1997 annual report [1997]

"0'

:.A.

D

Annual Report

0J.!J7

{9Y7 Annual Report

Rubye Mims Lucas, Chair Human Resources Administrator Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
Sharon Adams, Vice Chair President The Adams Group
Alfred Kile Barr, Treasurer Executive Director of Leasing Corporate Property Investors
John E. Aderhold, Chairman Emeritus Aderhold Properties
Thomas W Dortch, Jr. Chairman & CEO TWO, Inc.

Robert S. Prather, Jr. President Bull Run Corporation
Howard J. Spiller President & CEO Mid-City Atlanta Partnership, Inc.
Mary Rose Taylor Chairman & CEO The Margaret Mitchell House, Inc.
Patrick H. Thomas Chairman Good Company Plantation
In memory: Ovid Davis who served on the Authorjty
1991 - 1997

Senator Paul C. Broun, Chairman Senator Charles C. Clay Senator Steve Henson
Representative Grace W Davis, Vice Chair Representative Roger Byrd Representative Louise McBee

Annual Report {9.!}7

Director's Report

04

GWCC Revenue & Expense

06

GWCC Economic Impact

09

GWCC Sales and Event Attendance

10

Georgia Dome Revenue & Expense

12

Georgia Dome Sales and Economic Impact

14

Authority Balance Sheet

16

Centennial Olympic Park Update

17

Human Resources Report

18

MISSION STATEMENT
THE GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER AUTHORITY WAS ESTABLISHED BY THE STATE OF GEORGIA TO DEVELOP AND OPERATE THE GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER, THE GEORGIA DOME AND RELATED FACILITIES. SUCH FACILITIES WERE DEVELOPED WITH THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF PROMOTING AND FACILITATING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES THAT GENERATE ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO THE STATE OF GEORGIA AND THE CITY OF ATLANTA, AS WELL AS ENHANCE THE OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL GEORGIA CITIZENS.

VISION

OUR VISION IS TO SUSTAIN A REPUTATION AS ONE OF THE FINEST CONVENTION,

SPORTS AND

ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES IN THE WORLD EVERY DAY THROUGH A RELENTLESS COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

- IN OUR EXPERTISE, EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY OF SERVICE. To BE A LEADER IN OUR INDUSTRY THROUGH

INNOVATION. To GENERATE PROFIT IN AN ETHICAL MANNER. To MEET OUR CUSTOMERS' NEEDS WITH MOTIVATED

SERVICE-ORIENTED PERSONNEL. AND TO PROVIDE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT FOSTERS GROWTH BOTH PERSONALLY

AND PROFESSIONALLY.

VALUES
To ACHIEVE THIS VISION, WE BELIEVE OUR CUSTOMERS ARE THE FOCUS OF EVERYTHING WE DO - WE MUST PROVIDE FRIENDLY AND COURTEOUS SERVICE FOR OUR GUESTS AND CUSTOMERS, WE BELIEVE IN CONSTANTLY STRIVING FOR IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY, AND IN REFRAINING FROM ANY ACTIVITIES THAT WOULD CONFLICT WITH THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER, THE GEORGIA DOME AND CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK.

