2024 Annual Report. Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau

Page 1


Letter from President and CEO and Chair of the Board of Directors

Senior Leadership

About ACVB

Numbers that Matter

Hotel and Motel Tax Allocation

Meeting and Convention Sales

Servicing Events

Global Reach

Community Impact

Marketing Momentum

What Unites Us: ACVB Cookbook

Atlanta: A MICHELIN Destination

Center Stage for Sports

Making Headlines

111th Annual Meeting: Fearless Innovation

– Savoring the Past, Crafting the Future

25th

ACVB

Board

LETTER FROM PRESIDENT AND CEO & CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

To our members, hospitality partners and colleagues,

This past year has been a remarkable success, setting the stage for an even more impactful 2025. As we look ahead, we’re excited to share some key achievements from 2024 that are paving the way for continued growth for years to come.

We continued to demonstrate our city’s ability to host major events, successfully executing 21 major citywide events - matching a historic high and driving hotel occupancy closer to pre-pandemic levels.

These citywide events and others attracted a mix of new and returning visitors to Atlanta. Among the notable industry events hosted were Global Business Travel Association’s convention, Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference and Travel South International Showcase.

We also secured several high-profile events that will shape Atlanta’s future. We learned Atlanta will host the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 2031, and this exciting news was followed by the NFL’s announcement of the Super Bowl’s return to Atlanta in 2028. We were also working behind the scenes to prepare for the College Football Playoff National Championship, FIFA World Cup™ and Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game in 2025. These wins underscore Atlanta’s position as a premier destination for major sporting events and solidify our city’s appeal on a national stage.

We’re constantly striving to enhance Atlanta’s offerings, and 2024 brought significant progress on the culinary front. Our city’s dining scene received additional accolades in the MICHELIN Guide, increasing our one star restaurant count to nine.

Looking ahead, 2025 is off to an exceptional start with 19 major citywide events scheduled. We will also be gearing up for several events on the horizon including FIFA World Cup 2026™.

As Atlanta continues to flourish and invest in new developments, our team will always be at the forefront of driving new visitors, conventions and events to the city.

SENIOR LEADERSHIP

Bob Somers Chair, Board of Directors & Executive Committee

Andrew Wilson Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

Kristin Delahunt Vice President, Destination Services

President and CEO

Sheretha Bell Senior Vice President, Marketing & Brand Strategy

Heather Kirksey Vice President, Public Relations, Corporate Events and Membership

Lopez Executive Vice President & Chief Sales Officer

Cynthia Mokotoff Senior Vice President, Human Resources

Jason Lusk Vice President, Sales

Negas Pierce Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer/ Chief Financial Officer

Pholeta Alexander Vice President, Technology & Facilities

William Pate
Charlene
Gregory

Established in 1913, ACVB is dedicated to marketing Atlanta to tourists, convention attendees, meeting planners and business travelers.

ACVB Mission: Favorably impact the Atlanta economy by selling and marketing Atlanta globally as the premier conventions, events and leisure destination

ACVB Vision: To be the most welcoming, inclusive and easiest convention city to work with in the U.S.

NUMBERS THAT MATTER

This year was full of success and milestones for ACVB and metro Atlanta’s hospitality community, including Atlanta being named one of the best places to live in 2024 by Money.

21 310K

64%

major citywides hosted City of Atlanta hotel occupancy rate

700+

conventions and events were hosted and booked through ACVB

leisure & hospitality jobs supported by tourism

1.5M

room nights booked in 2024 for future years

HOTEL & MOTEL TAX ALLOCATION

Contract is between ACVB and Georgia World Congress Center (GWCCA)

Last 1% is dedicated to the ACVB Convention Marketing Fund

MEETING AND CONVENTION SALES

Atlanta is a trailblazer in selling and hosting meetings and conventions.

in-person site visits hosted for future business

face-to-face customer trade shows and events hosted or attended across the U.S.

hotel room nights secured through 21 major citywide events

The ACVB team maintained leadership positions with ASAE, Association Forum, Destinations International, IAEE, Maritz Travel, MPI, PCMA and U.S. Travel Association to further drive presence of Atlanta as a premier destination for meetings and conventions.

