World Convention Center Atlanta: Your Guide to Atlanta’s Major Convention Venues

If you’re searching for “World Convention Center Atlanta,” you’re most likely looking for the major convention and event centers in Atlanta where large conferences, expos, trade shows, and global events take place.

Atlanta doesn’t have a building officially called the “World Convention Center,” but it does have several world‑class convention facilities that serve that role—especially in and around Downtown and Midtown Atlanta.

This guide walks you through the key convention centers in Atlanta, how they differ, where they’re located, and what you should know whether you’re:

• Attending a conference
• Planning a large event or expo
• Visiting Atlanta for a business convention
• A local trying to figure out which “big center” someone is talking about

The Big One: Georgia World Congress Center (What Most People Mean)

When people say something like “World Convention Center Atlanta,” they’re usually referring to the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC).

Georgia World Congress Center at a Glance

• Official name: Georgia World Congress Center
• Location: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Area: One of the largest convention centers in the U.S.
• Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta / CNN Center area

The Georgia World Congress Center is Atlanta’s primary hub for:

• National and international conventions
• Trade shows and expos
• Large business meetings and corporate events
• Fan events, festivals, and specialty shows (e.g., car shows, hobby expos)

It sits in the heart of the GWCC campus, which also includes Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park, making it a central gathering place for major events in the city.

What You’ll Find Inside GWCC

GWCC is made up of multiple interconnected buildings (often called Buildings A, B, and C). Typical features include:

• Large exhibit halls for trade shows and expos
• Ballrooms for banquets, galas, and ceremonies
• Meeting rooms of various sizes
• On‑site food courts and concessions
• Access to nearby hotels and attractions

Most large conventions that list “Atlanta” as their host city—especially professional conferences and big national events—are here.

Other Major Convention & Event Centers in Atlanta

While GWCC is the flagship, Atlanta has several other large-scale centers that are important for conventions and conferences.

AmericasMart Atlanta

• Location: 240 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Area: Downtown, a short walk from Peachtree Center MARTA station

AmericasMart is a massive wholesale market and trade mart complex, commonly used for:

• Gift, apparel, and home furnishings markets
• Industry‑only trade shows
• Showrooms for manufacturers and wholesalers

If you’re attending a “market” event in Atlanta (especially in the home, gift, or apparel industries), there’s a good chance it’s at AmericasMart rather than GWCC.

Cobb Galleria Centre

• Location: 2 Galleria Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
• Area: Just outside the city limits, near Cumberland and The Battery Atlanta (home of Truist Park)

Cobb Galleria Centre is a major suburban convention center commonly used for:

• Mid‑to‑large conferences
• Consumer shows (wedding expos, craft shows, etc.)
• Corporate meetings and banquets

Though technically in Cobb County, many events still advertise themselves as being “in Atlanta,” especially for visitors unfamiliar with local county lines.

Atlanta Convention & Event Venues Often Confused with a “World Center”

Some venues are not convention centers in the traditional sense, but they regularly host large events and sometimes get lumped in when people talk about “the big convention place in Atlanta.”

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

• Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Right next to: Georgia World Congress Center

Beyond football and soccer, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium hosts:

• Large conferences and corporate events
• Major concerts, conventions, and large gatherings
• Fan experiences tied to events at GWCC

If your convention has thousands of attendees or a huge general session, parts of it might use stadium spaces while the main exhibits remain in GWCC.

State Farm Arena

• Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Nearby: CNN Center and GWCC

While primarily an arena for NBA games and concerts, State Farm Arena also hosts:

• Large company meetings
• Special events tied to conventions
• Entertainment nights during big conferences

Quick Comparison: Atlanta’s Major Convention Centers

Getting to Atlanta’s Convention Centers

If you’re coming from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport or staying in the city, transportation is usually straightforward.

By MARTA (Public Transit)

To Georgia World Congress Center / Mercedes‑Benz Stadium / State Farm Arena

• Take the Red or Gold line from the airport to Five Points Station
• Transfer to the Westbound Blue or Green line
• Exit at GWCC/CNN Center/State Farm Arena Station or Vine City Station

From there, GWCC and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium are within a short walk.

