Georgia World Congress Center Georgia Dome Centennial Olympic Park Spring 2003 Building Grand Opening Celebration A NIGHT TO REMEMBER In celebration of the completion of its 1.4 million square-foot expansion, the Georgia World Congress Center hosted a party like no other this Spring a party with lots of surprises, making it a night to remember for all guests. Spotlights lit up the sky and as the sun went down, guests began to arrive to the new grand entrance. Brightly colored atrium aerialists showcased the vast physical presence of the new grand concourse as guests, including convention and tradeshow clients, the Atlanta hospitality community, city leaders and state legislators, mingled with one another. Eye catching acrobatic performances took place in the background as guests continued to arrive. Governor Sonny Perdue and Chairman of the Board Bill Archer spoke about the importance of the Georgia World Congress Center's expansion and its impact on the quality of life for Georgians and significance to trade show organizers. GWCCA Executive Director Dan Graveline also greeted the guests and welcomed them to the expanded facility. continued page 3 GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER Takes Initial Role in APEX With enhanced quality of service to customers in mind, the Georgia World Congress Center took an early interest to be involved in APEX (Accepted Practices Exchange), an initiative spearheaded by the Convention Industry Council to implement standards across the meeting, convention and exhibition industry. The meeting, convention and exhibition industry currently has few practices in place to guide and coordinate the various segments in their operations. A 1998 Deloitte & Touche study indicated a high level of support For more information about APEX, visit their website at www.conventionindustry.org/apex or call Juli Finnell Jones, APEX Project Director at (703) 610-0273. (81 percent in favor) among industry members for the development and implementation of voluntary industry standards. The Georgia World Congress Center is supporting the development of these standards. John Smith, general manager, and Pattsie Rand, director of sales & marketing, have stepped up to the plate and are representing the Georgia World Congress Center in the APEX initiative. Smith serves on the APEX commission the governing body of the organization. Rand serves on the Housing and Registration panel --one of seven functional groups. The Georgia World Congress Center also hosted an APEX City Discussion group earlier this spring. The event was well received with 200 meeting professionals in attendance, breaking a record set in August at a meeting held in Washington, D.C. The main focus of the APEX The APEX City Discussion Group held this spring took place in one of two new state-of-the-art auditoriums located in Building C City Discussion Group was the Preliminary Report of the APEX Resumes & Work Orders Panel. The event coincided with monthly chapter meetings of several national event associations including PCMA, IAEM, EDPA and MPI. Speakers included Shepherd Exposition Services continued page 5 We're the Georgia World Congress Center. Where you're always on our mind. KINKOS Opens Two Business Centers In GWCC Entrance Lobbies Last minute copies, faxes or pre-show Northside Drive entrance (access to bies concourses. The Georgia World printing jobs can now be taken care of events in Building C). Each Kinko's Congress Center also offers a gift easy as 1, 2, 3. Kinko's has opened two offers copying, faxing, scanning, print- store, post office, tourism/restaurant locations in the Georgia World ing, as well as computer access, a reservation center and a fully staffed Congress Center entrance lobbies. A notary and UPS/Federal Express/U.S. information center. For more informa- full-service business center is located in Mail delivery. tion on Kinko's, or to learn more the International Blvd. entrance (access Kinko's is just one of the many about volume discounts, please call to events in Buildings A, B) and the amenities located in our entrance lob- 1-800-2-KINKOS. 3 OUT OF 4 DENTISTS AGREE... An estimated 7,000 dentists met at the Georgia World Congress Center March 20-22 for the Hinman Dental Meeting. The event gave dentists the opportunity to see the latest and greatest in the field of dentistry while participating in seminars and other special events. The Hinman Dental Meeting has a reputation for devotion to detail and hospitality that continues to grow through the years with every meeting. CHEERS TO CHEERSPORT CHEERSPORT, the largest cheerleading competition in the United States, called the Georgia World Congress Center home for two days in January. More than 650 teams of all ages competed in this event, which drew thousands of friends, family and fans of the sport. "The consistent excellent service we receive at the Georgia World Congress Center certainly confirms our belief } that SECO International needs to remain in Atlanta." Sam J. Galloway Director of Congress SECO International, LLC "I've got raves for Atlanta. The attitude of the labor, the GWCC staff, the Bureau and most everyone else we encountered was outstanding. Truly a "we're glad you're here / how can we help you" attitude. Additionally, the costs for exhibitors are reasonable and could even be considered inexpensive by comparison to some of the more union intensive destinations. If every city were as friendly and as easy to do business in as Atlanta, then this would be a very easy profession!" Stuart Aizenberg Director of Tradeshows National Automatic Merchandising Association two SEE IT AT SECO The 80th Annual Southern Educational Congress of Optometry, sponsored by the Southern Council of Optometrists, Inc., featured exhibits and educational sessions for optometrists from across the Southeast. Nearly 5,000 attendees congregated at the Georgia World Congress Center for three days in February. POLLY WANT A CRACKER The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. 