SERVICING EVENTS

• More than 170 customer planning visits organized and hosted

• Three major industry events hosted including Global Business Travel Association, Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference and Travel South International Showcase

• Enhanced service support for nearly 50 mid-tier and citywide conventions/events and more than 200 groups total

ACVB is dedicated to creating a seamless and welcoming experience for meeting planners and their attendees, raising the bar for event planning.

CONVENTIONS AND EVENTS LOVE ATL

To better understand how ACVB can improve destination services, a survey is distributed to meeting planners after each event.

The city of Atlanta and the team we work with to put on MODEX have been nothing short of phenomenal. It is apparent that Atlanta is as committed to our show’s success as we are, and we enjoy working with them. Atlanta is extremely accessible and having the GWCC in the heart of Downtown and walkable to nearby hotels, restaurants and attractions is great.

4.8/5

OVERALL SATISFACTION SCORE 84% REPORTED BEING VERY SATISFIED

Atlanta’s commitment to its clients is truly admirable. ACVB has been an exceptional partner, providing outstanding support, responsiveness and expertise to ensure the success of our conference. Its dedication and hospitality have made a meaningful impact on our event, and we sincerely appreciate their efforts.

Cortney Hale, American College of Cardiology
Melissa Auer, MHI

GLOBAL REACH

Atlanta is a welcoming destination for international travelers and events. This year, ACVB’s international sales team worked diligently to secure more opportunities for global engagement in the years ahead.

1.3M

international visitors welcomed in metro Atlanta

159 5 $785M

international clients hosted from 15 countries on 18 FAM trips

spent by international visitors

international sales missions initiated, and four tradeshows attended

TRAVEL SOUTH INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE

Atlanta hosted Travel South International Showcase from Dec. 1-4. This event brought more than 130 international buyers and journalists (along with more than 300 Southern suppliers) to the city for several days of city tours, appointments and events.

SOUTH KOREA

COMMUNITY IMPACT

ACVB is actively engaged in giving back to the city and pursuing sustainable initiatives.

GIVING BACK SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

• The destination services team participated in Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) Celebrate Services Week, a weeklong activation of Atlanta event service professionals. Attendees engaged in team building and community service activities including Meals On Wheels Atlanta meal packing, a clothing drive for The Gateway Center and hosted an event services FAM day with representatives from Georgia World Congress Center and the city’s largest convention hotels.

• The team also supported Atlanta Police Foundation through volunteer opportunities and events including an APD Appreciation Event at Zone 5 precinct, Atlanta Police Foundation’s AtPromise Field Day and Atlanta’s Finest 5K.

• Launched Atlanta Sustainable Meetings website

• The team upcycled pole banners to create produce totes with Re:Loom during IEEE Super Computing 2024, and this project provided work hours and housing support for those in need

• Spearheaded a two-day donation initiative for the Coverings convention. By donating leftover tradeshow products to organizations like Habitat for Humanity, this effort helped reduce material waste

MARKETING MOMENTUM

CAMPAIGNS

ACVB’s marketing team goes above and beyond to create innovative marketing initiatives that truly showcase Atlanta and its unique culture and offerings.