To AmericasMart

• Take the Red or Gold line to Peachtree Center Station
• Follow signs to Peachtree Street; AmericasMart is nearby on foot

To Cobb Galleria Centre

• MARTA rail does not go directly to Cobb Galleria
• You can:
  • Take MARTA to Arts Center Station, then use CobbLinc buses or rideshare
  • Use a rideshare or taxi directly from your hotel or the airport

By Car

Atlanta’s convention centers are near major interstates:

• GWCC / Mercedes‑Benz Stadium / State Farm Arena: near I‑20, I‑75, and I‑85
• AmericasMart: in Downtown, near the I‑75/85 Connector
• Cobb Galleria Centre: near I‑75 and I‑285 at the “Cumberland” interchange

Parking is available at each location, but during large events you’ll want to:

• Arrive early
• Know your lot or deck in advance
• Consider MARTA to avoid heavy parking congestion

If You’re Attending a Convention in Atlanta

Here’s what most visitors and locals want to know when they’re headed to a big event.

Where to Stay

If your event is at Georgia World Congress Center, convenient lodging areas include:

• Downtown Atlanta (closest walkability to GWCC, State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium)
• Centennial Olympic Park area
• Peachtree Center area

For Cobb Galleria Centre events, look near:

• Cumberland / Galleria
• The Battery Atlanta (next to Truist Park)

For AmericasMart, focus on:

• Downtown / Peachtree Center hotels

Staying close to your venue cuts down on commuting time, especially in rush‑hour traffic.

What to Expect Inside

Most large Atlanta convention venues provide:

• On‑site food options (cafés, concessions, grab‑and‑go stands)
• Wi‑Fi access (sometimes free, sometimes limited, sometimes event‑specific)
• Business services such as printing and shipping (often via third‑party vendors on site)
• Accessibility accommodations, like elevators, ramps, and mobility support

Event organizers usually send maps, schedules, and entry instructions in advance. It’s wise to download or screenshot what you need—cell service can be spotty in lower exhibit halls.

If You’re Planning to Host an Event in Atlanta

If your interest in “World Convention Center Atlanta” is about booking space, Atlanta offers options for different event sizes and styles.

Choosing the Right Venue Type

• Huge national or international conventions, expos, and trade shows
  • Likely fit best at Georgia World Congress Center
• Regional conferences or larger corporate meetings
  • Could work well at Cobb Galleria Centre or a large Downtown/Midtown hotel
• Industry markets and wholesale events
  • Often align with AmericasMart Atlanta
• Massive general sessions, rallies, or celebrations
  • May use Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena in combination with meeting space elsewhere

When evaluating venues from within Atlanta, consider:

• Proximity to MARTA for attendees without cars
• Traffic patterns, especially around rush hour
• Nearby hotels and restaurants for off‑site dinners and networking
• Walkability—important for multi‑day events

Nearby Attractions and Things to Do Between Sessions

One advantage of Atlanta’s major convention centers is how close they are to popular attractions.

Around Georgia World Congress Center / Downtown

Within walking distance you’ll find:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• World of Coca‑Cola
• Georgia Aquarium
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• A wide range of restaurants, from casual to higher‑end

Attendees often use breaks or evenings to explore these spots without needing a car.

Around Cobb Galleria Centre

Nearby options include:

• The Battery Atlanta (restaurants, bars, shops, and Truist Park)
• Cumberland Mall and surrounding shopping centers
• Multi‑use trails and paths in the area for quick walks

Practical Tips for Convention‑Goers in Atlanta

• Plan for traffic: Atlanta is known for congested highways. If you’re driving, build in extra time.
• Use MARTA when possible: Especially for Downtown events, rail can be more predictable.
• Check your venue name carefully: “Atlanta convention center” can mean GWCC, Cobb Galleria, or even a large hotel—verify the full venue name and address.
• Dress in layers: Large halls can be cool even when it’s hot outside, especially in summer.
• Stay hydrated: Atlanta can be humid, and big convention days mean lots of walking.

Atlanta may not have a building literally called the “World Convention Center,” but with the Georgia World Congress Center and a network of other major venues, it functions as a true international convention hub. Knowing which center you’re headed to—and how to navigate Atlanta around it—will make your visit or event run much more smoothly.