Savannah Convention Center

What Savannah Convention Center does

Savannah Convention Center is a government-owned, premier waterfront event venue located at One International Drive on Hutchinson Island in Savannah, Georgia. Owned by the Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority — a state of Georgia instrumentality created by House Bill 525 — the facility is operated under management by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, the same state entity that operates the Georgia World Congress Center and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Opened in June 2000 and rebranded to its current name in 2019, the venue spans 660,000 sq. ft. with 200,000 sq. ft. of divisible exhibit space, 27 meeting rooms, 5 executive board rooms, 65,000 sq. ft. of combined ballroom space anchored by the 40,000 sq. ft. Governor's Ballroom, a 367-seat Oglethorpe Auditorium, a 58,000 sq. ft. waterfront terrace, three dining outlets (Savannah Bean at The Brick, The Port, The Hangar), three Zoom-enabled hybrid meeting rooms, and 1,500 parking spaces including a 900-space structured garage. The facility is Georgia's first LEED Gold certified convention center (2017).

The venue serves event planners, association executives, corporate meeting managers, sports and arts organizations, government entities, exhibitors, and event attendees through five core revenue streams: venue rental (transaction fee for exhibition halls, meeting rooms, ballrooms, and auditorium), exclusive food and beverage operated by Iron & Oak Hospitality, parking services (surface at $10/entry, garage at $20/entry, overflow at $5/entry via Metropolis pay-by-phone), advertising and corporate partnerships managed by The Superlative Group, and tiered exhibitor services (utilities, technology, rigging, cleaning) ordered through the Ungerboeck online platform. Distribution is sales-led via a dedicated team executing an RFP process, supported by self-serve exhibitor ordering and event publicity channels.

Infrastructure technology includes heavy-duty exhibit-hall utilities (400A/208V disconnects, utility floor boxes on 30x30 grid, 350 lbs./sq. ft. floor load, 35–50 ft. ceiling heights), state-of-the-art auditorium AV (rear screen projection, teleconferencing, simultaneous interpretation for 2 booths), exclusive Encore AV/rigging and CCLD Networks connectivity partnerships, and the Metropolis computer-vision parking system launched February 2025. Strategic in-flight initiatives include a 444-room Signia by Hilton headquarters hotel (groundbreaking October 2025, expected mid-2028 debut) that will be directly connected to the venue, signaling the Authority's long-term investment thesis in converting Savannah into a tier-one southeastern meeting destination.

Name

Savannah Convention Center

Legal name

Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority

Website

https://savconventioncenter.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Savannah Convention Center is a government-owned, 660,000 sq. ft. waterfront event venue in Savannah, Georgia managed by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, serving event planners, associations, corporations, government entities, and exhibitors through venue rental, exclusive F&B, parking, and exhibitor services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Convention and Event Venue Services

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Convention & Exhibition Centers (Public Convention Centers, Civic Centers) (THAHAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sports & Arena Event Venues (Stadiums, Arenas) (THAHAAAF), Hotel & Resort Convention Venues (Convention Hotels) (THAHAAAC), Conference & Convention Center Catering (THAHAKAB)

Keywords

• Convention venue services
• Event space rental
• Meeting facilities
• Trade show hosting
• Exhibition hall booking

Headquarters

HQ city

Savannah

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Venue Rental and Space Booking: Revenue from renting exhibition halls, meeting rooms, ballrooms, and the auditorium to event organizers, associations, corporations, and government entities for conventions, trade shows, meetings, and special events.
2. Catering and Food & Beverage Services: Exclusive food and beverage services provided by Iron & Oak Hospitality, offering banquet and social events from a few dozen to 10,000+ attendees. Revenue from catering orders, dining outlets (Savannah Bean at The Brick, The Port, The Hangar), and event dining experiences.
3. Parking Services: Parking revenue from surface lots ($10/day) and parking garage ($20/day), with overflow lot at $5/day. Metropolis pay-by-phone system processes payments.
4. Advertising and Branding Opportunities: Revenue from corporate partnerships with naming entitlements, digital screen exposure, web/social media integration, activation opportunities, and short-term event branding including banners, signage, column wraps, and floor clings.
5. Exhibitor Services: Services provided to exhibitors including utilities (electrical, water, compressed air), technology (internet, phone), rigging, and booth cleaning/porter services, with tiered pricing based on advance booking timelines.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Savannah Convention Center rents a 660,000 sq. ft. waterfront event facility—including 200,000 sq. ft. of divisible exhibit space, 27 meeting rooms, a 40,000 sq. ft. Governor's Ballroom, and a 367-seat auditorium—to event planners, associations, corporations, government entities, and sports organizations for conventions, trade shows, meetings, and galas. Supporting offerings include exclusive food and beverage catering by Iron & Oak Hospitality, AV production and rigging by Encore, internet/telecom by CCLD Networks, on-site parking via a Metropolis computer-vision system, exhibitor services, and event branding/advertising.

