By: Bill DeBaun, Senior Director of Data and Strategic Initiatives
Reading Time: 3 min.
As NCAN gears up for our first in-person national conference since 2019, we are tremendously excited to be headed to Atlanta from September 12-14. We’re excited not just because we’ll have a full slate of amazing sessions across more than 10 conference
strands (we will), not just because we’ll have tremendous plenary speakers (we will), not just because this is the event for the college access and success field to meet up, learn, and plan (it is), but also, and maybe especially,
because Atlanta is an amazing city. So hurry and register today; the early bird registration rate has
been extended to July 29!
Atlanta, with a population of more than a half million, is both the capital and largest city in the state of Georgia. NCAN 2022 will take place at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, located in the city’s Peachtree Center district. Aside from the pedestrian sky
bridges spanning from building to building, conference attendees will also notice a bevy of restaurants, bars, attractions, parks, and other notable spots. These offer plenty of great options for things to do, notably after conference sessions
are done for the day.
Discover Atlanta has lots of great information about some of these sites, but we’ve pulled a few that should be on your radar.
Walking distance from the conference hotel: 11 minutes / 0.5 miles
Considering our 2022 conference theme “Advancing the Right to Postsecondary Attainment,” this museum should be a destination for attendees wanting to “connect civil rights history to the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.” Exhibits at the time
of this writing include “Rolls Down Like Water: U.S. Civil Rights Movement,” “Spark of Conviction: Global Human Rights Movement,” and “Voice to the Voiceless: Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection,” among others. Tours are available
for this powerful, inspirational destination.
Driving distance from the conference hotel: 10 minutes / ~3 miles
The Atlanta Botanical Garden (tickets required) “includes 30 acres of outdoor gardens, an award-winning Children’s Garden, the serene Storza Woods highlighted by a unique Canopy Walk, and the picturesque Skyline Garden.” The exhibitions and collections
are constantly changing (as live plants tend to do), but nature lovers will be able to check out all kinds of flora. Note that the Garden is closed Mondays.
Walking distance from the conference hotel: 8 minutes / 0.4 miles
Coca-Cola is arguably America’s most famous beverage, and this museum and attraction is completely dedicated to it. From examining Coke’s history to sampling Coca-Cola from around the world to getting to see the bottling process, this is going to have
something for everyone (who likes caffeinated, carbonated beverages). Tickets are required to one of Atlanta’s most well-known attractions.
Walking distance from the conference hotel: 9 minutes / 0.4 miles
Not for the faint of heart or those afraid of heights, this 20-story Ferris wheel offers arguably the best views of Atlanta’s downtown and surrounding environs. Ride in one of “42 climate-controlled and private gondolas,” but be sure to get tickets ahead
of time.
Walking distance from the conference hotel: 20 minutes / 1 mile
Located near Georgia State University’s campus, the Municipal Market (also known to locals as the Curb Market) houses 30 businesses and 10 eateries. Surely a place to get some local deliciousness, this market is a place that should be on attendees’ exploration
lists.
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