James_March-April_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 83
ifty years ago, Georgia’s leaders made
a deliberate and
forward-thinking
decision— one rooted
in economic development, global competitiveness, and long-term public benefit. The creation of the Georgia World
Congress Center Authority (GWCCA)
and the decision to build the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)
were not simply about constructing a
convention facility. They were about
positioning Georgia for sustained economic growth, diversifying the state’s
revenue base, and ensuring Atlanta—
and Georgia— could compete nationally and internationally for business,
tourism and investment.
This year, as we mark the 50th
anniversary of GWCC, it is worth reflecting on how that decision continues to deliver returns for taxpayers,
strengthen Georgia’s economy and
elevate the state’s global visibility— and why continued investment
and strategic stewardship remain
essential to keeping Georgia competitive in a rapidly evolving and highly
competitive landscape.
A Long-Term Impact
When the Georgia General Assembly chartered the Georgia World
Congress Center Authority in 1971,
the state recognized an emerging reality: conventions, trade shows, and
large-scale meetings were becoming
powerful economic drivers. Cities
that could host them would benefit
not only from visitor spending, but
from the long-term business relationships, talent attraction, and national
and global exposure they generated.
Opening in 1976, GWCC was the
first state-owned convention center
in the nation. That distinction underscored a critical policy choice— that
economic development infrastructure
could and should be treated as a public investment, with benefits extending far beyond the walls of a single
facility. The objective was clear:
retain conventions already coming to
Georgia, attract new ones, and ensure
the economic impact reached hotels,
restaurants, attractions, transporta-
tion providers, event planning and
professional services, retail and small
businesses, and workers throughout
the state. That foresight has proven
visionary. Over five decades, GWCC
has evolved from a single exhibit hall
into one of the largest convention
centers in the United States.
A Global Destination
GWCC’s growth has both mirrored and accelerated Atlanta’s rise
as a premier destination for conventions, entertainment, and sporting
events, while strengthening Georgia’s reputation as a globally competitive, business-friendly state. By
hosting national and international
meetings and conventions, the Authority generates measurable economic impact— from hotel demand
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