Your Guide to the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta

The Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) is one of the best-known landmarks in downtown Atlanta and a major hub for conventions, trade shows, sporting events, and large gatherings. Whether you live in the city, are visiting for an event, or are just trying to understand what the World Congress Center is and how it works, knowing how it fits into Atlanta life can save you time and stress.

Where the Georgia World Congress Center Is and What It Includes

The Georgia World Congress Center is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta at:

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

It sits in the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) campus, which also includes:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United)
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Signia by Hilton Atlanta (headquarters-style hotel directly connected to GWCC)

If someone says an event is “at the World Congress Center in Atlanta,” it usually means one of the halls in the GWCC building complex, not the stadium or the park. All of these attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.

What Happens at the World Congress Center?

The World Congress Center is a multi-purpose convention center. Events you might find there include:

• Large national and international conventions
• Trade shows (technology, construction, health, food service, etc.)
• Corporate meetings and conferences
• Sporting events and fan festivals
• Graduations and large ceremonies
• Public expos like car shows, home and garden shows, travel expos, and job fairs

If you live in Atlanta, chances are you’ll end up here at some point—for a career fair, a graduation, a professional conference, or a fan event tied to a major game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Layout Basics: Halls, Buildings, and Entrances

The GWCC is large, but its layout follows a clear pattern. It’s divided into three main buildings:

1. Building A

Often used for:

• Conventions
• Exhibitions
• Breakout sessions

Common spaces:

• Exhibit halls
• Meeting rooms
• Ballrooms

Main entrance: Typically accessed from Andrew Young International Blvd NW.

2. Building B

Often hosts:

• Trade shows
• Conferences
• Mid- to large-sized events

It connects easily to other parts of the campus and to some pedestrian walkways.

3. Building C

Known for:

• Larger exhibit halls
• Some of the biggest trade shows and expos

Often used when events need large, open-floor spaces.

Quick Layout Snapshot

Your event information (registration page, confirmation email, or ticket) will usually specify Building A, B, or C and sometimes a hall and room number (for example, “B3” or “C101”). Having this info handy before you arrive makes navigation much easier.

Getting to the World Congress Center in Atlanta

By MARTA (Public Transit)

If you’re staying or living near a MARTA rail line, this is often the easiest option.

• Take the Blue or Green line to Dome/GWCC/College Football Hall of Fame/State Farm Arena Station (formerly “Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center”).
• Follow station signs for GWCC. There are covered walkways and clearly marked paths leading toward the Congress Center campus.

This route is useful if:

• You’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, Decatur, or the Westside.
• You want to avoid driving and parking during peak convention times or game days.

By Car

The GWCC campus has several official parking decks and surface lots managed by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. Common parking areas include:

• Red Deck
• Silver Deck
• Gold Deck
• Other nearby surface lots around Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park

Tips for drivers:

• 🕐 Plan extra time during large events, rush hour, or when major games are scheduled.
• 📍 Check your event details—some conventions recommend specific decks or lots.
• 💵 Pricing can vary by event type and day (weekdays vs. weekends, regular days vs. big game days).

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you’re flying in:

• MARTA Rail: Take the Red or Gold line from the airport to Five Points, then transfer to the Blue or Green line toward Dome/GWCC.
• Rideshare/Taxi: Drop-off is usually straightforward using the main address. Drivers will typically follow signage for the convention center and event traffic.

Travel time from the airport to downtown is usually 20–30 minutes by car or 30–35 minutes by MARTA, depending on time of day.

Parking and Walking Around the Campus

Because the World Congress Center is part of a larger downtown campus, it’s helpful to think about:

Parking Strategy

• If you have a mobility concern, look for parking close to your event’s building (A, B, or C) and check for accessible parking spaces.
• Some major conventions and sporting events suggest pre-booking parking through official channels; if that’s mentioned in your event info, it’s often worth doing.
• On Falcons game days or major concerts at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, traffic around GWCC is heavier, and nearby lots fill quickly.

Walking Once You’re There

• The campus is pedestrian-friendly, with multiple sidewalks and covered walkways.
• Buildings A, B, and C are all connected internally, but walking between them can still take several minutes.
• Inside, the GWCC has:
  • Directional signs
  • Information desks
  • Maps near main entrances and escalator areas

If you get turned around, staff and event volunteers are used to helping visitors find the right hall.

