Georgia International Convention Center (GICC): Your Guide to Atlanta’s Airport-Side Event Hub

The Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) is one of metro Atlanta’s most important event venues, especially if you’re flying in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Whether you’re attending a trade show, a graduation, a concert, or planning a corporate conference, the GICC is designed around convenience, flexibility, and easy access from anywhere in Atlanta.

Where the GICC Is and How It Fits into Atlanta

The Georgia International Convention Center is located in College Park, just southwest of downtown Atlanta and directly adjacent to the airport.

Address:

• Georgia International Convention Center (GICC)
  2000 Convention Center Concourse
  College Park, GA 30337
  Phone: (770) 997-3566

If you live in Atlanta, think of the GICC as the “airport convention center”—close to the terminals, MARTA rail, and major interstate highways. It’s especially popular for events that draw regional, national, and international visitors, because attendees can land at ATL and reach the venue in minutes.

What Happens at the GICC?

The GICC hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. It’s considered a major attraction in the sense that many big happenings in Atlanta’s southside take place here.

Common types of events include:

• Trade shows and expos
  Auto shows, industry trade fairs, job fairs, vendor expos, and large consumer events.

• Conventions and conferences
  Professional associations, corporate meetings, training sessions, annual conventions, and multi-day business events.

• Community and cultural events
  Festivals, cultural celebrations, step shows, local showcases, and community programs that draw residents from across metro Atlanta.

• Sports, cheer, and dance competitions
  The large exhibit halls and open floor spaces are often used for youth sports tournaments, cheerleading, dance, and martial arts events.

• Banquets and galas
  Fundraising dinners, awards ceremonies, black-tie galas, and banquets for local schools and organizations.

• Graduations and school functions
  Many Atlanta-area high schools, colleges, and training programs use the GICC for commencement ceremonies.

If you’re visiting Atlanta and see a large-scale indoor event advertised on the southside, there’s a good chance it may be at the GICC or one of its neighboring facilities like the Gateway Center Arena.

Key Features of the Georgia International Convention Center

The GICC is designed to handle everything from intimate meetings to huge expos. While specific measurements and configurations can change, the venue typically includes:

Flexible Event Spaces

• Exhibit Halls – Large, open areas that can be subdivided with movable walls. These are ideal for:

  • Trade shows
  • Exhibitions
  • Sports tournaments
  • Large conventions

• Ballrooms – Elegant, configurable spaces used for:

  • Banquets
  • Weddings
  • Galas
  • Corporate dinners and award nights

• Meeting Rooms – Smaller breakout spaces for:

  • Workshops
  • Training sessions
  • Board meetings
  • Classroom-style presentations

• Pre-function and Lobby Areas – Wide corridors and gathering spaces for:

  • Registration desks
  • Networking
  • Vendor tables
  • Informal meetups between sessions

Modern Amenities Attendees Usually Care About

For people attending events at the GICC, a few amenities stand out:

• On-site dining options during events (concessions, coffee, and event catering depending on the program)
• Wi-Fi access (exact availability and pricing can vary by event)
• Audio-visual support for presentations, screens, microphones, and staging
• Accessibility accommodations such as elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms

Event organizers typically work directly with the GICC to tailor these amenities to their needs, but as an attendee you can usually expect professional, large-venue infrastructure similar to other major convention centers in Atlanta.

Getting to the GICC from Around Atlanta

One of the biggest advantages of the GICC is how easy it is to reach by air, MARTA, and car.

By Air (From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)

If you’re flying into Atlanta:

• The GICC is located just minutes from the airport.
• Travelers typically:
  • Take the ATL SkyTrain from the airport to the Gateway Center area, where the GICC is located, or
  • Use rideshare services or taxis from the terminal to the convention center.

This proximity makes the GICC a popular choice for events where attendees are coming from across the country or internationally.

By MARTA

For Atlanta residents and visitors staying in the city:

• Take MARTA rail (Red or Gold Line) to:
  • Airport Station or
  • College Park Station

From there, you can typically transfer to:

• The SkyTrain (from the airport)
• Local shuttles or rideshare services to the GICC area

Because service routes can be adjusted, it’s smart to check MARTA’s current rail and bus maps and confirm how to connect to Gateway Center or College Park before you travel.

By Car

If you’re driving:

• The GICC is close to Interstate 85 and Interstate 285, just southwest of Atlanta.
• Look for signage for:
  • College Park
  • Convention Center
  • Airport/Gateway Center

Parking:
The GICC typically offers paid parking in nearby decks and lots. Rates and methods of payment can vary by event, so parking is often listed on the event’s own info page or materials.

Parking, Drop-Off, and Accessibility Tips

If you’re planning to attend a busy event, it helps to know what to expect when you arrive.

Parking Tips

• Arrive early for large expos, graduations, and tournaments; parking areas can fill quickly.
• Expect event-specific parking fees—these may be flat-rate or time-based.
• Some events offer validated or prepaid parking through registration; check your confirmation materials.