Product overview

Savannah Convention Center is a 660,000 sq. ft. waterfront convention facility offering comprehensive event hosting services. The core product is the venue itself — a LEED Gold-certified facility featuring 200,000 sq. ft. of divisible exhibit space, 27 meeting rooms, two grand ballrooms (40,000 sq. ft. Governor's Ballroom and 25,000 sq. ft. Chatham Ballroom), and a 367-seat Oglethorpe Auditorium. Food and beverage is delivered through exclusive provider Iron & Oak Hospitality (savannah Bean at The Brick, The Port wine bar, The Hangar). Technology services are provided through CCLD Networks for internet/connectivity and Metropolis for parking systems. Additional offerings include exhibitor services via Ungerboeck, advertising/branding opportunities, accessibility services, and sustainability programs. The venue is managed by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Savannah Convention Center Event Venue (rental) 660,000 sq. ft. waterfront convention facility featuring 200,000 sq. ft. of divisible exhibit space, 27 meeting rooms, 5 executive board rooms, 40,000 sq. ft. Governor's Ballroom, 25,000 sq. ft. Chatham Ballroom, 367-seat Oglethorpe Auditorium, and 58,000 sq. ft. waterfront terrace; LEED Gold certified and managed by Georgia World Congress Center Authority.
• Iron & Oak Hospitality (catering) Exclusive food and beverage provider at the Savannah Convention Center, led by Executive Chef Dustin Ricker, offering full-service catering from coffee breaks for 50 to elegant plated dinners for 1,000 plus banquets for 10,000+ attendees, specializing in Lowcountry traditions and Southern Revival cuisine.
• Savannah Bean at The Brick In-house coffee concept at the Savannah Convention Center featuring locally roasted coffees, specialty espresso drinks, teas, and fresh pastries.
• The Port Signature wine bar at the Savannah Convention Center offering a curated selection of wines from around the world and light gourmet bites for networking and evening receptions.
• The Hangar Open-concept gathering space with industrial-inspired design and customizable layout, ideal for casual meetups, pop-up activations, or relaxed lounge-style events.
• Advertising and Branding Opportunities Event branding and advertising solutions including short-term advertising, event branding (banners, signage, column wraps, floor clings, wall graphics), and long-term corporate partnerships with naming entitlements and digital screen exposure; sold via The Superlative Group and Encore.
• Exhibitor Online Ordering (Utilities, Tech, Rigging, Catering) Web-based exhibitor ordering platform powered by Ungerboeck allowing trade show exhibitors to order electrical, water, compressed air, internet and phone (via CCLD Networks), rigging (via Encore), booth cleaning, and catering services with tiered advance pricing (Advanced Rate 31+ days, Standard Rate 7-30 days, Floor Rate 6+ days prior).
• On-site Parking (Surface Lot, Parking Garage, Metropolis System) On-site parking across 1,500 spaces including a 900-space parking garage ($20/entry) and surface lots ($10/entry), with overflow parking ($5/entry) and shuttle service on high-attendance days; uses Metropolis computer-vision pay-by-phone system launched February 8, 2025.
• On-site Amenities (Business Center, Wi-Fi, Charging) Attendee amenities including the Encore Business Center, wireless internet hotspots, and FuelRod mobile charging stations for portable device charging or swaps.
• Oglethorpe Auditorium 367-seat state-of-the-art auditorium with rear screen projection, audio/video line level in/out, RGB computer input, teleconferencing capability, audio simultaneous interpretation system with 2 interpreter booths, and built-in front projection screen.

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, strategic and minor.

