Atlanta, Georgia Convention Centers: Your Complete Guide to Meeting & Event Venues in the City

Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s busiest convention and meeting destinations. Whether you’re planning a national trade show, a corporate meeting, or a local community event, understanding how convention centers work in Atlanta, Georgia will save you time, money, and stress.

This guide walks through the major Atlanta convention centers, how they differ, what types of events fit best where, and practical tips on transportation, booking, and nearby amenities.

The Major Convention Centers in Atlanta

Atlanta doesn’t have just one “Atlanta Georgia Convention Center.” Instead, it offers several major venues, each with its own strengths.

1. Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)

Location: Downtown Atlanta, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Best for: Large conventions, expos, trade shows, major conferences, sporting events

The Georgia World Congress Center is Atlanta’s flagship convention complex and one of the largest in the country. It’s in the heart of Downtown, next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena, and within walking distance of many hotels.

Key features:

• Multiple exhibition halls that can handle large trade shows and expos
• Dozens of meeting rooms and breakout spaces
• Direct connection to Centennial Olympic Park area
• Walking access to attractions like the College Football Hall of Fame, World of Coca-Cola, and the Georgia Aquarium

Transportation:

• MARTA rail: GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green line)
• Easy access from I-20, I-75, and I-85
• Multiple parking decks around the campus

This is usually the first choice for major national conventions and large professional conferences in Atlanta.

2. Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart

Location: 240 Peachtree St NW, Suite 2200, Atlanta, GA 30303
Best for: Trade shows, corporate meetings, fashion and retail-related events

The Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart is integrated into the AmericasMart complex, known for its wholesale markets and showrooms. It’s ideal if your event is connected to retail, design, home goods, or fashion, or if you need flexible, mid-to-large event space downtown.

Key features:

• Flexible meeting and event spaces in a central Downtown location
• Close to Peachtree Center, with many connected hotels and restaurants
• Indoor access to MARTA via nearby stations, depending on where you enter the complex

Transportation:

• MARTA rail: Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold line)
• Multiple garages and lots in the Peachtree Center/Downtown area

If your attendees want to be in the middle of downtown Atlanta with walkable access to hotels and dining, this venue is convenient.

3. Cobb Galleria Centre (Just Outside City Limits, Commonly Used by Atlantans)

Location: 2 Galleria Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 (Cobb County, just northwest of the city)
Best for: Regional conferences, mid-sized conventions, banquets, consumer shows

While technically in Cobb County, the Cobb Galleria Centre is widely used by Atlanta-area organizations and attendees. It’s near The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park, making it a popular choice for groups that prefer a suburban setting with easy highway access.

Key features:

• Multiple exhibit halls, ballrooms, and meeting rooms
• Direct connection to Cumberland Mall
• Short distance to The Battery Atlanta (restaurants, shops, entertainment)

Transportation:

• Located at the interchange of I-75 and I-285
• Park-and-ride and local bus options through CobbLinc and regional services
• On-site and nearby parking

This venue often hosts business meetings, regional conventions, consumer expos, and gala events that draw attendees from across Metro Atlanta.

4. Gas South Convention Center (Gwinnett, Northeast of Atlanta)

Location: 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, GA 30097
Best for: Large regional events, expo-style shows, performances with attached convention space

The Gas South Convention Center (formerly Infinite Energy Center) isn’t inside the City of Atlanta, but it is a major option for Metro Atlanta events. Many local organizations consider it when they want to be closer to Gwinnett County and the northeastern suburbs.

Key features:

• Exhibition space, ballroom, and multiple meeting rooms
• An attached arena and performing arts spaces
• Suitable for consumer expos, regional trade shows, and multi-day conferences

Transportation:

• Directly off Sugarloaf Parkway, near I-85
• Large surface parking areas
• Typically easier driving and parking than dense urban locations

This is especially useful if your attendees are based in Gwinnett, north DeKalb, or North Fulton and prefer not to drive into Downtown.

Comparing Atlanta Convention Center Options

Here is a simplified comparison of commonly used convention centers that Atlantans and visitors consider:

If you specifically want to stay within the City of Atlanta, focus mainly on GWCC and Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart.

Choosing the Right Atlanta Venue for Your Event

When someone searches for “Atlanta Georgia Convention Center,” they’re usually trying to figure out where to host an event and which facility fits best. Here’s how to think it through.

Match the Venue to Your Event Size

• Large national or international events:

  • Best fit: Georgia World Congress Center
  • Why: It can handle thousands of attendees, massive exhibit halls, and complex logistics.

• Medium-sized conferences and corporate gatherings:

  • Best fit: Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart or Cobb Galleria Centre
  • Why: They offer flexible meeting and ballroom setups without the scale (and sometimes cost) of the largest centers.

• Regional or community-focused expos:

  • Best fit: Cobb Galleria Centre or Gas South Convention Center
  • Why: Easy driving access, large parking areas, and strong appeal for attendees from Metro Atlanta suburbs.

