WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA - MAY 2009

Want to know about our great business environment, new attractions, awesome restaurants and dedication to healthy growth? Check out "What's Happening in Downtown Atlanta," a monthly newsletter highlighting activities in the big city where every day is an opening day.

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER INSTALLING WELLS AND CISTERNS ON CAMPUS

The Georgia World Congress Center Authority will soon be able to water its green space and turn its fountains back on after a water ban that went into effect October 2007. Water restrictions are still in place, but the 200-acre campus will no longer be as much of a strain on the local water supply. The GWCCA, which includes the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park, has bored two 660-foot deep wells. One is located at the northeast corner of the Park and the other is underneath International Plaza, which is in front of the GWCC’s Building B entrance. Water from the wells will be used for watering lawns and plants as well as operating ornamental water features.

ESCA INTRODUCES NEW NATIONAL BADGE PLAN

The Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) will soon launch the Worker Identification System (WIS) which will be used by convention facilities to identify tradeshow labor when they are onsite. The Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta will be one of the first venues to adopt the program. Mark Zimmerman, general manager of the GWCC, was interested in WIS from the beginning. “I knew,” he said, “when I first heard about it that this was a program we would want to be involved with.”

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA - APRIL 2009

Want to know about our great business environment, new attractions, awesome restaurants and dedication to healthy growth? Check out "What's Happening in Downtown Atlanta," a monthly newsletter highlighting activities in the big city where every day is an opening day.

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER AUTHORITY BUSY ONE YEAR AFTER TORNADO

ATLANTA, GA (March 13, 2009) – One year after an F2 tornado hit downtown Atlanta, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority is busy with activity. The Georgia World Congress Center hosted a job fair for the Georgia Department of Labor earlier in the week; the Atlanta Journal-Constitution International Auto Show begins Saturday morning; the Atlantic Coast Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament takes place at the Georgia Dome all weekend and Centennial Olympic Park is preparing to kick-off a season full of activities.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA - MARCH 2009

Want to know about our great business environment, new attractions, awesome restaurants and dedication to healthy growth? Check out "What's Happening in Downtown Atlanta," a monthly newsletter highlighting activities in the big city where every day is an opening day.

GWCCA EXECUTIVE, KHALIL JOHNSON, ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FOLLOWING 30 YEARS OF SERVICE

ATLANTA, GA (February 24, 2009) – The Georgia World Congress Center Authority announced today that Khalil Johnson, Chief Operating Officer for the Authority, will retire on August 1, 2009 following more than 30 years of service.

ZERO WASTE ZONE INITIATIVES ANNOUNCED AS THE GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER

Atlanta – February 11, 2009 – The Georgia World Congress Center Authority announced this week that it has joined forces with its downtown Atlanta neighbors to form a Zero Waste Zone. This will be the first zone of its kind in the southeast and one of the first in the nation.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA - JANUARY 2009

Want to know about our great business environment, new attractions, awesome restaurants and dedication to healthy growth? Check out "What's Happening in Downtown Atlanta," a monthly newsletter highlighting activities in the big city where every day is an opening day.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA - OCTOBER 2008

Want to know about our great business environment, new attractions, awesome restaurants and dedication to healthy growth? Check out "What's Happening in Downtown Atlanta," a monthly newsletter highlighting activities in the big city where every day is an opening day.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA!
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DRIVING TO THE INTERNATIONAL WOODWORKING FAIR?
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DOWNTOWN CONNECTOR RESURFACING RESUMES THIS WEEKEND

ATLANTA - June 6, 2008 - Weather permitting, GDOT will continue its weekend work on the Downtown Connector Resurfacing Project starting this evening. Weekend work will begin today, Friday, June 6 at 9 p.m. and conclude Monday, June 9 at 5 a.m.

ATTENDING A GRADUATION AT THE GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER OR GEORGIA DOME?

ATLANTA - May 9, 2008 - Click here for the best place to park on campus:

ALL THREE BUILDINGS AT GWCC OPEN

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.

