GWCCA Professional Playmakers – Georgia World Congress Center Authority

Ready to turn your passion for sports and live events into real-world experience?

Professional Playmakers is the Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s workforce development program designed for local college juniors, seniors, and graduate students who want a behind-the-scenes look at the sports and events industry.

This hands-on program gives students the opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals, build career-ready skills, and explore the many paths within a fast-paced, ever-evolving field. Participants who demonstrate character, integrity, and a commitment to growth may be selected for a paid internship at the FIFA Fan Festival, hosted at Centennial Olympic Park from June 11–July 15, 2026.

Why Become a Professional Playmaker?

🤝 Network & Build Relationships

Students meet once a week for two months (March–April 2026) to hear from industry leaders through engaging panel discussions. Topics span key areas of the sports and events business, including marketing, operations, finance, sustainability, and more.

🏟️ Explore World-Class Venues

Go behind the scenes with guided tours of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority campus—home to major events, conferences, and championships throughout the year.

🚀 Career Development Support

Sharpen your professional edge with resume guidance and interview prep designed to help you stand out in a competitive job market.

💼 Paid Internship Opportunity

Students who excel in the program may be offered a paid internship supporting the FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain hands-on experience during a global event.

Professional Playmakers is more than a program—it’s a launchpad. If you’re curious, motivated, and ready to play a role in unforgettable events, this is your chance to step into the game.

What is the Program Schedule?

Participants will meet once a week, Wednesdays, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Georgia World Congress Center from March 18 to April 29 to hear from guest speakers.

Date	Program Session
March 18	Welcome and Introduction to Hosting Major Sporting Events Behind the scenes look at hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup – Who are the key players, what is the bidding process, how is the event funded, what are some complexities, what type of impact will this have on the city of Atlanta and state of Georgia
March 25	Producing the FIFA Fan Festival Venue mapping, creative narrative, media operations, programming, premium experiences, food & beverage, public safety
April 1	The Business Behind the Brand (Sponsorships & Media Broadcasting) Panel discussion opportunity for global and local brands to share their activation and marketing strategies
April 8	Leaving a Legacy through Community Impact Session focused on community programming, including sustainability and vendor engagement
April 15	Writing a Winning Resume Workshop & Job Interviewing Tips Career-building segment designed to help students successfully land job opportunities
April 22	Mock Interviews Students participate in mock interviews with industry professionals for real-time feedback on job interviewing techniques
April 29	Culminating Celebration Networking session that culminates the program, enabling students to reflect and discuss key learnings

Deadline to apply is February 23, 2026.

Click here for more information and to apply for Professional Playmakers