{9.!}7 Annual Report
Fiscal year 1997 was a memorable year for the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. It began in the summer of 1996 with the Centennial Olympic Games - the world's largest peace-time gathering. More than two million sports fans visited our campus as we hosted more than one-fourth of the events of the 1996 Summer Olympics. The Congress Center hosted the International Broadcast Center as well as table tennis, judo, wrestling (Greco-Roman and Freestyle), team handball, weightlifting and fencing. The Georgia Dome hosted gymnastics and basketball and the finals of team handball. In addition, Centennial Olympic Park debuted - with its Fountain of Rings - and became the most popular and photographed place in Atlanta.
And while the bombing in Centennial Olympic Park will forever be etched in our memoty, we were immensely gratified that literally millions of citizens and visitors came back to the Park when it was reopened. That outpouring showed the world that Centennial Olympic Park is as much an ideal as it is a place.
Following the Olympics, we quickly moved into another busy year of trade shows and sporting events. We also worked with the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games to dismantle the Festival of the American South and begin transforming the space into the beautiful Park that it will become. We plan to unveil a spectacular park in Spring of 1998 that will establish the Park as the most outstanding legacy of the Centennial Olympic Games.
Again this year, the Authority was able to sustain operations without public subsidy. Our attendance figures are nearly double a typical year due to the huge draw of the Centennial Olympic Games in July and August. Activities for the year produced $2 billion in total economic impact.
While last year was a tremendous time of opportunity, we face a growing competitive threat. So as we move forward, our focus will be on expansion of the Georgia World Congress Center. Hospitality is the second-largest industry in Georgia and touches the economy of the state in a myriad of ways. We hope you enjoy this year's report as well as the story of how conventions impact the state's economy.
Daniel A. Graveline Executive Director Georgia World Congress Center Authority

Annual Report

= Success for Georgia
As we work toward our third expansion, we thought it would be interesting to give you a behind-the-scenes look at how trade shows impact not only the city of Atlanta, but also the entire state of Georgia - making our business a win-win situation for Georgians.
To do this, we chose to take you on a journey to demonstrate how The Super Show - the world's largest sports products and apparel event and the GWCC's largest trade show - touches lives and businesses throughout our state. Since 1986, the show has grown to encompass the entire World Congress Center, the adjacent Georgia Dome as well as temporary pavilions built in Dome parking lots. In the span of two weeks, it moves in, builds a virtual global village for commerce, conducts the trade show, then dismantles and leaves town. And, the numbers are as phenomenal as the event itself:

_

The Georgia World Congress Center has hosted the Super Show since its inception in 1986

_

It has almost doubled in total attendance from 55,000 in 1986, to 103,812 in 1997

_

104 countries are represented

-

3,200 companies exhibit their products

-

10,000 exhibit booths are erected

_

More than 3 million square feet was used in 1997 in the Georgia World Congress Center and

Georgia Dome - including the temporary pavilions erected in the Dome parking lots

C3

"But the numbers don't tell the whole story. As you

~

review this year's report, you will learn how a trade show

o affects the city and the state and how it positively impacts

the people of Georgia. ))

Daniel A. Graveline, Executive Director Georgia World Congress Center Authority

Annual Report

= Success for Georgia
As we work toward our third expansion, we thought it would be interesting to give you a behind-the-scenes look at how trade shows impact not only the city of Atlanta, but also the entire state of Georgia - making our business a win-win situation for Georgians.
To do this, we chose to take you on a journey to demonstrate how The Super Show - the world's largest sports products and apparel event and the GWCC's largest trade show - touches lives and businesses throughout our state. Since 1986, the show has grown to encompass the entire World Congress Center, the adjacent Georgia Dome as well as temporary pavilions built in Dome parking lots. In the span of two weeks, it moves in, builds a virtual global village for commerce, conducts the trade show, then dismantles and leaves town. And, the numbers are as phenomenal as the event itself:

_

The Georgia World Congress Center has hosted the Super Show since its inception in 1986

_

It has almost doubled in total attendance from 55,000 in 1986, to 103,812 in 1997

_

104 countries are represented

-

3,200 companies exhibit their products

-

10,000 exhibit booths are erected

_

More than 3 million square feet was used in 1997 in the Georgia World Congress Center and

Georgia Dome - including the temporary pavilions erected in the Dome parking lots

C3

"But the numbers don't tell the whole story. As you

~

review this year's report, you will learn how a trade show

o affects the city and the state and how it positively impacts

the people of Georgia. ))

Daniel A. Graveline, Executive Director Georgia World Congress Center Authority

0J.!J7 Georgia World Congress

Center

Revenue

OPERATING

REVENUE

EXHIBIT UTILITY SERVICES

, , ""FOOD SERVICES (MGR) . ... PARKING
HOTEL/MOTEL TAX

.............

