The Peach State is calling

By Kate Patay

Georgia spreads Southern hospitality far and wide across a gorgeous range of landscapes, from beautiful coastlines to dense forests. As one of the most biodiverse states in America, Georgia has even more to offer than you might expect. Whether it be the big-city, small-town feel of Decatur, the creative hub of Cobb County, the vibrant Southern gem that is Alpharetta or the international metropolis of Atlanta, Georgia has a place for you.

Fun Fact

The Atlanta Airport District is home to the world’s busiest airport, which makes it the perfect place to embark upon your Georgia adventure. Comprised of College Park, Hapeville and Union City, this district is full of culture, personality and history, and is also home to the Georgia International Convention Center, the second-largest convention center in the state (711,663 sq. ft. of meeting space).

 

5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love Georgia

Convenience: Atlanta hosts direct flights to 80% of the U.S. in less than two hours, but the travel ease doesn’t end there (or in Atlanta; the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport is another option, as are over 100 publicly owned, public-use airports). The state’s infrastructure includes four major interstates and more than 20,000 miles of federal and state highways.

Georgia World Congress Center exterior
Georgia World Congress Center

Culinary Experience: F&B offerings in Georgia don’t just satiate—they elevate. No matter how traditional the dish, chefs in Georgia are constantly evolving and adapting new dishes to suit demand, so while you can be sure to sample staples like biscuits or chicken and dumplings, you’ll also find plenty of ingenious delicacies.

Read More: New and Renovated: All Along the Eastern Coast

Year-Round Appeal: Georgia’s weather allows for year-round meetings no matter the season, and its ecological abundance means you’ll never be short on beautiful settings or thrilling adventures. Team-build by rushing down the Whitewater Express in Albany, going on a hike to Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville or any other number of activities available to those planning meetings in Georgia.

Sports & Entertainment: Whether it be its college and NFL football games, the Atlanta Open, the PGA Tour Championship or another major event, Georgia is the place for sports. The high-energy fan communities set the tone for your next team-building challenge, and there is no shortage of alternative entertainment options for those in search of music, art, culture and more.

Top-tier Venues: Whether your event is large or intimate, there is a place to host it in Georgia, such as the Georgia World Congress Center (1.5 million sq. ft. of exhibit space) located in downtown Atlanta, Jekyll Island’s Convention Center (up to 2,000 attendees and the only oceanfront convention center south of New Jersey) or The Classic Center in Athens with 373,000 sq. ft. of event space.

 

5 Unique Places to Meet

Chateau Elan meeting space
Chateau Elan, photo by Jaimieandkyleshootstock/Shutterstock.com

Chateau Elan: Located just north of Atlanta in Braselton, Chateau Elan offers meeting profs top-tier planning support and options. An award-winning winery, 10 restaurants and bars alongside activities such as hiking, golf and tennis provide no shortage of enjoyment. Additional benefits are the venue’s newly renovated conference center, on-site A/V manager, tiered auditorium and complimentary meeting planner command center.

300 guest rooms, 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

The Alida, Savannah, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel: Modern luxury meets Southern charm at this renowned venue, located on historic River Street in downtown Savannah. The contemporary feel is elevated through personalization—each room and suite has been custom-designed and features unique elements and artwork, thanks to a partnership with Savannah College of Art & Design.

173 guest rooms, 6,646 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Read More: Case Study: Overcoming Challenges at Loews Atlanta Hotel

Macon Marriott City Center interior

Macon Marriott City Center: Looking for big city amenities outside of Atlanta? Macon is home to the Edgar H. Wilson Convention Center (140,000 sq. ft. of meeting space). As the city’s only Three Diamond hotel, the elegant Macon Marriot City Center is located 14 miles from the Middle Georgia Regional Airport (MCN) and is fully outfitted with a fitness center and indoor pool.

220 guest rooms, 58,324 sq. ft. of meeting space.

The Starling Atlanta Midtown, Curio Collection by Hilton interior
The Starling Atlanta Midtown, Curio Collection by Hilton, photo by The Starling Atlanta Midtown, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Starling Atlanta Midtown, Curio Collection by Hilton: This venue aims to “rethink the urban experience in every sense.” Named a 2024 Top Cvent Meeting Hotel, The Starling opened in July 2022 and has steadily made a name for itself as one of Atlanta’s top options for meeting profs.

466 guest rooms, 33,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park lobby

Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park: Directly connected to the State Farm Arena and Georgia World Congress Center, this venue is a top choice in both quality and convenience. Skyline views, four hotel dining options with indoor and outdoor spaces, and a top-of-the-line fitness center make this a great option for attendees as well; the Omni Atlanta is also the closest hotel to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, making the transition to an off-site excursion easier than ever.

1,067 guest rooms, 94,101 sq. ft. of meeting space.

This article appears in the September 2024 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.