• Reached 50,000+ attendees at ACVB’s Atlanta Film Festival and Atlanta Jazz Festival activations

• Launched the first Kids Free September campaign with 12 participating attractions

• Completed production of second cookbook “Fearless Innovation: What Unites Us” and launched to local media

• Produced four 30-minute episodes for global syndication of Voyager TV travel series—Colors of Atlanta

• Continued partnership with Telemundo to produce and air second season of Atlanta con Sabor Latino with six 30-minute episodes

• Launched new destination campaign under ACVB vision and evolution of brand strategy

DIGITAL FOOTPRINT

• Launched ClickTripz/Chime AI chatbot

• Enhanced navigation on DiscoverAtlanta.com

• Launched FIFA World Cup 26™ on DiscoverAtlanta.com

• Transformed Trip Planner app integration to DiscoverAtlanta.com

AWARDS

MEDIA PAID AND ORGANIC

WEBSITE TRAFFIC

Earned a NATAS Southeast Chapter Emmy Award for season one of Atlanta Con Sabor Latino

DISCOVER ATLANTA ENEWS

216.6 MILLION 9.3 MILLION 40% AVERAGE

IMPRESSIONS

DISCOVER ATLANTA APP

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

347,211 13.4 MILLION 5.1 MILLION 4.1% AVERAGE 383,919 387,952

ENGAGEMENTS

IMPRESSIONS

VISITS

5,854 AVERAGE

MONTHLY OPEN RATE

MONTHLY CTR

MONTHLY ACTIVE USERS

APP PAGE VIEWS

TOTAL USERS

SESSIONS

WHAT UNITES US: ACVB COOKBOOK

ACVB, in partnership with chef and author Taria Camerino, published “Fearless Innovation: What Unites Us,” the second edition of the cookbook series celebrating Atlanta’s diverse culinary scene.

This second cookbook continues the journey, acknowledging the considerable impact our diverse immigrant population has had on what is being served in our restaurants today. What differentiates the Atlanta’s Food Story series from other cookbooks is the rich narrative that delves into the intersection of food, culture and history in Atlanta.

Andrew Wilson, vice president and chief marketing officer, ACVB

ATLANTA: A MICHELIN DESTINATION

Atlanta’s 2024 MICHELIN Guide Ceremony took place Oct. 28 at Georgia World Congress Center. During the ceremony, 14 more restaurants were added to the MICHELIN Guide including four more One Star restaurants – bringing the total to nine One Star restaurants and 57 total recognized in the Atlanta guide’s second year.

The culinary scene in Atlanta continues to shine a light on the tastes of the South, while also offering a diversity of international cuisines to foodies. Our anonymous Inspectors continue to be impressed in the talent they have witnessed firsthand throughout the local restaurant community.

ATLANTA MAKING SPORTS NEWS HEADLINES:

Sports Business Journal: Atlanta is No. 4: Best Sports Business Cities, Event Hosting

Food & Wine: Atlanta Offers Southern Comfort, Soul Food, and Global Flavors for Football Fans

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Atlanta is on the clock for College Football Playoff title game

AP: The Super Bowl will return to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2028

CENTER STAGE FOR SPORTS

Atlanta’s passion for sports continues to shine brightly as the city hosts a diverse range of events from intense college rivalries and thrilling club tournaments to exciting youth competitions.

ACVB played a role in booking and supporting the coordination of many of these events to ensure their success. This year also marked the announcement of Super Bowl LXII in 2028 and 2031 NCAA Men’s Division I Final Four coming to Atlanta.

Looking ahead, Atlanta is already preparing to host several returning sporting events and two new ones in 2025 - FIFA Club World Cup™ and Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game.

ACVB is also leveraging 2025 as an opportunity to prepare for FIFA World Cup 2026™ by working behind the scenes on campaigns to showcase Atlanta as a soccer city.

2024 CITYWIDE SPORTING EVENTS

• CHEERSPORT Nationals

• Copa América

• Big South National Qualifier

• Lil’ Big South

• Aflac Kickoff Game

• Cricket Celebration Bowl

• Southern Regional Volleyball Association (SRVA)

• SEC Football Championship Game

• Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

MAKING HEADLINES

2024 COVERAGE HIGHLIGHTS

ACVB’s PR team is constantly securing news headlines across domestic, international and convention trade media to showcase Atlanta’s vibrant culture and offerings for visitors and meeting planners.

