With venues such as one of the country’s most exciting ballparks, a museum dedicated to a world-famous soft drink and ornate historic theaters, thinking up memorable Georgia events is a snap.
Planners organizing meetings in the Peach State’s group-friendly locales can sweeten itineraries with functions at one of the following venues, which wonderfully represent a varied and seemingly endless list of options.
Turner Field, Atlanta
www.braves.com/events
The home of the Atlanta Braves is a terrific spot for off-site get-togethers ranging from a small informal meeting to a 1,500-person reception, according to Sabrina Jenkins, director of special events for Atlanta Braves/Turner Field.
“It’s unique because we have over 14 different venues within the ballpark,” she says. “You could host a luncheon or reception in one part and have a softball game or batting practice taking place on-field simultaneously.”
Among the group venues at Turner Field are Scouts Alley, an interactive area consisting of two hitting and two pitching games, as well as the Hall of Fame Museum, which takes visitors through the history of the Braves; and the 755 Club, an event space totaling more than 24,000 square feet with panoramic views of the playing field and the Atlanta skyline.
Jenkins says ballpark tours, available year-round, are often added to group events.
“Turner Field is also a fantastic location for team-building activities,” she says. “From scavenger hunts to running the bases on-field, it’s the perfect location to bring your team together.”
World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta
www.worldofcoca-cola.com
The World of Coca-Cola features meeting space surrounded by Coca-Cola memorabilia, the Taste It! Room, where visitors can sample more than 60 Coca-Cola beverages from around the globe, and the recently opened Vault of the Secret Formula, an exhibit that divulges the 125-year-old secret recipe of the internationally beloved beverage.
According to Marc Nevarez, group manager, event marketing and sales for the Coca-Cola Company, the must-visit Atlanta attraction doubles as an off-site venue that accommodates events ranging from 10 to 10,000 guests.
He says by incorporating numerous private entrances for use during events, the World of Coca-Cola has created a nontraditional venue that dismisses the ballroom concept and embraces an adaptable space with a multitude of uses.
Nevarez adds that group tours are available during daytime business hours and team-building activities such as “Cooking with Coke,” which teams groups with a Southern chef to create and taste food infused with Coca-Cola products, can be arranged for evenings.
Dunwoody Farmhouse, Dunwoody
www.saratogaevents.com
The Dunwoody Farmhouse, which was built in 1906 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is maintained by the Dunwoody Preservation Trust, and all events held there are coordinated by Saratoga Event Group.
According to Dolores Lauderdale, site manager and event sales manager for the Dunwoody Farmhouse, it’s well-suited for all manner of small to midsize gatherings, from corporate summits and cocktail receptions to luncheons and holiday parties.
“Located just a few miles north of the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, it’s a pleasant escape from busy city life and a nice reminder of slower days past,” she says.
Interior features of the recently renovated Dunwoody Farmhouse include an upstairs lounge with an outdoor balcony, three intimate parlor rooms and a built-in bar. Additionally, there is an outdoor area that can be tented for larger events.
“We recently had BMW North America corporate managers have their dinner meeting at the farmhouse,” Lauderdale says.
National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center, Columbus
www.nationalinfantrymuseum.com
Meetings at the 190,000-square-foot National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center enjoy the backdrop of one of the nation’s finest American history museums, according to Allee Bennett, spokesperson for the National Infantry Foundation, who says the venue is top among Columbus’ most unique off-site gathering spots.
Its event spaces include an IMAX Theatre, perfect for general sessions; various classrooms; the 2,300-square-foot Heritage Hall, which is a banquet room decorated with two dozen works by world-famous military artist James Dietz; and a lobby area for large-scale events.
According to Bennett, the on-site events department customizes and caters to each group’s timeline and special interests.
“Close to half of museum events facilitate group activities such as tours, luncheons, the IMAX Theatre and the experience of the EST2000 Rifle Range and combat simulators,” Bennett says. “The rifle range has proven to be a perfect experience for team building, and our newest combat simulators will also promote great leadership by having teams complete ‘a mission’ just as our troops would today in Afghanistan.”
Flint RiverQuarium, Albany
www.flintriverquarium.com
Located on the banks of the Flint River, the Flint RiverQuarium tells the story of the river and the blue hole springs that helped create it, and also focuses on the ecosystems unique to the river basin via five galleries of aquatic exhibits and a 35-foot-tall native bird aviary.