Consider Location and Attendee Convenience

Think about where your attendees are likely coming from:

• Flying into Atlanta (Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport):
  • Downtown venues like GWCC and AmericasMart are convenient via MARTA rail or rideshare.
• Driving from Metro Atlanta suburbs or neighboring states:
  • Venues near major interstates (GWCC, Cobb Galleria, Gas South) can reduce time in surface-street traffic.
• Staying multiple nights:
  • Downtown offers walkable restaurants, attractions, and hotels.
  • Suburban centers often provide plenty of free or lower-cost parking and nearby shopping.

Transportation Basics for Atlanta Convention Centers

Using MARTA in Atlanta

For Downtown Atlanta convention centers, MARTA can be a major time-saver.

• From the airport:
  • Take the Red or Gold line north from the Airport Station.
  • Transfer or disembark depending on your venue:
    • GWCC: Transfer to Blue/Green line at Five Points, exit at GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center.
    • AmericasMart: Exit at Peachtree Center Station and walk.

Riders often appreciate MARTA for avoiding rush-hour traffic and the cost of downtown parking.

Driving and Parking Tips

• Downtown Atlanta (GWCC, AmericasMart):
  • Allow extra time for event-day traffic and one-way streets.
  • Parking is primarily paid decks and lots; prices vary by event.
• Cobb Galleria & Gas South Convention Center:
  • Generally more straightforward to park, with large surface lots and garage options.
  • Still plan around rush-hour traffic on I-75, I-285, and I-85.

Nearby Hotels and Amenities

One of the advantages of hosting an event in Atlanta is having plenty of lodging and dining options.

Around Georgia World Congress Center & Downtown

Within a short walk or quick ride, attendees can typically find:

• Major business-class and upscale hotels
• A wide range of restaurants, from grab-and-go to fine dining
• Popular attractions like:
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights

This is especially attractive for multi-day conventions where attendees want things to do outside of sessions.

Around Cobb Galleria Centre

In the Cumberland/The Battery area, attendees often enjoy:

• Hotels ranging from mid-scale to upscale
• Direct access to Cumberland Mall
• Restaurants, bars, and retail at The Battery Atlanta next to Truist Park

This area feels more suburban than downtown but still offers a well-developed entertainment district.

Around Gas South Convention Center

The Duluth/Sugarloaf area has:

• Nearby business hotels
• Shopping plazas and dining along Sugarloaf Parkway
• A quieter, suburban conference feel compared to inner-city venues

How to Start Booking a Convention Center in Atlanta

If you’re organizing an event and want to move from research to action:

1. Clarify your event basics:

   • Estimated attendance
   • Dates (and whether you’re flexible)
   • Space needs (exhibit hall, general session, breakout rooms, banquet space)
   • Technical needs (A/V, internet bandwidth, hybrid options)

2. Identify your top two or three venue options in Atlanta:

   • For large downtown events: Usually GWCC is at the top of the list.
   • For mid-sized or industry-specific events: Consider AmericasMart and Cobb Galleria.
   • For regional expos serving Northeast Metro: Look at Gas South Convention Center.

3. Contact the venue’s sales or event services team:

   • Share your event details.
   • Ask about:
     • Available dates
     • Space configurations
     • On-site services (catering, security, A/V)
     • Estimated rental and service costs

4. Compare total costs and logistics:

   • Factor in:
     • Venue rental
     • Food and beverage requirements
     • A/V and production
     • Parking or transit options
     • Hotel room availability and rates nearby

5. Visit the site if possible:

   • A walk-through of the convention center and the surrounding area in Atlanta can clarify:
     • Wayfinding and signage needs
     • Accessibility for attendees with mobility challenges
     • Realistic travel time from airport, hotels, and major roads

Tips for Attendees Coming to an Atlanta Convention Center

If you’re attending (not organizing) an event at a convention center in or near Atlanta:

• Check the exact venue name and address.
  Names can sound similar (e.g., “Georgia World Congress Center” vs. “Atlanta Convention Center”), and events also frequently use hotels with large ballrooms. Verify where you’re actually going.

• Plan your route based on time of day:

  • During weekday rush hours, consider MARTA for Downtown venues.
  • For suburban centers, build in extra drive time for major highway traffic.

• Look up parking and entry instructions before you go:

  • Many large events in Atlanta post specific parking deck names and recommended entrances.

• Book lodging close to your venue when possible:

  • For Downtown Atlanta events, staying near Centennial Olympic Park or Peachtree Center can significantly reduce daily travel stress.

Other Atlanta Facilities Often Used as “Convention Centers”

In addition to the dedicated convention centers, many Atlanta hotels, universities, and cultural institutions offer large meeting and event spaces.

Commonly used alternatives include:

• Large hotels in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead with ballrooms and multiple breakout rooms
• University campuses with conference services (e.g., Georgia State University in Downtown Atlanta, Georgia Tech in Midtown)
• Special event venues like museums or cultural centers that can host evening receptions or smaller conferences

If your event is smaller or more specialized, it may be worth comparing hotel conference space to a full-scale convention center.

By understanding how the major Atlanta, Georgia convention centers differ—especially Georgia World Congress Center and Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart inside the city, plus Cobb Galleria Centre and Gas South Convention Center in the metro area—you can match the right venue to your event’s size, audience, and budget, and make navigating Atlanta much easier for everyone involved.