Atlanta Meetings and Events

Party on the Go in Atlanta!

Friday, November 20, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
Transportation in Atlanta is much different from that of NYC or Washington, DC. Public transportation - MARTA - doesn't go everywhere and taxi cabs can cost you an arm and a leg to get from one end of town to the other. A great solution to transportation hassles is to offer your clients a mobile event.

Atlanta VIP Ride invites you to host an event in their 40-passenger limo. This bus is not your high school band bus: it's complete with three wet bars, a 42-inch plasma TV & a restroom. Other "rides" include the 28-passenger corporate limo bus complete with leather seating, meeting/dining table and luggage storage space.

An event on the go like this is also a great solution for a last-minute event. Many of the unique venues in Atlanta are booked months or even years in advance. No need to stress when you take your event on the open road!

As an added bonus, your guests can make stops at Atlanta attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke and Centennial Olympic Park. Benefits for using party buses vary, but a money-saving, easy cleaning and all-in-one sightseeing package sits well with most visitors when they travel to Atlanta.

View more information about Atlanta VIP Ride and other transportion options in Atlanta on the Cvent Supplier Network

Rest, Relax, Rejuvenate Your Events in Atlanta

Thursday, November 19, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
For some who travel to Atlanta for extensive week long seminars or draining conferences, there should always be time for rest and relaxation. Not only will it increase your guests' attention span at meetings and events, but it also boasts their health and overall well-being. There are several venues both in Atlanta and just a short drive away where attendees - and even event planners themselves - can enjoy some R&R. Spa Treatment Room

The Georgia Bulldogs are not the only highlight of Athens, Georgia. The Foundry Park Inn & Spa, located in downtown Athens, is the intersection of serenity and southern hospitality. With over 12,000 square feet of special event space, this venue is perfect for those who work hard and play hard. The full-service retreat includes spa body treatments, home inspired accommodations and a state-of-the-art fitness center. 

If your clients enjoy the bright lights of Atlanta but prefer a secluded destination, a hour's drive south the city will bring you to The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens. Recently listed as the first US Green Building Council LEED-certified business conference center in the world, this is not only a retreat for yourself but for mother earth as well. The spa invites guests to unwind in relaxation lounges, saunas and steam rooms.

No time to leave the city, but still want to feel refreshed? In lieu of breakfast room service, at Atlanta's Hotel Palomar, treat your guests to an early morning selection from the spa menu. No need to leave the suite, luxury comes to you in the form of various organic massage and body treatments.

When it comes to giving your meeting attendees a break from the boardroom, or even for incentive travel, Atlanta meeting planners should certainly consider these relaxing retreats.

View more information about Fondry Park, Callaway Gardens, Hotel Palomar Atlanta Midtown and other unique Atlanta venues on the Cvent Supplier Network

Seeing is Believing: Why to Hire A Photographer for Your Next Event!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
Event PhotographerPictures hold two key benefits for third-party planners. First, photos are an opportunity to prove that they can create successful events. Whether they are posed or candid, photos can be the deciding factor in whether or not you book your next event. Second, often times attendees who forget their camera will still want memories of how the event transpired - and they'll expect you to provide them.

Selecting an event photographer is a challenging task. Without proper knowledge of photographic elements, lighting or even the basic skills of your photographer, you run the risk of having a great event with mediocre pictures.

Be sure your photographers have everything they will need for excellent pictures. Check out their online portfolios, inquire about their photography equipment, and confirm their guest count (some photographers bring assistants). Have an area for guests to take posed photos that is clear of wires, AV equipment and, most of all, people.

Atlanta photographers Atlpics and Sandra Rose have made a name for themselves in the Atlanta event sector by posting event photos online. This is a benefit to both your guests and your brand recognition. It will only guests to see everyone that attended as well as preserve memories of the event. For your benefit, the photos will create a buzz about your event planning talents and possibly gain potential clients that may have never thought about hiring you.

All in all, remember that seeing is believing. You want your prospective clients to believe that you can create eye-catching events!

Find more information about Atlanta photographers on the Cvent Supplier Network.

