The International Production and Processing Expo, better known as IPPE, at Georgia World Congress Center is THE event for the meat, poultry, and feed industries every year. 2023 marked IPPE’s 47th expo held here at GWCC. Over 130 countries were represented at IPPE 2023, and more than 25,000 visitors came to the city for the expo. A big part of the event is showcasing the latest technology, equipment, supplies, and services, but some attendees came to GWCC looking for more than just the latest and greatest instruments and tech.
Austin Simmons February 1,2023Landmarks & Legacies is an occasional unConventional blog series exploring the various identifying and distinctive physical features of the GWCCA campus. Perhaps you’ve posed for a selfie with the enormous, reflective stainless steel soccer ball overlooking The Home Depot Backyard when you attended an Atlanta United game at state-of-the-art Mercedes Benz Stadium (MBS). But did … Read More
Kent Kimes March 6,2020Remember that epic fast food commercial with basketball legends Larry Bird and Michael Jordan sinking outlandish shots while playing a game of H.O.R.S.E. that spilled out of the gym and into urban environments? “Off the expressway, over the river, off the billboard, through the window, off the wall – nothing but net,” says Jordan as … Read More
Kent Kimes February 27,2020The Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s (GWCCA) downtown campus and surrounding areas will host a variety of overlapping events from Friday, Feb. 28 through Sunday, March 1, bringing heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic to downtown Atlanta. Here’s a look at some events taking place on the GWCCA campus this weekend: Friday, Feb. 28: Atlanta International … Read More
Jaleesa FearsTuesday Talk rounds up the latest Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) news you might have missed and also points forward to upcoming events on our campus. One of the Georgia World Congress Center’s (GWCC) longest-running and most popular public events returns this week as the 38th annual Atlanta International Auto Show (AIAS) sets up … Read More
Kent Kimes February 25,2020Each year, Downtown Atlanta welcomes more than 50 million visitors, many of whom come to the area to attend meetings, events, and conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s (GWCCA) campus. Thus, tourism and hospitality are priority areas for Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (CAP/ADID). Our collective efforts aim to, … Read More
Paige Sullivan February 14,2020It won’t be the first time the GWCCA campus has gone dancing. Hosting the culmination of The Big Dance for the fourth time, GWCCA’s 220-plus acre downtown Atlanta campus and surrounding area are poised to transform into a hotbed of hoops for the 2020 NCAA Final Four the first weekend in April. While the GWCCA … Read More
Kent Kimes February 13,2020Tuesday Talk rounds up the latest Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) news you might have missed and also points forward to upcoming events on our campus. ICYMI (In Case You Missed It): The suddenly controversial again rapper Snoop Dogg has joined the lineup for 2020 Sweetwater 420 Fest taking place April 24-26 at Centennial … Read More
Kent Kimes February 11,2020Landmarks & Legacies is an occasional unConventional blog series exploring the various identifying and distinctive physical features of the GWCCA campus. Atlanta is among the fastest-growing large cities in the country, according to a report published by WalletHub, and its continued growth and success are due in large part to visionary city leaders both past … Read More
Jaleesa Fears January 22,2020We don’t yet know what quartet of college and university teams will be represented here, but many of the other pieces of a fantastic NCAA Men’s Final Four are coming together. And the Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s (GWCCA) downtown Atlanta campus will be the epicenter of Final Four activity. Welcome to The Tip-off, a … Read More
Kent Kimes January 16,2020Welcome to Landmarks & Legacies, a new unConventional series exploring many of the distinctive physical features, prominent landscapes, public art displays, historic monuments, and architectural idiosyncrasies of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s (GWCCA) 220-plus acre downtown Atlanta campus. You may ask, why is there a giant stainless steel peach sculpture on the GWCCA’s East … Read More
Kent Kimes January 10,2020As a proud alumna of North Carolina A&T State University and a Greensboro, N.C, native, I wouldn’t have missed Saturday’s (Dec. 21) Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl for the world. The Celebration Bowl crowns a winner between the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). “The event’s mission is to provide the schools, alumni, fans, and … Read More
