Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart: A Practical Guide for Visitors and Locals

The Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart is one of downtown Atlanta’s busiest event hubs, tucked into the heart of the city’s business and entertainment district. Whether you’re in town for a trade show, planning a corporate meeting, or just trying to figure out what happens inside those huge buildings near Peachtree Street, this guide walks you through what to expect and how to navigate it like a local.

Where the Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart Is Located

The convention center is part of the larger AmericasMart Atlanta complex in downtown.

Primary location:
Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart
240 Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30303

Most events are spread across the AmericasMart buildings, which sit near some of Atlanta’s most recognizable downtown landmarks:

  • A short walk from Peachtree Center
  • Near the Westin Peachtree Plaza and Marriott Marquis
  • A few blocks from Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia World Congress Center

If you’re using a map app, searching “AmericasMart Atlanta” or “Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart” will usually take you to the correct arrival area.

What Happens at the Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart?

This convention center focuses heavily on trade and business events, but it also hosts a wide range of other gatherings.

Common types of events

You’ll typically find:

  • Industry trade shows (especially gift, home décor, apparel, and furnishings)
  • Corporate meetings and conferences
  • Professional association events and seminars
  • Educational workshops and training sessions
  • Special events and receptions

Many AmericasMart markets are wholesale-only, which means they’re open to registered buyers, exhibitors, and industry professionals, not the general public. However, some meetings, conferences, or special events may allow public registration.

If you live in Atlanta and see streets extra crowded around Peachtree Center or MARTA, there’s a good chance a major market or convention is underway at AmericasMart.

Getting There: Transportation Options

By MARTA (recommended for downtown events)

For many locals and visitors, MARTA is the easiest way to reach the convention center and avoid downtown parking hassles.

  • Rail stop:Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold line)
  • From the station:
    • Follow signs for “John Portman Blvd / Peachtree Street” exit
    • Once at street level, you’re just a few minutes’ walk from the AmericasMart buildings

MARTA is especially helpful during large shows, when nearby parking garages can fill quickly or become more expensive.

By car

If you prefer to drive:

  • Use the address 240 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Follow signs to nearby parking decks serving AmericasMart and the surrounding hotels
  • Expect one-way streets and heavy traffic during peak hours and large events

You’ll find multiple parking options within a few blocks, including:

  • Private parking garages attached to or near the AmericasMart buildings
  • Nearby hotel garages (often more expensive but convenient if you’re staying onsite)
  • Public parking decks scattered around Baker St NW, John Portman Blvd, and Andrew Young International Blvd

📝 Tip: For big markets or conferences, plan extra time—15–30 minutes—to navigate downtown traffic, park, and walk to your event entrance.

From Atlanta airport (Hartsfield–Jackson)

  • By MARTA: Take the Red or Gold line northbound from Airport Station to Peachtree Center Station; ride is about 20–25 minutes.
  • By car or rideshare: The drive is typically 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic, via I‑75/85 North to downtown exits.

Layout: Understanding the AmericasMart Buildings

The Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart isn’t one standalone building. It’s woven into the multi-building AmericasMart campus.

While exact details can change, the general setup includes:

  • Multiple connected buildings with:
    • Exhibit halls
    • Showrooms
    • Meeting rooms
    • Ballrooms and event spaces
  • Multi-level floors, often with:
    • Registration areas
    • Food options
    • Lounge or lobby spaces

Most events will tell you which building and floor to go to. When you arrive, look for:

  • Directional signs listing:
    • Event names
    • Building numbers or letters
    • Floor or level numbers
  • Information desks or registration counters where staff can direct you

🧭 Local tip: If you’re unfamiliar with AmericasMart, arrive early for your first session or meeting. Navigating the buildings can be confusing at first, especially during big markets when crowds fill the halls.

Nearby Hotels, Dining, and Things to Do

One of the biggest perks of this convention center is its location in downtown Atlanta, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

Hotels within walking distance

Many visitors choose to stay in the Peachtree Center / downtown area for quick access. Common options nearby include major national hotel brands clustered around:

  • Peachtree Street NW
  • Courtland St NE
  • John Portman Blvd

Because downtown Atlanta is compact, you can usually walk from your hotel to the convention center in 5–10 minutes if you’re staying in the core convention district.

