Georgia World Congress Center Authority Selected to Manage Savannah International Trade & Convention Center

SAVANNAH– (February 12, 2014) The Georgia International Maritime and Trade Center Authority (GIMTCA) today approved the selection of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) to manage the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center (SITCC). The GWCCA will be responsible for the management and operation of the SITCC, as well as working collaboratively with the “Visit Savannah” team in marketing the convention center as a premier business destination. The two authorities will now begin the process of negotiating the details of the multi-year agreement.

“We are honored to have been selected to manage the SITCC,” said Frank Poe, executive director, GWCCA. “We are excited about partnering with their board and all of the hospitality stakeholders to build upon the foundation already in place and to attract new and diverse events to the facility.”

“The Savannah Trade Center has long been an essential resource for the State of Georgia and it is important that we work towards ensuring its continued success. GWCCA has the ability to take a high performing asset to the next level while simultaneously enhancing the synergies between Savannah and Atlanta,” said Mark V. Smith, GIMTCA board chair.

The SITCC’s current contractor, SMG, will manage the center until March 31, 2014 with GWCCA’s contract commencing April 1, 2014. SMG has managed the award-winning facility since its opening in 2000. The GWCCA is working to retain the Savannah staff as well as ensure a smooth transition for the Center’s customers when their new contract takes effect.