Spotlight On: Yanous Barner, Interim Executive Director, Georgia International Convention Center
July 2025 — In an interview with Focus:, Yanous Barner, Interim Executive Director at the Georgia International Convention Center, Gateway Center Arena and the Historic College Park Golf Course discussed milestone events, rising demand for women’s sports, strategic partnerships, and adapting to economic shifts. “The goal is to understand what clients truly need and deliver it in a way that’s both effective and economical.”
What have been the key milestones for both the center and the arena over the past year?
One major milestone at the Georgia International Convention Center has been the significant growth in cheerleading events. In previous years, we typically hosted eight or nine groups annually. This year, we’ve already welcomed 15, and the year isn’t over yet. One event, Southern Volleyball alone, brought in 222 teams and about 30,000 attendees over a weekend. That’s been a huge highlight for us.
Another notable achievement is at the Gateway Center Arena, which has held the top spot as the No. 1 sports venue for the past three years. This ranking is based on evaluations by visiting teams — not our own — who assess factors like cleanliness, security, ease of access, and crowd flow. Competing against 28 major venues, including prominent arenas like State Farm, and earning the top spot through peer votes is a tremendous honor.
We’ve also made strong progress at the historic golf course under our management. We recently added a PGA Golf Pro to enhance the experience for guests. These have been some of the standout highlights of the year.
What trends are shaping demand for your venues?
Technology is leading the way. Digital tools and AI have transformed the meeting experience. One growing trend is hybrid-style meetings, where attendees connect virtually while others are gathered in a single onsite room, allowing more flexible and efficient use of space.
Food customization is another major trend. Our menus now cater to a variety of dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. But it’s not just about dietary restrictions; we create themed, engaging food experiences that resonate with clients. This focus on health-conscious dining is influencing not only conferences but also sporting events, where plant-based options like vegan burgers are beginning to replace traditional fare.
We’re also seeing a significant surge in women’s sports. At Gateway Center, we’ve hosted teams like the Atlanta Dream, College Park Skyhawks, LOVB ATL, the professional women’s volleyball team. Youth sports, particularly volleyball, have also taken off. Parents follow their children to events, which drives foot traffic and boosts food and beverage sales throughout the venue.
Another exciting initiative this year is our in-house production of a talent show, which is a departure from our usual model of hiring external producers. Early signups have been overwhelming, giving the show a feel reminiscent of “American Idol.”
How are you adapting to today’s economic conditions?
In a fluctuating economy, our strategy is centered on long-term relationships. We’ve maintained strong partnerships with organizations like the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, the ATL Airport District CVB, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
During past downturns, especially during COVID, we quickly adapted. We introduced specialized menus, hosted outdoor concerts, and organized food giveaways. That period taught us to be nimble and responsive.
We continue that approach today by offering inclusive pricing packages. These bundles incorporate facility fees and incidentals, helping clients stay within budget without compromising on quality. The goal is to understand what clients truly need and deliver it in a way that’s both effective and economical.
How do your location and partnerships contribute to your overall success?
Our location is a major asset. We’re just two minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and directly connected by the SkyTrain to the Gateway Campus, which currently includes five hotels, with a sixth under development.
Strategic partnerships also play a critical role. We collaborate with the ATL Airport District CVB, Main Street, the Atlanta CVB, and major brands like the Atlanta Dream, College Park Skyhawks, LOVB ATL, Varsity Spirit, Delta, and Chick-fil-A. These relationships contribute significantly to the region’s economic impact.
Hotel occupancy is around 97%, thanks in large part to ACVB’s efforts to attract business to College Park. We’re also enhancing connectivity with a pedestrian bridge over Camp Creek Parkway that will link directly to downtown Main Street, making restaurants and shops more accessible without a car.
We’ve also partnered with transportation companies to improve access to the airport and the golf course. Through our collaboration with Marriott, guests receive complimentary perks like golf lessons or game tickets, enriching their overall stay.
Golf has become another growth area. With the help of our golf pro, we’re working with youth programs and hosting an increasing number of tournaments — six so far, with more scheduled. At eight, we may have to reassess our capacity.
What are your priorities as you plan for future growth?
Our top priority is to navigate the current economic landscape while continuing to grow through partnerships and strategic expansion. At Gateway Arena, we’re deepening our relationships with sports organizations and are in discussions with AEW, a major wrestling group, to host three annual events.
We’re also planning to expand our golf course. Right now, it’s a nine-hole layout, but rising demand is prompting us to explore growth. One initiative, “$10 Wednesdays,” has been so successful that we’re considering raising the price to gauge interest and capacity.
Looking ahead, we anticipate increasing our annual budget by $2 million to $3 million, reflecting the strong momentum we’re seeing across our operations.
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