Where to Host Winter Weddings in Atlanta

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
This is a perfect time to book event space for a destination Atlanta wedding. Off-season usually occurs from October to January, during which time you can cut costs by 30 percent to 50 percent. For your budget-friendly brides who want to save money but spare their guests the frost of winter, Atlanta is the perfect destination. With its temperate climate and various indoor/outdoor venues, this city has plenty to offer for your client's 2009 winter wedding.Rhodes Hall

Rhodes Hall is a top Atlanta attraction that doubles as a museum and special event space. Luckily, this is a one-stop shop for this season's weddings. The ceremony can be held on the porch in front of the grand arches. The front lawn is also quite picturesque for the bridal party photos with its well-manicured lawn and seasonal floral arrangements.
 
Your Atlanta wedding reception will be the talk of the town when it's held at Rhodes' turn-of-the-century reception room. Seating up to 135 guests, this is a quaint yet classic event venue.

For a more modern feel, host your next winter reception at 103 West, Atlanta's newest private dining facility. It's a sophisticated but sexy setting, and your guests will appreciate this venue's attention to detail. There are five party areas varying in capacity, from an intimate dinner for 40 people in the Club Room to an elegant affair for 300 guests in the Grand Ballroom, which offers private lower-level access.

103 WestSpecial bonuses come with this Atlanta restaurant, including free room rental and the ability to have both the ceremony and reception in one location. Your event can be coordinated from beginning to end with complimentary white linens, audio-visual equipment and even wedding coordination services. No wedding is complete without the cake, and the on-site chef provides tasty flavors including hazelnut, white chocolate mousse and the Southern favorite red velvet.

View more information about the Rhodes Hall and 103 West on the Cvent Supplier Network

Experience the International Cuisine of Atlanta

Monday, November 16, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
Atlanta is the new-found melting pot of the south. From the fettuccine alfredo of Italy to the sushi and sashimi of Japan, the Atlanta dining scene has appetizing cuisine for all tastes. For Omni Hotel at CNN Centeryour next event, step outside the norm and sample the international flavors of Atlanta.

Host your Atlanta meeting at the Omni Hotel at the CNN Center, a popular Atlanta convention hotel. Here, you can choose a savory entree from the international menu of the hotel's Prime Meridian restaurant. Where else can you find Louisiana gumbo, teriyaki seared Salmon and goat cheese brie alfredo all on the same menu? Offering a sumptuous meal overlooking the Centennial Olympic Park grounds, this downtown Atlanta restaurant is the perfect location Kyma Restaurantfor awesome views and scrumptious meals.

For a true international getaway, head over to the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group's Kyma Restaurant. This contemporary Greek restaurant captures the essence of Mediterranean living with its oceanic blue accents, grand white pillars and the authentic Greek cuisine. The menu is a decadent array of regional delicacies including Greek yogurt, stuffed grapevine leaves and even special vegan/vegetarian dishes.

Semi-private dining is available at Kyma for up to 50 guests.

Thanksgiving Events in Atlanta

Friday, November 13, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
The holiday season is steadily approaching, with Thanksgiving fewer than two weeks away. There is often no rest for the worry, however, as many Atlanta event planners must continue to coordinate social parties, client dinners and more—but this doesn't mean you'll miss out on a Thanksgiving meal! Atlanta restaurants and attractions are inviting visitors to Atlanta Grillvisit their venues for your Turkey Day events.

The Ritz-Carlton hotel in downtown Atlanta is inviting guests to a five-star Thanksgiving Day dinner at the its Atlanta Grill restaurant. This four-course meal features everything from the traditional—smoked turkey—to the unique—the grilled Georgia mountain rainbow trout.

The Atlanta Grill embodies rich Georgia history with a modern twist with its club-like seating and elegant menu selections. Party planners can give the day's toast in one of this Atlanta restaurant's two private dining rooms, seating up to 20 guests.

Chateau ElanMeanwhile, to take holiday guests or clients on a short getaway, try a visit to Chateau Elan. This unique Atlanta venue's Thanksgiving Day Package includes a luxurious night's stay in the Chateau Elan Inn and buffet dinner for two at the Versailles restaurant. The buffet, including a chilled seafood display, salad, cheese assortment, and oven-roasted turkey carving station, is complemented by a varied wine selection.

