by Li Jackson, Exhibit City News
Grateful for the opportunity to spend a few days with fellow media groups from around the country learning about what Atlanta has to offer. Growing up in Nashville, Tennessee we used to go to Atlanta on weekends to “party” during my college days. I thought I knew Atlanta, but wow, is it so much more!
Day 1:
- Breakfast at Sear in Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Then off to Georgia Aquarium to explore meeting spaces. Located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium’s extraordinary Oceans Ballroom event venue is designed to house private events that make a serious splash. With up to 23,000 square feet of flexible space, Oceans Ballroom can be tailored to suit clients’ specific event needs. I personally have produced an event here for a former client, and I can attest that it was a win based on attendees’ feedback. We used the large screens for twitter feed, the balcony for a DJ, step & repeats at strategic locations, photo booths, and other fun activations throughout the floor for about 600 guests. The food and atmosphere were perfect! Guests even had the opportunity to explore the aquarium at their own leisure.
- Next up is the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. This beautiful Center offers flexible event spaces designed to accommodate any type of virtual or live event. From diversity and inclusion training, panel discussions and board meetings to intimate and large format gatherings. The Center provides experiences unlike any other. Everyone should experience what this Center has to offer. It is educational, emotional, thoughtful, and historic. I hope it leaves everyone with a better understanding and respect of those that paved the way for our freedom at cost.
- Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria is nearby and a short walk to enjoy lunch. Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria has the only genuine coal-burning oven in Georgia, enabling the restaurant to serve authentic New York style pizza. My favorite was the mushroom and basil. Then it is a short walk to Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. With more than 50,000 square feet of meeting space, Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame offers a variety of options for events of all sizes and types from intimate formal gatherings to large tailgate-style receptions. We even had a chance to participate in the football, running, and broadcasting interactives.
- Transportation was waiting next to take us to tour South Downtown. Newport RE has invested more than $100 million in the purchase of 48 historic buildings in South Downtown. This $100 million project aims to revive 48 historic buildings into retail shops, office space and loft apartments while improving walkability. I love the historic feel of the neighborhood.
- Next stop is the Optimist for dinner. Ford Fry’s The Optimist brings a seaside fish camp experience to Atlantans. From fresh oysters from the Alabama coast and Maine sea scallops to whole roasted Georgia trout, guests enjoy high-quality, sustainable seafood from the country’s best suppliers. Of course, we had to taste the oysters, and I had the branzino – it was quite delicious. 
Day 2:
- We started early with breakfast at West Egg Cafe in preparation for the live hard hat construction tour site of Signia by Hilton Atlanta. Located on Georgia World Congress Center’s campus, Signia by Hilton Atlanta will open January 2024 with 975 guest rooms. The convention center hotel will offer both meeting planners and travelers an elevated experience—from chef driven restaurants to more than 70,000 square feet of event space. It is quite impressive. I cannot wait to be back for the grand opening. Thank you to the Signia team for your hospitality and swags.
- Continuing the tour, we walked to the adjacent Georgia World Congress Center and explore exhibit halls and meeting spaces. Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) is the world’s largest LEED certified convention center. Consisting of three interconnected buildings, GWCC features 1.5 million square feet of prime exhibit space.
- They even have bee-hives on site creating a buzz on GWCCA campus, and we each left with a jar of GWCC honey. It is the organization’s first-ever beehives on their downtown Atlanta campus. Located in the grassy pocket park on the southwest corner of Northside Drive and Boone Boulevard, three new hives were introduced to Authority team members and media amidst activities such as honey tastings, a do-it-yourself pollinator kit station, and an opportunity to meet the beekeepers from Bee Downtown, a North Carolina-based company focused on revitalizing bee populations in urban environments. Read more HERE .
- Lunch is next at the No Mas! Cantina followed by a tour of the home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’ Atlanta United FC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a world-class sports and entertainment facility. With more than 20 different event rooms and unmatched event space, Mercedes-Benz Stadium provides premium amenities, fully customizable experiences and state-of-the-art technology that transforms events into an unforgettable experience. Impressive meeting spaces including the opportunity for executives to experience an intimate group dining experience in the locker room.
- Next stop is the Home Depot Backyard, an 11-acre greenspace located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, next door to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Home Depot Backyard offers a broad spectrum of gatherings for all audiences such as corporate events, field days, festivals and tailgating opportunities for Atlanta United FC and Atlanta Falcons fans. This would also be good for concerts in the spring or fall. It’s a nice open space with great surroundings, not too big and not too small.
