Trade Show News

Downtown Atlanta is experiencing a boom in new restaurant openings and mixed-use developments, with many expected to open in 2026-2027. These new establishments are anticipated to boost downtown tourism, benefiting visitors attending events at the Georgia World Congress Center and other major attractions. The development is partly driven by preparations for future large-scale events like the World Cup and Super Bowl LXII in 2028.

The City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Committee for Progress launched the Atlanta Neighborhood Collective, a new nonprofit aimed at advancing Mayor Andre Dickens' Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative. Donovan Lee-Sin has been named the inaugural Executive Director, with a focus on creating neighborhood-driven change and expanding economic mobility.

ConventionSouth highlights Atlanta's robust convention infrastructure, including the Georgia World Congress Center's 1.5 million square feet of exhibit space and over 115,000 citywide lodging rooms. The city's compact downtown convention district integrates large-scale meeting spaces, major hotels, dining, and attractions.

Blackstone has secured a $580 million loan after successfully relocating The Inspired Home Show from Chicago to AmericasMart in Atlanta. This financial development highlights the significant economic impact of major trade show movements on the host city and its venues.

Atlanta's hospitality industry generated an estimated 51 million visitors in 2024, with business and convention travel contributing significantly to the statewide economy. More than 17 million domestic visitors traveled to Georgia for business and conventions in 2024, resulting in $4.6 billion in direct spending.

Camille Russell Love, Jim Sprouse, Dexter Warrior, and Mark Zimmerman will be inducted into the Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame on November 19. These individuals have been recognized for their significant contributions to Atlanta's arts, culture, and hospitality landscape.

Several key figures will be inducted into the Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame on November 19, including Camille Russell Love, Jim Sprouse, Dexter Warrior, and Mark Zimmerman. These individuals have significantly contributed to Atlanta's arts, culture, and hospitality sectors. Their recognition highlights leadership within the industry that supports the city's convention and trade show business.

The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) has promoted Chinela Bertrand to Manager of Membership. In her new role, Bertrand will oversee member billing and onboarding processes, manage ACVB's digital platforms for members, and continue to build relationships across the membership base.

The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) promoted Chinela Bertrand to Manager, Membership. In her new role, Bertrand will be responsible for leading ACVB's member billing and onboarding processes.

The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) has appointed Nathan Reiser as destination services executive. Reiser will serve as a liaison between sales, membership, associations, and the public sector, focusing on client satisfaction and repeat business for events in Atlanta.

Due to the anticipated impact of Hurricane Isaias on metro Atlanta, several events have been canceled or rescheduled, as reported by 11alive.com on October 8, 2026. Among the affected events is the Atlanta Turkish Food Festival, for which new dates are expected to be announced soon.

The Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart - Building 2, Floor 1, will host various wedding open days and fairs throughout 2026–27. These events provide opportunities for businesses in the wedding industry to showcase their services and products.

The College of Sciences Students-Careers-Employers Networking Expo (SCENE) is scheduled for October 7, 2026, at the Georgia Tech Exhibition Hall in Atlanta. This professional event focuses on the Recruitment & Staffing Industry, covering topics like Candidate Sourcing and Talent Acquisition. It is designed for industry professionals, exhibitors, and service providers in the sector.

Atlanta is set to host two major trade shows in 2027: IDDBA (International Dairy Deli Bakery Association) from June 6-8 and The Global Produce & Floral Show from October 20-22. These events will bring thousands of industry professionals and exhibitors to the city.

Hotel Dive's guide to top hospitality conferences in 2027 features The Hunter Conference, scheduled for March 22-24 in Atlanta at the Signia by Hilton Atlanta. This annual event offers learning and networking opportunities for over 2,000 hotel owners, developers, and investors.

The transformation of Georgia Street outside the convention center has been completed, providing 42,000 square feet of new outdoor space. This development is part of ongoing projects in Atlanta and surrounding areas.

The Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of playing a central role in Atlanta's growth. Since its opening in September 1976, GWCC has hosted millions of visitors for conventions, trade shows, sporting events, and other significant gatherings, solidifying Atlanta's reputation as a premier destination for meetings and events.

An overview of Atlanta's exhibition centers highlights five key venues, including AmericasMart Atlanta, Cobb Convention Center, and the Atlanta Expo Centers. The article details their capacities, services, and suitability for various types of trade shows and events.

The Cobb Convention Center - Atlanta (formerly Cobb Galleria Centre) is undergoing a major expansion and renovation, with the renovated exhibit hall and ballroom open throughout 2026. The expansion, which will bring the total space to 377,000 gross square feet, is slated for completion in early 2027.

The Georgia World Convention Center (GWCC) is Atlanta's largest exhibition campus, featuring 13 exhibit halls across three connected buildings. Other significant venues include the Cobb Galleria Centre for regional events and AmericasMart for wholesale buying markets. This guide helps in choosing the right Atlanta conference center for various show needs.