Visiting the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

The Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) is one of downtown Atlanta’s major hubs for conventions, trade shows, concerts, and large-scale events. Whether you’re a local heading to a festival, a business traveler attending a conference, or planning a big event of your own, understanding how GWCC works will make your visit much smoother.

Where the Georgia World Congress Center Is and What It Includes

The Georgia World Congress Center sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta’s entertainment district:

• Address: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• General Phone: (404) 223-4000

It’s part of the larger Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) campus, which also includes:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United)
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Signia by Hilton Atlanta (connected convention hotel)

Together, this area forms one of the busiest “Things to Do” zones in Atlanta, especially for major conventions, sports events, and concerts.

Types of Events You’ll Find at GWCC

The GWCC isn’t a single attraction like an aquarium or museum; it’s a massive event venue. What’s happening there can vary a lot from week to week. Common event types include:

• Industry trade shows and expos
  Technology, home shows, car shows, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, and more.
• Professional and academic conferences
  Regional, national, and international conventions with keynotes, breakout sessions, and exhibit halls.
• Fan conventions and pop culture events
  Comic, anime, and gaming cons that draw large crowds.
• Sporting events and competitions
  Amateur sports, cheerleading, martial arts, esports tournaments, and fitness expos.
• Corporate meetings and product launches
  Big brands often use GWCC for large meetings or experiential events.
• Community and public shows
  Career fairs, college fairs, festivals, consumer expos (travel, food, bridal, etc.).

If you live in Atlanta, it’s worth occasionally checking what’s on the schedule—many events are open to the public and can be a fun day out, while others are closed or registration-only.

Navigating the GWCC Campus

The Three Main Buildings: A, B, and C

GWCC is divided into Buildings A, B, and C, each with its own exhibit halls, meeting rooms, and entrances. Your event confirmation or badge instructions will usually tell you which building to go to.

In general:

• Building A:
  Often used for trade shows and smaller to mid-size conventions; connected to the CNN Center area via walkways.
• Building B:
  Centrally located; a common spot for major expos, registration areas, and general sessions.
• Building C:
  One of the largest spaces; frequently used for big conventions, consumer shows, and large public events.

🧭 Tip: Once inside, follow overhead signs and floor maps. The halls are labeled clearly (e.g., Exhibit Hall B1, B2, Meeting Room A302). Give yourself time to walk between buildings—they’re connected, but distances can be long.

Getting to the Georgia World Congress Center

By MARTA (Atlanta’s Public Transit)

MARTA is one of the easiest ways to reach GWCC, especially during major events when parking fills quickly.

• Rail Station:
  GWCC/CNN Center Station (West Line) is the closest stop.
• From the station:
  • Follow signs toward GWCC/CNN Center.
  • Use the escalators/elevators up to street level and follow directional signage into GWCC or the adjacent CNN Center and then into the Congress Center corridors.

You can also walk from:

• Vine City Station (convenient if you’re also heading to Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
• Peachtree Center Station (a slightly longer walk through downtown, often used by people staying in nearby hotels)

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving, the GWCC campus offers multiple parking decks and surface lots managed by the GWCCA.

Common parking facilities include:

• Red Deck – Convenient for Building C and Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Silver Deck – Good for Building B and central parts of GWCC
• Gold Deck / Blue Lot and others – Often used for stadium events and certain conventions

Key points to keep in mind:

• Reserve parking in advance when possible, especially for large conventions or game days.
• Check whether your event organizer offers discounted or dedicated parking areas.
• Allow extra time to walk from the deck to your building; it may take 5–15 minutes depending on location and crowds.

Rideshare and Drop-Off

Rideshares and taxis usually drop off at designated lanes near main GWCC entrances or at nearby hotels and streets such as Andrew Young International Blvd NW or Marietta St NW.

For major events, there are often signed, temporary rideshare zones around the campus. Follow event instructions, because roads near Mercedes-Benz Stadium can be blocked or redirected during peak times.

Nearby Hotels and Where to Stay

If you’re visiting Atlanta for a multi-day event, staying close by can save time and stress. Within walking distance of GWCC, you’ll find:

• Hotels connected or adjacent to the GWCC campus
  (including large convention hotels that often host overflow sessions or receptions)
• Multiple downtown hotels in the Peachtree Center and Centennial Olympic Park areas

When comparing options, consider:

• Distance to your specific GWCC building (A, B, or C)
• Proximity to MARTA stations (Peachtree Center or GWCC/CNN Center)
• Whether the hotel offers shuttle service for larger events

Food and Dining Options at and Around GWCC

Inside the Congress Center

The GWCC typically offers a mix of concession stands, grab-and-go cafés, and event-specific food service. What’s open can depend heavily on the event.

