CHICAGO — Daniel (Dan) Graveline, retired Executive Director and CEO of the Georgia World Congress Center, died on Dec. 18 at 83 years old.
Graveline generated a significant impact in the hospitality community and the city of Atlanta overall, leading the Georgia World Congress Center as its first-ever Executive Director for 33 years — a role he was asked to serve in, in 1976.
Before heading up the Georgia World Congress Center, Graveline had started in the industry as an Assistant Director at the Indiana Convention Center, and then went on to work at the Los Angeles Convention Center as Assistant General Manager.
While at the Georgia World Congress Center, Graveline led the charge as he took the single-building convention center to new heights with three expansions, transforming it into a campus that features the Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Dome. Notably both of those projects required Graveline to showcase his ability to build consensus, problem-solve and balance multiple viewpoints and interests to bring the projects to life.
Through his servant leadership style and development prowess, the growth and innovation that Graveline brought to the facility helped position Atlanta as a world-class city to bring live events.
“The complex has become one of the largest in the U.S. It has hosted major events including Super Bowls and the 1996 Olympic Games. The development of Centennial Olympic Park helped spur other tourist attractions including the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and National Center for Civil and Human Rights,” states Amy Wenk’s story in the Atlanta Business Chronicle. “Graveline was also dealt challenging times, including the 1996 bombing of Centennial Olympic Park and a 2008 tornado that ripped through Downtown and cause $60 million of damage to the convention center.”
Graveline was also an active member in the Atlanta community, serving as an original board member for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation. He was a member of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), earning his CVE in 1978 and from 2006 to 2011 served as Chair of the Advisory Council – IAVM Foundation.
He retired from the Georgia World Congress Center in 2009, and passed the torch to Frank Poe, who retired at the end of 2024.
“Under Dan’s exceptional leadership, the Georgia World Congress Center evolved from a single-building convention center into a world-class campus, giving rise to the Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park. Through his humility, dedication, and lead-by-example approach, he set the stage for a period of growth and innovation that transformed Atlanta into one of the nation’s premier destinations, welcoming millions to our city. I was fortunate to work alongside Dan for several years, witnessing firsthand his remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. Atlanta will forever be grateful for his service and lasting impact on our community,” stated Kevin Duvall, CEO of Georgia World Congress Center Authority.
Statement from the Georgia World Congress Center Authority
Dan Graveline Memorial Video Courtesy of the GWCCA.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dan Graveline and honor his extraordinary life and legacy. Dan was the first Executive Director of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, serving in that position for an incredible 33 years from 1976 to 2009. His visionary leadership and dedication leave an enduring impact on the organization and all who knew him.
“Under Dan’s remarkable stewardship, the Georgia World Congress Center grew from a single building convention center into a world-class convention center campus that included the Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park. His vision and dedication laid the foundation for an era of growth and innovation that elevated Atlanta into one of the nation’s premiere destinations for live events, meetings, and entertainment that welcomed millions of people to our city.
“Beyond the physical landmarks, Dan’s leadership cultivated an entire generation of hospitality professionals whose influence and expertise continue to shape the industry today. His commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire those around him made an indelible impact on our city and its place on the global stage. His legacy is one of transformative leadership, boundless vision, and unwavering dedication to the growth and success of Atlanta. He will be deeply missed, but his contributions will continue to inspire for generations to come.
“Thank you, Dan. God speed.
Your GWCCA Family”
Obituary Excerpt
“Of all Dan’s accomplishments and accolades, the greatest was his family. To many he was known as a visionary and a transformative leader, but to his family, he was the Christmas Day chef renowned for his signature biscuits and gravy. He was an avid storyteller, with one-liners that could pack an unexpected punch. He was never without a smile, and his biggest smiles were reserved for his hour on Lake Lanier – he loved fishing, being out on the boat, and passing the day by the water,” reads his obituary.
“The true loves of his life were his wife, Susan, with whom he shared 43 beautiful years, and his daughter Alex, born in 1989. That kind of love can’t be properly articulated in words. It’s everlasting. It’s the kind of love that doesn’t end with death but carries on and lights our lives, even in the darkest of days.
“The next time you’re passing through downtown Atlanta, spare a thought for Dan Graveline. Or better yet, spare a thought for how you might extend a hand to lift someone else up, or share a friendly smile to brighten someone’s day and make our great city that much greater. That’s how Dan ‘the Man’ would have wanted it,” the obituary concludes.
