Known widely as a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, Atlanta also enjoys a reputation for its natural environment.

Its location among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at an elevation of more than 1,000 feet above sea level gives the city an ecological advantage. Nicknamed the city in the forest, Atlanta features a landscape that includes rolling hills, lush greenery, and the densest urban tree coverage of any major city in the United States.

One of Atlanta’s most iconic investments, the Atlanta Beltline, combines urban and environmental highlights. The ongoing project involves transforming unused rail lines into 33 miles of walking and biking paths that ultimately will loop around the city with streetcars and connected parks.

And just off the 1-75 interstate on a residential street, a secret hiking path follows the Chattahoochee River, opening a world of beauty. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area lies within four counties, north and northeast of downtown Atlanta. In addition to providing recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, picnicking, and boating, the park contains a wide variety of natural habitats, flora and fauna, 19th-century historical sites, and Native American archaeological sites.

Back in the city, Atlanta offers world-class restaurants with nationally renowned chefs. The first Michelin Guide Atlanta includes a long list of Michelin Star restaurants with a wide range of culinary options. Visitors also will find a diverse and thriving cultural scene with many options for theaters, museums, galleries, and concert halls.

Shopper love Atlanta. Its retail scene includes the hottest boutiques in neighborhood shopping districts and vintage treasures in locations as Little Five Points, Ponce City Market, and Krog Street Market. Buckhead offers luxurious Atlanta shopping at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. Shoppers also can find deals at North Georgia Premium Outlets and the Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta.

Atlanta’s collection of world-famous attractions, historical sites, diverse neighborhoods, award-winning restaurants and unique events make it an exciting place to visit. Want to explore more of Atlanta’s charms? Visit Discover Atlanta and Explore Georgia.

As the conference’s home base in downtown Atlanta, the Omni Hotel at Centennial Park connects with the State Farm Arena, home to the Atlanta Hawks, and the Georgia World Congress Center, a giant convention center.

It also is steps away from the centerpiece of downtown, the Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta’s gathering place and lasting legacy to the 1996 Olympic Games. Visitors can experience a self-guided audio tour to learn about the architecture and history. Enjoy a synchronized water, lights, and music show with The Fountain of Rings, one of the most recognized landmarks in the city and the focal point of the park. Other nearby highlights include the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, College Football Hall of Fame, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum.

The city’s only four-diamond convention hotel with more than 1,000 renovated rooms, the Omni Hotel features spacious guest rooms that include an in-room safe and access to wifi, along with uninterrupted views of the skyline. Guests can take advantage of the heated pool or hot tub, as well as enjoy a workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center and a meal or snack at one of four hotel dining destinations.