SUBTOTAL

NON-OPERATING

REVENUE

CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK TRANSFER FROM RESERVES*

SUBTOTAL

......... I-IOTELllvIoTEL'TAX(Ac:yB)

.

TOTAL

"""""""""""",$

",14,277,566,
'" "",,7,587,082 ,3,556,480

"""""""". "",,1,569,118 3,235,292

"""""""",1,503,690, $ 31,729,228

........... .97~97 ... 9.~9.28.~27... $ 41,755,468 ........),766,736 $ 49,522,204

Expense

OPERATING

EXPENSE

,,,

PERSONAL SERVICES..

.. . .REC;ULAR9PERATINC;

....... E:QUIPMENT

..

CONTRACTS/FEES

OTHER

SUBTOTAL

NON-OPERATING

EXPENSE

..J .13,369,622
...... 6,l}5,508 ......... 60,}O}
.........2,ln,65~
$

CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK SPECIAL PRO]ECTS* SUBTOTAL ......... floTEL/MOTEL.'TAX.(Ac:yB) .. TOTAL NET GAIN

$ 10,628,224

..

7,766,736

$ 40,554,644

$ 8,967,560

* Transfer from Reserves to Special Projects included $7,261,812 for Georgia International Plazaand $2,250,000 for Centennial OlympiC Park

The World Congress Center's primary sources of operating revenue continue to be facility rent, utility services and food services, which combine to provide 80 percent of total operating revenue, Fiscal year 1997 saw particularly strong revenue increases as hosting the Summer Olympic Games pumped earnings into the normally quiet portion of our schedule.
expenditures were line with prOjections for fiscal year 1997. "Other expenses" include telecommunications, computer costs, supplies, equipment leases, travel, printing and minor miscellaneous expenses.

Georgia World Congress Center

0J.!J7

Fiscal year 1997, ending June 30, marked a record-breaking year for the Georgia World Congress Center. Adding the Centennial Olympic Games to an already exciting stream of large trade shows, consumer shows, conventions and

corporate meetings led to a record profit of nearly $9 million. In addition, operations generated $87 million in new tax revenues for the state of Georgia.

REVENUE

Rent

Exhibit

Services

Food Services (MGR)

Parking

Hotel/Motel Tax

Other

45% 24% 11%
5% 10%
5%

Personal Services ............ Regular()perating ........ ...Equipl11entIContracts/Fees
Other

-IThe Super Show Story ... continues
The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau markets the city and lays the ground work for trade shows that ultimately book the Georgia World Congress Center. The ACVB ensures the events' success by serving as a liason between the shows and the city's hospitality partners.

>aJ f

'Trade shows, including The Super Show, are the lifeblood of the city. Not

~ only do they impact our hotels and restaurants, but they give us the opportunity to

showcase our rich history and wealth of cultural activities. "

Spurgeon Richardson, President ACVB

-1
0'l

'" Direct Benefit tn Genroia

~~

TOTAL

EXPENSE

94 -

Debt Service Expense

III

Operating Expense

93 -

92 90 88

TOTAL

REVENUE

Tax Revenue Operating Revenue

86

84

82

80 78

-..

76

:;

74

J.

72 70

:..;..

~
Z
,

68

:

I

66

~

1
I

z

I,

64

62

60

"

58

56

..
..1:::0

.'!:: 0
....1-

..... :;

...
:;

0
a.

0
a.

J.

I::

',,",
i .!

~..

,

a....

Q)

54 52

:; 0
ci:

~
z

Z

~
z

----;

50

]

,

48 46

...'!::
0

44

a....

Q)

42
40 ...

..
:;

Z

38

:;

0

r

~
----i I
-----'I
-'

36 J.

a.

~i

i~

I
-----'

34

~

.:

32

Z

~

i,

.~j;ldl~
- :J

30

I

28

..l)

I

I;

\1

,'I -~

I. I-

26

f

I-

o

24

22

l.

i

-

-

I

e-----

---'

20 i~

I

-

18 I,}



~

I,
.%

16 I

14 'I

\) 12

'----

f---:



~
\

10 ~

e----- i---

i---

e----- -

-

- e-----

-

-

-

~ ~
I
I
~ ~

8

-

!