Chateau Elan is Georgia's 3,500-acre premier resort, complete with a rejuvenating European spa, full-production winery and golf course. It boasts two grand Atlanta banquet rooms and a 25,000-square-foot conference Center.

Give More Than Thanks on Thanksgiving in Atlanta

Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
Helping HandsOften we think of Thanksgiving and simply a time to eat, drink and be merry. However, it is also a time to show others how much you appreciate them and to give thanks for all that you have.

In this today's tough economic climate when so many are struggling, it seems even more appropriate to emphasize Thanksgiving's purpose this year. Why not do it at your upcoming Atlanta meetings and events

The Hosea Feed the Hungry Program is always looking for volunteers. This is a great team building opportunity for your upcoming corporate holiday parties and events. Your event attendees will become "chefs" for the day and leave with your event with a renewed sense of purpose, regardless of age.

For larger Thanksgiving and holiday celebrations, have your event guests bring a non-perishable item to dinner. The items can then be donated to your local community service office or local grocery store chain such as Kroger and Publix.

Celebrate Veterans Day in Atlanta

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
American FlagsToday is Veterans Day. From wars past and present, this is a day of remembrance and appreciation for those have been and are currently involved in the military. To celebrate, the city of Atlanta presents a number of opportunities to show your respect for these heroes.

The National Parks are "fee-free" today in gratitude for the men and women who sacrifice so much for this country. There's no better time to check out historic Atlanta attractions such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site, the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, and the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. All great sites that your clients, guests or coworkers would be privileged to see while in Atlanta.

For the veterans and active military personnel in particular, Atlanta area restaurants are joining in the celebration as well. Southern favorite Krispy Kreme Donuts is offering a free donut of choice; American restaurant Applebees offers a free dinner or lunch; and Outback Steakhouse welcomes veterans to try its blooming onion appetizer on the house.

3 Online Resources to Help Decorate Your Events

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
BalloonsFor your next destination event in Atlanta, remember that, although you may not know the city, you can order supplies online and have them shipped to your location. The city can be difficult to navigate through, so starting your supplier search online is a great idea for event planners unfamiliar with the area and local event suppliers.

These resources can help keep your headaches away and promote smooth transitions from event to event. Remember your time is money, so why not use available resources to assist in the event planning process?

Smartyhadaparty.com has a wonderful idea for planners who need disposable and reusable items for a deal. Want the quality of silverware at the price of plastic, the appeal of cotton chair covers at the cost of paper, or even the appeal of glassware without the washing time? Then check out this company's website. The quality is exceptional and allows you to save your event budget for more important areas such as food and drinks.

• Want to get your items and be on your way? Check out Shindigz.com. They offer theme boxes in which you pay one set price and your party comes to you. The theme boxes include backdrops, props and other decorations depending on what your event theme may be.

• The Cvent Supplier Network features tens of thousands of event venues and suppliers, including over 200 in the metropolitan area of Atlanta. Find local and national providers of Atlanta catering services, audio-visual technology, floral decorations and more.

Many meeting planners prefer to see the items before coordinating their next event, however time is not always on our sides. The Internet has become a  wonderful resource to have in your event planning toolbox, so why not make the most of it?

Upcoming Atlanta Events: Check Out Atlanta's Top Restaurants

Monday, November 9, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
New York City has always held the claim as the city that never sleeps. This week, Atlanta's fine dining restaurants are fighting for this title by hosting various events around the city, hoping to attract local Atlantans and visitors to its many venues.

By attending local events, Atlanta event planners not only get a chance to enjoy what the promoters have to offer, you also have the opportunity to see the venues first-hand. Catch a glimpse of some of Atlanta's best venues at one of the following upcoming events:

Copeland's-Buckhead• A personal branding workshop featuring Marketing Enthusiast Chad Rothschild will be held on Tuesday, November 10, at Copeland's Restaurant in Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood. This event features tools of the trade for individuals and businesses that are seeking opportunities to enhance, promote and increase brand presence within the global marketplace.