GWCCA REOPENS BUILDING A

ATLANTA – April 21, 2008 –After weeks of nonstop construction, the Georgia World Congress Center reopens Building A today. Beginning April 26, DECA International Career Development Conference will be the first major event to occupy this space since a tornado hit downtown Atlanta on March 14.

GWCCA CAMPUS CONTINUES NONSTOP RECONSTRUCTION EFFORTS

ATLANTA– April 16, 2008 –One month after a tornado hit downtown Atlanta, the Georgia World Congress Center has made great strides towards being fully operational. The storm passed through downtown Atlanta on March 14 and caused damage to the convention center, as well as the Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park.

ALTERNATIVE TRAFFIC ROUTE FROM SOUTH OF THE CITY - AJC INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

ATLANTA– April 16, 2008 – Attendees visiting the Atlanta Journal-Constitution International Auto Show, please be advised that the DOT will be resurfacing a portion of the I-75/I-85 North Downtown Connector corridor this weekend and next, weather permitting.  If you are coming from south of the city we recommend an alternate route.

SHOWS BEGIN MOVE IN AT THE GWCC

ATLANTA – March 24, 2008 – International Window Coverings Expo, scheduled for March 26 through March 29, and National Propane Gas Association, March 29 through March 31, began to move their shows into the Georgia World Congress Center on Monday morning. The two events will bring a combined impact of nearly $14 million in direct spending to Atlanta.

ING RACE EXPO MOVES TO GEORGIA DOME

ATLANTA - March 21, 2008 – After assessing the status of repairs being made to several venues in downtown Atlanta from recent storms, race organizers of the 2008 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon announced that the Georgia Dome would be the new host on March 28 and 29 for the ING Georgia Marathon Health & Fitness Expo driven by Saturn. The headquarters hotel for race weekend will remain the Omni Hotel at CNN Center.

NEW BIRTH CELEBRATES RESURRECTION SUNDAY AT THE DOME

ATLANTA – March 20, 2008 – Georgia Dome officials announced Thursday that the annual New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Easter Service will take place on March 23 at 10 a.m.

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER OPEN FOR BUSINESS

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.

GOVERNOR SONNY PERDUE HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE AT GWCC

ATLANTA, GA, March 16, 2008 –Governor Sonny Perdue and GEMA & Homeland Security Director Charley English visited the Georgia World Congress Center on Sunday, March 16 for a press conference with GWCCA Executive Director Dan Graveline regarding the tornado and consequential damage on Friday night, March 14.

EVENTS CANCELLED AT GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER, GEORGIA DOME & CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK

ATLANTA, GA, March 15, 2008 – Due to the severe storm which hit downtown Atlanta on Friday evening, all weekend events at the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park have been cancelled.

BUSY WEEKEND DOWNTOWN AND ON GWCCA CAMPUS

(Atlanta - March 7, 2008) Conventioneers will enjoy additional growth next to the Georgia World Congress Center the next time they visit Atlanta. Opening on March 25, the Hilton Garden Inn, located on Baker Street just a few blocks from the convention center, will add 242 hotel rooms to downtown.

GWCC NEIGHBORHOOD CONTINUES TO GROW

(Atlanta - March 7, 2008) Conventioneers will enjoy additional growth next to the Georgia World Congress Center the next time they visit Atlanta. Opening on March 25, the Hilton Garden Inn, located on Baker Street just a few blocks from the convention center, will add 242 hotel rooms to downtown.

CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK IS AN AWARD-WINNING DESTINATION

(ATLANTA - March 1, 2008) Centennial Olympic Park continues to be an award-winning destination. In February, the Park won five Kaleidoscope Awards at the annual Southeast Festivals and Events Conference presented by the Georgia Festivals and Events Association in February.

WILLIAM SHANNON APPOINTED TO DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY FOR THE GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER AUTHORITY

(ATLANTA - February 26, 2008) William Shannon has been named director of public safety of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. As director of public safety, Shannon is responsible for the safety and security of the 200-acre campus, which includes the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park. The GWCCA is one of the few convention and entertainment venues that boasts its own police force.

