ONA staff members recently visited the host hotel for the 2024 Online News Association Conference (ONA24 – Sept. 18-21) to check out the stunning renovations and map out spaces for dozens of learning and networking experiences. Here are five things we learned on the trip that will be helpful as you make your plans to join us at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta in September.
1. The Hotel of Hope
The ONA24 host hotel, located on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta, opened in 1967 as the first fully integrated hotel in the city. Soon after opening, it hosted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final Southern Christian Leadership Conference. King called the Hyatt the “Hotel of Hope,” and Coretta Scott King was a frequent guest. A luxury suite was named in King’s honor in 2018.
2. Getting there
What you have heard about traffic in and around the city is true, but thanks to MARTA, Atlanta’s public train system, there’s no need let traffic fears weigh down your travel plans. The hotel is located right at the Peachtree Center MARTA station and is a direct shot to the city’s busy airport. Being able to get from and to the airport traffic-free in 20 minutes for $2.50 is an amazing option for all attendees. Make travel even easier by learning how to buy fares in advance and use your phone as your MARTA pass.
3. Coffee and quick meals made easy
There are several options for caffeine, including in the lobby market which opens at 6 a.m. daily, and a Caribou Coffee in the adjacent food court – called The Hub at Peachtree Center – that’s directly connected to the Hyatt (yes, that is the same Peachtree Center as the MARTA station mentioned above!). The food court has three levels of shops, including a CVS and post office, and restaurants from fast casual Korean, quick salads, sushi and Mediterranean to an outlet of Gus’ Fried Chicken.
For a fancy drink with an iconic view, the hotel’s rotating Polaris lounge is open Wednesday-Saturday evenings.
4. The pool is back!
It’s unusual for a downtown hotel to have a pool, but the Hyatt’s will be open during the conference. You can’t miss it – it’s located in the middle of our main conference programming floor! Walk out for fresh air, take a dip, set up a chat with a new contact and enjoy the night breeze during our Welcome Reception soiree.
5. So much to do, only stops away
The Hyatt Regency is located a short walk from several of downtown Atlanta’s main attractions, including the Center for Civil and Human Rights, World of Coca-Cola (try beverages from around the world!) and the Georgia Aquarium – the largest aquarium in the nation and one of the biggest in the world. It has to be big: It’s home to both whale sharks and beluga whales!
If you are local to Atlanta and have strong takes on the best eats, sights and activities that other attendees shouldn’t miss, send your recommendations to Karolle Rabarison at karolle@journalists.org. We will include them in the guides we share with all attendees before the conference.
Join us at ONA24
We look forward to sharing more about all we are planning throughout this space. Ready to book your stay?
Contact Hanaa Rifaey, Head of Strategic Partnerships, at hanaa@journalists.org to discuss opportunities for your organization to be part of the ONA24 experience.