45th Annual Pet Products Show brought the best of the pet industry together at the Georgia World Congress Center. Approximately 1,815 buyers from more than 40 countries representing retail chains, mass market retailers, distributors and wholesalers attended the 2003 APPMA Show to sample and experience the latest products and trends driving the growing pet products industry. Atlanta Gets Ready for Atlantic Station wo major highways meet in the heart of midtown Atlanta; both going to different parts of the country. Nestled in between each highway lies 138 acres of land, formerly a steel mill, but currently being developed into a mixed-use complex set to open next year. Atlantic Station is an environmental redevelopment project of the former Atlantic Steel Mill. Scheduled to open in 2004, the development includes 12 million square feet of retail, office, residential and hotel space as well as 11 acres of public parks and 2,500 new homes. All in all, the project is expected to provide homes for 10,000 people, employment opportunities for 30,000 and shopping and entertainment for millions more. Atlantic Station is divided into three distinct parts: the District, the Commons and the Village. Serving as the heart of it all and located along a mile of interstate frontage, the District consists of one million square feet of open-air retail and entertainment, including six mixed-use retail buildings with entertainment, shops and restaurants. The Commons is an imaginative venture to create the most attractive urban neighborhood in the nation. A mix of apartment buildings, town homes and high-rise condominium towers will offer easy access to all the things to do in Atlanta. At the center of The Commons, a new park and lake will form the community focal point for concerts, festivals or simply an evening stroll. Complemented by retail shops and cafes with residential units across the street, the Village will provide a great place to live and shop and serve as the neighborhood's meeting place. It's the place to find a newly released DVD, a birthday card or take-out for dinner. Getting to and from Atlantic Station will be a breeze. The 17th Street Bridge, currently under construction and ahead of schedule, will connect midtown Atlanta to the new Atlantic Station. The bridge is expected to open in late 2003. Once there, visitors and residents alike will find a new resource in downtown Atlanta that makes this a city for everybody. BUILDING C Grand Opening Celebration: A Night to Remember continued page 1 After Governor Perdue's remarks, the worldrenowned Morehouse marching band made its theatrical entrance and proceeded to lead the crowd from the grand entrance to the new Georgia Ballroom. The grand ballroom had been converted into a colorful carnival complete with games and prizes. Guests were treated to a choreographed evening featuring more inspiring performances and dancing to live music performed by the Atlanta Beat. Several of Atlanta's best chefs cooked up exquisite cuisine at tables throughout the ballroom. At the end of the evening, the sky lit up with a dazzling fireworks display. Guests congregated on the balcony overlooking the new West Plaza for a spectacular fireworks and light show. The event truly showcased Building C and all that it has to offer as a state-of-the-art facility. TRUCKIN' As the country's only event dedicated exclusively to commercial trucks and transportation equipment from Classes 1 through 8, the Work Truck Show 2003 and 39th Annual National Truck Equipment Association Convention was the place for industry professionals to see the latest products and product innovations; discover solutions to pressing industry concerns; and network with colleagues. A WHOLE NEW BALLGAME GlassBuild America: the Glass, Window & Door Expo made a successful debut, attracting over 7,000 industry professionals to Atlanta for the three-day event in March at the Georgia World Congress Center. To signify the new concept of bringing together the glass, window, and door industries as never before, GlassBuild America was billed as "a whole new ballgame" and the event was kicked off with an appearance by baseball legend, Cal Ripken Jr. at the opening festivities. GlassBuild America returns to the GWCC in 2005. AT THE FINISH LINE The 21st annual Atlanta Journal-Constitution International Auto Show showcased more than 500 import and domestic cars, trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles from 35 automobile manufacturers. The event brought tens of thousands of visitors to the Georgia World Congress Center ranging from car buffs to interested buyers. The AJC International Auto Show marks the largest car-selling event for regional auto dealers. three "Throughout the planning process, you were aware and met the high expectation level of not only the group, but also myself. The Work Truck Show and NTEA Annual Convention is always a busy time for me and I never had to secondguess the service level of the GWCC." Michelle Kubitz Convention Operations Manager National Truck Equipment Association BEAUTIFUL The 2003 Bronner Brothers International Mid-Winter Hair Show drew 30,000 attendees to the Georgia World Congress Center for three days in February. The beauty industry tradeshow also featured a number of entertaining fashion and comedy events. 