Wellness. Inclusivity. New Distribution Capability. Sustainability. All the trending topics in business travel will be covered at the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention in Atlanta. If you’re like us, you probably can’t wait until the big event starts on July 22. With a terrific lineup of speakers, the latest travel forecasts, and technologies, we can see why the event is dubbed “the best place to be.”

This year, the convention will be held at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center, right in the heart of downtown Atlanta, a city that’s never short of fun things to do. In fact, the home state of Martin Luther King, Jr.(MLK) is now a vibrant hub of street art, sport stadiums, serenely beautiful parks, and nature attractions as well as diverse international cuisine. Many attractions honor and celebrate MLK Jr.’s legacy.

Our advice? Plan on extending your stay a few days longer than the three-day convention so you can pack in some sightseeing and enjoy all the great things to do in Atlanta.

Fun ideas to plan your visit

Steps away from the Georgia World Congress Center is the Centennial Park District where you’ll find Centennial Olympic Park, a 22-acre greenspace in downtown Atlanta. Originally built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, the park pays tribute to the Olympic legacy with the iconic Olympic ring sculptures (aka The Spectacular) perched prominently at the east entrance of the park.

Nearby the park’s lush gardens and sweeping lawns are a few of Atlanta’s must-see attractions like the Georgia Aquarium. Beluga whales, African penguins, coastal birds, dolphins, you name it, the aquarium has it, boasting 500 species from around the world and over 60 habitats. Feeling adventurous? Schedule a sleepover inside one of exhibits and get a gallery-size view of the amazing creatures. Tip: make reservations well in advance. Availability is limited and the experience is high in demand.

Love college football? No need to wait for the season to start. Head over to the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame – a magnet for college football fans and just south of the Georgia Aquarium. It features a 45-yard indoor football field, over 50 interactive exhibits, and a panoramic theatre that lets you live and feel an amazing game-day experience at the stadium. Tips: If you plan to visit, go Thursday to Monday. It’s closed Tuesday and Wednesday. And register your all-access pass at the lobby kiosk to customise your visit and light up your team’s helmet on the helmet wall.

Who knew an ordinary soft drink could inspire the World of Coca-Cola, located minutes away from the College Football Hall of Fame. If you’ve ever had a thirst for the bubbly cola, you’ll want to sneak in a visit. Sip Coca-Cola tastings from around the world, get an insider look at the bottling process, shop fun gifts and experience a 4-D theatre. Tip: If you’ve served in the armed forces, bring your Armed Forces ID card to the ticket window and you can visit for free.

Atlanta’s rich history in the civil rights movement is on display at The National Center for Civil and Human Rights (NCCHR), a space that connects people of diverse backgrounds to everyday civil and human rights issues. Hands-on interactive displays, original drafts of MLK’s speeches, and an oral history booth are among the many highlights of this cultural haven situated in downtown Atlanta. Tips: After you tour NCCHR, visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park to get a better feel for the life and times of the civil rights leader. His historic home is temporarily closed for repairs, yet the park complex remains open, spanning about 35 acres, so wear comfortable walking shoes.

Food for thought

Need to refuel for more sightseeing? That’s easy. Downtown Atlanta is home to more than 300 restaurants where you can experience everything from standard pub fare to full-service, fine dining to an insanely decadent breakfast, not to mention authentic international cuisine.

To get a taste of the city, head off to the Krog Street Market. Originally a warehouse to store cast-iron stoves, it’s now home to artisan boutiques, food stalls, farmers markets and restaurants, making it a great place to find unique gifts or grab a bite to eat. If you’re craving some downtime, head to the market’s “living room,” a communal open space to relax and unwind. Tip: Krog Street Market is a good starting point for Atlanta’s Eastside BeltLine Tour, where the vibrant culture of Atlanta really shines through.

The Atlanta BeltLine is 22 miles of old railroad tracks transformed into paved paths where you can bike, walk, run, skate or scoot. Travelling through the BeltLine is a great way to get your daily dose of exercise while taking in amazing artwork. Murals, sculptures, and intricate graffiti surround you as you explore connecting trails, parks, and communities.

As you head north on the Eastside BeltLine Tour, you’ll discover Ponce City Market in the Old Fourth Ward. The former Sears catalogue building is now converted into a mall with a gourmet food hall, high-end shops, offices, apartments, even a rooftop amusement park. Any verified foodie won’t want to miss the Ponce City Market tour that lets you sample and savor dishes from restaurants around Atlanta. Tip: If you have any food allergies, let them know a day in advance so they can accommodate you.

Not far from the Eastside BeltLine trail is picturesque Piedmont Park with amazing views of the midtown Atlanta skyline. Tip: The park is the perfect place to snap a selfie at sunset.

Along Piedmont Avenue is the Atlanta Botanical Garden. With 30 acres of lush outdoor gardens, an elaborate collection of orchids and an edible garden, it’s hard to imagine visiting Atlanta without touring through this urban paradise. If you adore fantasy, be sure to check out the Alice’s Wonderland Returns exhibit, a fun escape from the daily grind, featuring mega-size plant sculptures of Lewis Caroll’s storybook characters. Tip: The exhibit comes to life on Thursday evenings with lights, games, and live music.

The ultimate travel experience

Even the most seasoned traveler will find the Porsche Experience Centre beyond compare. The centre is conveniently located next to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, making it a good place to visit before you head home. Interested in going for a drive? Book a customised, 90-minute driving session, get in the driver’s seat, and start your adventure with a Porsche Drive Coach by your side. Not ready to get behind the wheel? Head to the Simulator Lab where you can maneuver through a virtual race with Porsche cars on world-famous tracks. Or check out the Heritage Gallery featuring a revolving collection of historic Porsches. Tips: To avoid a wait, fill out all the requested liability and consent forms before you get there and have your government-issued photo ID on hand.

A must on your itinerary

While we covered some of Atlanta’s hot spots, the city has so much more to offer. Venture out to make the most of your visit. And while you’re in town, stop by and see us at the GBTA convention – booth 3417. It’s the one destination you won’t want to miss because that’s where you’ll discover how your business can benefit from the most valuable marketplace in travel.