Accessibility at the World Congress Center

The GWCC is built to handle large, diverse crowds, including guests with disabilities. Common accessibility features include:

• Accessible entrances with ramps or level access
• Elevators to navigate between levels
• Accessible restrooms
• Designated accessible parking in nearby decks and lots
• Wide hallways and exhibit aisles for wheelchairs and mobility aids

If you or someone in your party needs specific accommodations (such as ASL interpretation, special seating, or assistance devices), it’s best to:

1. Check your event’s website or event organizer’s contact info first.
2. Reach out several days in advance to confirm what’s available and how to request it.

Food, Dining, and Nearby Amenities

Inside the GWCC

Events at the World Congress Center often have:

• Concession stands
• Portable food stations or kiosks
• Catered food areas for registered attendees

What’s open can vary by event. Many large conventions include food areas within or near the exhibit halls, while smaller events may only offer limited options.

Around the Campus

One advantage of GWCC’s location is the number of walkable dining options:

• CNN Center area (when open): historically has quick-service restaurants and casual dining.
• Centennial Olympic Park area: several restaurants, cafes, and bars within a short walk.
• Downtown core: expands choices for sit-down meals, coffee shops, and quick bites.

If you’re attending an all-day event, building in time to walk out for a meal can be a good way to reset and avoid peak lunchtime lines inside the halls.

Hotels Near the World Congress Center

If you’re planning an overnight stay for a convention or multi-day event, the downtown area offers a wide range of hotels. Key options include:

• Hotels directly connected or adjacent to GWCC, such as:
  • Signia by Hilton Atlanta (part of the GWCCA campus)
• Nearby downtown hotels within walking distance of:
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • State Farm Arena
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Peachtree Street corridor

When booking, consider:

• Walking distance vs. need for car or rideshare
• Whether your event has an “official” host hotel or a room block with special rates
• Access to MARTA if you want to explore other Atlanta neighborhoods

Types of Events You Might Attend as an Atlanta Resident

If you live in or near Atlanta, the GWCC might show up in your life in several ways:

• High school or college graduations
• Job fairs and career expos
• Industry conferences if you work in fields like technology, healthcare, logistics, or construction
• Public expos such as:
  • Auto shows
  • Home improvement shows
  • Travel and outdoor expos
  • Pop culture or fan conventions
• Fan events tied to big games, tournaments, or championships

Most of these events are advertised through:

• Employer or school communications
• Event-specific websites
• Local media and community calendars

Always confirm:

• The exact building and hall (A, B, or C)
• Check-in or registration location
• Any entry rules (such as security checks, bag policies, or age restrictions)

Security and Entry Considerations

Because of its size and location near major sports and entertainment venues, the GWCC typically maintains noticeable security.

Things to expect:

• Bag checks or security screenings at main entrances or event access points
• Possible clear bag policies or size limits, especially for certain events
• No-weapons policies and restrictions on prohibited items (which may vary by event)

Many large events send out specific security and entry instructions ahead of time. Reading those carefully can help you avoid delays at the door.

Practical Tips for Attending an Event at the World Congress Center

To make your experience smoother:

• Arrive early
  • For major conferences or public expos, give yourself at least 30–45 extra minutes for parking, walking in, and registration.
• Know your building and room
  • Have “Building A/B/C” and hall/room number ready before you leave home or your hotel.
• Wear comfortable shoes
  • You may walk long distances inside and outside, especially during large trade shows or expos.
• Bring a light layer
  • Convention centers can feel cool due to air conditioning, even in Atlanta’s summer heat.
• Plan your meals
  • Decide whether you’ll eat inside the GWCC or in nearby downtown restaurants, and account for the extra time.
• Check the event schedule
  • Many conferences have overlapping sessions spread across multiple rooms and buildings; knowing where you’re headed next can prevent backtracking.

How the World Congress Center Fits into Atlanta

For Atlanta, the Georgia World Congress Center is:

• A major economic driver, bringing visitors and business travelers downtown
• A central venue for regional and national events
• A familiar gathering spot for local residents, schools, and organizations

If you’re new to the city, learning how to navigate the GWCC and its surrounding area—parking, MARTA, nearby hotels and restaurants—can make attending large events feel much less overwhelming.

Whenever you see “The World Congress Center in Atlanta” listed as an event location, think of it as the core convention hub of downtown, with easy access to sports, entertainment, and some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, all within a short walk.