Loudermilk Center Atlanta: Your Guide to This Downtown Conference & Event Hub
If you live in Atlanta or plan to host an event in the city, you’ve probably come across the Loudermilk Center in downtown Atlanta. Known for its flexible meeting spaces and central location, it’s a popular spot for conferences, trainings, nonprofit gatherings, community events, and corporate meetings.
This guide walks you through what the Loudermilk Center is, where it is, what it offers, and what to consider if you’re attending or planning an event there.
What Is the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta?
The Loudermilk Conference Center is a dedicated meeting and event facility located in downtown Atlanta. It’s designed for:
- Business conferences and seminars
- Nonprofit and community meetings
- Trainings and workshops
- Banquets and receptions
- Hybrid and virtual events
Unlike a hotel ballroom, the Loudermilk Center is a standalone conference facility. Many Atlanta organizations use it when they want professional meeting space without booking a large hotel or resort.
Location, Parking, and Getting There
Where the Loudermilk Center Is in Atlanta
The Loudermilk Center is located in downtown Atlanta, close to major office towers, government buildings, and attractions.
- Neighborhood: Downtown / Sweet Auburn area
- Nearby landmarks:
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
- Georgia State University
- Peachtree Center business district
If you work or stay in downtown Atlanta, it’s typically a short walk or quick rideshare away.
Getting There by Car
Driving to the Loudermilk Center from within metro Atlanta is straightforward via:
- I-75/85 Connector (north–south)
- I-20 (east–west), then heading into downtown
General considerations when driving:
- Traffic: Downtown Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially during weekday rush hours and when major events are happening at State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or the Georgia World Congress Center.
- Arrival time: Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes early for large events to allow time for parking and check-in.
Parking Near the Loudermilk Center
Parking is typically available in nearby garages and surface lots. In downtown Atlanta, parking conditions can change, but common patterns include:
- Paid parking: Most garages and lots near the center charge hourly or daily rates.
- Event parking: Large events may have negotiated parking guidance or specific lots recommended by event organizers.
- Street parking: Limited, often time-restricted, and sometimes not ideal for longer conferences.
✅ Smart move: Check your event registration email or materials. Organizers often share preferred parking locations or discount codes for nearby garages.
MARTA and Other Transit Options
If you want to avoid downtown driving and parking, MARTA (Atlanta’s public transit system) is often the easiest option.
Common approaches:
- Take a MARTA rail line to a downtown station such as:
- Peachtree Center
- Five Points
- From there, either:
- Walk to the Loudermilk Center (depending on distance and comfort), or
- Use a short rideshare or taxi trip
For many attendees staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, MARTA can provide a direct, car-free route into downtown.
Event Spaces and Room Types
The Loudermilk Center is set up with multiple meeting rooms and configurable spaces, designed to handle everything from small board meetings to large conferences.
While specific room names and capacities can change over time, you’ll generally find:
Typical Space Types
Large conference rooms / ballrooms
- Used for keynote sessions, general assemblies, and large trainings
- Flexible seating: theater-style, classroom, or banquet setups
Medium-sized breakout rooms
- Ideal for workshops, parallel sessions, and training tracks
- Often used alongside a bigger main session
Small meeting rooms
- Suitable for board meetings, interviews, planning sessions, or breakout groups
Pre-function and lobby areas
- Used for registration, networking, coffee breaks, and sponsor tables
Sample Overview of How Spaces Are Used
| Type of Event | Typical Space Used | Common Setup Style |
|---|---|---|
| All-day conference | Large room + multiple breakouts | Theater or classroom |
| Corporate training | Medium/large room | Classroom or pods |
| Board or committee meeting | Small meeting room | Boardroom or U-shape |
| Reception or banquet | Large room | Rounds / banquet tables |
| Nonprofit fundraiser program | Large room + pre-function area | Theater + reception space |
If you’re an event planner in Atlanta, it can be helpful to request:
- A current floor plan
- Room capacity charts for different seating styles
- Information about accessibility and traffic flow (for registration or vendor tables)
Technology, AV, and Hybrid Event Support
For many Atlanta organizations, the Loudermilk Center’s built-in technology and AV support are key reasons to book the venue.
Common offerings (exact features may vary by room and over time):
- Projectors or large displays
- Sound systems and microphones (podium, handheld, lapel)
- Wi-Fi access for attendees
- Podiums, lecterns, and presentation furniture
- Basic lighting controls
Many modern events also need virtual or hybrid support. Depending on your setup and needs, you may be able to:
- Stream sessions to remote participants
- Host video conferences or webinars from meeting rooms
- Record presentations for later distribution
If seamless technology is critical, Atlanta planners usually:
- Confirm AV needs early (audio, visuals, hybrid, recording).
- Ask about onsite tech support on the day of the event.
- Schedule a tech rehearsal before the program, especially for large conferences.
