After 11 remarkable years leading the ATL Airport District Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and nearly 50 years of driving growth and innovation in the hospitality and tourism industries, Cookie Smoak is retiring as president, leaving behind an enduring legacy of excellence. Throughout her
Read MoreThe Breakout Blog
Welcome to The Breakout, ATL Airport District’s newest blog designed to provide timely insights on meetings, trade shows, and conventions. Our sessions will offer intimate details on industry-related news, trends, tips and tricks, and will of course highlight the District. We offer thoughtful information and expertise to planners and, as area experts, we are your one-stop shop for your next event.
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The Breakout Blog Posts
Q&A with Cookie Smoak: Reflecting on 11 Years as President of the ATL Airport District
on Sep. 30, 2024 in CVB Insider
After 11 remarkable years leading the ATL Airport District Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and nearly 50 years of driving growth and innovat...
Read MoreMeet, Wine, and Dine: Food & Drink Options Near The Georgia International Convention Center
on Sep. 04, 2024 in Meetings & Events
Meeting planners, foodies, and beer geeks rejoice! The ATL Airport District is Atlanta's culinary corridor, serving up a mouth-watering mix of Sou...
Read MoreATL SkyTrain Convenience: Direct Routes to Convention-Adjacent Accommodations
on Jul. 15, 2024 in Meetings & Events
Imagine your attendees deplaning, then effortlessly reaching their meeting venue or hotel within minutes on a free (and hassle-free) automated people ...
Read MoreThe ATL Airport District's Stars of the Lodging Industry 2024
on Jun. 26, 2024 in CVB Insider
On May 21, 2024, the Signia by Hilton Hotel in downtown Atlanta became the vibrant setting for the Georgia Hospitality and Lodging Association's (...
Read MoreEvent Recap: Child Development Schools Annual Leadership Conference
on Jun. 25, 2024 in Meetings & Events
Planning a memorable meeting or conference goes beyond securing a venue—it's about creating experiences that leave a lasting impact on your ...
Read MoreStay Healthy While Meeting in the ATL Airport District
on Jun. 20, 2024 in Meetings & Events
The hustle and bustle of business travel can often disrupt our carefully curated health and wellness routines. Whether you're a seasoned traveler ...
Read MoreElevating Conference Planning with the ATL Airport District CVB: Jenny Cope’s Success Story
on Jun. 11, 2024 in CVB Insider
Jenny Cope, co-owner of First & Main, a charming wedding and event venue near Raleigh, NC, isn't your typical meeting planner, but she knows h...
Read MoreUnmissable Appeal: The ATL Airport District Is A Top Choice for Association Groups
on Apr. 25, 2024 in CVB Insider
A unique destination comprised of three cities between Atlanta’s buzzing downtown and the world's most efficient airport is alread...
Read MoreTodd Neal Recaps the NCBMP 2023 Annual Meeting
on Feb. 28, 2024 in Meetings & Events
Back in December of 2023, the ATL Airport District's Sr. Sales Manager, Todd Neal, attended the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals ...
Read MoreMemorable Team Outings in the ATL Airport District
on Feb. 21, 2024 in Meetings & Events
For a team-building experience that truly inspires connection instead of eye rolls (nobody likes forced fun), check out the array of diverse ente...
Read MoreTop Venues for Micro-Events in The District
on Feb. 02, 2024 in Meetings & Events
Located between Atlanta's bustling downtown and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the ATL Airport District offers unparallele...
Read MoreVoluntourism in the ATL Airport District
on Jan. 24, 2024 in Meetings & Events
Want to make a difference while meeting in the ATL Airport District? It’s easy. We welcome your group to take advantage of our volunteering and ...
Read MoreWhat’s New, Now and Next: ATL Airport District Meetings
on Jan. 12, 2024 in CVB Insider
When meeting and gathering in the ATL Airport District, groups can expect a whole lot of new! With upcoming developments, renovations, and recently op...
Read MoreThe ATL Airport District Shines at the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association Awards
on Nov. 30, 2023 in CVB Insider
On November 29, 2023, hundreds of hotelier professionals gathered for the Georgia Hospitality and Lodging Association's (GHLA) Hosp...
Read MoreInclusivity Defines Meetings in the ATL Airport District
on Oct. 11, 2023
In the ATL Airport District, diversity and inclusivity aren’t trends; they’re our strengths for exceptionally welcoming meetings and conve...
Read MoreCelebrating Culinary Excellence: Proof of the Pudding @GICC Team Shines at Corporate Awards Dinner
on Sep. 21, 2023 in Meetings & Events
This summer, Proof of the Pudding held its annual Leadership Awards Conference at the Gas South District to recognize its dedicated and talented culin...