-

-

-----;

!II

6

c::

0

4

-:-.-:

2 0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

""''"

--

-

-

-

----.J
~ I 1
-----;

FY86 FY87 FY88 FY89 FY90 FY91 FY92 FY93 FY94 FY95 FY96 FY97

$22.5 $21.1 $37.2 $43.6 $49.3 $47.8 $34.7 $37.6 $33.3 $47.3 $23.2 $44.4

Net Profit to State of Georgia in Millions

,

Georgia World Congress Center

0{97

'-

The Georgia World Congress Center's primary mission is to generate economic benefit for the state of Georgia. Economic benefit is created as new dollars brought into the state by attendees, sponsoring organizations and exhibitors are spent and respent. During 1997, $693 million in "new dollars" was generated from activities at the Georgia World

Congress Center. As this money circulates to hotels, auto rentals, restaurants, retail shops and amusements, it created a total economic impact of $1.6 billion. In addition, GWCC activities generated more than $87 million in new tax revenue as well as sustaining more than 30,000 jobs.

GWCC ACTIVITY

I}:te~T~:;:J~{~J~;:ct
Personal Income E:11p1loYl11ent
d
TAXES

..,GeorgiaSales

I~v~u,

d...

Hotel/Motel

Personal Income

TOTAL

TWO-YEAR ECONOMIC SUMMARY
"New Dollars" Generated "1 "'"To""t"al ",',,'Impa",ct.. ,"'" of""""""""New D,,' o"l""l"a'" r"
TAX REVENUES
State Local Hotel/Motel
TOTAL TAX REVENUE

Economic Impact

....... $693.,353,520 $ 1,661,550,420
I........ $d635,08),000 .:30,700..

.lj11,223,()()()
1996

$ 45,343,000
$ 14,665,000d $ 16,511,480 $ 87,742,480
1997

$ 517,428,000 $ 1,239,963,000

$ 693,353,520 $ 1,661 50,420

$ ...... 46,160,000 $ .8,375,00 ..
$ ...10,944,000
$ 65,479,000

$ 61,854,480 ...............................
$ ...1. 1,223,000
$ ......14~.665,000..
$ 87,742,480

-!The Super Show Story ... continues
The Super Show begins with a two-week move-in. Decorators and exhibitors work around the clock to turn the Georgia World Congress Center into the world's largest global village for sporting goods and apparel.
"Delta Air Lines provides Atlanta with more than 600 flights per day and is a major component of the GWCCs ability to attract conventions as large as The Super Show. Both domestic and international attendance at The Super Show co!Ztinuesto grow year after year, and Delta provides the worldwide transportation accessto meet their growing needs. "
Norma Dean, National Account Manager Meetings & Association Sales Delta Air Lines

Fiscal year 1997 was an exciting year at the Georgia World Congress Center. The Olympic Games along with 46 major trade shows and 14 consumer shows pushed attendance to exceed two million for the first time in our history. This increase was not unexpected as the GWCC hosted more than one-fourth of the Games of the Centennial Olympics and the International Broadcast Center.
The Olympic Games led attendance for public events with 1.2 million over the 17 -day period of the Games, followed by The Festival of Trees, The Boy Scouts of America, The Atlanta Home Show and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution International Auto Show.

A.mong the largest trade shows were The Super Show with a total attendance of 103,812, Comdex, Networld + Interop and Electronic Entertainment Expo.
Bookings at the Georgia World Congress Center are strong through 2000 and beyond. The chart depicts practical maximum bookings. To explain, an "Exhibit Hall Day" is the equivalent to all space booked in either exhibit halls ABC, DEF or GH for one full day. "Practical Maximum Bookings" are equivalent to all exhibit hall space booked for 285 days. This number takes into account national holidays plus three days per month for inherent scheduling gaps between major trade shows.

