1. Meeting Space in the Heart of the Action
Located in the heart of downtown Athens, The Classic Center is the ideal conference center and the perfect place to start your attendees on their journey for the next two or three days. If you're looking for Georgia meeting space, The Classic Center provides 373,000 square feet of event space and accommodates groups of 8,000+.
The mix of flexible meeting space allows planners the adaptability for large general sessions or intimate, powerful discussions, plus The Classic Center has received these accolades in 2024: Athens Best of the Best Community Choice Awards- Best Event Venue, Northstar Stella Awards- Best Conference Center Gold, ConventionSouth- Readers’ Choice Awards, and Georgia Trend- Top 500 Leaders in the State of Georgia.
As far as event halls in Athens go, look no further than the Grand Hall - a microcosm of the convenience the center brings. It can just as easily hold a trade show or an indoor sporting event (volleyball, etc.) as it can a breakout session.
Chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and brick walls add architectural character to this venue, where the foundations of your meeting will be built.
The Akins Ford Arena—which will have 5,500 permanent seats with the capacity to hold up to 8,500 for concerts, sports tournaments, conventions, and banquets— is opening in late 2024. The arena will be home to the UGA Ice Dawgs and the new Athens professional hockey team, The Rock Lobsters. Like so much else in Athens, local flavor will be apparent as attendees will be greeted by interactive displays from the Georgia Music Collections, which will immerse attendees in the rich musical heritage of Athens and the state of Georgia.
2. Dine Around Town
In downtown Athens, you’re never far from a fantastic meal or drink. Within a four-square-block area, dozens of independently owned restaurants distinguish Athens from cookie-cutter destinations. The city boasts a high-end and trendsetting dining scene which hit the national scene with two-time James Beard award-winner Hugh Acheson formerly of Five & Ten and nominee Pete Amadhanirundr of Puma Yu's. Notable spots include The Expat, ZZ & Simone's, and The National. As conference and meeting trends shift towards more attendee free time, Athens’ award-winning and eclectic restaurants enhance any itinerary. Plus many establishments, such as Athens Cooks, DePalma's Italian Café, Lindsey’s Culinary Market, and Square One Fish Company, offer group dining, making them perfect for event gatherings.
3. The Glass Is Always Half Full
One of the benefits of being a creative town is, well, we know our beer! Creature Comforts Brewing Co. is a true homegrown success story. Two University of Georgia graduates transformed the old Snow Tire building into a popular craft beer establishment. Not only is this great inspiration for your team to think outside the box, but it’s also a great spot to say cheers to your peers. Enjoy great views with your even better drinks at rooftop bars atop the Georgia Theatre and Hyatt Place. Hybar at Hyatt Place makes an excellent extension of activities at The Classic Center.
Attendees can also check out The World Famous or Live Wire, or travel along the Athens Beer Trail to all six of the city’s craft breweries. Be sure to ride-share or take a tour or trolley back to your hotel when done!
4. Strike the Right Note
R.E.M. is arguably the most famous group to come out of Athens, but they are hardly alone. Many renowned music venues are steps from where you’ll meet in downtown Athens including Georgia Theatre, 40 Watt Club, and The Foundry. Even better than a night on the town is tapping a local musician to jazz up a reception or break, or schedule a conference club crawl. With hundreds of bands calling Athens home, live music is an easy win for planners looking to ramp up their event experience. With so much to do and hear in Athens, there is certainly an Athens sound fit for your meeting.
5. Unique Venues
Athens has several great venues for team building, receptions, and other events. Athens is home to the state of Georgia’s official botanical garden and official art museum. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia offers not just 313 acres of gardens with 5 miles of trails, including along the Middle Oconee River, but it also has some of Athens’ most beautiful venues. Picture your reception at the garden’s soaring tropical conservatory. Talk about stunning.
Not to be outdone, the Georgia Museum of Art, on-campus at the university, is a modern, sophisticated setting for up to 500 in a reception or nearly 300 for a banquet. For off-campus options check out Epting Events' Cotton Press for a taste of exposed brick walls and industrial steel beam work or the historical Taylor-Grady House for a classy step into the past.