Read MoreQ&A with Maria Lee-Driver, Founder of O Zone International Pet Expo
on Sep. 06, 2023 in Meetings & Events
Pet enthusiasts recently gathered at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) to celebrate and admire a wide range of pets, from furry anima...
Read More'Wheels Down. Speed Up.' at the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta
on Aug. 23, 2023 in Trade Show Spotlight
Atlanta was the proud host of ASAE’s 2023 Annual Meeting and Exposition earlier this month, and it was one for the books! Over 5,000 meeting pla...
Read MoreQ&A with Taliah Waajid, Founder of the World Natural Hair, Health & Beauty Show
on Jul. 10, 2023 in Meetings & Events
The World Natural Hair, Health & Beauty Show returned to the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) in April, marking its highly anticipat...
Read More3 Days. 1 Destination. Countless Options for Planners.
on May. 08, 2023 in CVB Insider
With so many great places for groups to meet, stay and play in the ATL Airport District, there's no time to lose. Get inspired and grab ideas for ...
Read MoreTop Spots to Dine & Drink With Your Meeting Group in the District
on Mar. 01, 2023 in Meetings & Events
The ATL Airport District is not only your gateway to great meetings, but also your gateway to great restaurants and bars. From true Southern-style sou...
Read MoreNavigating the 360 Tool: A Customizable and Immersive Tour of the ATL Airport District
on Feb. 28, 2023 in CVB Insider
Explore the ATL Airport District from anywhere when planning your next meeting on the southside of Atlanta with a 360-degree virtual tour of the desti...
Read MoreHOW TO UTILIZE YOUR CVB SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO THE FULLEST
on Nov. 29, 2022 in CVB Insider
After signing a contract with your preferred hotel and/or convention center, the next step is to contact the Convention Center Director at your CVB. F...
Read MoreHOW DO MEETING, EVENT PLANNERS WORK WITH A CVB? – SALES
on Oct. 02, 2022 in CVB Insider
When planning an event, it's important to have a team dedicated to providing exceptional customer service throughout the entire process, from book...
Read MoreTRADESHOW SPOTLIGHT: RECAP SUMMER 2022 TRADESHOWS IN THE ATL AIRPORT DISTRICT
on Sep. 07, 2022 in Trade Show Spotlight
Our Sales Manager, Tyler Runyon, shared a recap with highlights from the tradeshows he attended over the past few months. Below, Tyler shares the bene...
Read MoreWalkable Spots in the District
on Jul. 05, 2022 in CVB Insider
One of the many distinguishing factors that sets the ATL Airport District apart from other meeting destinations is its accessibility. Visitors can eas...
Read More5 Reasons to Meet in the ATL Airport District
on Mar. 14, 2022 in Industry Insights
Nestled between bustling downtown Atlanta and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the ATL Airport District is one of the most connec...
Read MoreUSA Gymnastics Level 9 Eastern Championships
on Jun. 04, 2021 in Meetings & Events
Earlier last month, the ATL Airport District welcomed the USA Gymnastics Level 9 Eastern Championships to the Georgia International Convention Center ...
Read MoreTradeshow Spotlight: Mid-Atlantic Region Smart Meetings 2021
on May. 12, 2021 in Trade Show Spotlight
Last month, our Sales Manager, Tyler Runyon, spent the day in Leesburg, Virginia at Smart Meetings Mid-Atlantic Regional 1-Day Experience where he exc...
Read MoreTake-a-ways from the 2021 Destinations International Convention Sales & Services Summit
on May. 03, 2021 in Trade Show Spotlight
On April 7, 2021, our Director of Sales, Kristin Schneider, and our Director of Convention Services, Jenna Snyder, attended Destinations International...
Read MoreCustomizations! Get your Customizations Here!
on Apr. 13, 2021 in CVB Insider
Did you know CVB means you get C ustomization of the V ery B est? (It actually means Convention and Visitors Bureau but go with us here.) When you boo...
Read MoreTradeshow Spotlight: RCMA Emerge 2021
on Mar. 31, 2021 in Trade Show Spotlight
That’s a wrap on RCMA Emerge 2021! Earlier this month, we set up shop in Charlotte, North Carolina, for our first in-person tradeshow of 2021. W...
Read MoreLearn How a CVB Can Work for You!
on Mar. 15, 2021 in CVB Insider
We’re the ATL Airport District – the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) representing the cities of College Park, East Point, Hapevil...
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