The big event, Winter 2004

Georgia World Congress Center Georgia Dome Centennial Olympic Park

Winter 2004

GWCC Plans to House Georgia State University's HOSPITALITY LEARNING CENTER

photo pending

With the Georgia State University campus only a few steps away from the Georgia World Congress Center, it's inevitable that the two entities would join together to change the face of hospitality in the convention industry and in downtown Atlanta. The GSU Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality and the Georgia World Congress Center recently announced plans for a Hospitality Learning Center to be located inside the Georgia World Congress Center.

By hosting the Hospitality Learning Center at the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia State University hopes to foster education, professional development and growth of the hospitality industry in Georgia.

The Hospitality Learning Center, located near the main entrance to Building A, will be home to a high tech teaching and research site for graduate and undergraduate studies. The satellite school will offer students and professors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the hospitality industry. Classes begin at the Hospitality Learning Center this summer. "This partnership between the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and Georgia State University is a one-of-a-kind venture that benefits the students, the university, the Congress Center and the hospitality industry. What a great addition this learning center will be to our campus," said John Smith, General Manager of the Georgia World Congress Center and adjunct professor at the School of Hospitality. The School of Hospitality provides academic courses in the areas of hotel, restaurant, private club, tradeshow and convention, fair and tourism industries. By hosting the Hospitality Learning Center at the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia State University hopes to foster education, professional

development and growth of the hospitality industry in Georgia; enhance the educational opportunities of undergraduate and graduate students and industry professionals; and perform critical research to support the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and the hospitality industry.
"This unprecedented alliance brings new meaning to relevant, real-time learning experiences," added Dr. Debby Cannon, director for the School of Hospitality. "Our hope is that it will serve as a model for other institutions domestically and throughout the world."
The J. Mack Robinson College of Business is one of the world's best business schools. The College's Flex (part-time) MBA program has been listed in the top ten by U.S. News and World Report for the past eight years and its undergraduate business program is ranked among the top 40 in the nation (top 25 among public universities). The College's Executive MBA program is listed on The Financial Times list of the world's top ranked offerings and BusinessWeek magazine ranks it 24th in the world. Georgia State University's Robinson College of Business has an enrollment for more than 8,000 students and is located in downtown Atlanta.

GWCC Offers
A Variety of Dining Options that Cater to Your Needs
Whether attending a convention, meeting or breakout session, guests of the Georgia World Congress Center have a variety of dining options. The Congress Center features a total of 20 permanent dining options across the board rang-
ing from coffee shops to Terraces, a fine dining restaurant and lounge where conventioneers can escape the hustle and bustle of the show floor. The Congress Center has various dining options throughout the facility. From the concession stands on the show floor to express cafes surrounding the meeting rooms, the choices are plenty for guests of all appetites. And in March, a new Starbucks Coffee will give conventioneers even more choices. MGR Food Services provides all of the food at the Georgia World Congress Center and has set the industry standard for culinary excellence for meeting planners and special events. During CHEERSPORT, a national cheerleading and dance competition held at the GWCC in January, Terraces was transformed into a Sports Bar to accommodate a dynamic demographic. Large screen TVs and a specialized menu brought in just for this event meant families didn't have to go far for an enjoyable meal. Offering specialized dining options is one way to make your guests feel appreciated during their time in Atlanta. Many creative and personalized food ideas can keep your attendees satisfied and comfortable without having to leave the facility to eat.
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customer comments
"Please accept my personal thanks to everyone on the GWCC team who helped to make StonExpo 2004 the best show we've ever had. Working with you was a pleasure and your always being there for us is the mark of true professionalism,"
Pennie Sabel, Executive Director StonExpo 2004
"We would like to thank the Georgia World Congress Center for making our 2003 Empire Distributors Holiday Party a success. The facility looked beautiful and your staff was attentive to our needs and requests. We look forward to working with the GWCC again in the future,"
Ted Zitelli, Director of Human Resources, Empire Distributors, Inc.
"On behalf of the Southeastern Conference and its member institutions, I want to express our deepest appreciation for your support of the 2003 SEC Football Championship weekend in Atlanta. This office works with many facilities in staging SEC Championship events and none is better than the GWCC. Not only is the facility top rate, but perhaps more importantly, the people are among the best in the business. We look forward to many more years in partnership together!"
Michael Slive, Commissioner Southeastern Conference
"Thank you so much for the special part that the Georgia World Congress Center played at the 2003 Big Brothers Big Sisters Volunteer Recognition Dinner. The space was perfect! The volunteers and children enjoyed themselves tremendously. We are so lucky to have your support. Your active involvement is an integral part of making the children's dreams come true,"
Janice McKenzie-Crayton, President Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta

Georgia State Capitol
Symbolizes the New South

The Georgia State Capitol is the working

center of Georgia's government and the proud home of its

citizens. Listed on the National Park Service's National

Register of Historic Places, the recently refurbished Capitol is a gleaming example of 19th century design and 21st

century technology.