2002 HOLIDAY CARDS RAISE SUPPORT AND AWARENESS LAST YEAR'S HOLIDAY CARDS not only brought cheer to friends of the Georgia World Congress Center, they also raised money to help a worthy cause. All proceeds from the 2002 Children's Healthcare of Atlanta holiday cards benefited the AFLAC Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service. The Georgia World Congress Center was one of last year's top 20 corporate customers. An astounding $232,506 was raised from 2002 holiday card sales in Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's eighth consecutive year of the program. These proceeds directly fund Patient and Family Support Services, consisting of child life, chaplaincy, social work and school programs supporting the belief that the recovery of a child revolves around family-centered care. The Georgia World Congress Center has formed a close relationship with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Their annual event, Festival of Trees, has been held at GWCC since 1990. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta enhances the lives of children through excellence in patient care, research and education. With 430 licensed beds in two hospitals and more than 15,500 annual inpatient visits; it is one of the largest pediatric healthcare systems in the country. SAIL AWAY The 2003 Atlanta Boat Show, held at the Georgia World Congress Center in January, drew more than 35,000 visitors interested in fishing boats, cruisers, bow riders, deck boats, pontoon boats, house boats, personal water craft vehicles and much, much more. The Atlanta Boat Show is one of the largest displays of boats in the southeast. COMMUNICATIONS ON A NEW LEVEL The 2002 Optical Fiber Communication Conference featured more than 200,000 net square feet of the latest state-of-the-art fiber optics technologies. The event, held in late March, also featured more than 500 technical sessions and numerous demonstrations. OFC is the only event to combine high quality peer-reviewed educational programming with a high-powered, commerce-driven exposition. four "I just wanted to take a moment to compliment you on Robin Hughes (GWCC Senior Event Coordinator). During our Training 2003 event in February, I had the pleasure of once again working with Robin. This was our third show together. During this event, she truly became part of "our staff." Between show management and Robin there was seamless communication (done sometimes with just a look and a nod). Her ability to anticipate our every desire put her heads and tails above any other convention center event manager. Her working relationship with your internal staff is commendable. Their respect for her shows and is another asset that cannot be replaced or duplicated. All in all, I just wanted to let you know that you have a star on your hands. Thanks for sharing her with us over the years. We'll miss her next year, but hope to have the opportunity to work with her again in 2006." Angela Talbot, CMP Operations Director - VNU Expositions FANS JAM AT ALL-STAR EVENT The overwhelming response from the Atlanta-area community resulted in a new attendance record for the NBA Jam Session, an interactive basketball experience in association with the NBA All-Star game. A record 111,318 fans visited the Georgia World Congress Center during the four-day event in February. GOLF, ANYONE? At the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America's (GCSAA) 74th International Golf Course Conference and Show, more than 17,000 attendees gathered at the GWCC early this spring. The event featured 240,000 square feet of exhibition space dedicated to the industry as well as close to 100 seminars offering indepth study on a variety of related topics. GIFTS GALORE More than 600 talented craftsmen exhibited at the 2003 Gift Fair in Atlanta, held at the GWCC in t featured the finest in unique crafts, countrythemed gifts, collectibles, jewelry and more. The third annual Gift Fair in Atlanta will return to the Congress Center in July. "With your help, we were able to provide an unforgettable experience for our fans and guests." Gail D. Hunter Vice President, Events and Attractions NBA Entertainment "You truly have a team of professionals whose customer service skills are second to none. I don't think the words "no" or "we can't" are in their vocabulary." Doug Miller Urban/GLC Gift Fair in Atlanta GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER Takes Initial Role in APEX continued from page 1 President Carl Mitchell another APEX commissioner, and the GWCC's own John Smith. "The hospitality industry is very strong in Atlanta and it was really no surprise that we broke all previous records for attendance at an APEX City Discussion Group. There was widespread acceptance of the program and the need to organize and streamline processes by which we do business together," stated Smith. The mission of APEX is to spearhead an industry-wide initiative that brings together all stakeholders in the development and implementation of industry-wide accepted practices that create and enhance efficiencies throughout the meetings industry. The Convention Industry Council is composed of 30 leading national and international organizations representing more than 98,000 individuals and 15,000 firms or properties involved in the meeting, convention, exhibition and travel and tourism industries. It provides an important forum for member organizations to work together to enhance the industry. Inside Tips for SHOW MANAGERS The Georgia World Congress Center wants your next event to be a successful one. With more than 26 years of experience in the trade show and special events industry, we have some tricks up our sleeve that can make it easier for you to plan your next event with us. The following is a list of inside planning tips and ideas from various GWCC departments. To take advantage of any of these complementary services, please call 404.223.4200. 