Atlanta Becomes Major Draw for Medical-related Meetings
February 24, 2013
With more than 65 medical groups selecting Atlanta last year as the site for future meetings, representing the largest number of rooms booked in the city for this segment since 2008, the destination quickly is becoming the go-to place for medical-related meetings.
Many of these meetings have never been held in Atlanta or are returning for the first time in more than a decade, according to Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau officials.
For the first time since 1999, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' annual Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo will return to Atlanta in 2014 and 2022.
New to Atlanta’s medical meetings’ lineup are two larger events that have never met in the city.
The Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) will bring more than 4,000 of the world’s top researchers in HIV/AIDS to Atlanta this March.
In addition, approximately 9,000 attendees will gather for the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) Annual Meeting and OTO Expo in 2018 to assess research for disorders of the ear, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck.
“Atlanta’s large medical community and reputation as a leading research hub attracts medical meetings to Atlanta,” said William Pate, ACVB’s president and CEO.
He added, “The accessibility of the new Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal and variety of flexible meeting space also enhances Atlanta’s offering for these meetings.”
Atlanta is a draw because of a high density of not only hospital and medical research centers, but also other major health-related institutions call the city home.
More than 50 hospitals and several university research centers call Atlanta home, including Emory University, Georgia Tech University, Georgia State University and University of Georgia.
The American Cancer Society headquarters are located downtown, as well as the third-best pediatric hospital in the United States, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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