Trade Show News

CP Group has added 55 Allen Plaza to its Atlanta portfolio, an office building featuring a state-of-the-art conference facility. The property is directly connected to a new JW Marriott hotel, opening this summer, which will introduce additional restaurant options and elevated meeting spaces, further supporting the city's convention and trade show infrastructure.

A new report from the American Hotel and Lodging Association indicates that Atlanta's hotel bookings for the upcoming World Cup are lower than anticipated. Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau President William Pate explained that many fans are delaying bookings until they secure tickets, creating a shorter booking window for hoteliers. Despite this, demand is expected to increase closer to the tournament.

Atlanta's hospitality market is highly competitive, with hotels facing pressure to deliver better guest experiences while controlling costs amidst a fast-growing scene driven by business travelers, convention attendees, and other major events. Effective hotel management operations are crucial for increasing occupancy, improving average daily rates, and maximizing revenue per available room in this dynamic environment. Future trends include more automation, personalization, and a greater focus on sustainability.

The Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) generated $1.9 billion in economic impact for Georgia's economy and welcomed 3.4 million visitors to its campus during FY25.

Arthur Blank, Chairman of AMB Sports and Entertainment, discussed Atlanta's readiness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, noting that hotels are expected to be fully booked. He highlighted the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Georgia World Congress Center as key partners in the Atlanta Host Committee, emphasizing collaboration for major events.

ANDMORE®, the largest owner of permanent markets and tradeshow space in the world, announced executive team transitions, including the retirement of CEO Jon Pertchik effective May 31, 2026. An Executive Committee, comprising Amory Wooden, Greg Avitabile, Robert Klein, and Ximena Juncosa, will assume expanded responsibilities. Katie Potter and Landon Williams will also step down from their roles.

Encore Global is seeking an Event Sales Manager for Venues in Atlanta, responsible for guiding customers through event experiences and maximizing revenue. The role involves cultivating relationships with hotel personnel and supporting company initiatives in a hotel/convention center environment.

The Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) has recognized State Sen. Drew Echols as its 2026 Legislative Champion of the Year. This award acknowledges his growing advocacy for Georgia's tourism and hospitality industry, which directly impacts the convention and trade show business.

The inaugural Asian Hospitality Awards are set to take place on May 12 in Atlanta, recognizing the achievements of Asian American hotel owners, operators, and industry leaders across the U.S. Hosted by Asian Hospitality magazine, this event aims to celebrate a community that has significantly shaped the U.S. hospitality landscape and inspire the next generation of hoteliers.

The UFI Global Membership list, updated May 5, 2026, includes several key exhibition industry players based in Atlanta, USA. Messe Frankfurt Inc. (USA), NürnbergMesse North America, Inc., and Tarsus Connect, LLC are listed as members, indicating their active participation in the global exhibition industry.

The Atlanta Women's Expo is scheduled to take place on May 30-31, 2026, at the Gas South Convention Center. The event will feature hundreds of boutique pop-up shops, complimentary beauty treatments, and celebrity speakers.

The Connect Expo Series is expanding to Atlanta, evolving from the Customer Connect event to include two new co-located shows: AI Connect and Cloud Connect. These conferences will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center, offering opportunities to explore industry-spanning solutions and network with leaders in AI, cloud, and customer experience.

Several significant trade shows are scheduled for Atlanta in 2026, including The Atlanta Market at AmericasMart Atlanta from June 9-14. The SkillsUSA TECHSPO Trade Show will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center from June 1-5. Other events include The Atlanta Fabric Show (June 10-11) and the BOMA Show (May 20) at the Cobb Galleria Centre.

Atlanta is set to host a variety of major trade shows in 2026, attracting innovators and global brands. Notable events include Groom'D (March 13–15), Atlanta Jewelry Show (March 14–15), TRANSACT (March 18–20), ACS (March 22–26), RE+ Southeast (March 31–April 1), Material Handling & Logistics Solutions (April 13–16), American Society on Aging (April 20–23), NASCC (April 22–24), Red Hat Summit (May 11–14), and National Leadership & Skills Conference (June 2–4). The city's thriving convention scene offers numerous networking and partnership opportunities across diverse industries.

The Atlanta Shoe Market, recognized as the largest and longest-running footwear trade show in the United States, is scheduled for August 15-17, 2026, at the Cobb Convention Center in Atlanta. The event aims to unite retailers, brands, and industry leaders in a professional and efficient environment.

The Cobb Convention Center Atlanta, formerly the Cobb Galleria Centre, has rebranded as part of a $190 million renovation and expansion project. The facility reopened in May 2026 after exhibit hall and ballroom renovations, and will continue to host trade shows and events throughout the year while the expansion progresses through early 2027.

Atlanta is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Georgia World Congress Center serving as a primary operational hub. Significant infrastructure investments are underway, including upgrades to MARTA stations and Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, to manage the influx of international visitors. These improvements will enhance digital wayfinding and overall transit experience in the city's convention and commercial districts.

Centennial Olympic Park is preparing for a 2026 FIFA World Cup transformation, with the FIFA Fan Festival™ Atlanta set to open on June 12. The Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) is involved in the festival's design and operation, offering both free and paid entry options.

A May 4, 2026, article highlights that Atlanta is among several U.S. cities with convention center expansion projects underway or recently completed, ranging from $125 million to $460 million. The piece critically examines the significant investment in facility expansion versus the lack of corresponding investment in attendee transit solutions.

Seahawk Designs will open a new 7,000-square-foot permanent showroom at AmericasMart Atlanta in July, coinciding with the Summer Casual Market Atlanta. This expansion marks a significant move for the brand, showcasing multiple outdoor living collections.