Convention Center Atlanta: A Practical Guide to Atlanta’s Major Event Venues

Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s biggest hubs for conventions, trade shows, and large meetings, and its convention centers are a big reason why. Whether you’re planning a national conference, attending a fan expo, or just trying to figure out parking for a one-day event, it helps to understand how convention centers work in Atlanta, Georgia specifically.

Below is a clear, local-focused guide to Atlanta convention centers, centered on the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) and other nearby options.

The Main Convention Center in Atlanta: Georgia World Congress Center

For most people searching for “Convention Center Atlanta,” the place they’re looking for is the Georgia World Congress Center.

Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Main phone (general info): (404) 223-4000

GWCC is one of the largest convention centers in the country and the primary site for:

• Large national conventions
• Trade shows and expos
• Corporate meetings and annual gatherings
• Sporting events and fan festivals
• Consumer shows like auto shows, home shows, and pop-culture cons

It sits in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, directly connected to Centennial Olympic Park, and within walking distance of major attractions like the CNN Center, State Farm Arena, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Layout: Buildings, Halls, and Campus Overview

GWCC is a multi-building complex, so knowing the basic layout makes navigating much easier.

Main Buildings

The complex is generally divided into:

• Building A – Meeting rooms, exhibit halls, auditoriums; often used for mid- to large-size conferences.
• Building B – Large exhibit spaces and flexible halls.
• Building C – Some of the largest exhibit halls on the campus; often used for major expos and large-scale trade shows.

Each building is labeled clearly inside and outside. When you see an event schedule, you’ll usually see room names like:

• A1–A3 Exhibit Halls
• B313–B315 Meeting Rooms
• C101–C111 for specific breakout rooms

Most attendees rely on digital signage and printed floor maps once they’re on-site. It’s helpful to note your building and level (for example, “Building B, Level 3”) before you arrive.

Getting to the Georgia World Congress Center

By MARTA (Public Transit)

Using MARTA is often the easiest way to reach the convention center, especially during big events.

Closest stations:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
  This is the most direct option. From the platform, follow signs for Georgia World Congress Center / State Farm Arena / Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line)
  Useful if your event is closer to the west side of the campus or the stadium.

From either station, it’s typically a short 5–10 minute walk to most GWCC entrances, depending on the building.

💡 Tip: During major events (sports, concerts, large conventions), MARTA runs frequently and is often faster than driving and parking downtown.

By Car

Downtown Atlanta can be busy, especially during:

• Falcons or Atlanta United games
• Large back-to-back conventions
• Weekend festivals around Centennial Olympic Park

If you drive:

• Allow extra time for traffic on I-75/85 and I-20.
• Use the official GWCC parking decks and surface lots when possible.
• Check which building your event is in; some lots are more convenient to specific halls.

Common nearby routes:

• From I-75/85 Northbound or Southbound: Look for exits to Andrew Young International Blvd, Williams St, or Spring St.
• From I-20 East/West: Connect to the connector (I-75/85) and follow signs toward downtown and the stadium/CNN Center.

Parking at GWCC

GWCC manages several parking decks and lots around the campus, typically open for both conventions and stadium events.

General guidance:

• Expect higher pricing on days with major sports or concerts.
• Pre-paid parking (if offered through your event) can save time and guarantee a spot.
• Plan which entrance you’ll use based on your building (A, B, or C).

Some of the main options typically include:

• Red and Orange Decks near Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Blue and Green Lots around the GWCC complex

Signs and staff usually direct traffic, but it helps to know your destination building in advance.

Walking Around the GWCC Area

Once you’re downtown, the GWCC sits in a very walkable district:

• Directly next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Adjacent to State Farm Arena
• Across from Centennial Olympic Park
• Near attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola

If you’re staying in a downtown hotel, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to walk to the convention center in 10–15 minutes. Many hotels are accustomed to hosting convention attendees and can give walking directions tailored to your event building.

Events Typically Hosted at the Georgia World Congress Center

If you live in Atlanta or visit often, you’ll see the GWCC host a wide variety of events throughout the year, such as:

• Professional conferences and trade shows
  Medical, technology, manufacturing, education, and more.
• Fan conventions and expos
  Pop culture, gaming, comics, anime, and hobby shows.
• Auto, boat, and home shows
  Large consumer exhibitions that take up multiple halls.
• Sports-related events
  Fan festivals, pre-game events, and sports industry conferences.
• Corporate meetings and annual gatherings
  Multi-day sessions with meeting rooms, ballrooms, and exhibit floors.

If you’re trying to confirm whether your event is at the GWCC:

• Check the event’s official website for the exact venue name and building letter.
• Look for the full address: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.

Services and Amenities Inside the Convention Center

Food and Beverage

For most larger events, you can expect:

• Concession stands open during peak event hours.
• Grab-and-go stands with snacks, coffee, and beverages.
• In some cases, temporary food stations added for very large shows.