The Capitol building was completed in 1889, ten years after

Atlanta became the capitol city of Georgia. Like many buildings

in its time, the Capitol is Classic Renaissance in architectural

style. Classic Renaissance arose during the 1400s and 1500s in

Italy, originating out of an era when interest was renewed in the

culture of ancient Greece and Rome.

In 1993, the Georgia General Assembly created the

Commission on the Preservation of the State Capitol and

charged this group to develop a plan to return the building

to its original grandeur. The elegance of the Victorian period

has been re-captured in the rehabilitation of the building's

structure and the restoration of the interior. For attendees and exhibitors visiting Atlanta, the

Tours of the Georgia State Capitol offer another unique activity for attendees and exhibitors visiting Atlanta.

Georgia State Capitol offers another unique activity that

looks into Atlanta's rich past. The tour includes a brief

session (January through March) and 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m.,

overview of Capitol history and the lawmaking process,

1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. (April through December). Walk-in

a visit to the public galleries of the House of Representatives visitors are always welcome.

and Senate and a visit to the Georgia Capitol Museum.

The Capitol is located in downtown Atlanta near Five

The Georgia State Capitol is open to the public 8:00

Points, Underground Atlanta and the World of Coca-Cola,

a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Guided tours are making it one of several things to do while visitors are down-

available Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.,

town. Call (404) 656-2844 for more information about the

1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. while the Georgia Legislature is in Georgia State Capitol.

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Mark Your Calendars
Upcoming Spring Events at the Park
It's not too early to start planning
family fun for the spring, and Centennial Olympic Park will be bursting with free activities! The Park is bringing back popular programming such as Music at Noon, Wednesday WindDown and Fourth Saturday Family Fun Day this April.
The season kicks off April 6, as Music at Noon returns to the Southern Company Amphitheater. The series brings downtown visitors and workers a variety of sounds including school bands, international performers, jazz, blues and R&B every Tuesday and Thursday from noon 1p.m.
If that doesn't whet your appetite,
Wednesday WindDown begins April 7. Local and national artists perform live on stage from 5:30 p.m. 8 p.m. every Wednesday evening through September. Past artists have included Rick Braun, Will Downing, Deacon Blues and popular local acts such as 911 and Ken Ford, to name just a few.
On the fourth Saturday of each month
beginning April 24, Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days bring a different theme to the Park. Activities are centered around themes such as "All About Sports," The Great Outdoors" and "Cultural Arts." Participants in this mini festival are challenged to use their creativity and imagination as they create arts and crafts, listen to musical performances and participate in games all intended to entertain and educate.
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APRIL SHOWERS BRING
park volunteers
Centennial Olympic Park volunteers enjoyed a busy winter season filled with projects and social activities, and with springtime approaching, their activity calendars are getting full. This spring, the volunteers will be helping our guests enjoy all of the activity surrounding the Park. They will be in the Visitor Center welcoming guests from tradeshows and conventions, and helping them make the most of their stay. They will be out in the Park participating in landscaping projects, beautifying the area for visitors from around the world. They will be at the Park's free, family events making it a memorable experience for all who participate. Guests to the Park won't have to look very far for a friendly, helpful face of a Park volunteer.

Centennial Olympic Park welcomes all GWCCA Guests Centennial Olympic Park welcomes many faces to Atlanta each day, including those of guests passing through on their way to the Georgia World Congress Center and Georgia Dome. The 21-acre park is a great site to hold special events in conjunction with events held at other downtown facilities.

This winter, guests heading to CHEERSPORT, Atlanta Boat

Show and the Super Sale got a treat when they stumbled upon

an ice castle sculpted by students from the Chattahoochee

Technical College Culinary Institute. The sculpture was part of the 2nd Annual Ice Festival at Centennial Olympic Park.

The event drew much attention being held on a weekend with

three events taking place at the Congress Center.

Prior to its stop at the Georgia Dome, the Professional Bull

Riders' Association brought "Gimpy" the bull to Centennial

Olympic Park to give fans of the PBR 2004 Built Ford Tough

Series a chance to view the bovine up close. The bull riding

competition took place at the Georgia Dome Feb. 7.

