Georgia International Convention Center | Atlanta

Overview

The Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) is a premier, state-of-the-art convention facility situated in College Park, Georgia. It holds the distinction of being Georgia’s second-largest convention center and is uniquely the only convention center in the state directly connected to a major international airport—Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. This prime location enhances its appeal for hosting a wide range of events, from large-scale conferences and trade shows to corporate meetings, social gatherings, and special events.

Since opening its doors in 2003, the GICC has become a strategic venue serving both the Atlanta metropolitan area and international visitors, offering seamless access and modern facilities optimized for event success.

Location and Accessibility

Proximity to Airport: The GICC is directly connected to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport via the ATL SkyTrain, a rapid transit system that takes approximately two minutes to shuttle guests between the airport terminals, rental car center, and the convention center. This direct connection ensures minimal transit time for conference attendees flying in or out, making logistics highly efficient.

MARTA Transit: The center is also accessible via the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Airport Station, enabling easy access for local visitors and those traveling without private vehicles.

Nearby Urban Centers: The facility is located about 10 minutes from downtown Atlanta, allowing visitors to enjoy city attractions and business hubs with short travel times.

Parking: GICC offers extensive on-site, street-level parking with over 2,000 spaces, facilitating convenient access for attendees arriving by car.

Facility Size and Layout

The Georgia International Convention Center encompasses approximately 400,000 square feet of total event space, divided thoughtfully to accommodate diverse event types and sizes:

Exhibit Space: 150,000 square feet of contiguous, column-free exhibit halls capable of housing large-scale trade shows, exhibitions, and conventions.

Meeting Rooms: About 16,000 square feet of versatile meeting rooms suitable for breakout sessions, workshops, seminars, or smaller meetings.

Ballroom: A grand 40,000 square foot ballroom, the largest in the Metro Atlanta area, ideal for banquets, gala dinners, conferences, and keynote presentations.

Pre-function Space: Approximately 90,000 square feet of pre-function areas designed for registration, networking, receptions, and informal gatherings.

All facilities are designed on a single floor level, simplifying navigation, loading/unloading, and crowd flow. The design incorporates wide corridors and multiple entrances to enhance guest experience and operational efficiency.

On-Site Amenities and Services

To support event organizers and attendees, GICC provides a variety of amenities:

Business Center: Services including photocopying, printing, and faxing to assist corporate and professional needs.

Fitness Loop: A one-mile pedestrian sidewalk surrounding the center, offering guests an opportunity for exercise and relaxation during downtime.

Wi-Fi Connectivity: Complimentary high-speed wireless internet access throughout the facility, enabling seamless communication, streaming, and digital interaction during events.

Vending Machines and ATM: Conveniently located for attendee needs within the pre-function and exhibit areas.

Accessibility: Fully ADA-compliant to accommodate guests with disabilities, including service animal accommodations.

Catering and Culinary Services

The GICC partners with Proof of the Pudding @ GICC to offer comprehensive catering services:

The catering team provides a range of culinary options from casual concessions to gourmet banquet meals.

They can serve events of any size, from intimate meetings to functions hosting more than 4,000 guests.

Menus are customizable to meet diverse dietary needs, cultural preferences, and event themes.

Technology and Event Support

The Georgia International Convention Center is equipped with advanced technological infrastructure and event services, including:

Audio-Visual (AV) Support: Provided by ON Site, offering full-service AV rentals, staging, sound, lighting, video, and technical support to meet the specific needs of any event.

Information Technology: High-speed fiber-optic internet and data services ensure reliable connectivity for exhibitors, organizers, and attendees.

Utility and Engineering Support: On-site professional staff are available to assist with electrical needs, rigging, structural support, and other technical requirements.

Nearby Accommodations and Campus Facilities

GICC is part of the Gateway Center Campus, a dedicated meeting and hospitality district that includes several hotels located within walking distance or a short shuttle ride away:

Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway (403 rooms)

Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel (204 rooms)

SpringHill Suites Atlanta Airport Gateway (147 rooms)

AC Hotel by Marriott Atlanta Airport Gateway (222 rooms)

Tru by Hilton Atlanta Airport (newly opened)

Home2 Suites by Hilton Atlanta Airport (newly opened)

These hotels, alongside other accommodation options within the airport vicinity, provide over 7,000 guest rooms, offering ample lodging capacity for large conferences or multiple simultaneous events.

Event Types and Usage

The GICC is a highly versatile venue hosting a wide spectrum of events, including but not limited to:

Large-scale conventions and industry trade shows.

Corporate meetings, product launches, and training sessions.

Banquets, galas, and award ceremonies.

Public expos, consumer shows, and community events.

Sports tournaments and entertainment events.

The venue’s infrastructure supports flexible floor plans, modular meeting spaces, and the integration of technology to meet diverse client requirements.

Notable Advantages

Unmatched Convenience: Being the only convention center directly connected to the world’s busiest airport significantly reduces travel and logistics challenges for attendees and exhibitors.

Modern Design: The single-level layout and expansive, column-free exhibit halls facilitate efficient event setup and guest movement.

Comprehensive Services: The GICC’s full range of catering, technology, and business services enable turnkey event execution.

Strategic Location: Close proximity to downtown Atlanta and extensive hotel inventory positions the center as a top choice for both local and international events.

Summary

The Georgia International Convention Center stands out as a premier, modern facility tailored to meet the needs of a broad range of events with unmatched accessibility and comprehensive on-site services. Its strategic location directly connected to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport makes it uniquely suited for attracting both national and international attendees. The combination of large, flexible event spaces, extensive amenities, and nearby accommodations creates an environment where planners can host successful, efficient, and memorable events.

This detailed profile encompasses the GICC’s strengths as a major convention destination in the Southeastern United States, emphasizing its infrastructure, services, and logistical advantages.