On February 1st, 2023, we pulled back the curtains to reveal the completed Gas South Convention Center after years of renovation and reconstruction. If you haven’t been following along on the journey through the construction updates on our website, work on the Convention Center began in February 2020 and took three years to complete. To celebrate this huge milestone, we invited Gwinnett County Officials and the Gas South District Board of Directors, along with venue partners and staff to celebrate together. As part of my internship, I’ll give you an inside look into our new space and one of the events that took place during the busy re-opening week we had on campus.

 

The Main Event

The re-opening event showcased the new and renovated features of the Convention Center while also highlighting the construction progress along the way. Upon entrance, guests were welcomed at our concierge desk and then sent down the escalator to our freshly renovated lower level. As they made their way to the Ballroom, guests were able to view some before-and-after progress photos of the venue while catching a sneak peek of the new Food Hall, which will allow Proof of the Pudding to cater to guests during events with a grab-and-go style menu. Next, guests were welcomed to the spacious Lake Gallery overlooking the campus’s water feature and future walkable park. Our exclusive caterer, Proof of the Pudding also showcased a few catering options like their sizzling sliders, homemade potato chips and dips, beef chimichurri kebabs, fresh salads, vegetable empanadas, gourmet desserts, an open bar featuring a speciality cocktail, and high-top tables for guests to network and connect with other attendees. Each table included a newspaper clipping of major and historical moments inside of the Convention Center, such as JapanFest in 2010, the Gingerbread Market in 1998, and the Business in Gwinnett Expo in 1998.

Guests were also invited to walk around the space and familiarize themselves in the neighboring meeting rooms, partially-set exhibit halls  and the Ballroom space right next to the gathering. The doors were intentionally left open for attendees to see what the room would look like set up with round tables and decorated for an event (we had our Speaker Series event the next day).

Following the networking and mingling hour, Stan Hall, CEO of Gas South District, spoke to guests about the campus’s progression and goals for the community, and he acknowledged the tenacity and work ethic from all those involved to create such a lively and beautiful space. Other event speakers included building architects, a Holder Construction representative, and the Gwinnett County Chairwoman, Nicole Love Hendrickson. Guests also received a commemorative Coca-Cola bottle at the end of the night to remember the special occasion.

 

Moving Forward

We’re excited for the future of the Convention Center and Gas South District campus! We will continue to host great experiences and events to bring the community together. If you’re interested in hosting your next event here, you can reach our team at Sales@GasSouthDistrict.com. Until then, we hope to see you at one of our upcoming events!

Jeremiah Cooper

Spring 2023 Marketing & Guest Experience Intern

Photos taken by Kate Awtrey