Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/319926
B M & T ••• March/April 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 44 AREA GUIDES G E O R G I A SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY COMBINED WITH TOP-OF-THE-LINE MEETING FACILITIES MAKES PEACHTREE STATE TOP CHOICE AMONG PLANNERS BY REGGIE MURPHY The Peachtree State has several great facilities and unique locations to host your event, from small to large. With its old- fashioned southern hospitality, confer- ence attendees are sure to be taken care of while in the state on business or for leisure with the family. Georgia offers a subtropical climate with extremely hot summers and general- ly milder winter. On the coast Savannah can experience about a month of temper- atures that approach, but seldom reach freezing, but the summers can be long and hot… and perfect for taking advan- tage of activities along the beach. Planners organizing meetings in the Peach State's group-friendly locales can sweeten itineraries with functions at one of the state's many culturally diverse sites, which wonderfully represent a varied and seemingly endless list of options. With a major transportation hub in Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you'll have easy access to the Atlanta Metro area and throughout Georgia. • EAST POINT • Looking for a community with a small town feel and all that Downtown Atlanta offers as a backdrop? Searching for an affordable, convenient location with direct access to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, all of the major inter- states and a MARTA train station in its downtown? You can find all of that and more here in the City of East Point! Not only is East Point affordable, convenient and transit accessible, but it also offers unique attractions and entertainment, special events, dining, shopping and accommodations. East Point's location makes meeting space easily accessible. Proximity to the GWCC and Georgia International Convention Center, the second largest in Georgia, combined with ample outdoor meeting space, gives planners flexibility for their event. Being the fourth largest convention center in the world, the Georgia World Congress Center is fully equipped for the grandest of events with 3.9 million sq. ft. of meeting space. In addition, East Point's 214 acres of parks and green space are an ideal change of pace for family reunions, small meetings and youth sports. Crowne Plaza Atlanta Airport complet- ed an update of all 378 guestrooms and 17 meeting rooms this year, equaling 16,000 sq. ft. of renovated meeting space. The hotel restaurant, Benton's, got a brand new look along with the fit- ness center, which received equipment upgrades and décor changes. For the time not spent in the hotel or meeting room, East Point has the perfect balance of small town charm and big city access. East Point's walkable downtown is the heart of the city, with award winning dining and shopping just steps away. Atlanta's attractions, entertainment and professional sports venues are within a short drive or ride on MARTA, Atlanta's affordable public transportation system. With a stop in Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, traveling to Atlanta's major business districts is a breeze. If you are contemplating bringing a meeting to East Point, be sure to reach out to Charles Jeffers, senior vice presi- dent of Operat-ions and executive direc- tor for East Point, sales and mar- keting of the Atlanta Conv- ention and Visit- ors Bureau. East Point offers a variety of n i g h t l i f e options. Camp Creek Market- place is home to multiple sports bars and dance/hip hop clubs, some offering VIP suites. In addi- tion, Movies ATL is right next door offer- ing 14 large screens. Downtown East Point has several bars and taverns that offer everything from sports, billiards, poker nights, trivia nights and live bands. In the next 10 years, East Point plans to implement more than $72 million in parks and green space development, cre- ating even more offerings for meetings and their attendees. This development includes $26.7 million of new park space, representing 98 acres of new green space. Approximately $19.6 million of this development includes a multi-use trail system to enhance city connectivity. East Point continues to build its pedestrian and bike-friendly community that values health and wellness. Groups can meet, take in the natural surroundings and con- duct business all at the same time. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Crowne Plaza Atlanta Airport 184 Westin Atlanta Airport 500 Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Airport West 124 Hilton Garden Inn - Atlanta Airport North 174 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Georgia International Convention Center Total exhibit space 151,200 sq. ft. Total meeting space 40,300 sq. ft. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? City of East Point – (404) 270-7010 www.visiteastpoint.com CHARLES JEFFERS Dining in East Point Photo Credit: East Point •Pg_38-50.qxp__BMT_pg86-162 5/20/14 5:49 PM Page 44