Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta, GA: Local Guide to Events, Parking, and Planning

The Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) is one of metro Atlanta’s major event hubs, especially convenient for anything tied to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Whether you’re attending a conference, planning a trade show, or just trying to figure out parking and logistics, it helps to understand how the GICC works from a local perspective.

Where the Georgia International Convention Center Is and What It Is

The Georgia International Convention Center is located in College Park, just south of the city of Atlanta and directly connected to the Atlanta airport area.

• Address: 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337
• Primary role: A full-service convention and event center serving the greater Atlanta area
• Typical events: Conventions, trade shows, expos, corporate meetings, banquets, graduations, and community events

Although it’s technically in College Park, most people in metro Atlanta group it into the broader “Atlanta airport area”, which is why you’ll often see it described as the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta, GA.

Why the GICC Matters for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

For locals

If you live in Atlanta or nearby suburbs, the GICC is a practical alternative to downtown venues because:

• It’s usually easier to access by car from the south and west sides.
• Parking is typically more straightforward than in Midtown or Downtown.
• It’s well set up for large-scale events, including high school and college graduations, regional conferences, and trade shows.

For visitors and business travelers

For out-of-town visitors, the GICC is designed to be airport friendly:

• Very close to Hartsfield–Jackson
• Easy to reach by SkyTrain from the airport
• Connected to the Gateway Center hotel and restaurant area
• Often chosen for national and international conventions because attendees don’t have to navigate central Atlanta traffic as much

Getting to the Georgia International Convention Center

By car

From Downtown Atlanta:

• Take I-75/85 South
• Follow signs for Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Look for exits toward Camp Creek Parkway or Riverdale Road/Airport area, then follow signage to the Georgia International Convention Center

From the north suburbs (e.g., Sandy Springs, Roswell):

• Take GA-400 South to I-85 South
• Continue toward the airport and follow signs to the GICC

From the west side (e.g., Douglasville, West Atlanta):

• Use I-20 East to connect to I-285 South, then head toward the airport and follow signs to the convention center

Traffic around the airport can be busy during rush hours, so locals often build in extra time, especially if the event has a firm start time like a graduation ceremony.

By MARTA (public transit)

The GICC is transit accessible, which is a major advantage in Atlanta.

1. Take MARTA rail (Red or Gold Line) to Airport Station.
2. From the Airport Station, board the ATL SkyTrain (an elevated people-mover) toward the Gateway Center.
3. The SkyTrain stops directly at or near the convention campus.

This route is often faster and less stressful than driving if you’re coming from Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead and don’t want to deal with airport-area parking.

Parking and Drop-Off Details

Parking

The GICC typically offers on-site parking in garages and surface lots near the main entrance.

Common local experience:

• Parking is usually fee-based, but the exact amount can vary by event.
• Some large events (like expos or graduations) may direct you to specific lots or garages, with attendants guiding traffic.
• Event organizers sometimes prepay for parking or include it in registration, so check your event materials.

If you’re coming with family or older adults, it’s worth confirming:

• How far the walk is from the lot to your hall
• Whether accessible parking spaces are available close to the entrance (they typically are, but they can fill quickly on busy days)

Rideshare and drop-off

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) and taxis frequently serve the GICC area, especially given the nearby airport.

When arranging pickup or drop-off:

• Follow event signage or staff directions to designated drop-off zones.
• During large conventions or graduations, there may be temporary traffic patterns, so plan a little buffer time.

Inside the GICC: Layout and Facilities

The Georgia International Convention Center is designed as a multi-purpose conference and event venue. While layouts can shift with each event, most visitors encounter similar spaces.

Main types of spaces

• Exhibit halls:
  Large, open spaces for trade shows, expos, conventions, and large-scale events.

• Ballrooms and banquet areas:
  Used for galas, banquets, corporate dinners, award ceremonies, and receptions.

• Meeting rooms and breakout rooms:
  Ideal for workshops, training sessions, smaller conferences, or breakout groups during major events.

• Public concourses and lobby areas:
  Where you’ll usually find registration tables, help desks, signage, concessions, and event information.

