Your Guide to the Georgia Convention Center Scene in Atlanta

When people search for “Georgia Convention Center Atlanta,” they’re usually looking for one of two things:

1. The major convention facilities in and around Atlanta, and
2. How to actually use them – for a conference, trade show, meeting, or special event.

Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s biggest meeting and convention hubs. While there isn’t a single building officially called the “Georgia Convention Center,” there are several large, well-known convention centers that locals and visitors mean when they use that phrase.

This guide walks you through the main convention centers in the Atlanta area, how they differ, how to get there, and what to consider if you’re attending or planning an event.

The Major Convention Centers in Atlanta

1. Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) – Downtown Atlanta

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

• Location: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Area: Downtown / Centennial Olympic Park District
• Phone (main switchboard): (404) 223-4000

The Georgia World Congress Center is one of the largest convention centers in the United States and the primary place for large trade shows, conventions, expos, and major corporate events in Atlanta.

It sits right next to:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
• Centennial Olympic Park
• The CNN Center area (though the complex has changed over the years)

What GWCC Is Commonly Used For

You’ll typically see:

• National and regional industry conventions
• Major trade shows and expos
• Large professional and academic conferences
• Fan events, pop culture conventions, and festivals
• High-capacity corporate meetings and product launches

If you’re attending a large event in Atlanta with thousands of people, there’s a strong chance it’s at the GWCC.

Getting to the Georgia World Congress Center

Transit options are good, especially if you want to avoid downtown parking costs.

• MARTA Rail:

  • Take the Blue or Green Line to Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station.
  • From the station, there are clearly marked walkways and signs that guide you directly into the Georgia World Congress Center campus.

• Driving & Parking:

  • Multiple official GWCC parking decks and surface lots surround the campus.
  • During large events, it’s common for lots to fill early; many locals either take MARTA or park a bit farther and walk.
  • Nearby major roads: Northside Dr NW, Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, and Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW.

• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

  • MARTA Red/Gold Line north to Five Points, transfer to Westbound Blue/Green Line, exit at Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center.
  • Driving is typically 15–25 minutes without heavy traffic, but downtown congestion can stretch that.

Nearby Hotels and Amenities

The downtown area around the GWCC has many hotels within walking distance, plus:

• Restaurants along Marietta St NW and Luckie St NW
• Attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and College Football Hall of Fame
• Centennial Olympic Park as a green space to take a break between sessions

If you’re planning a conference that draws out-of-town guests, this central location and hotel density is a major advantage.

2. Cobb Galleria Centre – Northwest Atlanta / Cobb County

• Location: 2 Galleria Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
• Area: Cumberland / Vinings (just outside the Atlanta city limits in Cobb County)
• Nearby Landmark: Directly by The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park (home of the Atlanta Braves)

The Cobb Galleria Centre is a major convention and meeting facility serving northwest Atlanta and Cobb County. Many people still think of it as part of “Atlanta” because of how integrated the area is with the city.

Typical Uses

You’ll commonly find:

• Regional trade shows and consumer expos
• Corporate meetings, training sessions, and banquets
• Fundraising galas and social events
• Mid-sized conventions that don’t need the massive scale of GWCC

Getting to Cobb Galleria Centre

• Driving:

  • Located near the intersection of I-75 and I-285, in the busy Cumberland area.
  • There are multiple parking decks and surface lots connected to or near the facility.
  • Traffic near Cumberland Blvd and Cobb Pkwy (US-41) can be heavy at rush hour or on Braves game days.

• Transit:

  • MARTA doesn’t have direct rail here, but you can use MARTA buses and CobbLinc services from certain stations.
  • Many local attendees drive or use rideshare.

The center is also connected to Cumberland Mall and is close to the restaurants and entertainment at The Battery Atlanta.

3. Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) – Near the Airport

• Location: 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337
• Area: College Park, near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Phone (main line): Commonly available through public directories

The Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) is one of the key “Georgia convention” facilities on the south side of the metro area. While it’s technically in College Park, people often group it into “Atlanta” because of its airport connection.

Why People Choose GICC

It’s especially popular for events where:

• Attendees are flying in and out and need quick airport access
• Organizers want attached or nearby hotel options
• The event size is large, but not necessarily on the scale of the biggest GWCC conventions

The GICC is linked to both the airport and nearby hotels via the ATL SkyTrain, making it easy for travelers who don’t want to rent a car.

Getting to Georgia International Convention Center

• From the Airport:

  • Take the ATL SkyTrain from the airport to the GICC/Gateway Center Arena station.
  • No need for a car or shuttle; it’s a direct automated train connection.