You may find:

• Coffee stands and snack bars near lobby areas
• Food courts or concession lines near exhibit halls
• Catered setups for registered conference attendees (breakfasts, coffee breaks, or lunch buffets inside event spaces)

If you have dietary restrictions, check with your event organizer in advance. Large conventions often provide vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-conscious options, but availability can vary.

Walkable Dining Nearby

You’re also within walking distance of several downtown dining zones:

• Centennial Olympic Park area – Casual restaurants, fast-casual chains, and bar-and-grill options
• CNN Center area (when open/active) – Has historically included food court-style options
• Streets like Marietta St NW and the broader downtown corridor – Sit-down restaurants, pubs, and cafés

If you have a long conference day, it can be smart to:

• Bring a refillable water bottle (and refill at fountains where allowed)
• Carry light snacks or quick meals if your event rules permit bags and outside food

Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Registration, and Access

Because GWCC hosts so many different event types, entry rules vary. Some are free and open to the public; others require pre-registration or badges.

Common Access Scenarios

1. Public consumer shows
   Example: car shows, home shows, festivals, or expos.

   • Often require tickets at the door or online
   • Security screening at entrances
   • Usually open on weekends or limited multi-day runs

2. Professional conventions and trade shows

   • Typically require advance registration (sometimes with fees)
   • Check-in at registration desks for badges
   • Business attire or business casual may be expected in some professional settings

3. Private meetings or corporate events

   • Access is usually limited to invited participants
   • You’ll receive specific instructions from your company or host

4. Sporting or special events linked with nearby venues

   • Credentials or tickets may be managed via Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a promoter, or an event organizer, but portions of the event (like fan fests or expos) may be held inside GWCC.

Always review:

• Official event website or confirmation email
• Which building/level/room you should report to
• Any ID requirements (government-issued ID for badge pick-up, if applicable)
• Policies for bags, cameras, or prohibited items

Security, Safety, and Accessibility

Security Screening

For most large events, you should expect some level of security screening, such as:

• Bag checks
• Walk-through metal detectors or handheld wands
• Restricted items lists (similar to stadium or arena policies)

Plan to:

• Arrive early to account for security lines
• Bring only what you need (lighter bags move faster)

Accessibility

The GWCC is designed with accessibility in mind, including:

• Elevators and ramps between levels
• Accessible restrooms
• Designated entry points for guests with mobility needs

If you or someone in your group needs accommodations:

• Contact the event organizer and/or GWCC guest services ahead of time.
• Ask about wheelchair access, seating arrangements, and accessible transportation or parking areas.

What It’s Like Inside: Layout and Amenities

You’ll find a mix of:

• Large exhibit halls
  Open, warehouse-like spaces that can host hundreds of booths or large installations.
• Meeting rooms and ballrooms
  Used for panels, breakouts, keynotes, and banquets.
• Public concourses and lobbies
  Wide walkways connecting buildings, with digital signage showing event information.

Common amenities:

• Restrooms spaced throughout each building
• Information desks or help kiosks in main lobby areas
• Digital event boards listing room numbers, schedules, or updated changes (especially for large conventions)
• Coat checks depending on event and season

📝 Tip: If your event is using a mobile app, download it before you arrive. Many Atlanta conventions at GWCC rely on these apps for maps, schedules, alerts, and session locations.

Sample At-a-Glance Visitor Info

Here’s a simple snapshot of what many visitors want to know quickly:

Tips for Atlanta Locals Using GWCC

If you live in the metro area, GWCC can be an easy day trip:

• Use MARTA during big conventions or game days to avoid heavy traffic and parking stress.
• Check event listings periodically—many public expos (cars, homes, travel, weddings, etc.) are held here.
• Treat it as part of a downtown outing: combine your event visit with a walk through Centennial Olympic Park, a visit to attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola, or a meal at a nearby restaurant.

Tips for Out-of-Town Visitors

For travelers coming into Atlanta for a GWCC event:

• Fly into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), then use MARTA or a rideshare to reach downtown.
• Book a hotel within walking distance of GWCC if you’ll be attending long, full-day conferences.
• Budget extra time on your first day to learn the layout of Buildings A, B, and C, and where your sessions or exhibits are located.
• If you have free time, explore nearby attractions within a short walk or quick MARTA ride.

Key Contacts and Practical Next Steps

If you need specific information (for example, lost and found, accessibility accommodations, or questions about facility policies), you can contact:

• Georgia World Congress Center
  285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313
  Phone: (404) 223-4000

For event-specific details (tickets, schedules, dress code, program content), your event organizer or official event website is usually the best source.

Understanding how the Georgia World Congress Center fits into downtown Atlanta’s layout—and how events there usually work—will help you arrive prepared, find your way around, and make the most of whatever brings you to GWCC.