The Authoricast
The Authoricast
Georgia World Congress Center Authority
Welcome to The Authoricast, a podcast from Georgia World Congress Center Authority. Join host Austin Simmons as he talks with some of the industry’s top thought leaders about what makes GWCCA a championship campus, how our growth has shaped downtown Atlanta, and what goes into creating compelling guest experiences at the No. 1 convention, sports, and entertainment destination in the world.
Signia by Hilton Atlanta Decks the Halls
The holidays have arrived at Signia by Hilton Atlanta, and Director of Marketing Evita McDaniels gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the sleigh installation, hotel décor, and seasonal F&B and spa experiences that make the hotel shine this holiday season. We also talk about Signia’s upcoming two-year anniversary and the momentum the hotel has built […]
Dec 5, 2025
23 min
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 […]
Aug 28, 2025
23 min
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 […]
Aug 22, 2025
25 min
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 […]
Aug 11, 2025
26 min
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 […]
Jul 21, 2025
44 min
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 […]
Jul 3, 2025
19 min
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 […]
May 20, 2025
30 min
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 […]
Apr 28, 2025
31 min
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 […]
Apr 8, 2025
43 min
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 […]
Mar 10, 2025
29 min
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