Biz Bits
IT’S A TIE!
Spruce up your suit, and dress for success with one of this fall’s collection of ties.
Photo by Kristina Wilson; styling by Shane Luitjens
Perry Ellis Portfolio, $35
(www.perryellis.com);
Saks Fift h Avenue, $110
(www.saksfift.havenue.com);
Sean John, $37
(www.seanjohn.com);
Roffé (Saks exclusive), $95
(www.saksfifthavenue.com);
Sean John, $37
(www.seanjohn.com);
Perry Ellis Portfolio, $35 (www.perryellis.com)
As president and CEO of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spurgeon Richardson works hard to make the city a welcoming place for both tourists and business travelers. Before joining the ACVB, the Georgia native and University of Georgia alum served as president and general manager of Six Flags Over Georgia. Th is year, Richardson was named one of the “100 Most Influential Atlantans” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Here, he gives some tips for business travelers.
Where are the top five places to plan a business meeting in Atlanta?
“No matter what the size of the meeting, Atlanta can accommodate any group at places such as the Georgia World Congress Center, Gwinnett Center, Cobb Galleria Centre, Georgia International Convention Center and AmericasMart Atlanta.”
What can meeting planners expect to find in Atlanta that they may not find elsewhere?
“Atlanta has one of the world’s most accessible airports, with 80% of the US population within two hours of the city. It is affordable, with one of the lowest average daily hotel rates of any major city. It has a wide variety of restaurants for any budget, and good old Southern hospitality. Meeting planners will be pleasantly surprised to see many new attractions, [such as] the Georgia Aquarium, the New World of Coca-Cola and the Olympic Museum at the Atlanta History Center, not to mention the High Museum of Art’s exclusive partnership with the Musée du Louvre.”
What else sets Atlanta apart when it comes to business travel?
“With more than 90,000 hotel rooms in the metro area, Atlanta has a more diverse offering of accommodations than most cities, ranging from large convention hotels to intimate boutique lodging.”
Once the meetings are done, what should business travelers do in Atlanta?
“Atlanta is experiencing a renaissance with dramatic changes, and it continues to grow richer. Business travelers should try to see the many new attractions, retail centers and restaurants, many of which are centrally located near convention facilities. Plan to arrive a day early or stay a day late, and don’t forget to bring the family.”
