Tips for navigating graduation day at the GWCCA campus
It’s caps, gowns, tassels and diplomas time once again as the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) is hosting a slate of local high school graduation ceremonies, kicking off with Tri-Cities High School’s program on Friday (May 18).
Congratulations to you and your graduate. This day is not only for them, but for you as the parent, sibling, grandparent, friend…you helped them get to where they are today.
As everyone gathers to celebrate a huge accomplishment in their lives we hope you, the attendees, have the best experience possible. To that end, we’ve compiled some graduation day tips that will help you navigate this joyous – yet hectic – milestone.
All of the graduations hosted on our campus will take place in the Georgia World Congress Center’s (GWCC) Building C. The address for GPS purposes is: 235 Northside Dr., NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
What to bring and what not to bring
o Helium balloons are prohibited at the GWCC. If you try to enter with them, you will be asked to take them back to your vehicle or dispose of them.
o Bring a light sweater. It’s May in Georgia, it will likely be warm outside, but the AC will be on in the building.
o Wear comfortable shoes. The GWCC is the country’s fourth largest convention center – that means plenty of walking is in store.
Bring your ticket and arrive early
- Don’t forget your ticket (if one is required), you will not be allowed into the ceremony without one – no exceptions.
- Once the processional has begun, there will be no entry allowed until all graduates have taken the stage.
How to get here and where to park
o The closest parking is in the Blue Lot (Northside Drive) or Yellow Lot (Northside Drive and Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd.).
o Pre-purchasing parking will guarantee you a space in the lot in the event it sells out. Reserve your parking online at: https://gwcc.clickandpark.com/.
o The Vine City MARTA station is located off Northside Drive on Rhodes Street. This is the closest station to Building C.
ADA Guests
o Drop-off attendees:
- Off Northside Drive at the Gold Deck, there is a drop-off location, pictured below.
o Wheelchairs:
- Available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Free of charge; we hold a government-issued photo ID until the chair is returned.
Finding your graduate after the ceremony
o Your graduate will meet you at the designated locations below:
- Tri-Cities and Creekside: Building C Lobby
- DeKalb County Schools: West Plaza
- Atlanta Public Schools: Building C Bus Lane (directly off the lobby)
o Attendees, let your graduate know what you’re wearing. This way they can look for a certain color of clothing in a crowd of people.
Other events taking place on GWCCA campus
Be aware that other events are taking place at the GWCCA’s 220-acre campus, and they may overlap with your graduation ceremony.
o Accelerate, powered by NetVU, GWCC Building A and B, May 17-19.
o Texprocess Americas + Techtextil North America, GWCC Building B, May 22-24.
o MomoCon, GWCC Building A, May 24-27.
o Georgia Amateur Wrestling Association Southeast Regional Championships/Girls Freestyle, Building B, May 25-27.
o Kenny Chesney concert, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, May 26.
Here is the 2018 high school graduation schedule at the GWCC:
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