ATTENDANCE TRADE SHOWS AND CONVENTIONS
CONSUMER SHOWS MEETINGS AND CORPORATE EVENTS OLYMPIC GAMES

34 %
11 % 7%
48 %

TOTAL ATTENDANCE
IZT [4 6] . Iv1AJ() RApE SI-I()\X'S J\]\J [)C()]\J\lE]\J"[I

()]\JS d

CONSUMER SHOWS*

MEETINGS AND CORPORATE EVENTS

837,752

plus
Total daily attendance for 1997 [ 6,657,296

Total daily attendance is calculated at 4.25 visits per out-of-town attendee one visit for area residents attending seminars or public shows.

* Number includes attendance at Centennial Olympic Games, However, that number was not included in calculating out-of-town attendance as the GWCC was not the sole driving force for the event.

Georgia World Congress Center

U!!)7

-: .. - ..-

E

350

300 -~

- 285

,.

250 - :--

200 -

,.---

-

L

'------

1,-

'------ f-----

'------

Practical Maximum

150 -

,........--

-

!----

:--- ~

i---

f----- :--- >--- !-

-

100 -

:--

,-

!----

!-

:-

i---

i---

~

- >------ f...--

50 - -

-

'-----

:--- !----

---

:--- :--- >--- -

f---

o

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

.Halls

ABC

.Hall'

DEF

.Hall'

GH

I

-IThe Super Show Story ... continues
One of the first groups to feel the impact of The Super Show is the metropolitan area's hotels. With more than 70,000 hotel rooms available, Atlanta ranks fourth among major U.S. cities. The Super Show exhibitors and buyers book more hotel rooms than any other trade show that visits the city.

-o
Yuillermina BartalzaH, ousekeeping Atlanta Marrion Marquis

(!{!}7 Georgia Dome

Revenue

OPERATING REVENUE
RENT
IZ) .. .......... FOOD SERVICES .(Jy1c;
PARKING OTHER LICENSE FEES ADVERTISING

SUBTOTAL

NON-OPERATING REVENUE

TRANSFER FROM RESERVES

SUBTOTAL

HOTEL/MOTEL

TAX

TOTAL

Expense

OPERATING EXPENSE
PERSONAL SERVICES REGULAR OPERATING CONTRACTS/FEES OTHER

SUBTOTAL

NON-OPERATING
DEBT SERVICE

EXPENSE

TOTAL
NET GAIN

$
$ 28,865,804 336,344
$ 29,202,148 $ 42,768,046
...... ........12,137,24 .230,315
$ 20,646,197

Suite and club seat license fees continue to be the Dome's largest source of revenue during fiscal year 1997, Food sales and parking revenues also rose this year.
Debt service on revenue bonds will continue to be the largest expense until the bonds are retired.

$ 37,380,250 $ 5,387,796

Georgia Dome

(!{j7

Fiscal year 1997, ending June 30, was an excellent year for the Georgia Dome. With a variety of events scheduled including Atlanta Falcons football, Olympic basketball and gymnastics, the SEC

Football Championship, Supercross and motorsport shows, Peach and Heritage bowl games, concerts, trade shows and corporare meetings, the Dome had its greatesr net profit to date, $5.4 million.

REVENUE
Rent

License Fees

...... Advertising.

..... Hotel/IvlorelTax

Other""

,,',

10% %
2
,::1 ..' ,

EXPENSE
13 % 9%
32% 45%
1%

Personal Services .............. ~egular.()peraring.
Conrracts/Fees Debr Service Other

-!The Super Show Story ... continues
With exhibitors selling everything from tennis shoes to car mats from every corner of the world, The Super Show boasts 10,000 booths spread across more than three million square feet of exhibit space.
"Each year we srengthen our customer base because of The
Super Show. we see buyers from all over the United States and the world. we especially like the foct that the show is located less than one
hundred miles from our operation. ))
Debbie Famber, Office Manager Signature Design

UL97 Georgia Dome

.[.~al~~ ..a~~ ..~. ~()~Ol11i~..I.~.p. .~.<.::.t.