- Not far from the stadium, grab a drink at Wild Leap Atlanta in Centennial Yards, a neighborhood that’s expected to transform underutilized property in the heart of downtown Atlanta into residential units, retail shops, restaurants and boutique hotels. As a finale, we ate at Kevin Rathbun Steakhouse. It is a feast for the senses. The thoughtful menu ranges from ultra-fresh seafood, prime Allen Brothers steaks cooked to perfection, creative signature entrees and decadent sides. Built in a refurbished industrial space in Inman Park, the dining room boasts soaring ceilings, cozy tables and walls adorned with dynamic art. Of course, we opted for the bone-in ribeye and filets, with a side of mushroom, creamy spinach, and asparagus. It was quite tasty to say the least.
Day 3:
- Breakfast was served at Mrs. P’s Bar and Kitchen located in the Wylie Hotel. Mrs. P’s Bar and Kitchen includes a Southern-inspired menu serving local favorites and seasonal dishes with beverages to delight each palette.
- Short walk to Ponce City Market, situated along Atlanta BeltLine, Ponce City Market is the hub between Atlanta’s most popular intown neighborhoods. Housed in the fully renovated 1925 Sears, Roebuck & Company building, this urban market features a central food hall,
leading retail brands, living and working spaces. Loved this area. Great shopping and eats. I even bough a couple of things for the TLC concert, taking place later in the evening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as the opening event for the ASAE convention.
Interview with Mark Vaughn, EVP and CSO, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Q: What would you like people to know about Atlanta?
A: Atlanta is a city that will continue to reinvent itself. You can see that the campus here at the convention center is expanding. New hotels, new restaurants, and places for people to entertain their audiences in a very compact area. Which I think is pretty unique and will continue to evolve. Highlighted by the Centennial Yards which will be a sedation to the congress center. As well as the 975-room Signia Hotel by Hilton that’s connected to the congress center, and in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Tour. 13,000 rooms are currently available within a 1-mile radius of the congress center. 100,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall BC connects Buildings B and C of the Georgia World Congress Center, creating more than 1 million square feet of contiguous exhibition space (nearly 1.5M GSF overall).
Q: How critical are conventions like ASAE in bringing tradeshows and events to Atlanta?
A: ASAE is critical for the association segment; however, it’s three-fold. We want to have conversations with new people, build existing relationships, and continue relationships for those that may want to do business here in Atlanta due to the additions like Centennial Yards, Signia, or South Downtown. Corporate clients and larger conventions are always looking years ahead, and unlike IMEX, appointments are not needed at ASAE.
Q: What is the plan for the airport in preparation for FIFA World Cup?
A: “We’re positioned well from an international standpoint. Atlanta is a big business hub,” and home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest and most efficient airport in the world. With nonstop service to more than 150 domestic and 78 international destinations, Hartsfield-Jackson makes it easy for fans from all over the globe to access Atlanta. Whether you are flying from hundreds of miles away or road-tripping to the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches hosted in Atlanta, find a hotel that feels like home in one of our diverse neighborhoods. Getting around the city is easy and accessible. Note: “Monday is usually the busiest day to fly into Atlanta,” says Mark. Read more HERE
Q: What is Atlanta known for?
A: Atlanta is a tremendous B2B city. Home to 17 Fortune 500 Headquarters. A lot of assets to draw from here, like medical, and sprinkle in the entertainment, culture, and a growing Michelin foodie scene. Industry is very healthy here. Remember our four pillars: A City of Opportunity for All; One Safe City; A City Built for the Future; and Effective & Ethical Government. We welcome you to Eat, Sleep, and Meet in Atlanta. Mark adds, “Atlanta will continue to evolve. We’ve been evolving for years. Things are happening now, and things will be happening in the future.”
About ACVB
Established in 1913, the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the city and serves to favorably impact Atlanta’s economy through conventions and tourism. A private, not-for-profit organization, ACVB bolsters Atlanta’s $16 billion hospitality industry, which generated an estimated 57 million visitors in 2019. Learn more HERE .
Thank you to the executive team at ACVB for your hospitality. And thank you, Logan Doctson, Specialist, Public Relations, at Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, for giving us the red carpet treatment. You thought of everything! We are impressed with Atlanta!