Ashley Gilmer December 23,2019It’s that time of year again. The gift-giving season is upon us, leaving shoppers with the task of trying to find out-of-the-ordinary, yet affordable options, all while the clock is ticking. But here’s a bit of holiday cheer: unConventional has done the legwork for you. Here are some easy, unConventional if you will, gift ideas … Read More
Kent Kimes December 16,2019The Grammy Award-winning rock act Cage the Elephant has joined Sweetwater 420 Fest at Centennial Olympic Park as 2020 headliners while Gary Clark, Jr. was dropped from the lineup due to scheduling conflicts. Cage the Elephant is just one of several performing acts announced today bolstering the festival’s previously-revealed lineup that includes Phish frontman Trey … Read More
Kent Kimes December 12,2019Nothing screams Thanksgiving like a succulent, well-presented turkey on the dinner table. You have labored, read all the cooking blogs, stayed up late nights shopping at grocery stores and cooked all day just to get to this point. You finally made it! It is time for you and your guests to reach for your phones … Read More
Chef Billy Velasquez November 18,2019Tuesday Talk rounds up the latest Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) news you might have missed and also points forward to upcoming events on our campus. What could be better than sweet symphonic sounds underneath the stars in the open autumn air of downtown Atlanta’s crown jewel? How about free? The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra … Read More
Kent Kimes September 24,2019Around the corridors, office spaces and massive concourses inside the facilities that make up the Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s (GWCCA) downtown Atlanta complex, Mashid Irvani is widely known as “The Plant Lady.” Irvani, an interior plant specialist for The Garden Design Group, is, in fact, THE Plant Lady, by trade and in spirit. In … Read More
Kent Kimes September 20,2019Football season is here and The Home Depot Backyard is your one-stop destination for pregame festivities before Atlanta Falcons games all season long. In honor of National Tailgating Day (Saturday, Sept. 7), unConventional checked in with The Home Depot Backyard, a beautiful, 11-acre green space that is situated on the site of the former Georgia Dome … Read More
Parker Hendricks September 6,2019You may have been to ONE Musicfest before, but you haven’t been to ONE Musicfest at Centennial Olympic Park. It’s the festival’s 10th anniversary, but the first time being staged at downtown Atlanta’s crown jewel and ultimate outdoor concert venue. Stay calm, unConventional has you covered with this know-before-you-go guide to the Southeast’s largest two-day … Read More
Kent Kimes September 5,2019One of my favorite shows we host at Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) makes its (pre)historic return this weekend (Aug. 23-25). Jurassic Quest, America’s largest and most realistic dinosaur event, takes attendees of all ages inside the Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic periods to experience for themselves what it was like to be among dinosaurs of … Read More
Holly Richmond August 21,2019One of my favorite shows we host at Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) makes its (pre)historic return this weekend (Aug. 23-25). Jurassic Quest, America’s largest and most realistic dinosaur event, takes attendees of all ages inside the Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic periods to experience for themselves what it was like to be among dinosaurs of … Read More
Holly RichmondThe Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s (GWCCA) Championship Campus featuring Atlanta’s premier pigskin palace is preparing for the annual rites of passage known as football ahead of the Atlanta Falcons home preseason debut on Thursday (Aug. 15). August will be chock full of hard-hitting gridiron action as Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS) begins its third full season. … Read More
Parker Hendricks August 14,2019With summer coming to a close, it’s time again for supply lists, new backpacks, and physical exams. While many metro-area school districts are already in session, Atlanta Public Schools (APS) head back into the classroom on Monday (Aug. 12), and to get students and parents ready, APS is once again hosting its Back-to-School Bash on … Read More
admin August 9,2019With summer coming to a close, it’s time again for supply lists, new backpacks, and physical exams. While many metro-area school districts are already in session, Atlanta Public Schools (APS) head back into the classroom on Monday (Aug. 12), and to get students and parents ready, APS is once again hosting its Back-to-School Bash on … Read More