Food, Beverage, and Event Services
Catering Options
Most conference centers in Atlanta, including Loudermilk-style venues, work with:
- In-house catering or
- Approved preferred caterers
Typical food and beverage arrangements:
- Continental breakfast (coffee, pastries, fruit)
- Buffet lunch or boxed lunches
- Coffee and snack breaks
- Reception-style hors d’oeuvres for evening events
Important planning points:
- Ask about dietary accommodations (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies).
- Confirm service style (buffet vs. plated).
- Clarify policies on outside catering or bringing in specialty items.
Additional Event Support
Depending on your event, you may also want to ask about:
- Room setup and breakdown included with your rental
- Signage guidance inside the building
- Security or access control for high-profile or private meetings
- Registration table placement in lobby or pre-function areas
Who Typically Uses the Loudermilk Center?
The Loudermilk Center is often used by a wide range of Atlanta-based and visiting groups, including:
- Local businesses and corporate teams running trainings or quarterly meetings
- Nonprofit organizations hosting summits, workshops, or annual meetings
- Government and public agencies organizing community forums or stakeholder gatherings
- Associations and professional groups holding conferences and continuing education sessions
- Universities and schools partnering on special events, seminars, or student programs
For attendees, that means you may visit the Loudermilk Center for:
- A work-related conference
- A professional certification course
- A community or public information session
- A fundraising or awareness event
Accessibility and Comfort for Attendees
When you’re attending an event in downtown Atlanta, comfort and access matter just as much as the content of the program.
Here are common considerations people ask about:
- Building accessibility: Conference centers typically provide elevator access, ramps, and accessible restrooms. If you have mobility needs, you can ask the event organizer to confirm the exact arrangements.
- Restrooms and water access: Usually located on or near main meeting floors. For all-day events, organizers often share this information at the start.
- Wi-Fi: Many events provide Wi-Fi access; sometimes the password is shared on signage or in the program.
- Temperature: Large conference rooms can feel cool; locals often bring a light sweater or jacket, even in Atlanta’s warmer months.
If you have specific accessibility needs (mobility, hearing, vision, or sensory concerns), it’s best to:
- Notify your event organizer in advance, and
- Ask them to confirm building accommodations, parking options, and seating arrangements.
Planning an Event at the Loudermilk Center: What to Consider
If you’re an Atlanta-based planner or bringing an event into the city, here are key steps to think through.
1. Clarify Your Event Goals and Size
Before contacting the venue, define:
- Type of event: Training, conference, board retreat, fundraiser, etc.
- Estimated number of attendees: In-person and virtual, if hybrid.
- Preferred date and timing: Include setup and breakdown windows.
This helps the venue suggest appropriate spaces and layouts.
2. Ask the Right Questions
Common questions Atlanta planners ask the Loudermilk Center (or similar venues):
- What rooms fit my headcount with the seating style I want?
- What is included in the base room rental (tables, chairs, basic AV)?
- Are there bundled packages for all-day conferences (room, AV, catering)?
- What are the parking and transit options my attendees should know about?
- What are your policies on outside vendors (caterers, decorators, AV companies)?
- What is the timeline for deposits, contracts, and final guest counts?
3. Budgeting for a Downtown Atlanta Event
Costs vary based on date, room size, and services. When budgeting, factor in:
- Room rental fees
- Food & beverage minimums or per-person costs
- AV and technology (extra microphones, recording, streaming)
- Parking subsidies or validations, if you’re covering part of attendee parking
- Any security or extended-hours charges, if applicable
Downtown venues like Loudermilk are often chosen because they provide a professional setting without necessarily requiring the full cost and complexity of a convention center or resort hotel.
Tips for Attendees Going to the Loudermilk Center
If you’re heading to an event at the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta, these simple steps can make things smoother:
- Check the event agenda in advance so you know start times, break times, and any dress expectations (business casual is common).
- Plan your route by car, MARTA, or rideshare, and account for downtown traffic.
- Bring a light layer for meeting rooms and a refillable water bottle if allowed.
- Confirm parking and entry instructions from the event organizer; some events have specific entrances or check-in tables.
- If you’re unfamiliar with downtown, give yourself extra time to find the building and navigate from the garage or transit station.
Nearby Atlanta Attractions and Amenities
One advantage of a downtown Atlanta location is the ability to combine your event with local exploring.
Within a short drive or reasonable walk of the Loudermilk Center, you’ll typically find:
- Historic and cultural sites like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
- Georgia State University area with casual dining and coffee shops
- Larger downtown attractions a bit farther west, such as Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola
If you’re visiting from out of town, you can:
- Stay at a downtown Atlanta hotel within a short ride of the center
- Use MARTA or rideshare to explore other neighborhoods like Midtown, Inman Park, or Old Fourth Ward after your sessions
By understanding what the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta offers—its downtown location, flexible event spaces, technology support, and nearby amenities—you can better plan your visit or design an event that works smoothly for Atlanta-based and out-of-town guests alike.