Fiscal year 1997 brought a busy schedule to the Georgia Dome and bookings continue to grow through 2000. As host of the basketball, gymnastics and finals of team handball evenrs during the Cenrennial Olympic Games, the Georgia Dome attracted more than l.5 million guests over 17 days. Along with the regular schedule of Atlanra Falcons, collegiate, bowl and high school football games, the Holiday Classic, USA Indoor Track & Field Championships, motorsports,

concerrs, rrade and consumer shows and a myriad of smaller events, the Georgia Dome drew almost 2.4 million guests.
Dome visitors spent more than $190 million in "new dollars," which when circulated through the state's economy, generated a total economic im pact of more than $414 million. Additionally, $20 million in new tax revenue and 7,130 full- and part-time jobs where added to Georgia's economy.

Estimated FY 1997 Economic Impact

DOME ACTIVITY
Ij;te~;~~I~~'~i~J:;~C(
Perso...n..a..l......I.n...c..o.me TElTlploYlTlent
TAXES
....... Ge:()rgi<i.Sales .. +~~~~:P'" Hotel/Motel Personal Income
TOTAL

..... PH ..... P..

..., Jl~0,59?,39~ .J414,342,1]2 J153,306,6Q}p
....],130
..$10,598,822
.~}i:i~i:~~~
..$ .2,960,161 $ 20,098,681

TWO-YEAR ECONOMIC SUMMARY
"New Dollars" Generated "'" '1'" T""o""t""a'"l Im"p" ac""t""'" of"',"','N,' ew"" ,,"D'" ol"l"'a" r" "'"
TAX REVENUES
State Local Hotel/Motel
TOTAL TAX REVENUE

FY1996

FY1997

$ 119,138,813 $ 258,997,419

$ 190,597,399 $ 414,342,172

122 $ .1,973,440
114.401

$

10,712,963

$ .13,558,983 .

$

3,..1...5...7...,.0...9...5..

$ 3,382,603 ..........................

$ 20,098,681

Days Booked

r GEORGIA DoME
IL

BooKINGS

365

300

250

200

150

100

50

o

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

Sporting All Other

& Entertainment Events

Events

Georgia Dome 0JY7

-IThe Super Show Story ... continues
With more than 3,000 exhibitors, buyers from 104 countries see the latest sporting goods and apparel at 19 different product shows in one convenient setting.
The Super Showa/Jows me to see a variety of the latest sporting
--alt. gtJpils..a.iuJ .It+CfflONes under;.one roo/and close to home ..
William Caylor, Sales Athlete's World

0JY7 Georgia World Congress Center Authority

Authority Balance Sheet as of June 1997

ASSETS

GWCC

DOME

Cash Accounts

Receivable

. ... .......... ............

. . . . . . . . . . .

$

. ...... ....... ..... .......

Prepaid~xpense."".",

......"."'''

Inventories

. . . . . . . . . . .

Advances to Other Funds (Dome) . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. ...........

Deferred Charges
........................................

FIXED ASSETS

6,510,752

$ 63,849,872 (1)

2,296,886 83,463
248,240 10,117,327

2,497,907
...........

..................

13,462

. ..... .......................................

3,269,916

Equipment/Building

. . . .... . . . . . . 247,948,162

(2)

180,660,129

TOTAL ASSETS

$ 267,204,830

$ 250,291,286

TOTAL $ 70,360,624
4,794,793 96,925
248,240 10,117,327
3,269,916
428,608,291 $ 517,496,116

j

LIABILITIES & FUND BALANCE

GWCC

I

DOME

I

TOTAL

LIABILITIES: Vouchers Debt Service

$

1,504,639

.............................

, ............................

Interfund Pavable

RESERVES:

Designated

. .............

Deferred Revenue

. . . . . . . . . .

...Investlll.ents in Fixedi\ssets/Bldg: .... .

FUND BALANCE-PRE-DEPRECIATION

Less Depreciation

13,670,223
. .. ................. ..

