Metro Atlanta
AtlDistrict.com; @AtlDistrictCVB—Ten minutes from downtown Atlanta and a two-minute free ATL SkyTrain trip from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the ATL Airport District includes College Park, Hapeville, and Union City. Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) is the district’s main venue and the state’s second-largest convention center; the facility connects to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and contains 400,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Components include 150,000 square feet of exhibit space for 863 booths, 16,000 square feet of meeting space, and a 40,000-square-foot ballroom to host nearly 4,500 people. GICC is part of Gateway Center Campus, which also includes the 5,000-seat Gateway Center Arena and six hotels, including the 403-room Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway, which has more than 31,000 square feet of event space for up to 1,200 people. Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel, also on the campus, features 204 guest rooms and 12,801 square feet of event space for a capacity of 360. Other hotels in the district include the 510-room Hilton Atlanta Airport, which contains 34,000 square feet of event space and seats up to 800 in its largest space.
Mercedes Miller, president of ATL Airport District CVB, says her team is working hard to show planners the many benefits of hosting their events close to the airport. “The ATL Airport District team is committed to creating the most accessible, customer-focused convention, meeting, and visitor destination in the United States,” she says.
To enhance planners’ experience, Miller’s team recently launched a 360-degree virtual tour of the destination. “This tool provides an extensive view of the District’s facilities and attractions remotely, enabling planners to make well-informed decisions and enhancing customer satisfaction,” she says.
Several group-friendly attractions and activities are available in the district, including the historic College Park Golf Course, built in 1929 and featuring nine holes, a driving range, putting greens, a pro shop, and a 2,000-square-foot event venue. The Porsche Experience Center and Delta Flight Museum both feature high-tech simulators—“driving” a Porsche for one and a Boeing 737 for the other—and offer rentable space for receptions, meetings, and other events.
“Plane spotting” has become a popular pastime at area restaurants. The boutique Kimpton Overland Atlanta Airport’s Rooftop at The Overland offers outstanding views of airport activities, along with a menu of small plates and cocktails. The casual, cafeteria-style Airport View Restaurant, a popular spot for locals and Delta Airlines employees, serves Southern comfort food, such as crispy fried chicken and meatloaf. Visitors can grab a window seat in the dining room to enjoy views of airplanes taking off from the runway across the street.
Other district restaurants with prime flight path viewing—and some with event space— include College Park’s Nouveau Bar & Grill, Aye Tea Elle Elevated Tapas, Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles, Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar, and The Real Milk & Honey.
