Kicking Off Football Season at the College Football Hall of Fame

College football is back, and there is no better place to start than the College Football Hall of Fame. Listen in as we catch up with Yomand Brown, the Hall’s VP of Marketing, Sales & Communications. From the buzz of interactive exhibits to dynamic fall programming, Yomand walks us through how the Hall celebrates the […]

Countdown to World Cup 2026: Inside Atlanta’s Host City Prep

In this episode of The Authoricast, we sit down with Georgia O’Donahue, Chief Operating Officer of the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee, to talk about what it takes to bring the world’s biggest sporting event to Atlanta in 2026. An Atlanta native, Georgia shares her pride in showcasing her hometown and explains the years-long process […]

The Center of It All: Transforming a Landmark

In this episode of The Authoricast, we take a look across the street from GWCC to explore The Center, the ambitious reimagining of the former CNN Center, now owned and operated by CP Group, who acquired the property in 2021. Guests Amanda Hendricks and Ryan Howard share how the team is honoring the building’s iconic […]

Countdown to World Cup 2026: Jason Longshore on Soccer in the South

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, Atlanta is gearing up to host the world, and we’re kicking off a special Atlanta World Cup preview series with one of the city’s most trusted voices in soccer: Jason Longshore. A commentator for Atlanta United, 92.9 The Game, and SDH Network, Jason joins us […]

Building the Future: SkillsUSA at GWCC

In this episode of The Authoricast, we spotlight the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, one of the many inspiring events hosted at GWCC. Courtney Ferrell, Director of Conference, Meeting, and Event Management for SkillsUSA, shares how 19,000 students, educators, and industry leaders from across the country came together in Atlanta for an unforgettable week […]

Beyond the Buffet: Redefining Convention Center Food with Stevie Chumley

In this episode of The Authoricast, Stevie Chumley shares how Levy is redefining the convention center food experience at the Georgia World Congress Center. From unexpected menu items and Atlanta-inspired dishes to massive meal operations and cutting-edge service, Stevie gives an inside look at what it takes to feed tens of thousands—without sacrificing flavor or […]

What Atlanta Does Best: A GWCC Insider’s Look

In this episode of The Authoricast, we’re serving up a lively conversation with Kim Allison, VP of Convention Sales for Georgia World Congress Center Authority, and Charlene Lopez, Vice President and Chief Sales Officer of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau. From their favorite things about Georgia World Congress Center to what makes Atlanta a […]

Atlanta’s Olympic Journey: From Bid to Legacy

In this episode of The Authoricast, we dive into The Games in Black and White, a new documentary that tells the inspiring story behind Atlanta’s successful bid for the 1996 Olympic Games. Filmmakers George Hirthler and Alahna Lark explore the powerful partnership between Andrew Young and Billy Payne, framing it as a symbol of unity […]

From the Gulch to Greatness: The Vision for Centennial Yards

In this episode of The Authoricast, Austin sits down with Brian McGowan, president of Centennial Yards, to discuss the massive transformation happening right across from the Georgia World Congress Center. Brian shares the vision behind this 50-acre mixed-use development, its origins, and how it will reshape the downtown Atlanta experience. From new apartments and hotels […]

From Major Events to Major Growth

2025 kicked off with major events back-to-back at GWCCA, setting the stage for an exciting year, and years, ahead. In this episode of The Authoricast, Joe Bocherer, Chief Commercial Officer, shares insights into the planning and execution that keep GWCCA at the forefront of the industry. From large-scale events to the creation of an entertainment […]

Expanding Possibilities: Savannah Convention Center’s Next Chapter

In this episode of The Authoricast, Austin sits down with Kelvin Moore, General Manager of Savannah Convention Center and Senior Vice President of GWCCA, to talk about the exciting expansion coming to SCC. As he marks his first year in Savannah, Kelvin shares his experience leading the convention center, what makes the city such a […]