Drop-Off Zones

Most large events designate clearly marked drop-off and pick-up areas for:

• Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
• Personal vehicles dropping guests at the entrance
• Accessible drop-offs for guests with mobility challenges

When attending a high-traffic event, it can be easier to drop passengers near the entrance and park afterward.

Accessibility

The GICC is generally designed with accessibility in mind, including:

• Accessible parking spaces
• Ramps and elevators
• Accessible restrooms
• Wide corridors suitable for wheelchairs and mobility devices

If you need specific accommodations (such as closer seating or assistance), it can help to contact either:

• The event organizer directly, or
• The GICC main line at (770) 997-3566, who can direct you to the right contact for accessibility questions.

Nearby Hotels and Where to Stay

One of the reasons event planners choose the GICC is the cluster of hotels nearby, especially those connected to the airport and Gateway Center.

Around the GICC and airport area, you’ll usually find:

• Full-service hotels with conference amenities
• Business-friendly hotels with airport shuttles
• Mid-range and extended-stay options suitable for multi-day conventions or tournaments

If you’re attending a multi-day event:

• Check whether the event has a “host hotel” or room block near the GICC.
• Many hotels offer free airport shuttles, making it easier to move between your hotel, the airport, and the GICC without renting a car.

For Atlanta residents hosting out-of-town guests, recommending a hotel near the airport/Gateway Center can help keep travel simple and predictable.

Eating and Things to Do Nearby

Even though the GICC is an event-focused facility, the surrounding area offers plenty to do between sessions.

Food Options

In and around the GICC and airport area, you’ll typically find:

• Casual chain restaurants
• Fast-casual and quick-service spots for a fast lunch between sessions
• Hotel restaurants with sit-down dining
• Occasional pop-up or event-specific food vendors inside the convention center during large shows

For more variety, you can head to:

• Downtown College Park, which has local restaurants, cafes, and bars
• Other nearby southside neighborhoods for more local dining experiences

Other Nearby Attractions

If you’re looking to explore beyond the convention center:

• Delta Flight Museum (near the airport) – Aviation history and vintage aircraft.
• Short drive or MARTA ride to:
  • Downtown Atlanta (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park)
  • Midtown Atlanta (High Museum of Art, Piedmont Park, dining and nightlife)

This makes the GICC a convenient “home base” for visitors who want to mix business with a bit of Atlanta sightseeing.

If You’re Attending an Event at the GICC

For most attendees, a few key questions come up. Here’s a practical checklist.

Before You Go

• ✅ Confirm the exact venue
  The GICC is near other facilities like the Gateway Center Arena and airport hotels. Double-check that your event is at the Georgia International Convention Center and not a nearby location.

• ✅ Check your event’s registration details
  Look for:

  • Date and time
  • Hall or ballroom name
  • Entry instructions
  • Any special badges, QR codes, or IDs you need

• ✅ Review parking and transit options
  See whether your event recommends:

  • A specific parking deck
  • Rideshare
  • MARTA or airport SkyTrain

What to Bring

• Photo ID (often required for registration or ticket pickup)
• Your ticket, confirmation email, or event app
• Comfortable shoes (large convention centers often involve a lot of walking)
• A light layer (rooms can be cooler due to air conditioning)

On Arrival

• Follow event signage or staff directions to:
  • Registration/check-in desks
  • Exhibit halls or meeting rooms
  • Restrooms and food areas

Most large events are well-signed, but asking staff or volunteers is the fastest way to get where you need to go.

If You’re Planning or Hosting an Event at the GICC

For Atlanta-based organizations, businesses, schools, or nonprofits, the GICC can be a strong option for medium to very large events.

Key considerations often include:

• Space requirements – How many attendees you expect and what type of setup you need (theater-style, classroom, banquet, expo booths, competition mats, etc.).
• Technical needs – Projectors, screens, microphones, sound systems, staging, lighting.
• Catering – Whether you’ll offer coffee service, snacks, buffets, or plated meals.
• Transportation – How your guests will arrive:
  • Flying into ATL
  • Driving from across metro Atlanta
  • Using MARTA or hotel shuttles

Event organizers typically contact the GICC directly to:

• Learn about available dates and room layouts
• Get rates and contract details
• Coordinate logistics, security, and staffing

Business and organization leaders in Atlanta often choose the GICC when they need:

• Proximity to the airport
• A large, flexible space enough for exhibits or major ceremonies
• A location that’s easier to reach for southside and out-of-town visitors than downtown venues

Quick Reference: GICC At-a-Glance

For anyone living in Atlanta, visiting the city, or hosting guests, the Georgia International Convention Center is a central hub for large-scale happenings on the southside. Knowing where it is, how to get there, and what to expect can make attending or organizing an event there much smoother.