EVERYONE CAN PLAY AT CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK'S NEW PLAYGROUND

(ATLANTA - February 12, 2008) Come out and play at Centennial Olympic Park’s recently constructed All Children’s Playground. The new playground is designed for universal accessibility appealing to imaginative children of all physical capabilities.

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER ANNOUNCES NEW NATIONSL SALES MANAGER

(ATLANTA – January 10, 2008) The Georgia World Congress Center announces Karen Boatright is the new national sales manager. An Atlanta native, Boatright worked for Delta Air Lines for 30 years. With Delta she gained experience working as a meeting planner and in meeting and incentive sales. With experience on both the sales and planning sides of events, Boatright is a strong addition to the GWCC sales team. Boatright graduated from West Georgia College.

GEORGIA DOME SOLD OUT FOR MONSTER JAM 2008

(Atlanta—January 10, 2008) For the eighth time in nine years, Monster Jam has sold out the Georgia Dome. The last of the tickets for this event sold at approximately 12 p.m. on Thursday, January 10.

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER, GEORGIA DOME AND PHILIPS ARENA GET READY FOR BUSY WEEKEND

(Atlanta—January 10, 2008) Look forward to another busy weekend downtown as the Georgia World Congress Center, Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Dome and Philips Arena host several large events including the Atlanta Boat Show, Atlanta Braves Fan Fest & Baseball Expo, Monster Jam, Hawks and Thrashers events.

BAGS REMOTE CHECK-IN SERVICES INTRODUCED AT GWCC

(Atlanta - October 30, 2007) The Georgia World Congress Center introduces BAGS, a remote check-in baggage service, to the convention center. Offering a full-service, multi-airline, remote skycap operation, BAGS allows attendees to check their luggage on the final day of their convention or tradeshow at the GWCC. This will give attendees freedom to move around during the final day of the show and once the show is over they can go directly to the airport where their baggage is already checked and ready to go.

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER NAME TIFFANY BOWER AND DAVE ESSLINGER NEW SALES EXECUTIVES

(ATLANTA – October 22, 2007) Tiffany Bowers and Dave Esslinger join the Georgia World Congress Center sales team as new sales executives. Originally from Baltimore, Md., Bowers has over four years of sales and marketing experience and most recently served as a Far Coast Brand Ambassador with the Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta.

CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK BRINGS HOME THE GOLD

(Atlanta, GA – October 1, 2007) Centennial Olympic Park brought home the gold at the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) 52nd Annual Convention and Expo. The Park won three prestigious Pinnacle Awards - gold for Best Organizational Web site, gold for Best Miscellaneous Multimedia and bronze for Best E-Newsletter.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 2007

Want to know about our great business environment, new attractions, awesome restaurants and dedication to healthy growth? Check out "What's Happening in Downtown Atlanta," a monthly newsletter highlighting activities in the big city where every day is an opening day.

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER HOSTS ESCA SITE VISIT WORKSHOP

(ATLANTA – August 22, 2007) Members of ESCA, association and meeting professionals, hotel and facility personnel and suppliers to the convention industry gathered at the Georgia World Congress Center on Aug. 21 for a Lunch & Learn entitled “How to Plan and Execute an Effective and Productive Site Visit of Hotels and Exhibition Venues.

GSU’s HOSPITALITY LEARNING CENTER OPENS AT THE GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER

(ATLANTA – August 16, 2007) Georgia State University’s Hospitality Learning Center opened inside the Georgia World Congress Center on Aug. 15. The Learning Center is the first educational facility of its type in the nation and is evidence of a unique industry and education partnership between the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and Georgia State’s School of Hospitality.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA - AUGUST 2007

Want to know about our great business environment, new attractions, awesome restaurants and dedication to healthy growth? Check out "What's Happening in Downtown Atlanta," a monthly newsletter highlighting activities in the big city where every day is an opening day.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA - JULY 2007

Want to know about our great business environment, new attractions, awesome restaurants and dedication to healthy growth? Check out "What's Happening in Downtown Atlanta," a monthly newsletter highlighting activities in the big city where every day is an opening day.