There's always something special happening at the Park,

whether it's a water show in the Fountain of Rings, hands-on

arts and crafts or a performance by talented local and regional

musicians, guests will find it's a great place to kick off their

shoes and enjoy the sunshine.

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Go Behind the Scenes
at the Georgia Dome
Coming to Atlanta for a convention, school trip, meeting or seminar? Make your trip to Atlanta more memorable by taking a Group Tour of the Georgia Dome. Parties of 20 or more can get a great tour at a great price.
See everything behind-the-scenes, from the Falcons locker room, the new turf everyone is talking about, the VIP areas of the Dome, the press box and Dome suites. Admission for group tours is $4 per person for parties of 20 or more (reservation required - call for details: 404.223.TOUR).
Tours for parties of 20 or less are also available on the hour between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Visit www.gadome.com for more information.

CORPORATE PACKAGES
In addition to the tours, corporate
packages are also available, with
unique meeting spaces for your special
presentation or an unforgettable lunch.
Meeting Rooms - Tired of meeting in the same boardroom, constantly looking at your watch wondering when the meeting will be over? Add some variety to your next business meeting and take advantage of the five meeting rooms inside the Georgia Dome.
Locker Room - Build employee morale by planning your next business outing / rally where the Atlanta Falcons strap on their helmets and prepare for gridiron battle!
Club Lounges - With over 7,000 square feet, the two (2) Club Lounges in the Georgia Dome offer the perfect setting for an elegant business dinner and a great backdrop for an important presentation.
Press Box - Mike Vick drops back to pass.... he's got Peerless Price wide open in the flat...there's the release.... the ball is in the air.... TOUCHDOWN Falcons! With a seating capacity of 120 and a view of the playing field, be a part of the action and hold your next business function in the Press Box of the Georgia Dome.
In-Zone Restaurant - Where the end zone is just the beginning of a great meeting, enjoy finely prepared food by our in-house catering service, MGR, and a view of the playing field during your next business luncheon.

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March Madness
INVADES Georgia Dome
The Georgia Dome is no stranger to March Madness, having hosted the NCAA Men's Final Four in 2002 and the Women's Final Four in 2003.

Got March Madness? This year the Georgia
Dome will reach new heights in college basketball insanity as it hosts both the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament and the NCAA Men's Atlanta Regional.
The SEC Men's Basketball Tournament, March 11 through March 14, features 12 Southeastern Conference teams competing in 11 games for the automatic bid to the NCAA Men's Basketball Division I Championship.
The road to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship runs through Atlanta March 26 and 28, 2004, for the second official weekend of March Madness. The Regional includes two sessions on Friday and one session on Sunday. The regional determines who will advance to the Final Four at the Alamodome in San Antonio on April 3 and 5, 2004.
If you love the excitement and drama of college basketball, the prescription is clear: 16 teams competing in 14 tournament games at the Georgia Dome - the only cure for March Madness!

To u c h d o w n s
A Plenty on FieldTurf
It's hard to believe that 28 football games have already taken place here since the Georgia Dome finished installing the FieldTurf synthetic grass surface July 3, 2003. The new surface has been a huge hit with players and has helped the Dome break some unique records.
FieldTurf is a revolutionary synthetic turf, designed to create an artificial surface that duplicates the playing conditions of real grass. It is a permanent turf system that utilizes large interlocking tiles over the turf for the stadium's other sports and entertainment events.
During the month of December, when the Georgia Dome hosted events like the SEC Football Championship Game and the Pioneer Bowl, the turf went through six customized paint schemes in just one month. During that same month, the Dome fulfilled two overnight conversions getting the stadium ready for Falcons football the day after other major events. Touchdown!

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GWCC Opens Tourism/Concierge Desk in

Building C Entrance Lobby

Atlanta is the capital of the South and boasts a variety of things

to do from Six Flags Over Georgia to Underground Atlanta.

Guests of the Georgia World Congress Center don't have to go far to learn more about the things that make Atlanta unique. The Center hosts three Tourism/Concierge Desks, including one that recently opened in Building C.
The purpose of these information desks is to acquaint guests about ongoing events and attractions during their stay in Atlanta. The desks, staffed with a hospitality professional, feature a wide array of brochures, calendars and booklets about attractions, restaurants, shopping malls, sporting venues and more. They also offer complimentary restaurant reservation services.

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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