Many Atlanta-based organizations choose the GICC when they need flexible space that can scale from a few hundred to several thousand attendees.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

Accessibility

The GICC and its surrounding campus are generally built with accessibility in mind:

• Ramps and elevators for wheelchair access
• Accessible restrooms
• Designated accessible parking spaces near entrances

If you or a family member has specific accessibility needs, event organizers can usually coordinate:

• Seating accommodations
• Wheelchair access routes
• Early or assisted entry, if applicable

Food and concessions

Food options vary by event, but you can typically expect:

• Concessions stands during large events, offering snacks, drinks, and quick meals
• Catering services for formal functions, banquets, or corporate events

Because the GICC is adjacent to the Gateway Center campus, it’s easy to step out to nearby hotels and restaurants, which often have:

• Sit-down dining
• Casual bars and lounges
• Grab-and-go options for busy conference days

Hotels Near the Georgia International Convention Center

One of the main advantages of the GICC for Atlanta visitors is how close it is to airport hotels and the Gateway Center lodging cluster.

Common nearby options include:

• Major airport hotels with shuttle service
• Hotels connected or very close to the SkyTrain and the convention campus

If you’re planning to attend a multi-day event:

• Look for hotels that mention “Gateway Center”, “GICC”, or “Airport Convention Center” in their descriptions.
• Confirm whether they offer shuttles to the convention center or if you can reach the GICC directly via the SkyTrain.

Locals sometimes book a nearby hotel if:

• They’re part of a long conference and want to avoid daily commuting.
• They’re hosting out-of-town guests and want them close to both the airport and the event.

Common Types of Events at the GICC

Residents and visitors will see a wide variety of events at the Georgia International Convention Center.

Large conventions and trade shows

Organizations choose the GICC for:

• Industry trade shows
• Professional association conferences
• Career fairs and job expos
• Fan conventions and hobby expos

These events often use:

• Exhibit halls for vendors and booths
• Meeting rooms for workshops and breakout sessions
• Ballrooms for keynotes or evening functions

Graduations and ceremonies

Metro Atlanta schools and colleges frequently hold:

• High school graduations
• College commencements
• Award ceremonies

If you’re attending a graduation:

• Plan for heavy traffic before and after the ceremony.
• Arrive early to locate parking, seating, and restrooms.
• Check with the school for ticketing, security policies, and dress code.

Corporate and organizational events

Many Atlanta-area businesses use the GICC for:

• Annual meetings
• Employee training and seminars
• Corporate banquets and recognition events
• Product launches

Local nonprofits and community groups may also use smaller meeting rooms for conferences, summits, or fundraisers.

Planning an Event at the Georgia International Convention Center

If you’re based in Atlanta and considering the GICC as a venue, you’re typically looking at it for one of these reasons:

• You need large exhibit space or ballrooms.
• You want something close to the airport for national or international attendees.
• You prefer a venue outside of Downtown/Midtown but still within metro Atlanta.

What to think about as an event planner

When comparing the GICC with other Atlanta venues, consider:

• Audience location:
  Will most people be local, or flying into Hartsfield–Jackson? The GICC is especially strong for air-travel-heavy events.

• Transportation:
  The nearby airport, MARTA, and SkyTrain make logistics easier for visitors unfamiliar with Atlanta.

• Room setup needs:
  The GICC is built to handle everything from classroom-style meetings to full trade show floors.

• Food and beverage:
  Most large venues, including the GICC, have their own preferred catering systems. Confirm your options early if catering is important to your event.

Typical services event organizers look for

At a full-service convention center like the GICC, event planners commonly coordinate:

• Room and hall rentals
• AV and technology setups (projectors, sound systems, microphones)
• Wi-Fi or wired internet for exhibitors and presenters
• Event staff support (security, registration assistance, ushers)
• Signage and directional assistance for large crowds

Contacting the GICC directly for event planning details is the best way to get up-to-date information about:

• Available dates
• Space configurations
• Pricing and contracts
• Rules for outside vendors, decor, and equipment

Quick Reference: Georgia International Convention Center Basics

Practical Tips for Attending an Event at the GICC

• Check your event’s specific hall or room. The complex is large, and different events use different entrances and wings.
• Arrive early for major events. For graduations and large expos, build in extra time for traffic, parking, and walking to your hall.
• Use MARTA + SkyTrain if you’re coming from central Atlanta. This can be faster and easier than driving and parking, especially during peak hours.
• Confirm event policies. Some events have specific rules about bags, cameras, outside food, or signage.
• Plan your meals. Decide whether you’ll rely on onsite concessions, nearby Gateway Center restaurants, or airport-area dining.

Understanding how the Georgia International Convention Center fits into the Atlanta, GA area—especially its connection to the airport and public transit—makes it much easier to navigate whether you’re attending, exhibiting, or planning an event there.