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER NAMES MISCSHON ANDERSON NEW SECURITY MANAGER

(ATLANTA – June 26, 2007) Micshon Anderson recently joined the Georgia World Congress Center team as a new security manager. Originally from Fort Stewart, Ga., Anderson has over 15 years of experience in the security industry and most recently served as assistant director of security at Phipps Plaza, for eight years in Atlanta. As security manager for the Georgia World Congress Center Public Safety Department, Anderson is responsible for directing personnel involved in establishing, promoting, and maintaining the organization’s security programs.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA - JUNE 2007

Want to know about our great business environment, new attractions, awesome restaurants and dedication to healthy growth? Check out "What's Happening in Downtown Atlanta," a monthly newsletter highlighting activities in the big city where every day is an opening day.

CELEBRATE AMERICA'S INDEPENDENCE WITH AN AMERICAN IDOL AT THE PARK

(Atlanta, GA – June 7, 2007) Celebrate America’s Independence Day with an American Idol at Centennial Olympic Park’s 4th of July Celebration. Ruben Studdard has been announced as the headline performer of the day-long celebration in the Park just before the AirTran Airways Spectacular Fireworks display.

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER UNVIELS THIRD BETHUNE ELEMENTARY ART GALLERY

ATLANTA (June 7, 2007) The Georgia World Congress Center unveiled the third installment of the Bethune Art Gallery, located in the downtown convention center. Thirty-two framed pieces, the talented work of Bethune Elementary School students, were revealed on May 23 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

ATTENDEE MAKES FIVE-MILLIONTH GUEST OF GEORGIA AQUARIUM

ATLANTA (May 24, 2007) –Two Georgia World Congress Center attendees became special guests when they visited the Georgia Aquarium this week. Amy Warner and Dawn Zimmerman of Erie, Pa., were greeted by Georgia Aquarium benefactor Bernie Marcus, President and Executive Director Jeff Swanagan and Aquarium staff members as they entered the attraction on Wednesday. Warner and Zimmerman were visiting the Aquarium while in Atlanta for the American Association of Critical Care Nurses National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition at the GWCC and were surprised to learn that they were the aquarium’s five-millionth visitors.

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER NAMES NEW SLAES MANAGER

(ATLANTA – May 16, 2007) Holly Johnson has joined the Georgia World Congress Center sales team as a new sales manager. Originally from Los Angeles, Calif., Johnson most recently served as a catering sales manager at the W Hotel at Perimeter Center, in Atlanta. As sales manager for the Georgia World Congress Center, Johnson is responsible for the implementation and execution of the sales functions for the Georgia World Congress Center’s multicultural, religious, fraternal, sports, hobby and vocational markets

IAEE SELECTS ATLANTA AS HOST CITY

(Atlanta - April 18, 2007) The International Association for Exhibitions and Events (IAEE, formerly IAEM ) announced the selection of Atlanta as the host city for the 2009 Expo! Expo!  IAEE's  Annual Meeting & Exhibition during the Southeastern Chapter IAEE luncheon this week.

NCAA MEN'S FINAL FOUR A HUGE SUCESS

(Atlanta – April 18, 2007) The 2007 NCAA Men’s Final Four was an incredible success. Thousands of fans descended upon Atlanta and the GWCCA campus to enjoy four days full of activities, entertainment and exciting basketball action.

FIRST UTILIZES VERSATILTITY OF GWCCA CAMPUS

(Atlanta – April 18, 2007) FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) utilized the versatility of the Georgia World Congress Center campus once again this month with their annual robotics competition.

CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK KICKS OFF SUMMER CONCERT FUN

(Atlanta – April 18, 2007) Atlanta’s longest running free concert series, Wednesday WindDown, celebrates its 10th anniversary season this year. The 26 weeks of live entertainment by a variety of top local and national performing artists is more diverse and exciting than ever thanks to a unique radio partner every Wednesday of the month.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA - APRIL 2007

Want to know about our great business environment, new attractions, awesome restaurants and dedication to healthy growth? Check out "What's Happening in Downtown Atlanta," a monthly newsletter highlighting activities in the big city where every day is an opening day.