adminMeet the new Visitor Information Center at Centennial Olympic Park. Now open, the refreshed space located near the popular Fountain of Rings is a collaboration between the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) and Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB). The discerning eye may notice the swirling, circular Atlanta logo (that’s ACVB’s) on the building … Read More
Jennifer Tinker July 10,2019Tuesday Talk rounds up the latest Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) news you might have missed and also points forward to upcoming events on our campus. If you listened to Atlanta radio in the early-to-mid-’90s or hit the city’s club scene during that time, you’ve probably busted a move to tunes spun by Yvonne … Read More
Kent Kimes July 2,2019Happy National Social Media Day! Social Media Day is celebrated on June 30 every year, founded in 2010 by global, multi-platform media and entertainment company Mashable. This day is set aside to honor the existence and influence of social media in our daily lives. At the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), we use social … Read More
Parker Hendricks June 30,2019Let’s take a walk. We are going to explore an area of Centennial Olympic Park’s most distinctive features, the Quilt Plazas and Water Gardens. Located along the east border of the Park, the five 60-feet-by-60-feet plazas tell the impressive story of Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Games. A cascading series of beautifully landscaped water features weave together … Read More
Jennifer Tinker June 28,2019Tuesday Talk rounds up the latest Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) news you might have missed and also points forward to upcoming events on our campus. One of Atlanta’s most-enduring Fourth of July traditions – the Peachtree Road Race – is a little more than a week away, but you can get a crash … Read More
Kent Kimes June 25,2019Tuesday Talk rounds up the latest Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) news you might have missed and also points forward to upcoming events on our campus. One of Atlanta’s most-enduring Fourth of July traditions – the Peachtree Road Race – is a little more than a week away, but you can get a crash … Read More
Kent KimesWhile there’s nothing wrong with a new pair of spiffy socks or a stylish new tie for the working dad, why not take your Father’s Day gift-giving up a notch? With the big day fast approaching – it’s this Sunday (June 16) – unConventional has compiled a last-minute Father’s Day gift guide, but these presents … Read More
Kent Kimes June 14,2019While there’s nothing wrong with a new pair of spiffy socks or a stylish new tie for the working dad, why not take your Father’s Day gift-giving up a notch? With the big day fast approaching – it’s this Sunday (June 16) – unConventional has compiled a last-minute Father’s Day gift guide, but these presents … Read More
Kent KimesIt’s that time again for caps, gowns, tassels, and rites of passage at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC). We are excited to host the DeKalb County School District graduation ceremonies so get ready family, friends, and community. We will kick off the graduation season starting with Towers High School’s commencement ceremony on Tuesday (May … Read More
Troy Carbo May 21,2019This weekend marks a celebration of all mothers, the influential heroes of our society. Mother’s Day (May 12) honors motherhood and the impact of their maternal bonds, and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) recently became even more mom-friendly with the installation of new Mamava pods. Throughout their lifetime, mothers are often faced with … Read More
admin May 11,2019Atlanta’s acclaimed ONE Musicfest has found a new home for its 10th anniversary – Centennial Olympic Park, on the Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s downtown Atlanta campus. The event – described as the Southeast’s largest annual urban progressive music festival – is set for Sept. 7-8 at the Park, and early bird tickets went on … Read More
Kent Kimes May 10,2019Atlanta’s acclaimed ONE Musicfest has found a new home for its 10th anniversary – Centennial Olympic Park, on the Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s downtown Atlanta campus. The event – described as the Southeast’s largest annual urban progressive music festival – is set for Sept. 7-8 at the Park, and early bird tickets went on … Read More
Kent KimesImagine this scenario: You are at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) for a meeting, the keynote is about to start in five minutes and you realize you forgot to take your over-the-counter allergy medicine. Lucky for you, the GWCC has recently installed two new CVS store kiosks. These kiosks are located in Building A … Read More