• Hilton (Signia by Hilton)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 October 2025Hilton and Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority broke ground on the 444-room Signia by Hilton Savannah hotel expected to debut mid-2028. The hotel will serve as the Savannah Convention Center's headquarters property, directly connected to the convention center. Owned by SGCCA and developed in partnership with Georgia World Congress Center Authority, it marks the Signia brand's debut in Savannah with over 34,000 square feet of meeting space.
• Georgia World Congress Center AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Georgia World Congress Center Authority has managed the Savannah Convention Center since April 2014. GWCCA also owns and operates the Georgia World Congress Center and Centennial Olympic Park, and has oversight of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, forming the No. 1 convention, sports and entertainment destination in the world. GWCCA signed House Bill 525 into law in 2019 formalizing the Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority governance structure.
• Iron & Oak HospitalitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIron & Oak Hospitality is the exclusive food and beverage provider for the Savannah Convention Center. Led by Executive Chef Dustin Ricker, the award-winning culinary team specializes in Lowcountry traditions. General Manager Andrew Brailsford leads operations with over 25 years of food and beverage leadership experience.
• Encore Event TechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationEncore Event Technologies is the exclusive in-house audio/visual production contractor and rigging services provider for the Savannah Convention Center. With an office in the building, the team handles video, lighting, sound systems, rigging, and event branding including digital advertising, column wraps, floor clings, and wall graphics.
• CCLD NetworkscoreTechnology or IntegrationCCLD Networks is the exclusive partner providing exhibitors with high-speed Internet (Wi-Fi and ethernet), phone services, and technology infrastructure. Event Technology Manager Clint Jenkins represents the partnership on-site.
• The Superlative GroupstrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Superlative Group manages corporate partnerships and advertising relationships for the Savannah Convention Center. Director Jack Heidenthal handles corporate partnerships and development, offering customized packages including naming entitlements, digital screen exposure, web/social integration, activation opportunities, and community engagement.
• Visit SavannahstrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerVisit Savannah is a community partner providing destination marketing and tourism support. Works with the convention center to promote Savannah as a premier meeting and convention destination.
• Savannah Area Chamber of CommerceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner providing business networking and support for convention center events and initiatives.
• The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & SpastrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAdjacent luxury hotel property that serves as a key accommodation partner for convention center events. Located immediately adjacent to the facility on Hutchinson Island, providing convenient access for conference attendees.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Georgia World Congress Center: Operated by the same parent (Georgia World Congress Center Authority) in Atlanta. Directly comparable as a GWCCA-managed convention facility with large exhibit halls, ballrooms, and meeting rooms serving similar association and trade-show clients in the same Southeast region.
• Charleston Area Convention Center: Southeast destination convention center of similar scale competing for the same association, corporate, and tourism-driven event business in the Carolina/Georgia coastal corridor.
• Jacksonville Convention Center: Florida-based convention facility competing for Southeast association, sports, and trade-show events with a similar mix of exhibit halls and meeting rooms.
• Tampa Convention Center: Waterfront convention facility of comparable footprint serving conventions, trade shows, and consumer events in a competing warm-weather destination market.
• Charlotte Convention Center: Mid-sized convention center in the Carolinas hosting conventions, trade shows, and banquets with similar exhibit-hall-and-meeting-room configuration and competing for regional event planners.

Regional players

• Knoxville Convention Center: Mid-sized convention facility in the Southeast serving associations and corporate events; comparable size and use case though serving a different metro and tourism catchment.
• Cobb Galleria Centre: Suburban Atlanta convention and event complex competing for regional meetings and trade shows in the Georgia market; comparable meeting-room and ballroom configuration though smaller exhibit footprint.

Others

• Encore Event Technologies: Exclusive AV partner to SCC and a global event-technology services provider; comparable as an ecosystem participant in the broader convention-center value chain, though not a direct venue competitor.

Broad incumbents

• New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center: Large-scale destination convention center in the Gulf Coast region; competes for major conventions, trade shows, and sporting events in the same destination-event segment.
• Orange County Convention Center: One of the largest convention facilities in the U.S. (Orlando); competes for large national trade shows and conventions that might otherwise consider SCC, anchoring the broader convention-center competitive landscape.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/savconvcenter
• Facebookfacebook.com/SAVTCC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/savannah-convention-center
• Instagraminstagram.com/savtcc

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Savannah Convention Center