Driving Georgia’s Growth: GWCCA’s Role as a State Agency

In this episode of The Authoricast, Austin sits down with Lindsay Strickland, GWCCA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, to explore the vital connection between Georgia World Congress Center Authority and the state of Georgia. We discuss how GWCC operates as a state asset, secures funding for transformative projects, collaborates with legislators, and powers an economic […]

Dallas Safari Club: Beyond the Hunt, Inspiring Conservation and Community

In this episode, we take a look at the Dallas Safari Club and the incredible work they do beyond hosting one of the world’s premier outdoor conventions. From supporting global wildlife conservation efforts to fostering education and community impact, DSC is committed to making a difference. Tune in to our interview with Khris Harris, DSC’s […]

The Service That Is Felt but Not Necessarily Seen: Housekeeping

This week on The Authoricast we continue our dive into the Signia by Hilton Atlanta at Georgia World Congress Center as we take a look at housekeeping, “the service that is felt but not necessarily seen.” Director of Housekeeping Allison Winter sat down to chat before the hotel opened in January to discuss all that […]

Georgia Through and Through- Interior Design of Signia by Hilton Atlanta

This week on The Authoricast we continue our dive into the Signia by Hilton Atlanta at Georgia World Congress Center as we learn about the interior design of this new jewel of Atlanta, and we talk about how the city, and state of Georgia, play such a huge role in the stylings of this new […]

Introducing Club Signia

This week on The Authoricast we continue our dive into the Signia by Hilton Atlanta at Georgia World Congress Center as we get to know about Club Signia. What is it? It is an “exclusive experience that elevates the game.” This week, we sit down with Signia Brand Leader Teddy Berlin to talk about what […]

Dynamic Spaces for Any Event at Signia by Hilton Atlanta

This week on The Authoricast we continue our dive into the Signia by Hilton Atlanta at Georgia World Congress Center as we get to know about some of the meeting and event spaces. This new hotel offers over 100,000 square feet of event space for any and all gatherings. Director of Sales and Marketing Kyle […]

Food and Beverage at Signia by Hilton Atlanta 2: Get to Know the Chefs

This week on The Authoricast we continue our dive into the Signia by Hilton Atlanta at Georgia World Congress Center as we get to know some of the folks behind the food and beverage offerings, the chefs! Austin sits down with Executive Chef Christian Quinones, Executive Pastry Chef Daniella Lea Rada, Jeuel Ortiz, and Daniel […]

Food and Beverage at Signia by Hilton Atlanta: Unique Experiences No Matter the Occassion

This week on The Authoricast we continue our dive into the Signia by Hilton Atlanta at Georgia World Congress Center as we discuss the food and beverage offerings at Atlanta’s newest hot spot. Hotel General Manager Teri Agosta and Food and Beverage Director Jacob Linzey talk with us about the importance of food offerings in hotels, how they are catering to customers needs, and what you can look forward when grabbing a bite to eat at Signia by Hilton Atlanta at Georgia World Congress Center.

Exploring the Signia by Hilton Brand

This week on The Authoricast we continue our dive into the Signia by Hilton Atlanta at Georgia World Congress Center as we discuss the Signia brand. Signia by Hilton is a new brand from the hospitality giant, and the flagship location is right here at Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s Championship Campus. On this episode, […]

How Signia by Hilton Atlanta at Georgia World Congress Center Came To Be

This season on The Authoricast, we’re doing things a little bit differently. Join us as we dive into the newest addition to Georgia World Congress Center’s Championship Campus: Signia by Hilton Atlanta. This week, we are discussing how this new hotel came to be, why Georgia World Congress Center was the perfect location, and how it weaves itself into the fabric of Atlanta.

Welcoming Championship Campus’s Newest Addition: Intro to Signia by Hilton Atlanta

Welcome back to The Authoricast! This season, we’re doing things a little bit differently. Join host Austin Simmons as he dives into the newest addition to Georgia World Congress Center’s Championship Campus: Signia by Hilton Atlanta.

