The $55 million expansion project, a component of the Authority’s 2020 Vision strategic plan, features a new 100,000-square-foot exhibit hall affixed between the convention center’s buildings B and C that, once complete, will create more than one million square feet of contiguous exhibition space. This new fixed gateway will allow GWCC to compete for the industry’s most in-demand tradeshows, conventions and expos, while offering its largest annual events to expand as their businesses grows. The potential economic impact of the new exhibition space is estimated to be $632 million.

“Georgia’s pre-eminence on the national and international stage is the result of solid economic growth and increased tourism made possible by fixtures such as GWCC,” says Gov. Deal. “As host to premier conventions, festivals, sporting events and tradeshows, GWCC serves as the first impression for industry leaders interested in exploring all that Georgia has to offer. By expanding this welcoming center of opportunity, we are reaffirming our commitment to delivering world-class experiences for job creators and visitors, while laying a strong foundation for a more prosperous Georgia.”

William Pate, president and CEO of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, agreed, saying, “The addition of this new contiguous exhibition facility will be a catalyst for the next level of growth. We are one of only five convention centers in the country offering one million square feet of contiguous exhibit space and when combined with our impressive suite of venues, Atlanta is well positioned for the future.”