• By Car:

  • Close to I-85 and Camp Creek Pkwy.
  • On-site parking lots serve attendees and exhibitors.

This location is especially useful if your event schedule is tight and you want to minimize transportation time.

4. Other Notable Atlanta-Area Convention and Event Centers

In addition to the big three, Atlanta has several mid-sized and specialty centers that sometimes get lumped into the “Georgia convention center” idea, especially for smaller conferences or community events:

Gas South Convention Center (outside city, but often considered in the metro mix)

• Location: 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, GA 30097
• Area: Gwinnett County
• Common for regional expos, concerts (via Gas South Arena), and conventions that draw from northeast Atlanta suburbs.

Atlanta Convention Hotels

Some large hotels in Atlanta function like mini-convention centers, especially Midtown and Downtown properties with extensive ballroom and meeting space. Common uses:

• Corporate conferences
• Professional association meetings
• Training seminars
• Multi-track meetings that don’t require a massive exhibition hall

If you see an event listed as being at a “convention center” in Atlanta but it’s actually a hotel, it’s usually because the hotel’s meeting space is being used as the primary venue.

Quick Comparison of Major “Georgia Convention Centers” in the Atlanta Area

Choosing the Right Atlanta Convention Center for Your Event

When someone says they want the “Georgia convention center in Atlanta,” what they actually need depends on the size, type, and logistics of their event.

Here are key factors to consider:

1. Event Size and Type

• Huge trade show or national conference
  → Georgia World Congress Center is usually the go-to.
• Mid-sized regional event, gala, or expo
  → Cobb Galleria Centre or GICC often make sense.
• Airport-heavy travel and tight schedules
  → GICC is extremely convenient.
• Suburban/northeast Atlanta attendees
  → Consider Gas South Convention Center.

2. Where Your Attendees Are Coming From

• Local metro Atlanta crowd (driving in):
  • Choose based on where most attendees live: north (Cobb), south (GICC), or central (GWCC).
• National or international travelers:
  • GWCC (downtown hotels + MARTA access from airport)
  • GICC (direct airport connection)

3. Cost and Availability

People organizing Atlanta events often:

• Compare rental rates, catering requirements, A/V packages, and union/non-union labor rules across venues.
• Balance the prestige and centrality of downtown with often simpler logistics and parking at suburban venues.

It’s common practice to contact multiple venues’ event sales offices to:

• Ask about available dates
• Request floor plans
• Get basic cost outlines and standard inclusions (tables, chairs, basic setup)

Tips for Attending a Convention in Atlanta

If you’re not organizing the event but simply attending something at a Georgia convention center in Atlanta, a few local tips can make your experience smoother:

Plan Transportation Ahead

• Downtown (GWCC):

  • 🚆 Use MARTA when possible to avoid heavy traffic and parking fees.
  • Check which entrance or hall your event uses; the campus is large, and walking between halls can take time.

• Cobb Galleria / Gas South / GICC:

  • Build extra time for rush-hour traffic.
  • Note exact parking lot or deck recommended by your event organizer.

Dress for Walking and Weather

Even indoors, these centers can involve lots of walking between exhibit halls and meeting rooms. Outdoors, Atlanta weather can be:

• Hot and humid in summer
• Unpredictable rain throughout the year

Comfortable shoes and layers are smart choices.

Check Event Materials for Exact Name and Address

Many visitors search “Georgia Convention Center” and then realize:

• Their event is at GICC near the airport, not downtown
• Or at Cobb Galleria rather than GWCC

Always confirm:

• The full venue name
• The street address
• Any hall or ballroom name/number

Organizers usually provide this in registration emails, tickets, or event websites.

How to Confirm Details or Get Help

If you’re unsure which “Georgia convention center in Atlanta” your event is at, you can:

• Look up the event name along with “Atlanta” to see the listed venue
• Contact the event organizer or registration contact
• Use the venue’s main phone number or information desk once you know the name (for example, the main line for GWCC or GICC, as listed above)

For recurring annual events, information is often posted months in advance so you can:

• Book hotels nearby
• Plan transit routes (MARTA, rideshare, or driving)
• Arrange extra days to explore Atlanta attractions near your convention site

In everyday use, “Georgia Convention Center Atlanta” most often refers to one of three major facilities: the Georgia World Congress Center downtown, the Cobb Galleria Centre to the northwest, or the Georgia International Convention Center near the airport. Understanding which one fits your needs – and where it is in relation to the city – helps you plan your visit or event in Atlanta with far less confusion.