...................

247,539,255

. . . . . . . . . . .

4,703,857 (213,144)

TOTAL LIABILITIES & FUND BALANCE

$ 267,204,830

$ 5,864,766 1 $ 7,369,405

8,348,350

8,348,350

194,882,510

194,882,510

I

10,117,327

10,117,327

25,617,706 18,818,037 10,806,023
9,679,725 (33,843,158) $ 250,291,286

I 39,287,929
18,818,037 258,345,278
14,383,582 (34,056,302) $ 517,496,116

Notes: (1) includes (2)

$ 10,000,000 10,842,826
15,090,900

Debt Service Reserve Debt Service Interest and Credit Enhancement Security Deposits (Suites and Seats)

244,150,000 Land and Building

(Funding provided by State of Georgia General Obligation Bonds)

Centennial Olympic Park

Progress Continues ON CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK

Centennial Olympic Park became the most recognized legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games. As the world's gathering place during the Games, the Park saw millions of visitors enjoy its brick pathways and myriad of entertainment. The Fountain of Rings, the heart of the Park, was the most photographed site of the Games and remains the favorite location of visitors to the Park today.
Following the Olympics, the Festival of the American South was dismantled and the land was re-graded to its permanent configuration. Funding was finalized with a donation of $3.75 million from the Southern Company, $2.25 million donation from the Authority, then matched by

the Woodruff Foundation, which was added to the $65 million previously raised.
Construction of Phase II began in January. With the additional monies, Phase II will now include a dramatic series of flowing water gardens and pathways along the quilt plazas that border Techwood Drive, two garden pavilions for visitors, a visitor center, an operations center, belvedere and perimeter fence.
The majority of the complex infrastructure and new commemorative bricks have been installed in the north end of the Park. Grass, trees and shrubs have also been planted. The Park is scheduled for completion in Spring of 1998.

-!The Super Show Story ... continues
Over their four-night stay, The Super Show attendees enjoy sampling cuisine from Atlanta's more than 8,000 area restaurants. Dining options include everything from Planet Hollywood downtown to the five-star dining room at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead.

Georgia World Congress Center Authority

The Authority's facilities have a well-earned reputation for superior customer service. And the guardians of that reputation are our employees. In fiscal year 1997, Human Resources focused on providing manpower requirements necessary to support the Olympic Games, staff Centennial Olympic Park and expand training programs for employees.
With the addition of Centennial Olympic Park as another Authority facility, the number of full-time positions rose to 502. This year, 56 employees were recognized for service milestones: 10 employees completed 20 years of service, five completed 15

years, 15 completed 10 years and 26 completed five years of service.
Our part-time staff continues to make significant contributions to the success of the facilities. The World Congress Center and Georgia Dome used 287,000 hours of part-time labor during the year, the equivalent of 138 full-time employee positions working 40 hours per week.
Employee training continues to lay the groundwork for our success. This year, we provided more than 2,600 hours of training concentrating on customer service techniques and management skills.

Percent

Work Force Distribution

1001~------------------------------------------

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10
o
Female Minority

Female Caucasian

Male Minority

Male Caucasian

Authority Work Force

Metro Atlanta Work Force

Source: Georgia Department of Labor

Georgia World Congress Center Authority

<!L97

Executive Director

Georgia Dome
Administration BUilding Services

-

Engineering

Event Services

Executive Services

Security

Ticket Office

MGR Food Services

GWCC
Administration BUilding Services

II

Engineering

Event Services

Public Safety

MGR Food Services

Centennial Olympic Park

Administration Operations

CENTENNIAL OlYMrlC PARK

Public Safety

MG R Food Services

Volunteer Program

Accounting Human Resources
Marketing Parking

-!The Super Show Story never really ends
Atlanta has enjoyed hosting The Super Show and its hundreds of thousands of visitors for more than 10 years and looks forward to many more ...
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{9.!}7 Annual Report

Georgia World Congress Center Authority

285 International Boulevard, N.W Atlanta, Georgia 30313-1591

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