Food and drink options

You’ll find:

  • Fast-casual spots and food courts around Peachtree Center
  • Sit-down restaurants within nearby hotels and along Peachtree Street
  • Coffee shops and grab-and-go options that cater to the convention crowd

During major shows, on-site concessions or pop-up food areas may be available inside the AmericasMart buildings themselves, especially near exhibit halls or registration areas.

Attractions close by

If you’re in town for an event and have extra time, you’re within walking distance or a short ride from:

  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (short walk or rideshare)

Locals often use convention days as an excuse to explore nearby downtown attractions they usually drive past but rarely visit.

Accessibility and Visitor Comfort

The Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart is designed with large crowds and professional events in mind.

Accessibility considerations

While specifics vary by building and event setup, you can generally expect:

  • Elevators and escalators serving most event floors
  • Accessible entrances at primary entry points
  • Restrooms on most levels
  • Wide corridors in main traffic areas, especially near exhibit halls

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

  • Contact event organizers ahead of time
  • Ask your hotel concierge or event coordinator about the best entrance and recommended routes inside the complex

What to wear and bring

Atlanta’s weather can be hot and humid in warmer months, but inside the convention center, you’ll usually find cool, air-conditioned spaces.

Helpful items:

  • Comfortable walking shoes – distances between sessions, showrooms, or halls can be long
  • Light layers – meeting rooms can feel chilly
  • Water bottle – especially during long event days
  • A small bag for notebooks, business cards, or devices if you’re attending as a buyer or professional

Planning an Event at the Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart

If you’re on the planning side—whether you’re with an Atlanta company or an organization coming from out of town—the convention center offers:

  • Large exhibit spaces for trade shows and expos
  • Flexible meeting rooms for breakout sessions, trainings, or small conferences
  • Ballrooms or larger event areas for general sessions, banquets, or evening receptions
  • Access to downtown hotel blocks for attendees

Typical planning steps

  1. Confirm your event needs

    • Estimated attendee count
    • Exhibit space vs. meeting rooms
    • Audio/visual requirements
    • Catering and food service needs
  2. Reach out to the venue

    • Inquire about dates, availability, and space options
    • Request a floor plan and potential room configurations
  3. Coordinate with local partners

    • Nearby hotels for room blocks
    • Transportation guidance, especially for attendees new to Atlanta
    • Options for offsite dinners or networking events downtown

Because AmericasMart is connected to the broader Atlanta hospitality ecosystem, planners often work with Atlanta-based destination or convention services teams to shape larger multi-venue events.

Tips for Atlantans Navigating Events at AmericasMart

If you live in the metro area and are attending a show or meeting at the Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart:

  • Use MARTA if possible. Parking downtown can be expensive and limited during large events.
  • Time your arrival. Aim to arrive before 9:00 a.m. or after the main rush if your schedule allows.
  • Plan your lunch strategy. Nearby restaurants can get busy; consider early or late lunches, or look for on-site options.
  • Check building and floor details ahead of time. Knowing which building to enter can save you a lot of wandering.
  • Monitor downtown event calendars. If there’s a big game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or a major concert, traffic around downtown may be heavier than usual.

Quick Reference: Key Details at a Glance

TopicDetails
NameAtlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart
Primary Address240 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
AreaDowntown Atlanta, near Peachtree Center
Main UsesTrade shows, corporate meetings, conferences, special events
Closest MARTA StationPeachtree Center Station (Red/Gold lines)
Typical VisitorsBuyers, exhibitors, business travelers, local professionals
Nearby AttractionsCentennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola
ParkingNearby parking decks and hotel garages; limited street parking

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, the Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart is a major hub for business, trade, and professional events right in the center of the city. Understanding how to get there, what happens inside, and how to navigate the surrounding downtown area will help you make the most of any visit—whether you’re attending a massive market or a single-day meeting.