Complete Guide to Business Meetings in Atlanta

While many tasks can be completed virtually, some things are just better in person. Continue reading for Atlanta business travel tips including getting in, getting around and an overview of the Atlanta business center.

Known as a business-friendly state, Georgia’s capital city Atlanta is one of the top 10 best business travel destinations. With more than 800 hotels and an international airport located just seven miles south of the downtown district, Atlanta is a popular choice for business meetings and events.

Climate

Located among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in southeastern United States, Atlanta has a subtropical climate and four distinct seasons. Summers are humid and winters are cool, but the city’s elevation also brings occasional snowstorms along with frequent rainfall.

Visitors should be prepared for rain at any time of year and pack according to the season. While the region has experienced ice storms and tornadoes in the past, these are not common occurrences. At its most extreme, temperatures can range from −9 °F to 106 °F, depending on the season.

Getting in: Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

Since 1998, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has been the world’s busiest airport for passenger travel and ranks seventh in international passenger traffic. It spans 4,700 acres and has five parallel runways, two terminals and 195 gates.

ATL is a hub for Delta Air Lines and offers flights within North America as well as international services to South America, Central America, Europe, Africa and Asia making it the international gateway to the United States.

When embarking on Atlanta business travel, passengers can check security line wait times using the MyTSA App, available on Google Play or on the App Store. This service provides 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information.

To expedite the screening process leaving Atlanta, ATL offers automated screening lanes, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry program in addition to regular TSA screening.

Getting around: Atlanta business center

Both the domestic and international terminals are accessed directly from major highways and 10 airport rental agencies operate from the Hartsfield-Jackson Rental Car Center. An automated SkyTrain links the domestic terminal, rental car center and Georgia International Convention Center.

The airport also links to MARTA, Atlanta’s rapid transit system. Located between the north and south domestic terminals, the trip from ATL to downtown Atlanta takes about 15 minutes. During rush hour periods, travel to the downtown district can take upwards of 45 minutes.

Atlanta is accessible by several major highways, Amtrak and many other options. Once in Atlanta, visitors can travel by car or use the city’s public transportation system, which includes trains, buses and streetcars. Rideshares, taxicabs, limos and shuttles are also available.

Neighborhoods, suburbs and business districts

Atlanta’s dynamic neighborhoods feature unique experiences intertwined with Southern culture. In addition to the downtown district, there are several major areas to explore including Midtown, Vinings and Inman Park.

Downtown—known as the Atlanta business center, this area is home to several major corporations as well as a wide range of attractions including Fox Theatre, the Georgia Dome and the Underground Atlanta entertainment center.

Midtown—home to the popular green space, Piedmont Park, Midtown is Atlanta’s second largest business district. With many notable restaurants and hotels, and an extensive network of sidewalks and bike lanes, Midtown is a good place to visit or stay. Offices are available in both well-maintained historic buildings and new developments, offering a wide range of options for Atlanta business travel.

Vinings—with offices available in older buildings and newer developments, Vinings is home to several Fortune 500 companies and is accessible from Interstate 75 and 285. This neighborhood has ample amenities, including bagel shops, coffee shops and gyms.

Inman Park—also known as the Beltline, Inman Park is a historic neighborhood undergoing revitalization. Featuring a lively and an affordable business district, this quirky area, located close to downtown, is popular for its eclectic bed and breakfast accommodations and office sharing opportunities.

Meeting spaces

Atlanta’s multiple business districts offer a plethora of venues, hotels and restaurants making this an ideal business meeting place. With a wide range of offices and meeting spaces available for day rates, visitors can find everything from an office downtown to a 16-person training room. Many spaces include amenities, such as catering and LCD projectors, in addition to flexible room sizes and rental time frames.

There is a wealth of meeting room locations in Atlanta to suit any type of business need. With a diverse economy, a mix of historic and modern neighborhoods and unique topographic features, Atlanta business travel just makes sense.