How To Plan The Perfect Nature-Focused Atlanta Getaway

Signia by Hilton Debuts Georgia World Congress Center HQ Hotel

This Southern U.S. City Was Just Named the Best in the Country for Celebrating Christmas, According to WalletHub

Atlanta city guide: What to do and where to stay in Georgia’s sprawling cultural hub

111TH ANNUAL MEETING: FEARLESS INNOVATION

Savoring the Past, Crafting the Future

The 2024 annual meeting featured a panel discussion with Ligaya Figueras, senior editor, Food and Dining, Atlanta JournalConstitution; Freddy Money, culinary director, Atlas and The Garden Room; and Adam Noyes, CEO, Proof of the Pudding. The panelists discussed what sets Atlanta’s gastronomy apart from other destinations and looked ahead to the future of this craft.

ACVB brings hospitality professionals together from across the city at its two largest events — annual meeting and Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame.

25TH ANNUAL ATLANTA HOSPITALITY HALL OF FAME

The Annual Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame ceremony recognizes individuals who have spent their careers establishing Atlanta as a prominent destination for meetings and tourism.

This year, ACVB inducted:

• Dr. Brian L. Davis, Georgia Aquarium

• Bobby Donlan, New York Prime Steakhouse

• Donata Russell Ross, Concessions International

• Mark Vaughan, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau

• ACVB also awarded Dart Transportation & Staffing, LLC as Member of the Year

ACVB MEMBERS

ACVB is committed to its members and strives to provide them with the best possible resources and opportunities to leverage business opportunities.

Hosted quarterly Connects for networking between members throughout metro Atlanta’s hospitality community

new members* retention rate 99 97%+

Reintroduced Member Spotlight to create monthly opportunities for members to engage face-to-face with ACVB staff to provide updates on their services and products

WHAT ACVB MEMBERS HAVE TO SAY

ACVB has been instrumental in our business amplification with incoming conventions. They make sure customers know our name and are familiar with our product.

— Samantha Alexander, sales and special events manager, Porsche Experience Center Atlanta

ACVB’s partnership has enabled our participation in familiarization (FAM) tours and site visits, providing opportunities to showcase our services to potential event planners. Subsequent follow-up from these events have resulted in securing multiple bookings from groups that regularly conduct business in Atlanta.

— Stephen Chester, owner, ATL-Cruzers

*ACVB defines new members as someone who is an active dues paying member, non-trade and someone who has not been a member in the past two years

Officers

Chair, Board of Directors & Executive Committee

Bob Somers

Vice Chair, Advisory board

Kris Reinhard

Vice Chair

Ramon Reyes

Vice Chair

Chair, Atlanta Convention

Marketing Fund Committee

Ken Bernhardt

Vice Chair

Chair Compensation Plan and CEO Contract Committee

Erica Qualls-Battey

Treasurer

Chair, Finance & Human Resource Committee

Stan Wilson

Secretary Chair, Board Cultivation Leona Barr-Davenport

Executive Committee

Teri Agosta

General Manager

Ed Baker Executive in Residence Georgia State University

Marc Balizer

Managing Director BlackRock

Debby Cannon Director, School of Hospitality

Georgia State University – Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality

Daryl Evans Consultant

Hector Gallardo VP, National Sales Coca-Cola Company

Sharon Goldmacher

President communications 21

Sheffield Hale President & CEO

Atlanta History Center / Margaret Mitchell House

Brad Koeneman

General Manager

Hilton Atlanta

George McKerrow, Jr. Co-Owner

Ted’s Montana Grill

Derrick Morrow General Manager Hyatt Regency Atlanta

Nancy Oswald Co-Owner/Director of Marketing

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Frank Poe Executive Director

Georgia World Congress Center Authority

Derek Schiller President, Business

Atlanta Braves

Steve Smith Sr. Consultant Pendleton Group

Armand Vari Partner

Jacoby Development Inc.

Dexter Warrior Managing Partner & COO T. Dallas Smith & Co.

