A destination with open arms
Atlanta is a vibrant, warm and welcoming city in the heart of the South, which makes it a strong contender for meetings and events, whether you’re bringing in attendees from all over the country, or the world, to experience all it has to offer, or organizing a gathering of regional teams.
No matter whether you’re bringing together a small group and looking forward to enjoying five-star dining, or putting together a massive citywide, the options available to leave attendees talking about your event long after its conclusion are endless.
I had never been to Atlanta before, but upon my flight back home, I was beyond impressed, and ready to book a trip back!
Meet & Stay
Atlanta Marriott Marquis is an iconic 52-story hotel located in the heart of Atlanta’s downtown. Its distinctive atrium structure caught my eye right away, and riding the glass elevator up to my guest room was as enthralling as you could imagine. Its distinctive structure has made it a popular site for film as well. Catch glimpses of it in Marvel’s “Loki” series and in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” It offers 1,600 modern guest rooms, making it one of the largest hotels in the South. It also offers over 160,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space.
Read More: Case Study: Overcoming Challenges at Loews Atlanta Hotel
Upon a stroll through the skybridge and The Hub at Peachtree Center, I found myself inside The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta, without ever stepping outside. Another iconic building, it towers 73 stories above downtown. It offers 1,073 guest rooms and 80,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
A trip up to north Atlanta took me to the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center. Another jaw-dropping atrium hotel, ample natural light from the skylight above gives the space an airy feel. The property offers 522 guest rooms and 66,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Its direct connection to Cobb Galleria Centre makes an additional 140,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space available; plus, a renovation beginning September 2025 and concluding by fall 2027 will transform Cobb Galleria Centre to include a new junior ballroom, an outdoor courtyard, a satellite kitchen and a total of 11 large meeting rooms.
Eat
Let’s circle back to The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta—I hope you’re not afraid of heights! The 73-story structure capitalizes on its towering height with an external glass elevator that can transport guests up to its top floor, where they’ll find The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View. (Side note: If heights do bother anyone, there’s also an internal elevator available.) The 360-degree space offers an observation deck, complete with signage pointing out must-see landmarks, a newly renovated rotating bar and a bespoke restaurant offering up some of the finest dining you’ll find in the city.
If you prefer to stay on the ground, stunning views alongside your meal are just as ample at Rays on the River. The restaurant feels like stepping into a cozy cabin, where floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the Chattahoochee River. Whether you sit down for a meal or host an event, your group will be sure to enjoy the award-winning wine list alongside decadent steak and seafood.
Experience
Atlanta has long been hailed as one of the great Southern cities of the US, and the abundance of entertainment and experiential opportunities serves as a testament. The city is home to the largest aquarium in the United States, and yes, The Georgia Aquarium can most definitely host your event, with buyouts available for up to 5,000 people. It becomes even more enticing upon finding out that Wolfgang Puck is its exclusive caterer. Right around the corner from the aquarium, there are plenty more must-explore museums, including The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, World of Coca-Cola and College Football Hall of Fame.
Venture just beyond the Georgia World Congress Center to find Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The iconic building is the perfect site for an awe-inspiring event, whether you choose to take over the 85,000-square-foot playing field or get fancy in the Mercedes-Benz, Truist or Delta Sky360 Club. Step outside to find yourself on the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame.
This article appears in the January/February 2025 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
