Atlanta is the largest city and capital of the state of Georgia (one of the original 13 colonies), and is steeped in history, culture and nature. Atlanta was founded in 1837 as the end of the Western & Atlantic railroad line (first named Marthasville in honor of the governor's daughter, nicknamed Terminus for its rail location, and then changed to Atlanta, the feminine of Atlantic -- as in the railroad).
For more than four decades, Atlanta has been linked to the civil rights movement, with visionary civil rights leaders calling it home.
Atlanta was host to the 1996 Summer Olympics and is host to numerous professional, college and amateur sport and events. Today the fast-growing city remains a transportation hub, not just for the country but for the world: Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport is one of the nation's busiest in daily passenger flights. More than 1,000 international businesses operate here and more than 50 countries have representation in the city through consulates, trade offices, and chambers of commerce. The city has emerged as a banking center and is world headquarters for 13 Fortune 500 companies. Atlanta is home to over 20 institutions of higher education, including Emory University, Georga Tech, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. Atlanta is the capital city of the Southeast, a city of the future with strong ties to its past. The old in new Atlanta is the soul of the city, the heritage that enhances the quality of life in a contemporary city.
No matter what you're intersted in Atlanta has it - history, sports, restaurants, nature, music, events and so much more! Extend your conference stay by a few days and explore what our city has to offer! Some of the highlights include: