The big event, Summer 2004

Georgia World Congress Center Georgia Dome Centennial Olympic Park

Summer 2004

Starbucks Coffee
Brews in INTERNATIONAL Entrance LOBBY
There's a new coffee shop in downtown Atlanta, and it's located in the International Boulevard entrance of the Georgia World Congress Center. The 1,200-square-foot Starbucks opened its doors during Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) Wireless 2004, the largest telecommunications event in the country.

housands of Wireless 2004 attendees enjoyed fresh, rich-brewed Italian style espresso beverages in a traditional Starbucks setting. "We have served Starbucks coffee now for over nine years," said GWCC General Manager John Smith. "Event attendees love it and now they can enjoy the full line of Starbucks refreshments and gift items in the fun atmosphere of the Starbucks store." The Georgia World Congress Center has long had a reputation for outstanding catering, provided by MGR Food Services. In addition to Starbucks, which was opened under a license agreement with MGR's partner, The Levy Restaurants, the center also boasts a fine dining restaurant and lounge, Terraces. Featuring a menu of Global Flair, Southern Taste, the restaurant is known for its original Savannah She-Crab Soup, Vidalia Onion and Sausage Strudel and a long list of southern specialties. In addition to Starbucks and Terraces, MGR operates 33 permanent eateries throughout the Georgia World Congress Center. From iced lattes to roasted peanuts, attendees can select from a variety of foods during their visit to the Congress Center.

Attendees meet and greet over coffee The new Starbucks coffee caf at the Georgia World Congress Center gives attendees a perfect place to meet outside the trade show floor. It is conveniently located in the International Boulevard Entrance Lobby.

GWCC Wires Itself
for Clear Cellular Reception
& Wireless Hot Spots

No More Wires
The Georgia World Congress Center hosted the world's premier wireless event, CTIA Wireless last spring. An estimated 30,000 attendees from more than 80 countries around the world attended the three-day convention, which served every aspect of the wireless industry - providers, users, developers, buyers and manufacturers.
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Some of the world's largest telecommunication, computer and technology conventions operate with ease at the Georgia World Congress Center. From wireless, high-speed Internet to fiber-optic cabling and extensive teleconferencing options, the GWCC masters it all. Now the Atlanta convention center offers two new services that provide attendees with clear cellular reception and wireless hotspots throughout the facility.
The Congress Center's new neutral host system creates unsurpassed cellular phone reception in virtually every area in the

Congress Center and the neighboring Georgia Dome. It also holds tremendous capacity so that chances of dropped calls are eliminated even during large events that bring high call volumes. With the neutral host system in place, the carriers will be able to take advantage of new technology as it is introduced, such as G4 or G5. This system will also enable the Congress Center to expand its wireless Internet network by utilizing the same fiber. The system is composed of 252 antennas, over 100 miles of fiber and 34 T1 telephone lines with a combined bandwidth of 52 Mbps. By converting the cellular calls to light at the antennas and passing it through the fiber to the equipment, all serious sources of interference will be eliminated so that the calls remain very clear.
Laptop and PDA users will find no trouble accessing the Internet at the Georgia World Congress Center thanks to wireless hotspots. Wireless hotspots are located throughout the common areas of the convention center, including all restaurants and eateries. There are two ways to access wireless Internet. Guests can purchase a WiFi card from the CCLD Communications Office (located in the International Blvd. Entrance Lobby) and follow the instructions on the card for entering the login and passcode. Or, if the computer has an Intel Centrino chip, they can set the computer SSID to FastPass, click on the FastPass icon and follow the instructions for paying with a credit card. In each case, the user must have a laptop or PDA that is 802.11 capable.
"We know the importance of a good, reliable signal on mobile phones," said John Smith, General Manager. "We have more than 2 million attendees visit our facilities every year and we understand their need to stay in contact with the office, friends and family."

" On behalf of the United Motorcoach Association exhibitors and The Stevenson Group, I want to thank you for your efforts and support in coordinating the event services for the UMA EXPO 2004 Hospitality Events. We appreciate your consistent availability and flexibility in meeting our needs for both the Sneak Preview and Vision Awards Gala Banquet. Your new facility and ballroom are most attractive and very user-friendly."
Debra K. Stevenson President
The Stevenson Group
" I was truly impressed by the helpful, supportive, pleasant and available staff in Atlanta...I've presented workshops at several convention centers and the Georgia World Congress Center exceeded every benchmark!"
Jean Barbazette President
The Training Clinic
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Named Top City in America for Doing Business

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Atlanta is well known for its unique combination of warm Southern hospitality with its big city feel. Now Atlanta has something new to add to the list. Atlanta was ranked #1 in the "Top Cities in America for Doing Business" List.
The list is compiled by Inc., a magazine that delivers advice, tools and services for business owners. The Top Cities ranking was based on historical job growth. The magazine cited that a strong history of creating new jobs means that regional businesses have expanded, created new demand and pushed up areawide disposable incomes.
According to Inc., "Atlanta epitomizes the characteristics of economic diversity and affordability. Spread out over 28 counties in

north-central Georgia, Atlanta's region includes over 4.5 growth over the past three years and compared employ-

million people. It combines the advantages seen in

ment expansion in the first half versus the second half of

smaller communities with an array of assets--such as

the last decade.

top-ranked universities, major corporate headquarters

"Atlanta has one of the most diversified economies in

and a world-class airport--usually only found in leading the country," stated Mark Vitner, a senior economist who

global cities."

studies the Southeast for Charlotte-based Wachovia.

Inc. measured current-year employment growth in "Whatever the new thing turns out to be, Atlanta will be in

more than 250 regions across the country. The ranking the forefront. They are very adaptable."

also analyzed current trends in the annual average

East Plaza Links Congress Center to Omni Tower and Beyond

Just outside the GWCC Building A doors is a newly landscaped plaza that welcomes visitors to the Georgia World Congress Center. East Plaza, which re-opened this spring after several months of renovation, is the Congress Center's newest landscape feature.
East Plaza is 3.5 acres of walkways, benches, planters and borders with stunning landscapes to create an attractive courtyard. Sitting areas and green spaces add functionality and beauty.
"This brings a lot more space and movability for show attendees who want to take a break between meetings or sessions. From the beginning, our campus was designed to feature lavish landscaping, articulate plazas and relaxing fountains to further welcome our guests," stated John Smith, GWCC general manager.

East Plaza links the Georgia World Congress Center directly to the new $100 million Omni Tower, which opened last year. The 28-story Omni Tower features 600 hotel rooms and 120,000 square feet of meeting space. Beyond the beautiful Omni Tower is 21-acre Centennial Olympic Park, the CNN Center and the downtown hotel district.

" Each year, at the close of SECO International, I wonder if we can pull off a better one next year. This year we produced a great event, thanks to all the fine people at GWCC and MGR. From management to line employees, we continue to be impressed with the dedication and the level of service. On behalf of the officers, trustees and all our volunteers, I want to thank you and your wonderful staff for all they do to make SECO International the best optometry event in the nation!...I always enjoy working with your team; in my opinion they are the best." Sam J. Galloway, Jr., Director of Congress SECO International

[aroundatlantafeature]
atlanta botanical garden
BLOOMS YEAR-ROUND AS AN INVITING ATTRACTION

Flowers for the Hours
While in Atlanta, attendees and exhibitors can relax and take in the sights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, located in midtown Atlanta. The attraction also makes a unique spot for receptions and special events.
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T he Atlanta Botanical Garden offers an expansive variety of beautiful display gardens, and since 1976 these gardens have been refined to provide this beauty year-round. The site, which consists of 30 acres, is home to many different outdoor gardens including the Japanese Garden, the Rose Garden and the Herb Garden, to name just a few. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is also home to one of the few remaining mature hardwood forests left in the City of Atlanta, the Storza Woods. The Woods take up a third of the Garden and contain a 1.25-mile nature trail through the woodlands. Outdoor splendors are not all the Atlanta Botanical Garden has to offer. The Fuqua Conservatory, which opened in March 1989, contains more than one climate and consequently, plants that you would ordinarily never see in Atlanta. When selecting the plants for the Conservatory, priority was given to rare, threatened and endangered plants

in both the Desert House and the Tropical Rotunda. Adding to the authenticity of the environment in the Tropical Rotunda, visitors can spot geckos, poison dart frogs and free flying birds. The Conservatory also houses the Organgerie, where tropical and subtropical fruit trees grow. Linked to the Tropical Rotunda is the new Fuqua Orchid Center where the Garden's distinguished orchid collection will continue to develop.
This summer is an especially exciting time to visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Chihuly in the Garden, a one-of-akind exhibition, features the hand-blown glass sculptures of

Dale Chihuly. A glass artist for the past 30 years, Chihuly's creations are in over 200 museums worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Chihuly in the Garden weaves together art and nature as the sculptures float in ponds, suspend in the air and are interspersed amongst the plant life. On Tuesday nights, the Garden will stay open until 9 p.m. for "Chihuly Nights," when the whole exhibit transforms due to the change in light. Chihuly in the Garden is on display through October 31st.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is located at 1345 Piedmont Avenue. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors

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International Boulevard
re-opens with
a fresh new look

fter nearly two years of construction, International Boulevard the entryway to
the Georgia World Congress Center from the downtown hotel district reopens this summer with a brand new look. The opening of the road means the Georgia World Congress Center campus is completely construction-free.
The roadway replaces a split-level road that took motorists to an upper and lower level extension of International Boulevard. The new road is a four lane, pedestrian-friendly path to the Georgia World Congress Center and the Georgia Dome. International Boulevard also runs through Centennial Olympic Park near the popular Fountain of Rings.

" "As a note, I bring this event all over the country and your venue and staff was by far the easiest I ever had to work with. Kudos to you and your great staff! I hope to work with you in the future, as my experience was truly a positive one." Dennis R. Labossiere, Manager Member Relations and Special Events MultiCultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance "Showcase of the Stars"

Nearly two years after the Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park's operations were handed over to the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, joining the Georgia World Congress Center and the Georgia Dome, making it one of the largest sports, entertainment and convention campuses in the world. Since then, the Park's staff has taken on the challenge of maintaining the vision of a clean, safe and welcoming gathering place for visitors from all over who come to visit this Olympic legacy.
Mark Banta, the Park's General Manager, notes the pressure of high expectations, "Several people

Centennial Olympic Park
The Legacy Continues

As the world waits for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Centennial Olympic Park still shines in downtown Atlanta as an urban oasis for concerts, receptions and special events. In 1996, the Park served as a gathering place for millions of people from all around the world during the Centennial Games.

After Atlanta won the bid for the Centennial Olympic Games in September 1990, the city was in the spotlight for years as it pulled together to prepare venues, such as the Georgia Dome, the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Tech and Olympic Stadium, which is now Turner Field, where world-class athletes would compete for Olympic gold.
But, before two million visitors from around the world arrived, there was one special place that needed to be created, a place where everyone could congregate and share their Olympic experiences. That gathering place where many cultures converged was Centennial Olympic Park. Throughout the Olympics, this is where fans intermingled with athletes to enjoy concerts, international food, pin trading and interactive games in an atmosphere of celebration, instead of competition.
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have called the Park the `gem of downtown Atlanta,' and we want to continue exceeding those expectations. I think our staff does an outstanding job. The entire staff takes great pride in maintaining the Park. It's truly a labor of love."
A team of groundskeepers pays close attention to the structures, verdant lawns and manicured landscapes, ensuring they remain pristine and welcoming every day. Through the presence and efforts of the friendly Public Safety team, Park visitors feel secure while enjoying 21 acres of amenities. Public safety team members are readily available to offer assistance and enforce Park policies. "If there's a blade of grass out of place, the groundskeepers are aware of it, and
continued on page 12

A Summer of Sounds
at Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park is brimming with top-notch talent this summer. The Park has everything from local jazz artists, to Rock & Roll Hall of Famers
performing on its lush lawns and in its intimate amphitheater.

The Music at Noon concert series brings downtown visitors and workers a variety of sounds including school bands, international performers, jazz and R&B every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. April through September, excluding August. The free performances in the Southern Company Amphitheater are perfect for those needing a little mid-day sunshine and rejuvenation.
The popular Wednesday WindDown series, presented by

Access Atlanta, hosts local and national jazz, R&B and soul artists from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. every Wednesday evening through September, with no show July 14. Past acts have included Rick Braun, Will Downing, Deacon Blues and popular local acts such as 911 and Ken Ford. This concert series is also free.
Aquafina On the Bricks returns for its fourth year bringing headlining acts to the Park every Friday night through August. Tickets are only $5 to see live performances by such artists as Train, George Clinton and Parliament/ Funkadelic, Live and Blondie. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the music starts at 6 p.m. Purchase tickets at the gate, or

online at www.onthebricks.com. While at the Park, visit the newly
renovated Fountainside Caf for a delicious snack or meal. The menu has also been updated, and features gourmet sandwiches, hot dogs, pizza, cookies, soft-serve ice cream, muffins and Danish.
Be sure to visit the Park's Web site,www.centennialpark.com to learn more about these and other Park events, or call our 24-hour activity hotline, 404.222.PARK (7275).

Music To My Ears
Located between the Georgia World Congress Center and the downtown hotel district, Centennial Olympic Park offers a variety of concerts during the summer season. From lunchtime jazz to Friday night's On the Bricks, the Park is the place to be to hear your favorite music.

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FIRST Robotics Competition
Combines Sports with Science

The Georgia Dome and Georgia World Congress Center were invaded by robots April 15, 2004. Why did they come? The machines came to earn scholarships and a national title for the students who made them during the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) robotics competition.
Teams of the brightest students from around the globe competed here by playing a variation of basketball with their robots. The three-day competition took place on the floor of the Georgia Dome with the pit area and conference held in the Georgia World Congress Center. The robots moved baskets, corralled inflated rubber balls and attempted to do pull-ups from a 10-foot bar to earn points for their operators, who manned their machines by remote control.
The FIRST Robotics Competition combines the excitement of sports with science and tech-

nology to create a unique varsity sport for the mind. FIRST helps high school students discover the rewarding and engaging process of innovation and engineering. Students involved in the competition "play with the pros," and work with professional engineers to design and build
robots, hoping to earn a spot at the championship. Along the way, they can qualify for over $3.8 million in scholarship funds. FIRST was founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., the non-profit organization designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering. The FIRST Robotics Competition Championship will return to the Georgia Dome and Congress Center in 2005 and 2006.

Georgia Dome GOES WIRELESS
When most people think about the technology
at the Georgia Dome, they think of the cable-
suspended dome, the engineering feat that
allows the 71,250-seat stadium to have clear
sightlines to the playing field. What guests at
the Dome cannot see is the invisible, yet equally
impressive technology... wireless technology!
Five permanent access points located adjacent to the Dome's meeting rooms, client offices, reception areas, and darkrooms allow show management and press to access the internet using wireless over the 802.11b network. This network protocol works with a variety of the most common network cards to allow easy access for all users. The two permanent access points in the press box provide coverage to the Dome's floor, for use during trade shows or arena events such as basketball.
The Dome's customers can choose to open the wireless network to all users in the coverage area, or provide passwords to authenticate the users they designate. The flexibility of the wireless network suits the needs of the wide variety of Georgia Dome clientele.
In addition to wireless networking, the Georgia Dome is well equipped to handle the unique demands a large number of cellular callers place on a facility. Since the Dome's IT experts, CCLD, launched their new Distributed Antenna System for cellular carriers, wireless callers can count on clear, reliable signals during the largest sold-out events. The system provides unparalleled coverage in the Georgia Dome as well as the adjacent 3.9-million-square foot Georgia World Congress Center.

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Sports Fans Cheer as 2004 FALCONS SEASON NEARS

With 12,000 on the Falcons season ticket waiting list and only a few suites available for lease, The Dome is the place to be when NFL football returns this fall.
The Atlanta Falcons will square off against five playoff teams from last season, including two dates with NFC Champion and NFC South Divisional rival Carolina. The second meeting against the Panthers in 2004 will be a Saturday night game at the Georgia Dome Dec. 18.
In 2003, Falcons quarterback Michael Vick made his first start of the regular season in a nationally televised Sunday Night game against the Panthers. Vick finished the game 16-of-33 for 179 yards passing and had 14 rushing attempts for 141 yards to power the Falcons to a 20-14 overtime win. FOR INFORMATION ON SINGLE-GAME SUITE RENTALS, CHECK WWW.ATLANTAFALCONS.COM.

ATLANTA FALCONS HOME GAMES

PRESEASON DATE
08/20/04 08/28/04

GAME
Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings Atlanta Falcons vs. Cincinnati Bengals

KICKOFF
7:30 P.M. 7:30 P.M.

REGULAR SEASON

DATE

GAME

09. 19. 04 09. 26. 04 10. 10. 04 10. 17. 04 11. 14. 04 11. 28. 04 12. 12. 04 12. 18. 04

Atlanta Falcons vs. St. Louis Rams Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons vs. Detroit Lions Atlanta Falcons vs. San Diego Chargers Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints Atlanta Falcons vs. Oakland Raiders Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers

KICKOFF
1:00 P.M. 1:00 P.M. 1:00 P.M. 1:00 P.M. 1:00 P.M. 4:05 P.M. 1:00 P.M. 8:30 P.M.

GATES OPEN 6 P.M. 6 P.M.
GATES OPEN 11:30 A.M. 11:30 A.M. 11:30 A.M. 11:30 A.M. 11:30 A.M.
2:35 P.M. 11:30 A.M.
7:00 P.M.

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continued from page 8
Centennial Olympic Park
taking action to correct it. Public Safety is on top of any concerns or disturbances in the Park. I couldn't ask for a more responsive and conscientious team," added Banta.
Eight years after the Olympic Torch was extinguished, the Park is still a community-gathering place where people of various cultures, incomes and lifestyles come to enjoy open recreation, concerts, cultural festivals and a relic of Olympic history. With free activities, cascading water gardens, emerald lawns, striking sculptures and commemorative Olympic bricks all highlighted by the interactive Fountain of Rings, a visit to Centennial Olympic Park is a memorable one. The Park has kept its promise to Atlanta to remain a safe, clean common ground, and settles for nothing less than excellence.

Garden continued fon page 7
Atlanta Botanical
and $7 for students. The Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the months of April through September and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October to March. On Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m., tours are given by a volunteer guide who will provide a more in-depth look at the gardens. The tour is included with paid admission. Group tours or visits can be arranged by calling 404.591.1543. The Garden can also be reserved for receptions and other gatherings by calling the Special Events office at 404.876.5859 ext. 1585. For further information about the Atlanta Botanical Garden as well as information about upcoming events please visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org, or call 404.876.5859.

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

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