Georgia International Convention Center Serves as Early Voting Site
October 29, 2020
As the second-largest convention center in the state of Georgia, the 400,000-square-foot Georgia International Convention Center — like similar venues around the country — wasn’t accustomed to facing an empty events calendar for much of 2020. To stay afloat, GICC has shifted toward hosting events to help the local community, including food and blood drives, flu shot clinics, funerals and drive-up concerts. It’s also served as a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing site and most recently, as an early voting precinct for the November election.
“The City of College Park, the GICC and Gateway Arena have proudly been engaged from the beginning of the pandemic, providing a site for much-needed services to the community at-large,” said GICC Executive Director Mercedes Miller. “We are a community that cares about people and are honored to be a contributing partner that has been all about saving lives in every way we could.”
Earlier this summer, College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom began speaking with Miller and Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Rob Pitts about becoming an early voting site after witnessing the long lines and obstacles faced by Fulton County voters during the June 9 primary election. On Sept. 14, the venue was officially selected as a voting precinct during a Fulton County Board of Elections meeting.
“After the difficulties we saw with voting earlier this year, city officials knew we were uniquely positioned to assist,” Mayor Broom said. “Our city-owned and operated convention center [has] ample space to keep voters safe while exercising their rights.”
Adding to its value as a polling place, GICC is accessible by the MARTA bus and rapid transit system via the ATL SkyTrain. It also offered parking during early voting, which began Oct. 12 and runs through Oct. 30.
So far, steady streams of Fulton County residents have taken advantage of the 50 voting machines set up inside the GICC’s 32,000-sq.-ft. expo hall. The process has gone smoothly, with voters able to socially distance as they wait in steadily moving lines to cast their ballots, according to GICC officials.
Miller said that during this challenging time, giving back to the community by hosting these special events has not only helped the venue stay viable, but has also provided a morale boost for GICC employees. Coming together to host these events has resulted in meaningful team building, as serving the community has helped staff to feel good about themselves and proud of where they work, she added.
“There is a strong bond between the citizens and the employees here at our facility, and we have a culture of giving back,” Miller said. “It is inspiring to me personally that despite our loss of business due to COVID-19, we have become creative in our efforts to stay viable while strengthening our residential, business and neighboring communities through service.”
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
Add new comment