Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta: Your Complete Local Guide

The Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) is one of the most important landmarks in downtown Atlanta. Whether you live in the city, commute in for events, or are visiting for a convention, this massive complex shapes a lot of what happens around Centennial Olympic Park and the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium area.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide covering what the Georgia World Congress Center is, where it is, what happens there, and how to navigate it like a local.

What Is the Georgia World Congress Center?

The Georgia World Congress Center is a large convention and event center in downtown Atlanta. It regularly hosts:

• National and international conventions and trade shows
• Corporate meetings and conferences
• Sporting events and fan experiences
• Public shows like car shows, home shows, and expos
• Community and nonprofit events

For many Atlantans, “going to the GWCC” might mean anything from attending a major professional conference to walking through a festival-style expo open to the public.

Location:

• Address: Georgia World Congress Center
  285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313
• General Phone: (commonly listed on official GWCC materials; check ahead for the most current number)

The GWCC sits in the heart of downtown, directly connected to the broader Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) campus, which also includes:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Signia by Hilton Atlanta (on campus lodging)

Layout: Buildings, Halls, and Key Areas

The Georgia World Congress Center isn’t just one building. It’s a multi-building complex, typically organized into:

• Building A
• Building B
• Building C

Within these buildings you’ll usually find:

• Exhibit halls
• Meeting rooms and breakout spaces
• Ballrooms
• Registration areas
• Food courts and concession areas
• Lobbies and concourses

Event confirmations and agendas will usually tell you exactly which building (A/B/C) and hall or room to go to. This matters because walking from one end of the campus to the other can take a while, especially during large events.

Quick Layout Snapshot

If you’re planning to attend multiple sessions across buildings, build in extra walking time between events.

Getting to the Georgia World Congress Center

By MARTA

For many people in the Atlanta area, MARTA is the easiest way to reach the GWCC, especially during major events.

• Closest MARTA Station:
  GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
  The station exits place you within walking distance of the GWCC, State Farm Arena, and Centennial Olympic Park.

• Alternate Station:
  Vine City Station
  Useful if your event is closer to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or the west side of the campus.

Local tips for MARTA users:

• Allow extra time on event days (Falcons games, major concerts, large conventions).
• Check which station exit leads closest to your building (event details often specify this).
• If you’re coming from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, take the Red or Gold Line north to Five Points, then transfer to the Blue or Green Line westbound to GWCC/CNN Center.

Driving and Parking

Driving to the GWCC is common for metro Atlanta residents, but parking and traffic can be challenging during large events.

Main nearby streets:

• Northside Dr NW
• Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW
• Marietta St NW
• Andrew Young International Blvd NW

Parking Options (general types):

• GWCCA-operated parking decks and surface lots
• Event-specific parking for conventions and stadium events
• Additional private parking lots and garages throughout downtown

Common GWCCA lots and decks (names may vary on event maps):

• Red Deck (close to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, often used for stadium events and some GWCC functions)
• Silver Deck
• Green Lot, Orange Lot, Blue Lot, etc. (often associated with stadium and large events)

Local driving tips:

• 🚗 Pre-purchase parking when your event offers it; rates and availability can change on event days.
• Plan your route based on which building your event uses. Some decks are much closer to a specific building.
• Allow significant extra time when events are happening at the stadium, GWCC, and State Farm Arena on the same day—this can heavily affect traffic on Northside Drive, Marietta Street, and surrounding roads.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Drop-Off

Rideshare services are widely used to reach the GWCC, especially for visitors staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or near the airport.

• Look for event-specific drop-off and pickup zones communicated by the event organizer.
• During large events, traffic controllers and signage usually direct rideshare vehicles to designated lanes or lots.
• If you’re trying to avoid congestion, some locals prefer being dropped off a few blocks away (for example, near Centennial Olympic Park or on Spring St NW) and walking in.

Hotels Near the Georgia World Congress Center

If you’re visiting from out of town or planning a “staycation” around a major event, there are several hotels within walking distance:

• Signia by Hilton Atlanta (on the GWCC campus)
• Hotels around Centennial Olympic Park area
• Many additional options extending into downtown and Midtown along the MARTA rail lines

Local considerations:

• Large conventions can cause higher room rates and limited availability downtown; book early if your dates align with major events.
• MARTA-connected hotels in Midtown or Buckhead can be a smart choice—ride the train to GWCC/CNN Center station rather than driving and parking.

What Happens at the Georgia World Congress Center?