Copeland's New Orleans cuisine takes its patrons on a journey out to the Big Easy, featuring specials such as crawfish po-boys, jambalaya pasta and shrimp etouffee. Be sure to return for Sunday brunch to enjoy specialties like brioche French toast and the live jazz band. A festive Atlanta private dining facility, Copeland's is available for events of up to 80 guests.

Piedmont Room at Park Tavern• Enjoy a memorable weekend at the Grand Day Out event hosted by Park Tavern Restaurant in Midtown. This Atlanta event, held Sunday, November 15, includes a family friendly concert, contests and giveaways and even a kiddie carnival. The proceeds are benefiting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

The Piedmont Room at Park Tavern's lower level is a premier Atlanta wedding reception venue that is spacious and has awesome views of that Atlanta skyline. Host your next event in this airy setting, with its 30-foot ceilings and grand 12-foot windows.

No matter which venue you decide, remember that Atlanta restaurants are good for much more than food, there's plenty of fun to be had there as well!

For more information on these and other Atlanta group dining facilities, visit the Cvent Supplier Network.

Awake Your Inner Child at Atlanta's Special Event Venues

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
The end of the year is quickly approaching and many of us are simply worn out. Companies nationwide are trying to get the most out of their employees while they're in the office, meaning most of the employees are worn out by the time they get home. Why not treat the team to some fun activities to celebrate the year's end? Consider some alternative Atlanta venues that will not only boast employees' spirits but also awaken their inner child.Dave & Buster's Atlanta

Atlanta is the perfect destination to rejuvenate your staff. Dave & Buster's is a great Atlanta special event venue where your guests can eat, drink and play. Complete with arcade games, billiards and a main dining room, there is definitely something here for everyone to enjoy.

The Atlanta restaurant gladly welcomes large groups in spaces such as the small party room for intimate events or even the entire 70,000-square-foot special event facility, depending on your needs. The showroom is a happy medium for those mid-sized Atlanta events, and it includes audio-visual equipment.

Andretti Indoor Karting & GamesFor those that have a need for speed, consider booking Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. These aren't your carnival bumper cars—your racing fee comes with helmet, race car driver jumpsuit and a once-in-a-lifetime race car experience. Andretti has two professional style tracks, pool tables, a 30-foot rock climbing wall, high ropes course and arcade games. It isn't all play and no work, of course, as Atlanta conference rooms are on-site as well. The Grand Prix Suite offers 4,200 square feet of special event space including tables, seating and audio-visual equipment.

For more information about these and other Atlanta special event facilities, visit the Cvent Supplier Network.

Atlanta Venue Spotlight: The Lobby at Twelve

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
The Lobby at Twelve is not your run-of-the-mill hotel waiting area. There's no suitcases, bellman, or key cards here, and its patrons are not only guests of the Twelve Hotel but some of Atlanta's elite. Listed as one of the best Atlanta restaurants by Atlanta Magazine and Access Atlanta, this downtown Atlanta eatery is a city hot pot for singles and business professionals who want to see and be seen.Atlanta Fine Dining

The tantalizing menu includes a variety of land and sea options to appease a wide range of tastes. Awaken your palate with the Red Snapper Ratatouille, BBQ Chicken Wood Oven Pizza or even the Pappardelle Pasta. For dessert, the Flourless Chocolate Cake was named among the city's best by the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Pair any dish with a glass of the finest wines around the world from its 115-bottle wine list.

Private dining in an intimate setting is available at the Cellar, an Atlanta private dining facility located within the Lobby at Twelve. Mostly larger groups, business meetings and of course wine tastings are hosted amidst the contemporary mahogany wood tables, which seat parties of 48 or fewer guests.

Many guests go to a restaurant to feed their hunger, but next time you plan an event in Atlanta, come to the Lobby to satisfy all your senses. Smell the American cuisine, taste the urban cocktails, see some of Atlanta's finest, hear your guests compliment your venue selection and feel the warmth of the staff's true Southern hospitality.