Parker Hendricks May 8,2019In the most difficult moments of our lives, there’s one phone number we call when we need help. And before the police officer gets to the scene or the fire truck comes to the rescue, there are a group of individuals answering those calls and making sure we get the aid we need. These emergency … Read More
Jaleesa Fears April 16,2019In the most difficult moments of our lives, there’s one phone number we call when we need help. And before the police officer gets to the scene or the fire truck comes to the rescue, there are a group of individuals answering those calls and making sure we get the aid we need. These emergency … Read More
Jaleesa FearsAnd then there were four – Auburn, Michigan State, Texas Tech, and Virginia were triumphant in their Elite Eight games over the weekend and are now off to the Final Four in Minneapolis. The festivities begin on Friday (April 5) and culminate on Monday (April 8) with the Championship Game at U.S. Bank Stadium. This … Read More
Erik Waldman April 3,2019With multiple events large, small – and in between – commonly overlapping on the Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s (GWCCA) downtown Atlanta campus, the logistics of getting here should be part of any visitor’s plan. And if you’re driving, understanding your multiple parking options is key. The Red Deck, with seven levels and 2,041 parking … Read More
Kent Kimes March 20,2019Today (March 13) marks National K9 Veterans Day, a celebration designed to honor the commitment and sacrifices that military dogs, police dogs, border patrol dogs and all other canines have made for our nation. So as we recognize K9s country-wide, now is the perfect time to introduce the Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s (GWCCA) first … Read More
admin March 13,2019When fans arrive at Sunday’s home opener for the Atlanta United they will notice several new changes for the 2019 season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS) on the Georgia World Congress Center Authority campus. The Five Stripes, who won the 2018 MLS Cup in the team’s second season of existence, welcome a new head coach in … Read More
Parker Hendricks March 8,2019When fans arrive at Sunday’s home opener for the Atlanta United they will notice several new changes for the 2019 season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS) on the Georgia World Congress Center Authority campus. The Five Stripes, who won the 2018 MLS Cup in the team’s second season of existence, welcome a new head coach in … Read More
Parker HendricksImagine you’re downtown for the SEC Championship Game, and you’re gazing down at the magnificent Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS) and the rest of the picturesque Atlanta skyline from your 25th-floor hotel suite. After a dip in the infinity pool and a quick spa treatment, you head out to the SEC FanFare in Building C of the … Read More
Kent Kimes February 22,2019It’s been two weeks since the day dubbed as “Mass Exodus Monday” when a record 101,999 passengers were screened at Atlanta’s airport on their way out of town after the Super Bowl. Widely hailed as a resounding success and further proof that Atlanta is the preeminent host city, Super Bowl LIII provided an opportunity for … Read More
Kent Kimes February 19,2019It’s been two weeks since the day dubbed as “Mass Exodus Monday” when a record 101,999 passengers were screened at Atlanta’s airport on their way out of town after the Super Bowl. Widely hailed as a resounding success and further proof that Atlanta is the preeminent host city, Super Bowl LIII provided an opportunity for … Read More
Kent KimesIf you’re reading this, by now you have noticed that our website received a makeover. After months of hard work and dedication, the new GWCCA.org launched on Jan. 19, just in time for Super Bowl LIII. The reimagined digital platform is now a fully functional one-stop shop for customers and guests in search of Georgia … Read More
Jaleesa Fears February 5,2019Attention Spreadheads: you knew Widespread Panic was headlining two days of the three-day Sweetwater 420 Fest at Centennial Olympic Park in April, but now we know which two. The venerable Athens jam band will close out the festival on Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21, performing two sets each night. The festival – set … Read More
Kent Kimes January 29,2019Attention Spreadheads: you knew Widespread Panic was headlining two days of the three-day Sweetwater 420 Fest at Centennial Olympic Park in April, but now we know which two. The venerable Athens jam band will close out the festival on Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21, performing two sets each night. The festival – set … Read More
Kent Kimes