For less formal but fun teambuilding, try your group’s hand at disc golf or the ropes course, or enjoy a walking meeting, while at Sandy Creek Park.
6. Meet Sustainably
Here in Athens, sustainability isn't just a box to tick; it's a journey we're committed to pursuing with enthusiasm and determination. By embracing innovative solutions and forging meaningful partnerships, Athens is paving the way towards a more sustainable future, one event at a time.
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Solar Energy Partnership at The Classic Center: The Classic Center is creating the largest municipal rooftop solar energy system in Georgia. Teaming up with Cherry Street Energy, The Classic Center has taken significant strides in harnessing renewable energy. A total of 952 solar panels adorn the rooftops of the existing facilities, with plans underway to add an additional 648 panels atop Akins Ford Arena. This collaborative effort marks a substantial investment in clean, renewable power.
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LEED Certification: The Classic Center is proud to have two LEED Silver- certified venues. The Classic Center’s Atrium was built to be LEED Silver-certified in 2013, and Akins Ford Arena will be LEED Silver- certified when it opens its doors this year. This milestone underscores The Classic Center's dedication to sustainable development, ensuring that expansion is done responsibly, minimizing environmental impact every step of the way.
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Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: In support of eco-friendly transportation options, Athens has EV charging available in multiple locations around downtown. Not only do many of the hotels offer charging stations, The Classic Center currently hosts nine EV stations. Providing convenient access to electric vehicle charging not only encourages the adoption of sustainable transportation but also contributes to the development of an infrastructure that supports cleaner, greener mobility solutions.
7. Travel with Ease
Athens, Georgia, is an ideal meeting location due to its convenient centrality in the South. With 40% of the U.S. population residing in this region, Athens becomes a perfect spot to attract a diverse audience. Its proximity to major cities like Atlanta, Savannah, and nearby states such as South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee makes it easily accessible. A short drive from these locations ensures that your attendees can reach Athens without hassle, maximizing participation and engagement. This ease of access, combined with Athens' vibrant atmosphere, makes it an unbeatable choice for your next meeting or conference.
8. Top College Town
The University of Georgia makes Athens an exceptional choice for meetings. As a major state university, UGA attracts industry experts and thought leaders, providing a wealth of knowledge and resources right in the city. Meeting attendees can benefit from access to top-tier professionals and cutting-edge research, enhancing the quality and impact of your event. Additionally, UGA serves as an incubator for creative thought and expression, fostering innovation and fresh perspectives which not only boosts the academic and professional environment but also enriches the overall experience of attendees. Plus, that gorgeous campus is just steps from downtown, making Athens a premier destination for any meeting or conference.
9. Hotels for every conference
One of the great advantages of Athens is its location steps away from the hotels planners will use for their room blocks. Even better, some notable options will keep attendees under one roof (until you are ready to raise events to the rooftops that is).
Hyatt Place Athens Downtown is connected to The Classic Center via its hotel lobby—attendees won’t even need to step outside when moving next door. Meanwhile, Homewood Suites is steps away from the overall Classic Center footprint, making for an impressive and convenient convention campus.
From the luxury Rivet House and ATH |BNB The Rushmore, to convenient options like SpringHill Suites Athens, Hampton Inn Athens, and the Fairfield Inn & Suites, Athens has accommodations that are perfect for your attendees.
10. Show Your Badge for Discounts
With the Show Your Badge program, attendees can simply present their conference badge at any participating business to receive great deals and discounts! Check out current participants to see what they're offering.
11. Local Resources, Services and Expertise from the Team at Visit Athens
As your destination partner and local experts, the Visit Athens team can elevate your experience and connect you with the right people, incentives, and experiences in Athens—all at no cost to you. We offer comprehensive Housing Services, making us one of only two cities in Georgia to provide this valuable service. Our team’s in-depth local knowledge and connections ensure seamless event planning, helping you create memorable and successful events in Athens. Let us handle the details so you can focus on your attendees and your event's success.
As great as Athens sounds, it’s even better experiencing it for yourself. Planners can craft a true experience that attendees will remember for years here. Get the ball rolling today.
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