MGA’s Hatcher Conference Center Achieves Top Standard for Client-Friendly Event Planning

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Friday, September 26, 2025 12:00 AM
Categories: Students | School of Business | School of Arts and Letters | Pressroom | School of Computing | School of Education and Behavioral Sciences | School of Aviation | Events- Public | Faculty/Staff | School of Health and Natural Sciences

Macon, GA

Middle Georgia State University’s Robert F. Hatcher, Sr., Conference Center has earned One-Stop Shop Certification from the Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors-International, placing it among a select group of collegiate facilities in Georgia and across the nation. 

The One-Stop Shop Certification program of the association (referred to as ACCED-I) identifies collegiate operations that provide meeting planners with streamlined coordination, which is designed to mirror the service level of convention centers and hotels. Certified institutions commit to “one contact, one contract, and one bill,” ensuring clients can easily access and manage all event services through a single point of connection. 

“Achieving this certification shows our commitment to providing the highest standard of service,” said Melanie Union, director of Conferences and Events at Middle Georgia State (MGA). “Event planners can be confident that the Hatcher Conference Center will provide them with a seamless, professional experience from start to finish.” 

One of MGA’s most frequented facilities, Hatcher Conference Center draws more than 31,500 visitors annually across an average of 475 hosted events. Since its opening in 2010, the Center has hosted more than 870 groups, 2,900 events, and 187,700 guests, attracting organizations from across Georgia and the southeastern U.S. 

Through MGA’s Department of Auxiliary Services, which oversees the Office of Conferences and Events, the Center helps fulfill the University’s mission of public service by offering professional development opportunities and providing conference services to businesses, nonprofit organizations, state agencies, educational institutions, and community groups. 

With the new certification, Hatcher Conference Center joins three other Georgia institutions recognized by the international association: Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State University, and Young Harris College. 

To achieve certification, the Hatcher Conference Center completed a rigorous process that included documentation of proposals, contracts, invoices, and marketing materials demonstrating compliance with One-Stop Shop principles, along with strong client references. 

Dr. Tyrone Smiley, executive director of MGA’s Department of Auxiliary Services, said the Center strengthened the case for certification through the University’s adoption of the 25Live platform to accept reservations, process contracts, issue invoices and manage space on campuses. 

“We’ve been using 25Live for external clients and guests, but we are about to open it up for the MGA community – students, faculty, and staff – to reserve spaces for campus events and programs,” he said.  

ACCED-I was founded in 1980 and currently has a membership of over 1,100 members from more than 300 colleges and universities in North America, Europe, and Asia. ACCED-I is the only independent educational association dedicated to professional growth and development in the collegiate conference and events profession. 

MGA is a leading public university in Georgia, committed to offering high-quality educational opportunities and fostering an engaged and welcoming community. The best value state university in the University System of Georgia, MGA serves 8,800+ students on campuses in Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins, and online. The University offers 70+ areas of study and degrees at the doctorate, master's, and bachelor's levels, along with select career-oriented associate's degrees and certificates.