiches, and quick lunches
• Sit-down restaurants for business dinners or post-event meetups
• Coffee shops and grab-and-go markets

Event organizers often schedule official networking meals or receptions, but you can also easily step out for your own lunch or dinner.

Attractions Within Walking Distance

A major advantage of the GWCC’s location is how close it is to some of Atlanta’s best-known attractions:

• Centennial Olympic Park – green space for a break between sessions
• Georgia Aquarium – a popular stop for visiting families or group outings
• World of Coca-Cola – museum and tasting experience
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – major sports games and concerts
• State Farm Arena – basketball, concerts, and events

For visitors, it’s easy to turn a conference trip into a bit of sightseeing without needing a car.

Security, Entry, and What to Expect at the Door

Security and entry processes at the GWCC can vary by event, but include common patterns:

• Bag checks or security screenings are typical for large conventions and public events
• Certain events may have strict policies on bag size, outside food, or prohibited items
• Photo ID may be required for badge pickup or certain ticketed functions

If your event provides:

• Pre-printed badges or passes, have them ready to speed up entry
• A mobile ticket, keep your phone charged and the ticket open when you approach checkpoints

Attending events next door at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena will usually involve additional security and bag rules specific to those venues.

Planning an Event at the Georgia World Congress Center

If you’re an Atlanta-based organization, company, or association considering the GWCC for an event, it’s typically used for:

• Large corporate conferences and expos
• Trade shows with multiple exhibitors and large booths
• Regional or national association meetings
• Public shows like home shows, car shows, or job fairs

Key planning points:

• The GWCC offers flexible event spaces, from small meeting rooms to very large exhibit halls
• Event organizers usually work directly with the center’s sales and event services teams to design room layouts, AV needs, and catering
• Because the campus is in a busy part of downtown, planners often coordinate:
  • Parking arrangements or passes
  • Signage and wayfinding for attendees
  • Room blocks at nearby hotels

For Atlanta companies, the GWCC is often chosen when an event outgrows typical hotel ballrooms or smaller local venues.

Accessibility and Visitor Support

The Georgia World Congress Center is built to serve large, diverse crowds, including visitors with disabilities or specific needs. Generally, you can expect:

• Accessible entrances and pathways into and through the buildings
• Elevators and ramps to reach all publicly used levels
• Designated accessible parking spaces in nearby decks and lots
• Options to request accommodations through your event organizer (for example, special seating, assistance, or interpretation services, when offered)

If you or someone in your group has specific accessibility questions, it’s often best to:

• Check your event’s official information for accessibility details
• Contact the event organizer ahead of time so they can coordinate with the venue if needed

Quick Reference: Key Details for the Atlanta World Congress Center

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

A few local-focused pointers can make your GWCC visit smoother:

• Avoid peak rush-hour driving if possible, especially on weekdays
• Use MARTA when attending large events to skip congested parking decks
• Build in extra walking time—the campus is large, and your hall may be several minutes from the entrance
• If you have kids with you, plan quiet breaks in Centennial Olympic Park or nearby green spaces
• For multi-day events, consider staying downtown, even if you live farther out in the metro area, to avoid daily long commutes

For anyone in or visiting Atlanta, the Georgia World Congress Center is a central piece of the city’s event life—understanding how to get there, what to expect, and how to plan around it helps you get the most out of whatever brings you to its doors.