Timeline

	City of College Park establishes the Business and Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) to solicit major hotels and start work on a public assembly facility owned and operated by College Park through BIDA.
	The first Georgia International Convention & Trade Center (GICTC) opens with 136,000 total square feet, including 2 exhibit halls, 15 meeting rooms and a Grand Ballroom.
	The $28.5 million expansion of the GICTC begins, adding 193,000 square feet of floor space.
	GICTC joins forces with eight airport area hotels to offer top-drawer convention venue with modern accommodation: The Hyatt Atlanta Airport, The Atlanta Airport Marriott, AA Hilton, AA Embassy Suites Hotel, Comfort Suites Hotel AA, Ramada Renaissance Hotel AA, Sheraton AA Hotel and the Stouffer Concourse Hotel. Michelle Swann is appointed Executive Director.
	GICTC opens Phase 2 expansion, and changes name to the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC). New facility at new locations to be 329,000 square feet, including 5 exhibit halls totaling 120,000 square feet, 35 meeting rooms and 2 ballrooms, and a culinary arts center with Proof of the Pudding as the sole, in-house food and beverage provider. Phase 2 expansion costs: $31 million.
	GICC, in conjunction with a dozen airport-area hotels, forms the Hartsfield Convention Connection (HCC) to promote the airport area in general and generate more business for the convention center. HCC hires sales specialist working under the umbrella of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau.
	GICC receives two Industry awards for the year 1996-1997: The Prime Site Award for service and facility excellence, and Planner's Choice Award for excellence in meetings management.
	GICC announces the completion of its 1996 renovation in August.
	Proof of the Pudding is selected as exclusive in-house catering provider.
	GICC Executive Director, Hugh Austin, unveils plans for the development of a new Georgia International Convention Center, a 400,000 square foot facility with a 40,000 square foot ballroom, Georgia's largest. The facility will include 150,000 square feet of exhibition space, 15,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, three executive board rooms, a VIP Green Room, and a 10,000 Culinary Arts Center. The new facility is designed by Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates and will be located on Camp Creek Parkway, about a ¼ mile from the airport.
	GICC wins Prime Site Award.
	The new GICC opens.
	Construction begins on 2 new hotels on the GICC campus - a 403-room Marriott Headquarters hotel and a 147-room SpringHill Suites. Construction also began on a 100,000 square foot office building.