Board of Directors

Cynthia Alford Managing Director Destination South Meetings and Events

Natalee Anderson Director, Private Events and Tours Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Joselyn Baker President Grady Health Foundation

Deisha Barnett President, Global Communications UPS

Ken Baye Co-owner Stoddard’s Guns

Kimberly Beaudin CEO

Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

Dr. M. Brian Blake

President

Georgia State University

Riley Blount

Vice President of External Affairs AT&T

Tom Boyer

General Manager The Westin Peachtree Plaza

Shannon Brown Owner

Gus’s Fried Chicken

Pinky Cole CEO & Founder Slutty Vegan ATL

Tony Conway, CMP Founder and CEO

Legendary Events

Dan Corso President Atlanta Sports Council

Tim Dahlen General Manager

The Candler Hotel

Dennis DeLoatch

Executive Vice President and General Manager

Carey Atlanta Executive Limousine and Transportation

Reggie Dominique Managing Director Loews Atlanta Hotel

Jennifer Dorian President and CEO

Public Broadcasting Atlanta

Amanda Dyson-Thornton

Executive Director

Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus

Dr. Meredith Evans Director

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum

Stephanie Fischer President and CEO

Georgia Restaurant Association

Alex Gonzalez

Chief Innovation Officer

Metro Atlanta Chamber

John Grant, Jr.

Executive Director

Cricket Celebration Bowl and Cricket MEAC/ SWAC Challenge

Kevin Green

President and CEO

Midtown Alliance

Jo Ann Herold

Vice President, Public Relations and Marketing Communications

Georgia State University

Robert Hope President Hope Beckham Espinosa

Sean Hyslop President Sysco Atlanta

Dr. Leonard Jackson Director and Professor of Hospitality Management Kennesaw State University

Mark Jaronski

Deputy Commissioner, Explore

Georgia Georgia Department of Economic Development

Richard Jones President

Presenting Atlanta

Robert Kamerschen Shareholder Greenberg Traurig

Andrella Kenner Founder/CEO/President CI2 Aviation, Inc.

Stacey J. Key President and CEO

Georgia Minority Supplier Development

Julia Lauria Vice President of Athlete Branding SportsTrust

Yola Marshall Vice President, Global Sales

Americas IHG Hotels & Resorts

Brian P. McGowan President Centennial Yards Company

John Metz

CEO and Co-Founder

Sterling Spoon Management Services

Mercedes Miller Executive Director

Georgia International Convention Center

Peter Moraitakis

Senior Vice President and COO United Distributors, Inc.

Stan Morrell

Senior Vice President, Entertainment, Guest Experience, Special Events and Sponsorships

Stone Mountain Park

Adam Noyes SVP

Proof of the Pudding

Eric O’Brien Partner

Jackson Spalding

Mark O’Brien President and CEO LakePoint Sports

TK Petersen CFO

The Gathering Spot

Frank Phair Vice President of Operations, Hotels

Legacy Ventures

Fred Rich CEO CTN Global Chauffeured Transportation

A.J. Robinson President Central Atlanta Progress

David Rubinger Publisher Atlanta Business Chronicle

Andrew Saltzman EVP & Chief Revenue Officer Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena

Kris Shea VP, Business Development Juice Studios

Jessi Shover

Sr. Manager, Meetings & Events Georgia-Pacific LLC

Kelvin Slater Owner Slater Hospitality

John Smith Chairman & CEO Icon Parking

Jim Sprouse Executive Director

Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association

John Stephenson Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Special Projects Chick-fil-A

Amber Stewart Marketing Director CentraArchy Restaurants

Gary Stokan President and CEO Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

George Terpilowski General Manager InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta

Pat Upshaw-Monteith President & CEO Leadership Atlanta

Dan Vargas CEO Dortch Vargas Amigos

Allan Vella President Fox Theatre

Dave Walens CEO Exploring, Inc.

John Woodward Vice President, Global Commerce Metro Atlanta Chamber

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