Atlanta: A City that Cares
Atlanta, the bustling capital of Georgia, is not just known for its vibrant music scene, tasty Southern cuisine, and rich history. The city is stepping up in making sure that events hosted in its venues leave a beneficial mark on the local community. The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) is working tirelessly to ensure that every conference, convention, and event doesn’t just focus on what’s happening inside the halls but also gives back to the city that hosts it.
Tailor-Made Solutions for Every Event
Did you know that ACVB offers a turnkey solution for groups looking to make donations or give back while in town? Kristin Delahunt, the vice president of Destination Services at ACVB, mentions, “At ACVB, we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. We’re all about learning about the customer’s needs and finding that resource that fits best.” From monetary donations to donating leftover materials after a trade show, ACVB matches groups with the right nonprofit partners to maximize their impact.
The Georgia World Congress Center: A Heartbeat of Atlanta Events
The Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) is another key player in making sure the city’s events shine. Shavannia Williams, GWCC’s director of strategic partnerships, assists clients in discovering how they can give back. One of the standout conventions that use this space is Coverings, North America’s largest ceramic tile and natural stone exhibition. The convention attracted over 1,000 exhibitors from 40 countries and provided an opportunity to donate useful materials to local organizations.
After the Coverings convention wrapped up, valuable materials were donated to nonprofits like the Lifecycle Building Center, Georgia Building Trades Academy, and Atlanta Habitat for Humanity ReStore. “It’s a win-win for everybody,” says Ken Davis from Lifecycle Building Center, which repurposes used materials to keep them out of landfills. Megan McCabe from Atlanta Habitat for Humanity ReStore emphasizes how these donations not only help families build homes but also allow customers to update their living spaces affordably.
Food Donations: No Waste, Only Taste
Not just materials, but food from conventions also gets a second life through clever partnerships. The ACVB’s Destination Services team strives to ensure that leftover food is donated to local food pantries, helping to feed those in need. Monica Coleman, ACVB’s director of Destination Services, shared, “We not only want to be the easiest city to do business with, but we also want to bring extensive options for clients to give back.”
Volunteering and Making Connections
But giving back in Atlanta doesn’t stop with conventions. Team members from ACVB, along with local hotels like the Atlanta Marriott Marquis and The Westin Peachtree Plaza, frequently volunteer for initiatives like Meals on Wheels Atlanta. This organization ensures that seniors in the community receive consistent, nutritious meals. Jason Tucker, a Senior Director there, notes how critical these volunteers are to their mission, while also providing valuable team-building experiences for participating organizations.
Connecting Visitors with Volunteer Opportunities
Local destination management companies, like PRA, are also keen on helping visitors find meaningful volunteering opportunities. Natalie Williams from PRA stated, “After COVID, many clients sought out ways to engage meaningfully with the city they were visiting.” That has included everything from delivering meals to seniors to packing gift baskets for NICU babies.
The Community’s Unity: A Collective Effort
The overarching mission is clear: Atlanta is dedicated to making a change. ACVB’s Destination Services team recently organized a month-long clothing drive benefiting Gateway Center, which provides resources for those experiencing homelessness. “Supporting this cause is about breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness one step at a time,” says Daniel Hernandez, the assistant manager at ACVB.
A Warm Welcome Awaits
Whether you’re just passing through or have decided to make Atlanta your home, the hospitality community has your back. From helping plan your events to making sure there’s a way to give back, Atlanta proves time and again that it has a heart as big as its skyline.
So, if you’re planning your next event, remember that choosing Atlanta not only guarantees an incredible guest experience but also creates a ripple effect of goodwill in the local community.
