About the Georgia World Congress Center

Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the Georgia World Congress Center is one of the world's finest convention, sports and entertainment venues. The GWCC campus consists of 1.4 million square feet of prime exhibit space, 106 meeting rooms, 2 grand ballrooms, the 71,500-seat Georgia Dome and 21-acre Centennial Olympic Park.

HISTORY: The GWCC first opened its doors in 1976 with a total of 750,000 square feet, 350,000 of which were exhibit space. It was expanded in 1985 when 1.1 million square feet were added. With the addition of Phase III in 1992, the facility consisted of 2.5 million square feet. In 2002, the Phase IV expansion added another 420,000 square feet of exhibit space, 30 additional meeting rooms and a new ballroom overlooking a 3.6-acre landscaped plaza, bringing the total amount of prime exhibit space to 1.4 million square feet.

MAIN FEATURES: The GWCC has 12 exhibit halls as well as 106 meeting rooms in varying shapes and sizes. Additionally, the Congress Center offers a 1,746-seat auditorium and two grand ballrooms that may accommodate thousands for banquets, receptions and stage productions.

PLAZAS: The campus is home to two large plazas that enhance the overall attractiveness of the campus. Opened in June 1996, Georgia International Plaza provides a 6-acre green-space pedestrian plaza that serves as the roof to a 2,000-space parking deck. West Plaza opened in 2002 and boasts of a 3.6-acre landscaped plaza designed with a football theme.

ECONOMIC IMPACT: In Fiscal Year 2004, GWCC events resulted in the generation of $1 billion "new dollars" for the state economy. As this money circulated, it created a total economic impact of $1.7 billion. The GWCC also created more than 26,000 full- and part-time jobs and $130 million in metro Atlanta and Georgia's tax revenues.

ATTENDANCE: During Fiscal Year 2004, more than 2 million people attended events at the Congress Center.

MANAGEMENT : The governor appoints the 15 members of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority Board of Governors. They serve on a voluntary basis. The GWCC is self-supporting and has not required an operating subsidy since 1982.

FOOD SERVICE: Levy Restaurants manages all of GWCC and Georgia Dome catering and restaurant services. Levy has received international recognition for its superb cuisine and service. Levy handles a variety of affairs from small receptions to the world's largest banquets.

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER KEY STAFF

Dan Graveline
Executive Director

Khalil Johnson
Chief Operating Officer

Mark Zimmerman
General Manager

Kevin Duvall
Assistant General Manager

Sherrie Spinks
Chief Financial Officer

Chief Frazier Bolton
Director of Public Safety

Bill Miller
Director of Administrative Services

Pattsie Rand
Director of Sales & Marketing

Paula McDuffy
Director of Event Services

James Mastley
Director of Engineering

Patrick Jackson
Director of Building Services

Crystal Senterfitt
Director of Human Resources