Dunwoody | Above Atlanta…Beyond Expectations

Combining the amenities of a major city with the welcoming atmosphere characteristic of Southern destinations, Dunwoody, GA offers a distinctive value proposition for meeting professionals. A recent discussion highlighted why Dunwoody stands out as an exceptional choice for meetings.

What is Dunwoody’s unique value proposition for meeting professionals, and how do you communicate that effectively in a competitive market?
Dunwoody offers the convenience of a premier meetings destination with the intimacy of a community-focused setting. Our location is minutes from Atlanta, with walkable access to more than 2,000 hotel rooms, premier dining, and shopping, creates an unmatched ease of experience for planners and attendees. Fly into Atlanta Hartsfield Airport where you can hop on  a 40-minute MARTA ride to Dunwoody. No traffic to deal with. We emphasize our accessibility, affordability, and personalized service as distinguishing factors in comparison to larger, congested cities.

How are you leveraging partnerships with hotels, local businesses, and regional organizations to create a cohesive and attractive meeting destination?

We collaborate with hotels, restaurants, and attractions to create tailored group packages. By working with regional partners and Atlanta’s metro market, we promote Dunwoody as both an independent destination and an Atlanta extension. This approach gives meeting planners full support and distinctive local experiences for their events.

What challenges or misconceptions do you face when selling Dunwoody as a meetings hub, and how are you addressing them to shift perceptions?

A common misconception is that Dunwoody is simply a suburban extension of Atlanta rather than a destination. To shift this perception, we highlight our walkable meeting district, modern hotel properties, vibrant dining scene, and cultural attractions that provide attendees with an engaging experience without the stress of navigating a major metropolitan core. We also share client testimonials and success stories to illustrate Dunwoody’s capabilities in hosting events.

What incentives or support does Dunwoody offer to event organizers that might give it a competitive edge over other cities with similar offerings?

We provide custom incentive programs, including financial support based on room nights, marketing aid, and planning resources to ease the organizer’s workload. Our high-touch, personalized services ensure that every planner has a direct point of contact within our team. For example, attendees receive a warm welcome letter from our Mayor. Swag bags and selfie stations are provided for groups, not just large conventions. This level of accessibility and promotional support sets Dunwoody apart from larger, more transactional destinations.

How do you measure success in attracting meetings and conventions, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are most critical to your growth strategy?

Our success is measured by several key metrics, including room nights generated, repeat bookings, new planner engagement, attendee satisfaction, and economic impact. Balancing quantitative KPIs with qualitative feedback from our partners and planners helps align our approach for both immediate results and long-term growth as a premier meetings destination.