DOWNTOWN BUSY AND FULL OF ACTIVITY DURING MEN'S NCAA FINAL FOUR

(Atlanta - March 26, 2007) Downtown will soon be full of basketball action as the NCAA Men’s Final Four returns to Atlanta, March 30-April 2. Large crowds are expected during the four days of this exciting event.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA - MARCH 2007

Want to know about our great business environment, new attractions, awesome restaurants and dedication to healthy growth? Check out "What's Happening in Downtown Atlanta," a monthly newsletter highlighting activities in the big city where every day is an opening day.

DOWNTOWN WILL BE FULL OF BASKETBALL FUN DURING FINAL FOUR

(Atlanta--March 15, 2007) Downtown will soon be full of basketball action as the NCAA Men’s Final Four returns to Atlanta, March 30-April 2. The excitement begins on Friday afternoon with open practice at the Georgia Dome from noon to 4 p.m. Each team is allotted one hour of practice time. Open practice is free and open to the public so everyone is invited to witness the energy out on the court. Parking during open practice is free beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Dome’s Blue and Yellow lots. The National Semifinal games are Saturday at the Dome and everything leads up to the National Championship game on Monday.

CENTENNIALL OLYMPIC PARK WINS 5 KALEIDOSCOPE AWARDS

The Park won five Kaleidoscope Awards at the annual Southeast Festivals & Events Conference in February. The awards program recognizes top festivals and events for outstanding contributions to their communities as well as the industry.

SIDNEY MARCUS AUDITORIUM REOPENS AFTER MAJOR RENOVATION

After a major renovation this winter, the Sidney Marcus Auditorium reopened Feb. 1 with a new look and revitalized ambiance. With 1,740 fixed seats the auditorium is ideal for any event needing tiered seating and a permanent stage.

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING

Jim Mastley recently joined the Georgia World Congress Center team as the new director of engineering. No stranger to Atlanta, Mastley has over 20 years of engineering experience and 10 years of management experience.

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER NAMES NEW SALES EXECUTIVE

Katja Morgenstern recently joined the Georgia World Congress Center sales team as a new sales manager. Originally from Charleston, SC, Morgenstern has over eight years of experience managing events, and developing procedures, policies, and marketing endeavors for a variety of companies and individuals and most recently served as the Director of Catering for Corporate sales for Levy Restaurants, here at the Georgia World Congress Center. As sales manager for the Georgia World Congress Center, Morgenstern is responsible for the implementation and execution of the sales functions for the Georgia World Congress Center’s national and international corporate trade show markets.

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER AND GEORGIA DOME GET READY FOR BUSY WEEKEND

(Atlanta—February 21, 2007) Look forward to another busy weekend downtown as the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Dome and surrounding areas host several large events including the Atlanta International Motorcycle Show, the Real Estate Wealth Expo and Amp’d Mobile Supercross.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA - FEBRUARY 2007

Want to know about our great business environment, new attractions, awesome restaurants and dedication to healthy growth? Check out "What's Happening in Downtown Atlanta," a monthly newsletter highlighting activities in the big city where every day is an opening day.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA - JANUARY 2007

Want to know about our great business environment, new attractions, awesome restaurants and dedication to healthy growth? Check out "What's Happening in Downtown Atlanta," a monthly newsletter highlighting activities in the big city where every day is an opening day.

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER NAMES NEW SALES EXECUTIVE

(ATLANTA – January 12, 2007) Michelle Brown recently joined the Georgia World Congress Center sales team as the new sales executive. Originally from Lexington, KY, Brown has six years of event and facilities management experience and four years of athletic management experience. As sales executive for the Georgia World Congress Center, Brown will handle short term bookings in the local market for the facility’s ballrooms, auditoriums and meeting rooms.

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER PROMOTES NEW NATIONAL SALES MANAGER

(ATLANTA – January 11, 2007) The Georgia World Congress Center has announced the promotion of Jason Outman to national sales manager. Originally from Lansing, Mich., Outman has worked as sales manager at the Georgia World Congress Center for two years and has called Atlanta home for the same amount of time. With six years of sales and marketing experience, Outman will continue as a strong member of the GWCC sales team.