Host Your Next Green Event in Atlanta

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
Help the Earth DrawingAtlanta is known for its lush landscape, rolling hills and red clay, and the city is trying to preserve this environment one establishment at a time. Many Atlanta caterers, restaurants and even hotels are doing their part to extend Earth's time clock in little ways. You, too, can make a difference the next time you host an event in Atlanta.

The Crown Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia was recently reported to be the first hotel in Georgia to be certified by Green Globe Recognizing Sustainable Practices. What are these sustainable practices? They include the hotel's extensive recycling and waste program, low flow shower heads promoting water conservation, and the donation of hotel linen and furniture to local charities following recent renovations. Feel free to host your next green meeting in this Atlanta hotel's 32,000 square feet of meeting space.

Doubletree Hotel Atlanta Buckhead welcomes guests with its Green & Sustainable Initiatives, designed to address the hotel waste issues. Currently the hotel allows visitors to recycle by placing both trash and recycle bins in every room. If you ever wondered what happened to the other half of that chicken sandwich you couldn't finish, rest assured that the kitchen's garden is layered with a compost mixture of food waste.
 
Events at the Doubletree can take advantage of the the Peachtree Ballroom, seating 300 guests, which is complete with energy efficient compact fluorescent lighting.

For more information about these and other green hotels in Atlanta, visit the Cvent Supplier Network.

Rafeedie's Catering in Atlanta Takes the Cake

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
Guests at a wedding rarely remember the flower girl's excellent petal throwing skills or the best man's drunken toast about the first time he met the bride. Often times it's the wedding cake that is the headliner, focal point and, for some, wedding the favor of choice. A wedding can do without many things, but not without the cake.Wedding Cake

Around the world, the wedding cake comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. In Britain, where they lay claim to the wedding cake, these celebratory desserts are ornate pieces of art. In France, guests enjoy croquembouche, an ice cream cone-shaped tower of profiteroles covered in caramel or toffee.

In the Caribbean, black rum cake is a two-for-one special: the cake's fruit are soaked in rum for weeks on end, giving it a dark brown color that guarantees your guests will go home happy. In Atlanta however, the red velvet cake is king, often with walnuts sprinkled between layers to give it a crunchy, sweet taste.

Rafeedie's Catering is one of the premier caterers in Atlanta. Providing catering services to weddings and other special occasions for almost 25 years, Rafeedie's international culinary team can create menus to a wide array of tastes. As for wedding cakes, Rafeedie's is at the top of the list. With flavors ranging from amaretto to raspberry filled to orange almond, you'll be sure that your wedding is memorable for all the right reasons.

To find more Atlanta caterers, visit the Cvent Supplier Network.

Atlanta Venue Spotlight: Atlanta Event Center at Opera

Friday, October 30, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
Atlanta Event Center at OperaWho said going to the Opera was a bore? Owners of the Atlanta Event Center at Opera invite you to host various events—from wedding receptions, corporate functions and fashion shows—in its lively facility. With its Greek columns, luminescent chandeliers and three-tier balcony, the center makes your attendees will feel like royalty the moment they step inside.

Built in 1920 as a performing arts theater for the Atlanta Women's Club, the center has since undergone two million dollars worth of renovations to revitalize the space to its original luster. Now, the Atlanta special event facility boasts three separate and beautiful areas with their own appeals.

The Opera House encompasses a stage, perfect for performances or speaking engagements. The mezzanine level accommodates up to 450 guests, including a full service bar, private VIP sections and private restrooms.

For more intimate events, the Venetian room is an appropriate choice. Host 150 guests for a reception in this Atlanta banquet hall, which includes Victorian accents and hardwood flooring. On those hoTLANTA days or cooLANTA nights, try the Patio, offering greenery, lounge-style seating with breathtaking views of the skyline.

Atlanta Event Center at OperaNo need for your guests to worry about lodging or car rentals for events at the center. Several Atlanta area hotels are in walking distance, including W Midtown, Four Seasons and Marriott Suites Midtown. As food food choices, Opera provides in-house catering from Chef Jeffrey McGar, a culinary master whose meals matching the unique design and style of the venue. The chef and the culinary team at Opera recently won the 2009 Allie Award for Best Buffet/Reception Menu in Atlanta.

But if not for the culinary delights of miniature Cubans and mojito lamb chops, come for the scenery and ambiance of this unique Atlanta venue. Feel free to leave your falsetto at home!

View more information about the Atlanta Event Center at Opera on the Cvent Supplier Network

Have Dinner and a Scare at Anthony's Restaurant in Atlanta

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
Atlanta has always been thought of as a vibrant city, and its heart beats strong and steady throughout its many residents. However, for some that dine at Anthony's Fine Dining, a spooky past leaves Atlantans wondering if there is someone there without a reservation...or a pulse.Fine Dining

Located in the heart of the city, Anthony's Fine Dining is  a true testament to historic Southern architecture. Previously constructed by the Pope family in 1797, this antebellum beauty was moved to Georgia from Tennessee in what is now much more than just an average house, boasting 12 rooms, two wine cellars, seven fireplaces, and a glass-enclosed porch. A great Atlanta special event facility, Anthony's offers several spaces for meetings and events. Book the "New" Wine Cellar" for up to 70 guests or the entire restaurant for up to 700 people. The Ladybug Room is an ideal Atlanta wedding venue for up to 250 people.

No matter which Atlanta meeting space you choose, be sure to leave room for one unexpected guest. Rumor is that Annie Barnett, a previous guest of the home in the late 1800s, can be heard at late hours in the Atlanta restaurant on the main staircase. Her presence has been felt by one journalist, whose his account is made public via the restaurant's website: "Then I heard the sound of footsteps, soft but distinct and coming up the stairs."

This notion of restless spirits keeps the restaurant booked nightly for dinner and for party and corporate reservations all year long. This Atlanta private dining facility's menu goes way beyond typical Southern delicacies, with options such as Chateaubriand for two,  Veal Anthony and always popular Filet Mignon. In lieu of the standard Halloween party, kick your Atlanta events up a notch for a real haunted dining experience at Anthony's Fine Dining.

View more information about Anthony's Fine Dining and other options for group dining in Atlanta on the Cvent Supplier Network

Atlanta is Tickled Pink at the Chocolate Pink Cafe

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
Pastry TreatsGot a sweet tooth? Luckily, Halloween is not the only holiday for sweet treats. There are plenty of holidays that call for celebrating. What about: Got A Promotion Day, Aced That Final Exam Day, or I Need some Chocolate in my Life day. Whatever the need for celebration (real or fantasy) may be, Atlantans have the secret recipe for successful celebratory events: the Chocolate Pink Cafe.

Located amongst many of downtown Atlanta special event venues, this cafe attracts the inner child in all of us. From the colorful pastry display case to the trendy urban design of the cafe's dining area, it's also a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Chocolate Pink's menu is a decadent array of gourmet chocolates, cookies, cakes and tarts, as well as beverages to complement each treat. Special favorites include the White Choc Raspberry Layer Cake, the Pink Lemonade Cupcake and the Apple Frangipane Tart.

Chocolate Pink CafeThe cozy event room at this unique Atlanta venue seats 32 of your closest friends and family for special occasions. Many brides, future moms and even little "divas" have been spotted sampling the "always dessert" menu. In fact, one recent patron was the ever-so-popular Bravo TV reality Real Housewives of Atlanta show star Kim Zolciak, who held her daughter Brielle's birthday party at the cafe last season.

Catering options are available for off-site Atlanta events. Executive chefs can tailor a delicious menu for your next Atlanta wedding, corporate meeting or even private in-home function. No matter whether you're taking a break from lunch or even from your diet, the Chocolate Pink Cafe in Atlanta is the premier choice for pastry delight.

View more information on Chocolate Pink Cafe, along with other Atlanta special event facilities, on the Cvent Supplier Network

All Aboard for Atlanta Waterfront Excursions!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
Although Atlanta is a landlocked city distant from the Atlantic Ocean, there is hope for those planners interested in making waves at their next Atlanta event. Two aquatic attractions in the region include Stone Mountain Park and Lake Lanier. With versatile options for events large and small, both of these attractions offer your guests an escape to the water without traveling far out of the city.Henry W. Grady Paddlewheel Riverboat

Stone Mountain Park in all its granite glory features some of the most unique special event venues in Atlanta. Plan a party aboard the Henry W. Grady Paddlewheel Riverboat, where you and 299 guests can set sail amongst the wooded campgrounds of the park.