Momocon Returns Memorial Day Weekend

Co-Chair Chris Stuckey sits down with The Authoricast to discuss Momocon, one of the southeasts largest anime, comics, and gaming conventions which returns after a two year absence to the Georgia World Congress Center May 26-29.

DECA International Career Development Conference: Volunteers Needed

On April 23-25 nearly 25,000 high school students will compete at DECA International Career Development Conference hosted at Georgia World Congress Center. The Authoricast is joined by Frank Peterson and Whitney Milbourne to discuss the event and how the Atlanta business community can get involved.

Centennial Park District: Hotels, Restaurants and Attractions Steps From The GWCC Campus

The Authoricast is joined by Wilma Sothern, The vice president of marketing for Central Atlanta Progress and Atlanta Downtown Improvement District to discuss the Centennial Park District, which provides guests to downtown Atlanta and our campus access to  Walkable, safe, world-class attractions, renowned dining, hotels and a host of entertainment options all nestled around Centennial […]

Remembering Richard Jewell

Joining The Authoricast today to discuss the legacy of the Richard Jewell story is Kent Alexander, former United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia and the co-author of The Suspect: An Olympic bombing, the FBI, and Richard Jewell, The man Caught in the Middle.

Customer Service in 2021 and Beyond

During October 4-8, GWCCA has been celebrating our customer service successes during national Customer Service Week. On this episode, we are joined by Senior Event Manager, Rachel Caldwell to discuss how we deliver customer service currently and what that looks like moving forward.

Remembering 9/11 20 Years Later

On this episode of The Authoricast, We take a look back and remember the tragic events of September 11t, 2001 and discuss ways to give back to our community on the 20th anniversary.

The Authoricast | Episode 17: State of the Industry and VenueConnect Preview With Brad Mayne

President & CEO of the International Association of Venue Managers Brad Mayne joins The Authoricast to discuss the state of the industry, challenges we face moving forwards, and finishes by previewing IAVM VenueConnect which will be hosted at the Georgia World Congress Center beginning August 2nd.

The Authoricast | Episode 16: Signia by Hilton Atlanta Groundbreaking & Other Campus Development

On the newest episode of The Authoricast we discuss the groundbreaking of our new headquarter hotel, Signia by Hilton Atlanta and other campus development happening on Championship Campus with GWCCA Director of Projects and Program Management, Otto Johnson. To view all development happening at GWCCA visit: https://www.gwcca.org/about-the-gwcca/campus-development

The Authoricast | Episode 15: Behind the Bees-iness with Bee Downtown

On the newest episode of The Authoricast we have a chat with the founder and CEO of Bee Downtown, Leigh-Kathryn Bonner as a part of our earth month content here at GWCCA.. Bee Downtown installs and maintains beehives on corporate campuses including ours, that rebuild healthy honeybee populations while simultaneously powering Employee Engagement Programming and […]

The Authoricast | Episode 15: Behind the Bees-iness with Bee Downtown

On the newest episode of The Authoricast we have a chat with the founder and CEO of Bee Downtown, Leigh-Kathryn Bonner as a part of our earth month content here at GWCCA.. Bee Downtown installs and maintains beehives on corporate campuses including ours, that rebuild healthy honeybee populations while simultaneously powering Employee Engagement Programming and […]

The Authoricast | Episode 14: Leadership During a Pandemic and Looking Ahead with Frank Poe

GWCCA Executive Director Frank Poe joins The Authoricast to discuss the challenging year that was 2020, how his past experiences during crises help form his leadership style, and the future of the convention industry.

The Authoricast | Episode 13: Blood, Sweat, and Tears: The Story of Integration in College Football

On this episode of The Authoricast we chat with Jeremy Swick from the Chick-Fil-A College Football Hall of Fame to discuss Blood, Sweat, and Tears:A new special exhibit honoring the trailblazers who integrated, impacted, and left a profound legacy on College Football!