1. PUBLIC RELATIONS Unlike many convention centers, the Georgia World Congress Center has a full-time public relations department that offers an assortment of services for your benefit. If you are putting together collateral for your event, you've come to the right place. The PR department can supply you with high-resolution photography, logos, b-roll, brochures, maps and other artwork representing the Georgia World Congress Center and Atlanta. The department can also assist with local and national media placement. Ask your sales representative for more information about how Public Relations can help you. 2. CAD DRAWINGS Floorplans that provide diagrams of all useable space at the Georgia World Congress Center are available in a number of formats. These diagrams incorporate detailed specifications including maximum set totals. CAD drawings can be provided via hard copy, fax, email or on disk. The Event Planners Guide provides these drawings along with all the information you need to plan you event. They are available in booklet and cd-rom format. Ask your sales representative or event coordinator for more information about CAD drawings. 3. FINE DINING AT TERRACES While your event takes its course at the Georgia World Congress Center, plan on dining at the recently renovated Terraces restaurant for a relaxed, enjoyable meal. The fine dining establishment, located in the International Blvd. Entrance Lobby, was designed by renowned architect Bill Johnson and features an eclectic menu offering global flair with an added southern taste. Terraces offers a unique location for private parties and meetings. The restaurant has three private rooms that when combined seats up to 32 guests. For more information, please contact MGR Food Service representative. 4. IN-HOUSE POLICE DEPARTMENT The Georgia World Congress Center operates its own state-certified police department, ensuring safety at the facility and much more. Our trained officers also handle a number of services to ensure that your event runs smoothly safely. The department is responsible for the day-to-day logistics on campus including shuttle traffic and parking, VIP escorting, traffic control, crowd management control and event routing maps. 5. HIGH TECH SERVICES Audio/visual elements create lasting impressions of your event and the Georgia World Congress Center's Technical Services department helps make your event a memorable one. From single microphone audio to full-scale productions, our Tech Services experts have the education and training to assist in planning your event. These experts can walk you through the modern, state-of-the-art technology that is installed in the Georgia Ballroom and Building C Auditoriums. Additionally, our Vari-Lite package allows for pre-programmed productions that will make your production stress-free. five Museum Brings Joy of Learning TO PARK NEIGHBORHOOD Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta is open and ready to bring your family a day full of fun and educational activities. Anew museum next door to Centennial Olympic Park is giving children a fresh and interactive way to learn about history, science, social studies, math, geography and cultural arts. Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta opened its doors March 1 with a focus to provide an environment where fun and learning are synonymous for the whole family. The museum, located at the intersection of Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Baker Street, is sure to make the neighborhood the fastest growing, child-friendly place to visit. Upon entering, families are invited to put their imagination to the test as they participate in critical thinking activities through visual, literary, dramatic and musical arts, such as exploring an underground garden, joining a dance troupe or pretending to be a fish in a bubbling stream. They can be the next Monet and paint on the walls, build a deck or even make their own musical instruments. With all the different hats children can put on, learning becomes a fun and exciting experience even parents will enjoy! Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $11 per person and children under the age of two are free. Groups of 10 or more with advance reservations will enjoy a discounted rate and family membership packages are available. Due to the size of the exhibits and space, reservations are strongly encouraged. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the museum's Web site at www.imagineit-cma.org. PARK KICKS OFF SEASON OF MUSIC AND FUN The month of April marked the kick off for a season of family-fun events at Centennial Olympic Park. Much of the programming, including Wednesday WindDown, Music at Noon and Fourth Saturday Family Fun Day con- tinues through September, so be sure to take advantage of the free entertainment in down- . Every Family Fun Day is a mini-festival unto itself, complete with activities, street performers, entertainment and demonstrations. town Atlanta's favorite gathering place. The popular midweek concert series Wednesday WindDown debuted in the Southern Company Amphitheater when local band Loosechain performed to hundreds of loyal fans. Last year, the line-up, which included jazz artist Jonathan Butler, renowned flutist Nestor Torres and legendary trumpet player Rick Braun, brought thousands of people to the Park. The free shows, featuring everything from jazz to reggae, are every Wednesday through September from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Joyce & Jacque Productions launched the lunchtime concert series, Music at Noon held every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Southern Company Amphitheater. Centennial Olympic Park hosts free concerts every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Park. The Wednesday WindDown series runs through September 24. Music at Noon is the perfect opportunity to enjoy lunch outdoors to live music. If you don't have a packed lunch, food and drinks are available in the Park's Visitor Center. Many families took advantage of the first Fourth Saturday Family Fun Day of the season. On April 26, the Park hosted the "It's About Art" Family Fun Day. The afternoon included interactive and educational activities, street performers, displays and entertainment. Each month through September you can enjoy the special mini-festival series. No two Family Fun Days are the same; each month is centered on a different theme. Be sure to check out the "Flights and Kites" Family Fun day on May 24 from noon to 4 p.m. Perhaps the most anticipated concert series of the season is "On the Bricks." The popular Friday night show returns to the Park on May 30 with a line up of chart-topping performers. The concerts will be held through August 15 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. For the most up-to-date information on all of these events and performers, please visit the Park's Web site at www.centennialpark.com and click on "Ongoing Events." You can also find information by calling the Park's event line at 404.222.PARK. six PARK BLOSSOMS IN SPRING Come and enjoy spring flowers at Centennial Olympic Park! Finding the perfect place to experience the sights and smells of spring is a walk in the park Centennial Olympic Park, that is. To prepare the Park for its spring debut of bountiful blossoms, professional color bed designer Angie Mueller was brought in last fall to give the Park's landscape a fresh look. During the winter months, a patriotic theme of red, white and blue pansies were planted to greet Park visitors and its new neighbors, including Centennial Park West residents and Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta. As the weather warms up, visitors will enjoy more than 1,600 red tulip and pink hyacinth bulbs. Each bed is carefully planted and tended to by the Park's operations staff, making this Olympic Game, legacy a welcome mat to conventioneers and visitors this summer. 2003 NCAA Women's FINAL FOUR has Eleventh Consecutive SellOUT New Falcons Season Highlights the Dome SHE SHOOTS, SHE SCORES! Diana Taurasi and the Huskies of Connecticut win the NCAA Women's Final Four for the second straight year. Taurasi scored 28 points and won the Most Outstanding Player award in the championship game. SEMIFINAL GAMES April 6, 2003 Tennessee 66 - Duke 56 Connecticut 71 - Texas 69 Attendance - 28,210 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME April 8, 2003 Tennessee - 68 Connecticut - 73 Attendance - 28,210 The last college basketball game of the 2003 NCAA Women's Final Four. Tennessee, Duke, season was played at the Georgia Dome April 8 Connecticut and Texas were the 2003 NCAA as the Connecticut Huskies and the Tennessee Women's Final Four teams. Lady Vols took to the court. The Huskies defeat- The next NCAA tournament game to be ed the Lady Vols, 73-68, giving UConn their held at the Georgia Dome is the Men's 2004 fourth title, and helping them close the gap on South Regionals March 26 and 28, 2004. Ticket Tennessee's six national titles in the battle for applications are available on Women's College Basketball supremacy. www.gadome.com. The 2003 semifinals and finals single The 2004 NCAA Women's Final Four game attendance was 28,210, making the will be held in New Orleans April 4 and 6. 2003 NCAA Women's Final Four the second Approximately 4,000 tickets will be allocated to most attended Women's Final Four in history, the public for the game. For ticket information, and the 12th sellout (11th consecutive) of the please visit www.ncaasports.com. HOME DEPOT Parties in the Dome The Atlanta Falcons will feel the glare of the national spotlight six times in 2003 - four times at the Georgia Dome. Atlanta will also appear on ESPN's Sunday Night Football in week 14 when they host their division-rival Carolina Panthers. Other national games include the season opener in Dallas, a Nov. 2 home contest against Philadelphia the team that ended the Falcons' 2002 season in an NFC Divisional Playoff game, a Nov. 23 home game against the Titans, and a late-December game in Tampa against the World Champion Buccaneers. This season also features an appearance on