Business travel continues to play a vital role in Georgia’s economy, contributing billions of dollars in revenue and supporting key industries such as lodging, transportation and dining. In 2023 alone, 16.4 million domestic travelers visited the state for meetings or conventions, generating $4.3 billion in direct spending and helping set a record year for Georgia tourism.
Georgia’s MICE landscape is growing with a portfolio of flexible, state-of-the-art venues designed to accommodate events of all sizes and styles.
“Professional meetings and events mean business in Georgia, delivering benefits that extend far beyond the event itself,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Chief Marketing Officer Mark Jaronski, in a press statement. “This essential segment of travel drives visitor spending, supports thousands of jobs and creates opportunities for small businesses across the state, further strengthening Georgia’s position as a premier destination for business and leisure.”
Here’s a look at standout meeting destinations and developments around the Peach State:
Savannah: Expanded Convention Center and Upcoming Hotel
Savannah is celebrating a major milestone with the 25th anniversary and expansion of the Savannah Convention Center. The riverfront venue now features 200,000 sf of exhibit space, a new 40,000-sf ballroom and a 900-space parking deck. A 400-room Signia by Hilton hotel is also in the works, bringing additional convenience for planners booking large-scale events. While in town, attendees can explore the city’s famed Historic District, the buzzing Plant Riverside District and iconic dining spots like The Grey and The Olde Pink House.
Valdosta: Southern Charm Meets Modern Meetings
The Rainwater Conference Center in Valdosta offers 47,000 sf of versatile meeting space, including a newly renovated conference hall and exhibit area. A $1 million refresh has introduced contemporary furniture, local artwork and upgraded amenities, driving a surge in event bookings. The center is close to Wild Adventures Theme Park, the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and other local gems that add a dose of Southern culture to any itinerary.
Lake Lanier: Olympic Legacy with Scenic Appeal
Formerly a 1996 Olympic venue, The Boathouse at Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville now provides 18,000 sf flexible event space—including a grand ballroom and lakefront terrace. Groups can incorporate water-based, team-building activities or venture into nearby attractions like Linwood Nature Preserve and unique dining venues like Decoy, Gainesville’s first “eatertainment” destination.
Cloudland: High-Altitude Meetings on Lookout Mountain
In Rising Fawn, Cloudland at McLemore Resort delivers stunning views and high-touch service for incentive retreats and executive meetings. The resort boasts 20,000 sf of event space, 245 guestrooms, an award-winning golf course (with another, The Keep, debuting this summer), a full-service spa and outdoor adventure access from Cloudland Canyon State Park to hang gliding.
Atlanta: A Championship Campus for Mega Events
In the capital city, the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) anchors the country’s largest integrated convention and entertainment campus. The 1.5 million-sf GWCC neighbors Mercedes-Benz Stadium (a FIFA World Cup 2026 venue), Centennial Olympic Park and the 976-room Signia by Hilton Atlanta, which offers 100,000+ sf of meeting space—including Georgia’s largest hotel ballroom.
Nearby, the Delta Flight Museum blends aviation history with unique event offerings across 68,000 sf in historic 1940s-era hangars, all within minutes of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Duluth: A Walkable Convention Campus with Culinary Cred
Just outside Atlanta, the Gas South District in Duluth is a 118-acre meetings campus that includes a recently expanded convention center with a 90,000-sf exhibit hall, a 21,600-sf ballroom and 23 meeting rooms. The new Westin Atlanta Gwinnett adds 348 guestrooms and 17,000 sf of meeting space, plus a rooftop bar and direct convention center access. Off-campus, Duluth’s dining scene is a standout, home to Michelin-recognized spots like Masterpiece and Snackboxe Bistro.
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