The Authoricast | Episode 12: Celebrating Black Beauty: Bronner Brothers

On this episode of The Authoricast we chat with Erika Respress from the Bronner Brothers International Beauty Show. Bronner Brothers is oldest black-owned beauty company in the country and hosts the largest multi-cultural beauty show in the United States, which has called GWCC home for the past 25+ years.

The Authoricast | Episode 11: Lessons Learned from Lil’ Big South

On this episode of The Authoricast we discuss lessons learned from the Lil’ Big South Volleyball Tournament with show producers Lauri and Randy Dagastino from Tampa Volleyball events. The tournament was hosted in GWCC Building C on January 16th through the 18th and was the first major event on our campus in 2021.

The Authoricast | Episode 10: Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome, Part 2

In early October, Teneo Hospitality presented: Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome, a hybrid event experience for their clients based in Atlanta. The event was sponsored by friends of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, Destination South Meetings and Events and our Chief Commercial Officer Joe Bocherer participated in the panel conversation. On the final episode of […]

The Authoricast|Episode 9: Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome, Part 1

In early October, Teneo Hospitality presented: Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome, a hybrid event experience for their clients based in Atlanta. The event was sponsored by friends of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, Destination South Meetings and Events and our Chief Commercial Officer Joe Bocherer participated in the panel conversation. On the first episode of […]

The Authoricast | Episode 8: Behind The Big Night Out

On this episode of The Authoricast we discuss the Big Night Out concert series that was promoted by Atlanta based Rival Entertainment hosted on the Georgia World Congress Center Authority Campus on October 22nd through the 24th at Centennial Olympic Park. We visit with concert attendees and have a conversation with concert promoter, Josh Antenucci.

The Authoricast | Episode 7: Return To Business, Part 3

In the final episode of our 3-part Return to Business series, GWCCA Director of Facility Operations Dominic Bruno joins The Authoricast to discuss the process behind GWCC becoming the first convention center in the country to earn the GBAC STAR accreditation, and what clients and guests can expect when attending an event here.

The Authoricast | Episode 6: Return to Business, Part 2

Charlene Lopez, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Director of Citywide Sales, joins The Authoricast for Part 2 of the Return to Business series to discuss what her team is doing to keep Atlanta top of mind for clients during the COVID-19 pandemic and the outlook for the city moving forward.

The Authoricast | Episode 5: Return To Business, Part 1

In Part 1 of a three-part series dedicated to our Business Return Plan, Joe Bocherer, GWCCA’s Chief Commercial Officer, joins The Authoricast to discuss his career, our relationship with the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the outlook for our championship campus through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

The Authoricast | Episode 4: Earth Week and GWCCA Campus, Part 2

Tim Trefzer, GWCCA’s Director of Sustainability and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) rejoins The Authoricast for Part 2 of our Earth Week episode to discuss how his department’s focus has shifted due to COVID-19, as well as community partnerships that help The Authority fulfill its mission to enhance the quality of life for every Georgian.

The Authoricast | Episode 3: Earth Week and GWCCA campus, Part 1

In Part 1 of a two-part episode dedicated to Earth Week, Tim Trefzer, GWCCA’s Director of Sustainability and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), joins The Authoricast to discuss green meetings, green buildings and enhancing the quality of life for every Georgian.

The Authoricast | Episode 2: The Final Four that was supposed to be

On the day the NCAA Men’s Basketball champion was supposed to be crowned on GWCCA’s championship campus, we revisit a conversation with Atlanta Basketball Host Committee Executive Director Carl Adkins which took place before the Final Four was cancelled due to COVID-19.

The Authoricast | Episode 1: Get To Know Us

Welcome to the debut episode of The Authoricast, hosted by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s (GWCCA) Parker Hendricks and Kent Kimes. We discuss why you should host your event at the No. 1 convention, sports and entertainment destination in the world, and chat with our first guest, Holly Richmond, GWCCA Director of Communications. Please […]