The GWCC hosts a wide range of events. Depending on the time of year, you might see:

Conventions and Trade Shows

• Industry-specific events (technology, healthcare, manufacturing, etc.)
• National association meetings
• Vendor expos and product showcases

For Atlanta professionals, this often means:

• Corporate meetings and client events held at the GWCC
• Job fairs or recruiting events tied to large conventions
• Professional development sessions and certifications hosted during conferences

Public Expos and Consumer Shows

Locals and visitors frequently attend:

• Auto shows
• Home and garden expos
• Comic and pop culture conventions
• Food, wine, and lifestyle events

Many of these are ticketed but open to the general public, unlike closed industry-only trade shows.

Sports and Fan Events

Being connected to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and close to State Farm Arena, the GWCC often hosts:

• Pre-game or fan fest events
• Sports industry conferences
• Large-scale registration and check-in for races or sports tournaments

Food, Amenities, and What’s Nearby

Food Options Inside and Around the GWCC

Inside the GWCC, you’ll typically find:

• Concession stands and quick-service food during events
• Event-specific catering areas for conferences and trade shows

Outside and nearby, you have access to:

• Restaurants and fast-casual spots near Centennial Olympic Park
• Dining options inside CNN Center–adjacent buildings and downtown hotels
• Additional restaurants within a short walk or ride into Midtown and Castleberry Hill

Local tip: On busy days, nearby restaurants can fill up quickly at lunchtime. If your schedule allows, aim for early or late meal times to avoid long waits.

Accessibility and Visitor Considerations

The Georgia World Congress Center is designed to accommodate large, diverse crowds, including people with disabilities and families.

Accessibility

The campus typically offers:

• Accessible entrances and restrooms
• Elevators and ramps within buildings
• Designated accessible parking spaces in associated decks and lots
• Assistance options for guests (event organizers can often help arrange additional services)

If you have specific accessibility needs, it’s wise to:

• Contact the event organizer beforehand for details on accommodations.
• Confirm the entrance and building where accessibility services are most convenient.

Families and Children

Some events are:

• Family-friendly (fairs, expos, cultural events)
• Strictly professional or age-limited

Check your event’s guidelines regarding:

• Age restrictions
• Stroller use within exhibit halls
• Nursing or family rooms
• Childcare options (if any; many events do not provide childcare on-site)

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

Use these steps to make your GWCC visit smoother:

1. Confirm Your Event Details

   • Building (A, B, or C)
   • Hall, room, or ballroom name/number
   • Entry times, security policies, and ticketing requirements

2. Choose Your Transportation

   • Inside the Perimeter (ITP): MARTA is often easiest, especially from Midtown or Decatur.
   • Outside the Perimeter (OTP): Consider driving and parking vs. MARTA park-and-ride.
   • Visitors from the airport can ride MARTA straight from Hartsfield‑Jackson with a transfer at Five Points.

3. Plan for Security and Lines

   • Some events use bag checks or metal detectors.
   • Stadium events or events tied to major games may have stricter security guidelines (bag size limits, prohibited items).

4. Build in Walking Time

   • The GWCC campus is large. Expect to walk from:
     • MARTA station or parking deck to your building entrance
     • One building to another if you have multiple sessions or exhibitors to visit

5. Have a Meeting Spot

   • If attending with a group, pick a specific landmark:
     • A particular lobby area
     • A numbered entrance
     • A visible feature like a large sculpture or registration desk
   • This helps in case cell service is slow during crowded events.

Nearby Atlanta Attractions You Can Pair with a GWCC Visit

Because of its central location, many people combine GWCC events with other downtown Atlanta experiences:

• Centennial Olympic Park – green space, fountains, and city views
• College Football Hall of Fame – interactive museum experience
• World of Coca‑Cola – brand history and tasting exhibits
• Georgia Aquarium – one of Atlanta’s most-visited attractions
• State Farm Arena – NBA games and major concerts (short walk from GWCC)

These are particularly convenient for:

• Families tagging along for a convention
• Out-of-town visitors extending their stay
• Locals making a day or weekend out of a downtown event

When You Need Official Information

For the most up-to-date details about:

• Specific event schedules
• Parking lot and deck locations
• Building maps and accessibility routes
• Lost and found or security questions

You can contact or check:

• Georgia World Congress Center
  285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313

Event organizers will typically email or post:

• Exact building, hall, and room information
• Recommended entrances and parking
• Security policies and prohibited items

If you’re an Atlanta resident or frequent visitor, keeping an eye on large convention dates can also help you plan around downtown traffic—especially if you commute through the area or attend events at nearby venues.

The Georgia World Congress Center is one of the city’s core gathering spaces, and with a little planning around transportation, parking, and layout, it’s relatively straightforward to navigate for both locals and visitors.