ABC's Monday Night Football against the Rams in St. Louis. The game marks the team's first appearance on Monday Night Football since the final game of the 1999 season, when the Falcons bested the 49ers at the Georgia Dome, 34-29. "It's an exciting schedule with all the national exposure," Head Coach Dan Reeves said. "Our players really get energized when they're playing in front of a large audience. Also, our first 10 games are against NFC opponents. We have an opportunity to get on some firm ground in our conference at the start of the season." The Falcons will play host to Steve Spurrier's Washington Redskins in the home opener at the Georgia Dome on Sept. 14. The Falcons played only once in prime time last season when they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, 303, in a week-three ESPN Sunday Night game at home. The two prime time games in 2003 are the most in a season for the Falcons since 1999 - the year following the club's only Super Bowl appearance - when they played twice on Monday Night Football and once on Sunday night. With all the national exposure, a new uniform, a new logo, some top-secret changes to the Georgia Dome, 2003 looks to be the best season ever! Stay tuned to the Big Event for more to come. GEORGIA DOME MEETING SPACE FEATURES DOME FLOOR 102,000 square feet of space. Perfect for corporate receptions. MEETING ROOMS Five different locations. LOCKER ROOMS Ideal for creating a team atmosphere. CLUB LOUNGES The North & South Club lounges are perfect for business luncheons. PRESS BOX Seat 120 in this exclusive box. IN-ZONE RESTAURANT Where the end zone is just the beginning of a great meeting. GROUP SUITES Perfect for small meetings. Home Depot has many reasons to celebrate. Known for success in business and having a great reputation as an employer, Home Depot also sponsors Joe Gibbs Racing, which won the NASCAR Winston Cup in 2002. Where did this Fortune 500 company chose to party? The Georgia Dome. The Dome floor has 102,000 square feet of space, making it perfect for corporate receptions like the Home Depot had in mind. The party featured games, a workshop area for kids, Tony Stewart's championship car and a stage for entertainment. A corporate party on the turf of the Georgia Dome enhances the company's championship image two Super Bowls, 11 SEC Championships, and two Final Fours, over 100 Falcons games make the Georgia Dome floor all the more special. The real attraction of the Georgia Dome is the service that customers receive, and this service is what guarantees an event's success. After a great night, the Home Depot's Mike Pukish said "the teams that supported the event we had were professional, kind and exactly what we wanted for an event to celebrate with our company. From the people working the gates, to the guys at the loading dock, to everyone supporting the event itself, you could not have made it easier for us to make the program a success." DRIVING FOLKS WILD Tony Stewart's champion Number 20 on display at the Home Depot Party. seven Georgia World Congress Center EXPANSION ANCHORS AS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BUILDING The Georgia World Congress Center recently held the grand opening celebration for Building C, but the Atlanta convention Center has even more reasons to celebrate. The state-of-the-art expansion is one of the first environmentally friendly convention sites in the nation. From the beginning, Building C was designed and constructed under sustainable design, a safe and effective way of using recycled materials and energy-saving techniques. Architects aimed at using nontoxic products made of recycled content that have a long life cycle. Building C was also designed to be resource efficient. There are many examples how Building C sets the stage as environmentally friendly facility. The carpet in the concourses is 80% wool and 20% nylon. This means that 80% of the product is recyclable and not returned to landfills. All paints are water-based and meet the latest E.P.A. guidelines on air quality. The exterior glass of the grand entrance to Building C was designed with a high-energy efficiency rating. "Convention Centers are by nature some of the largest facilities in metropolitan areas and therefore create a significant impact on the environment both during construction and event operations. We are proud our new Phase IV (Building C) expansion has been designed to the most stringent environmental criteria," stated John Smith, general manager of the Georgia World Congress Center. Even in the back of the house, Building C meets or exceeds guidelines to be considered an environmentally friendly building. All boilers, chillers and associated equipment are high efficiency rated and meet latest environmental standards. All motors are rated for high efficiency. Other objects designed as fully recyclable include ceiling tiles and millwork. The Georgia World Congress Center is committed to exceeding environmental standards set by local, state and national agencies. These design initiatives implemented in Building C are also being incorporated into improvements and renovations to current facilities. The Big Event is published quarterly by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. 285 Andrew Young International Boulevard, N.W. Atlanta, GA 30313-1591 Telephone 404.223.4200 Fax 404.223.4211 E-mail contactus@gwcc.com www.gwcc.com PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 596 Atlanta, Ga Return Service Requested