ATLANTA – March 19, 2008 – Georgia World Congress Center Authorities announced Wednesday that two conventions planned for later this month will continue as scheduled. International Window Coverings Expo, scheduled for March 26 through March 29, and National Propane Gas Association, March 29 through March 31, will be held at the nation's fourth largest convention center. The two events will bring a combined impact of nearly $14 million in direct spending to Atlanta.

"We are extremely pleased that we are able to host these two great events," said General Manager Mark Zimmerman," and this illustrates the partnership of the GWCC, the Atlanta hospitality community and the convention industry is a strong one."

According to Spurgeon Richardson, president and CEO of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, “Atlanta is open for business. The hospitality industry is a primary economic driver for this city. Thanks to hard work by the staff at the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, our hotel community, public safety officials and all of our hospitality community we are ready to roll out the welcome mat for our visitors.”

A tornado struck downtown Atlanta on Friday, March 14 and caused damage to the convention center, as well as the Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park.

"Hundreds - really thousands - of people have worked to get the convention center and the city back to business. It's a great illustration of teamwork and we certainly want to thank our customers and community,” said Zimmerman.

FACTS:

International Window Coverings Expo
http://www.windowcoveringexpo.com

Dates: Wednesday, March 26 – Saturday, March 29 (exhibits)
Location: Building C of the GWCC
Estimated Attendance: 8,000
First year at GWCC. Confirmed for 2009 & 2010
Contractor – Shepard Exposition Services

National Propane Gas Association – Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo
http://www.npgaexpo.com

Dates: Saturday, March 29 – Monday, March 31
Location: C4 – they are moving from Building A. Their space is reduced from approximately 191,000 sq. ft. to 100,000 sq. ft. They are resolving this situation by creating outdoor exhibits of the trucks at the C4 dock area.
Estimated Attendance: 4,000
Customer since 1999. Confirmed for 2009 and 2010.
Contractor – Shepard Exposition Services

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CONTACT:

 

Katy Pando – GWCC                404.223.4208

Lauren Jarrell – ACVB              404.521.6649