ATLANTA – April 29, 2008 – All three buildings of the Georgia World Congress Center are officially opened this week after just 42 days of construction following the tornado of March 14. Over 15,000 attendees are currently on campus for the Distributive Clubs of America (DECA) International Career Development Conference. DECA is the first major event to occupy Building A since it reopened on April 21.

While portions of Building B have been used since the tornado, the International Reading Association 53rd Annual Convention will be the first major event to utilize the meeting rooms as well as Hall B3, the hall which received the most damage from the storm. International Reading Association will be in Halls B2-5 and meeting rooms in both Buildings B and C, May 4-8. With an expected attendance of 20,000, the direct economic impact of the show will be $21,490,000.

“We are so delighted to be able to announce that all of our facilities are once again open for business,” said Dan Graveline, executive director of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. “Looking at the damage following March 14, we had no idea how long it might take before we could reopen. And here we are a short 42 days later fully operational. It is truly amazing.” 

Since the tornado, the GWCC has hosted many events utilizing space as it became available. These events include the International Window Coverings Expo, National Propane Gas Association, Arbonne International and the FIRST Robotics Championship, the AJC International Auto Show and other ballroom and meeting room events.

During the reconstruction, many upgrades have been made throughout Buildings A and B. All of the concourse areas for the two buildings have new, modern ceiling tiles. These tiles are more energy efficient, create better lighting because of their reflectivity and provide better acoustics. Building A will have safety glass that is more energy efficient and is also safer in the case of inclement weather.  New fabric wall panels in the concourses will provide better acoustics. The Lower A/B Connector will have new energy efficient lighting. Over 30 escalators will be refurbished or replaced for greater efficiency. The new roofs over Buildings A, B and C Concourses will meet new energy codes which will enhance energy efficiency. New overhead doors have been installed throughout the building