Your guests will find more than enough room to entertain themselves on any of its three decks, one of which is enclosed for those chilly fall nights. Invite them to partake in cocktails and delicious treats in the Stone Mountain's Golf Course Clubhouse, then hop on the boat for a fun-filled evening.

The sights are not the only thing your guests can enjoy at Stone Mountain. Catering is provided by the on-site catering staff, where the selection seems to be Fourth of July year-round. From Southern fried chicken to sliced smoked beef brisket, there's no reason Lake Lanier Island Resortswhy your guest should leave on an empty stomach.

Another great venue option in Atlanta for enjoying the great outdoors is the Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Comprised of over 23,000 square feet of mutlipurpose event space including 22 meeting and event facilities, the resort offers indulgent amenities such as the Legacy on Lanier Golf club, a spa, an equestrian center and a beach with exhilarating water park adventures.

Whether your venue of choice is actually on the water or just nearby, remember that although Atlanta is a land locked city it still offers several venues for impressive aquatic events!

Take a Walk on the Wild Side at Zoo Atlanta

Monday, October 26, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
Remember your excitement at the first time you saw a lion up close, or when you first heard a rattlesnake's tail jiggle? A trip to the zoo has always been thought of as a child's Giant Pandasplayground, a place to see the animals that you'd only known from television or the encyclopedia. Now, you can offer your event guests a renewed sense of childhood bliss at Zoo Atlanta.

This unique downtown Atlanta venue has some of the most intriguing amenities offered with an entrance ticket. Between the live shows, petting zoo and giant panda exhibit, there will be plenty of options for your attendees, whether they consider the zoo an Atlanta corporate event venue, banquet hall, or even Atlanta wedding venue.

The multipurpose function space at Zoo Atlanta is quite extensive, capable of accommodating for 20 to 5,000 guests. Check out the Chinese Plaza & Panda Veranda in which you can enjoy a meal with 100 of your closest friends amidst the panda's natural habitat. For World Studio at Zoo Atlantapresentations or seminars, the Coca-Cola World Studio is an excellent selection with theater seating for over 250 guests.

Packages include, if your guests are brave enough, an animal encounter (with trainer of course) with demonstrations to educate and entertain. Catering is provided by on-site caterers Culinary Sol, which serves up savory dishes including brie en croute, chilled smoked salmon and an array of dishes from around the world.

So for your next event encourage your guests to join you on an exploration of the world's finest animal treasures at Zoo Atlanta.

View more information about booking Zoo Atlanta as your next Atlanta event facility on the Cvent Supplier Network

A Twist to Sightseeing in Atlanta

Friday, October 23, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
Atlanta Segway ToursEver wondered where the oldest buildings in Atlanta are? Or maybe you've pondered where did that can of Diet Coke you're drinking first came from? You can find all the answers to these questions and more in just one weekend in Atlanta. If you're having a company meeting, special event or seminar, now is the best time to check out the historic and entertaining venues in Atlanta on one of several outdoor excursions.

Unlike San Francisco's trolleys or New York City's doubledecker buses, Atlanta has a fun and interesting way for its visitors to see the city: on a segway. City Segway Tours has partnered with many cities to give its visitors a unique touring option, though Atlanta is the only Southern city to offer this mode of transportation.

A typical three-hour tour will allow you plenty of photo ops of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Park onto the State Capitol. Private segway tours are also available for corporate and special events in Atlanta, for which you can select sites related to your event theme.

Group TourIf segways aren't your thing, consider the Ghosts of Atlanta walking tour, perfect for this upcoming Halloween season. Offering visitors a peek into the dark side of Atlanta, the tour makes stops at haunted schools, theaters and even the haunted Winecoff Hotel, devastated by fire in 1946. This hotel is currently the site of the newly renovated Ellis Hotel (however, the ghosts, I mean guests, have had no complaints).