DeKalb Convention Center Study
The development of a DeKalb County Convention Center is much needed and will have a lasting effect on tourism and the economic viability of DeKalb. For decades, DeKalb County Schools have been forced to hold graduation ceremonies outside DeKlb County, due to a lack of a facility with the capacity to facilitate graduation services.
Annually, millions of dollars in food, entertainment, tourism and lodging pass DeKalb due to our lack of ability to compete with surrounding municipalities for conferences. To move DeKalb forward, I provided the necessary funding to Discover DeKalb to conduct the foundational research study necessary to sphere-head the develop of a Convention Center Campus.
Discover DeKalb has retained C.H. Johnson Consulting, Inc. to engage in comprehensive market analysis for the feasibility of a new Convention Center Campus, which may include a Convention/Conference Center, Performing Arts Center, hotels and office space. Johnson Consulting will be joined by T.V.S. Design, an architecture and design firm based out of Atlanta, for the assignment.
C.H. Johnson Consulting will utilize proven methodologies for preparing market demand and financial analysis to empower stakeholders to make informed decisions based on the opportunities within the marketplace. Upon completion of the study, Discover DeKalb is expected to have a clear understanding of the risks and rewards of a convention facility development strategy that will generate the greatest return on investment and economic impact for the region and its residents. The development of a Convention/Conference Center in DeKalb County is long overdue and I look forward to sharing the study recommendations in January 2022.