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.

 GICC

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!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.