Atlanta United States
Atlanta is the largest city in the southeastern United States and the economic and cultural hub of the region. It is unusually green for a major city, nicknamed the city in a forest, with a tree canopy that shades much of its sprawling layout. Downtown clusters around Centennial Olympic Park, built for the 1996 Summer Olympics and now surrounded by the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the College Football Hall of Fame. Midtown, just north, is the arts and tech district, home to Georgia Tech, the High Museum of Art, and Piedmont Park. Atlanta is central to the history of the American Civil Rights Movement: the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park preserves his birth home and Ebenezer Baptist Church. For a conference traveler, the city is spread out and car-oriented, but the MARTA rail system connects the airport directly to downtown and Midtown, where most large conference hotels are located. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International is the busiest airport in the world, which makes Atlanta one of the easiest US cities to reach from almost anywhere.
The Georgia Aquarium at Centennial Olympic Park is one of the largest in the world and the city’s signature attraction. Next door, the World of Coca-Cola tells the story of Atlanta’s most famous export. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in the Sweet Auburn district preserves his birthplace, church, and tomb and is free to visit. The High Museum of Art in Midtown is the leading art museum in the Southeast. Piedmont Park is the city’s green heart, good for a run or a break between sessions. The BeltLine, a former rail corridor turned walking and cycling trail, links several neighbourhoods and is lined with breweries and restaurants, especially on the Eastside Trail.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world and 13 km south of downtown. The MARTA Red and Gold rail lines run directly from inside the airport to downtown and Midtown in about 20-30 minutes for a few dollars, which is faster and cheaper than a taxi during rush hour.
Atlanta is spread out and built around cars, but MARTA rail is the key exception: the Red and Gold lines run straight from the airport through downtown to Midtown and Buckhead, connecting most major conference hotels. Within downtown and Midtown the Atlanta Streetcar and walking cover the core sights. For anything off the rail line, rideshare is the practical option. Renting a car is only worth it for day trips outside the city.
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the most pleasant, with mild temperatures and the city’s famous dogwoods and azaleas in spring bloom. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid, often above 32C, with afternoon thunderstorms, though indoor venues are heavily air-conditioned. Winters are mild with occasional cold snaps.
Map
1 upcoming conference in Atlanta
Our picks in Atlanta
A curated selection of hotels chosen for location, value, and fit for conference travellers.
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
75 14th Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Midtown luxury tower with a full spa, indoor pool, and acclaimed dining - best for attendees who want a splurge-worthy stay near...
Hotel Indigo Atlanta Midtown
683 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Boutique Midtown hotel opposite the Fox Theatre with a lively design-led vibe - a good mid-range pick for younger attendees who want...
Hyatt Place Atlanta/Downtown
330 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Practical downtown hotel with free hot breakfast and reliable WiFi near the MARTA Peachtree Center stop - ideal for grad students or...
Loews Atlanta Hotel
1065 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Upscale Midtown hotel with a spa and strong restaurant, walking distance to Georgia Tech and the arts district - good for industry...
Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park
100 CNN Center, Atlanta, GA 30303
Large downtown hotel beside Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia World Congress Center - well-suited to conference attendees who want to be...
The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta
210 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Landmark cylindrical downtown tower with a revolving rooftop restaurant - a reliable choice for attendees who want a central Peachtree Street location...
Community Notes