Managing Weather and Major Events: Inside GWCCA’s Emergency Planning

Managing Weather and Major Events: Inside GWCCA’s Emergency Planning

When severe weather threatens downtown Atlanta or an unexpected incident occurs during a major event, preparation becomes leadership in action. At Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), emergency preparedness is a year-round priority focused on protecting guests, employees and event partners across our entire campus, which includes Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Centennial Olympic Park, and Signia by Hilton Atlanta.

Marc Vincent, Director of Emergency Preparedness at GWCCA, brings more than 30 years of experience in emergency management. Throughout his career, he has worked with a wide range of organizations and response environments, giving him a clear perspective on what best-in-class preparedness looks like. “I’ve experienced a lot of different sites and a lot of different organizations, how they prepare and respond to emergencies,” Vincent says. “I would put the Georgia World Congress Center up against any other organization anywhere in the United States on how we prepare, respond and recover from emergencies here on campus.”

At GWCCA, emergency management goes far beyond reacting to storms. The team monitors developing weather systems up to a week in advance, conducts regular training exercises and tabletop scenarios, and coordinates closely with local and state partners. From winter weather and tornado threats to large-scale public safety planning for high-profile events, preparation is continuous. As Vincent explains, “Preparation never stops. We are constantly evaluating risks, refining our plans and making sure our teams are ready to respond.”

Clear communication is also central to effective emergency response. Providing timely, accurate information to employees, customers and guests helps ensure informed decision-making during evolving situations. “Communication is one of the most critical tools in emergency response,” Vincent notes. Through real-time monitoring, established incident command protocols and strong cross-agency partnerships, GWCCA maintains a proactive and coordinated approach to safety.

As host to large-scale events and millions of annual visitors, GWCCA recognizes the responsibility that comes with operating a campus of its size and scope. Vincent and his team’s experience, combined with coordinated planning across departments, reinforces a commitment to thoughtful preparation and continuous improvement. From severe weather to large public gatherings, readiness remains a core priority.