For more food choices, you’re close to:

• Restaurants around CNN Center area (note that offerings may vary over time).
• Dining options in nearby downtown hotels.
• Food spots around Marietta Street NW, Luckie Street NW, and Centennial Olympic Park Dr.

Accessibility

GWCC is designed to be accessible for attendees with mobility and other accessibility needs. Features typically include:

• Accessible entrances and ramps
• Elevators between levels
• Accessible restrooms
• Designated parking spaces in lots and decks

If you need specific accommodations (wheelchairs, hearing support, etc.), it’s a good idea to:

• Contact your event organizer in advance.
• Reach out to the GWCC main information line to confirm what’s available during your event.

Wi-Fi and Technology

Most large events at GWCC offer:

• Public or event-specific Wi-Fi, sometimes free and sometimes paid, depending on the event.
• Dedicated tech support for exhibitors and organizers.

If reliable connection is essential, check with your event organizer about Wi-Fi details before you arrive.

Hotels Near the Georgia World Congress Center

Staying nearby can save time and stress, especially if you have early sessions or multiple days of events.

Common hotel areas close to GWCC include:

• Downtown Atlanta hotels along:
  • Marietta St NW
  • Andrew Young International Blvd NE
  • Baker St NW
• Hotels near Peachtree Center (still walkable or a short MARTA ride)
• Properties around Centennial Olympic Park

When booking, look for phrases like “near Georgia World Congress Center” or “downtown Atlanta convention center area” and confirm walking distance or shuttle availability.

Safety and Practical Tips for Attending Events

• Give yourself extra time. Downtown traffic, parking, and navigating multiple buildings can take longer than expected.
• Know your hall and building. Have the building letter, hall number, and room name handy (for example, “Building B, Exhibit Hall B2”).
• Dress for walking. Expect to walk a lot, both inside the building and possibly from transit or parking.
• Check the event’s policies. Some conventions have rules on:
  • Bag sizes
  • Outside food and drink
  • Costumes or props (for fan events)
• Plan for crowds. Big conventions and stadium events may overlap, making public areas and restaurants busier.

Other Convention and Event Centers in the Atlanta Area

While GWCC is the primary Atlanta convention center, there are other venues you may encounter depending on the size and type of event.

Here’s a simple overview:

Cobb Galleria Centre

Cobb Galleria is not in the City of Atlanta itself but is often considered part of the greater Atlanta convention scene.

Cobb Galleria Centre
2 Galleria Pkwy SE
Atlanta, GA 30339 (Cobb County area near Cumberland)

It’s located near the I-75 / I-285 interchange, close to The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park. Many Atlanta-area residents attend mid-size conventions and trade shows here, especially when they are North-side or suburban-focused.

Gas South Convention Center (Gwinnett)

Also technically outside city limits but relevant to metro Atlanta:

Gas South District – Convention Center
6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy
Duluth, GA 30097

This venue often hosts regional conventions, concerts, and fan events, especially for attendees from Gwinnett and the Northeast suburbs.

How to Figure Out Which “Atlanta Convention Center” Your Event Is Using

If you’re unsure which convention center your event is at, use this short checklist:

1. Check the full address on your registration or ticket.

   • Downtown Atlanta address with Andrew Young International Blvd or reference to Mercedes-Benz Stadium = likely GWCC.
   • Address with Galleria Pkwy or near Cumberland = likely Cobb Galleria Centre.
   • Address with Sugarloaf Pkwy in Duluth = likely Gas South Convention Center.

2. Look for the venue name in your confirmation email or event website.
   Terms like “Georgia World Congress Center,” “Cobb Galleria Centre,” or “Gas South Convention Center” are usually clearly listed.

3. Consider the event size.

   • Huge national or international events: typically GWCC.
   • Mid-sized regional meetings: often Cobb Galleria or Gas South.

4. Ask the organizer directly if anything is unclear, especially if you’re traveling into Atlanta and need to book lodging or plan transit.

When You Live in Atlanta: Using Convention Centers as a Local

For Atlanta residents, convention centers are more than just industry conferences. They can be:

• Places to attend job fairs and career expos
• Sites for home, garden, or auto shows
• Venues for fan events and hobby expos
• Opportunities to explore new local businesses and services

If you’re nearby:

• Check neighborhood impact on traffic and parking during big GWCC weekends.
• Consider using MARTA for downtown events to avoid parking hassles.
• Take advantage of conventions open to the public for networking, learning, or entertainment.

Overall, when people talk about the “Convention Center in Atlanta,” they’re usually referring to the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown. Understanding its layout, transportation options, nearby hotels, and how it compares to other metro-area venues will make attending or planning an event in Atlanta much smoother.