“No other event venue in southwest Georgia offers this experience,” says Vicki Churchman, member and volunteer services manager at Flint RiverQuarium. “Imagine eating dinner and dancing on the banks of a blue hole spring without worrying about the weather or bugs!”
That is the experience groups have when they schedule an event in the Skywater Room, which overlooks a 175,000-gallon replica of a blue hole spring.
The attraction accommodates formal seated events for up to 80 people and informal cocktail receptions for up to 300 people, and there is a 103-seat theater that is ideal for slideshows and lectures.
Churchman adds that the RiverQuarium offers group rates for tours and rental packages that include admission discounts for a function that lasts longer than one day.
Enterprise Mill Events Center, Augusta
www.enterprisemillevents.com
Part of a historic textile mill located along the Augusta Canal, the Enterprise Mill Events Center is a splendid option for group events.
Inside, it sports an exposed brick and wood beam meeting room that accommodates up to 250 people, and outside is a lovely courtyard space and a fireplace.
Brad Usry, spokesperson for Enterprise Mill Events Center, says cocktail receptions for up to 350 people and sit-down dinners for 200 are accommodated.
Additionally, interested groups can schedule a two-hour canal tour aboard an authentic Petersburg boat.
Usry says planners will appreciate the friendly and talented Enterprise Mill Event Center staff, which takes care of all aspects of an event, including food and beverage, audiovisual equipment, tables, chairs, tents and music.
“We feel we can accommodate any group,” he says, citing all-day seminars, meetings, press conferences and fund-raisers among the gatherings often facilitated.
Douglass Theatre, Macon
www.douglasstheatre.org
The Douglass Theatre, a historic venue that has been beautifully restored, provides a unique experience for any group convening in Macon.
Built in 1921 by entrepreneur Charles Douglass and recognized today as a landmark museum by the State Office of Historic Preservation, the theater remains one of the few historic theaters designed, constructed, owned and operated by an African-American.
“From its history of hosting such greats as Cab Calloway to Otis Redding, to our current innovative programming that includes Met Opera in HD and the National Theatre Live from London, we are a full-service cultural destination, especially when you consider the live concerts, plays and other activities we present,” says Gina Ward, director of the Douglass Theatre.
On-site theater space accommodates up to 319 people and the reception hall can hold 120 people for a seated function and 225 people for a reception.
Ward adds that since the Douglass Theatre is historic, there are several elements that make a visit or a tour quite rewarding.
“Our theater is 90 years old and it reflects the aestheticism of that era, as well as the vision and taste of Mr. Douglass,” she says, citing impressive decor and unique architectural features.
The Melting Point, Athens
www.meltingpointathens.com
The Melting Point, part of the Foundry Park Inn & Spa, is typically used as a live music/performance hall, but is also available for events ranging from political debates to receptions and meetings.
With a spacious outdoor patio area and three additional historic banquet spaces, the Melting Point is perfect for any number of meetings and events, according to Jason Harwell, spokesperson for Foundry Park Inn & Spa. The venue accommodates 250 to 300 people in a variety of configurations, from theater-style to classroom settings to standing receptions.
Harwell adds that Melting Point’s unique ambience includes exposed bricks, 22-foot-high beams in the ceiling and original masonry from the 1850s.
“Our owners wanted to preserve this piece of Athens history and let it live on to inspire new guests,” he says.
Private concerts are possible with a good amount of lead time, and during already scheduled shows, there is a VIP suite available for interested groups.
“Ultimately, we see the Melting Point as a space where we can do whatever a group wants,” Harwell says. “It’s kind of a Swiss Army [Knife] room in that we can transform it into many things.”
Savannah Theatre, Savannah
www.savannahtheatre.com
Located in the center of a historic district within walking distance of many group-friendly hotels, the Savannah Theatre has a warm Art Deco theme that audiences appreciate.
According to Linda Kloog-Harris, director of sales and marketing for the Savannah Theatre, it’s available for a variety of group gatherings either during the day or for a memorable nighttime experience.
“It’s very entertaining for meeting attendees,” she says, adding that corporate buyouts for most of the theater’s calendar of productions are available. “Upon availability, we have up to 531 intimate seats for your clients to enjoy any of our spectacular productions.”
Carolyn Blackburn is a frequent contributor to Meetings Focus South.
