The Savannah Convention Center is the premier event destination of the American South, situated on the banks of the Savannah River on Hutchinson Island in Savannah, Georgia. Originally opened in 2000 and managed by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority since 2014, the center recently completed a transformative $276 million expansion in early 2025 — doubling its exhibit space, adding a grand new ballroom, and expanding its total footprint to 660,000 square feet. The expansion elevated the facility from the 160th largest convention center in the United States to the 75th largest by prime exhibit space, putting it in direct competition with major markets like Tampa and Nashville. LEED Gold certified and graced with spectacular waterfront views, the Savannah Convention Center combines world-class event infrastructure with the unmatched charm of one of America’s most beautiful and historically rich cities.
Savannah Convention Center Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Savannah Convention Center |
| Address | 1 International Drive, Savannah, GA 31402 |
| Location | Hutchinson Island, Savannah, Georgia |
| Total Facility Space | 660,000 sq ft |
| Exhibit Hall Space | 200,000 sq ft (4 divisible halls) |
| Ballrooms | 40,000 sq ft (Governor’s) + 25,000 sq ft (existing) |
| Meeting Rooms | 27 meeting rooms + 5 executive boardrooms |
| Auditorium | 367-seat state-of-the-art auditorium |
| Nearest Airport | Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) (~12 miles) |
| Parking | 1,500 spaces (including new 900-space garage) |
| Website | savconventioncenter.com |
Location and Accessibility
The Savannah Convention Center is located at 1 International Drive, Savannah, GA 31402, on Hutchinson Island — a slender island in the Savannah River directly across from Savannah’s world-renowned Historic District. The facility’s riverfront position delivers sweeping views of the water and the city skyline, creating one of the most scenic arrival experiences of any convention venue in the country.
The nearest airport is Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), approximately 12 miles from the convention center. SAV offers more than a dozen direct flights from major US cities daily, making it a convenient gateway for out-of-town attendees. The center is also accessible from across the Southeast via Interstate 95 and Interstate 16, the two major interstates serving the Savannah region, and via Amtrak for those traveling by rail.
One of the most unique and beloved features of the Savannah Convention Center is its connection to the Historic District via the Savannah Belles Ferry — a complimentary hybrid-electric water ferry service running a triangle route between the convention center, the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, and the south end of River Street. This scenic water transit not only solves the logistical challenge of crossing the river but delivers a genuinely memorable arrival experience for attendees. For qualifying groups, Visit Savannah also coordinates dedicated transportation packages to move attendees efficiently between convention hotels and the facility.
On-site, guests have access to 1,500 parking spaces, including a brand-new 900-space parking garage featuring a frictionless, pay-by-phone system with computer vision technology for checkout-free payments. The adjacent Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa offers 440+ rooms with direct access to the convention center, and a 444-room Signia by Hilton Savannah is currently in development next door, set to debut in mid-2028.
Facilities and Event Spaces
Following its $276 million expansion completed in February 2025, the Savannah Convention Center now offers one of the most comprehensive facility portfolios in the southeastern United States.
1. Exhibit Halls
The convention center’s 200,000-square-foot exhibit hall is organized into four divisible halls of roughly 50,000 square feet each, providing exceptional flexibility for events of varying scales. The exhibit hall features a dramatic 58-foot-wide hangar door, a floor load capacity of 350 lbs per square foot, exhibit entry doors measuring 30 x 16 feet, and a 35-foot ceiling height. The hall can accommodate up to 9,669 in theater-style seating or 6,220 for banquets, and serves as the backbone for the region’s largest trade shows and consumer expos.
2. Ballrooms
The expansion introduced the stunning Governor’s Ballroom — a 40,000-square-foot space with panoramic views of the Savannah River, designed for grand galas, award banquets, and large plenary sessions. This complements the existing 25,000-square-foot ballroom, giving planners two distinct ballroom options totaling 65,000 square feet of combined elegant event space.
3. Meeting Rooms and Boardrooms
The center offers 27 meeting rooms and 5 executive boardrooms, with a total of over 330,000 square feet of prime meeting space across the full facility. The expansion added 15 new state-of-the-art meeting rooms and 32 customizable breakout rooms, providing unmatched flexibility for multi-track conference programs and corporate retreats of all sizes.
4. Auditorium
The 367-seat state-of-the-art auditorium serves keynote presentations, educational sessions, film screenings, and intimate performances, rounding out a comprehensive event space portfolio.
Sustainability and Technology
The Savannah Convention Center holds a LEED Gold certification, reflecting its commitment to green building practices and energy efficiency. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the pre-function areas bring in abundant natural light and showcase the riverfront scenery. The facility features a new all-glass façade entry, curated local artwork throughout public spaces, Zoom rooms for hybrid meetings, three on-site dining outlets including Savannah Bean coffee concept, advanced audiovisual systems, compressed air, closed-circuit TV, high-power electrical outlets, elevators, escalators, and full ADA-accessible infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where is the Savannah Convention Center located?
A: The center is at 1 International Drive, Savannah, GA 31402, on Hutchinson Island along the Savannah River, directly across from the Historic District.
Q. How far is the nearest airport?
A: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is approximately 12 miles away, offering daily direct flights from major US cities. The center is also accessible via I-95, I-16, and Amtrak.
Q. How do attendees get from the Historic District to the convention center?
A: The complimentary Savannah Belles Ferry operates a scenic water route between the convention center, the Westin Savannah Harbor, and River Street in the Historic District, providing a free and uniquely memorable way to cross the river.
Q. How much parking is available?
A: The convention center offers 1,500 total parking spaces on-site, including a new 900-space parking garage with frictionless, checkout-free payment technology via Metropolis Parking.
Q. What hotels are adjacent to the convention center?
A: The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa with 440+ rooms is directly adjacent and connected to the facility. A 444-room Signia by Hilton Savannah is also under development next door, expected to open in mid-2028. Additional hotels in the Historic District are accessible via the Belles Ferry.
Q. Is the convention center LEED certified?
A: Yes. The Savannah Convention Center holds a LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, recognizing its energy-efficient design and sustainable operations.
Q. How do I book the Savannah Convention Center?
A: Contact the Savannah Convention Center at (912) 447-4000 or visit savconventioncenter.com to submit an inquiry. Visit Savannah’s convention sales team can also be reached through visitsavannah.com for destination-wide event planning support.
