We look forward to welcoming you to the ACC-GTM Convention in Atlanta! Thank you for coming. We are thrilled that you are here for the first time. We hope that through our learning together and connecting with one another, each of us will take a piece of our experience home to our lives and communities. To help guide you through your first experience, here are some helpful tips:
Convention Mentors/Buddies:
You will be assigned a “convention mentor” who is an experienced attendee of ACC and GTM conventions. They will be in touch with you soon to answer your questions. You are also encouraged to meet in person on Sunday evening before our first event so you have the opportunity to be introduced to some new colleagues and friends.
Clothing at Convention
Clothing at convention is casual, except for the opening banquet when “professional dress” is more the norm. The closing banquet leans toward “party attire” as we celebrate a great week with dinner and dancing. In general, if you’re not participating in the concert, attendees generally dress a little more toward “business casual.” Bring a sweater with you! The air conditioning will be on in the rooms even though it will be hot outside. Bring comfortable shoes! While the area of the hotel where meetings and workshops will be held is compact it is on multiple floors with escalators between. Additionally, we will be visiting the Nation Center for Civil and Human Rights and you’ll have an opportunity to visit some of the dining/shopping areas in either downtown Atlanta or Buckhead for some meals on your own.
Guidebook – Convention Mobile App
The Guidebook Mobile App contains the most up-to-date schedule, announcements, materials, music, weather, and more. It will be an essential tool while at convention. Once downloaded, it will be automatically updated with any new information and announcements. It is a one-stop shop for everything you need for the Atlanta Convention. Be sure to check it now so you have the schedule details as well as several times per day onsite!
For mobile or tablet devices:
Download Guidebook to your Apple or Android device, then search the keyword: ACC-GTM in the app to download the Atlanta Convention Guide.
To view on the web from a PC or laptop, visit http://guidebook.com/guide/151215
Welcome Reception for First-Timers
Join ACC President, Cantor Steven Weiss, GTM President Dr. Alan Mason, the co-chairs and leadership teams at a reception on Sunday, June 24 at 9:15 p.m. in Buckhead II on the 2nd floor of the hotel. Plan to stop by and say hello before wandering across the hall to the “Late Night” sing along.
Meals
Sharing a meal is great way to get to know someone. Many meals are included in your registration fee. See the convention schedule for which meals are included. We hope you will use meals an opportunity to get to know your colleagues. For meals that are on your own there are a variety of restaurants across the street in the Lenox Hill Mall and others in the Buckhead neighborhood nearby. There will be sign up sheets for restaurants for Monday dinner on your own with other attendees if you wish to make your planning easy. See the mobile app for more information.
Buses
We provide bus transportation for most of our off-site locations. Please pay attention to the departure schedules and locations. Times and places will be updated via the mobile app. The only time a “return bus” is not provided is Monday evening after “dinner on your own” if you choose to stay in the Downtown Atlanta area.
Plenary
Plenary is the main business meeting of convention and it is required that all ACC and GTM members are in attendance. This is where you will have a chance to hear from the leadership of your organization and vote on important initiatives. The plenary sessions will take place on Wednesday, June 26 from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. There will be a light lunch served immediately after the sessions end.
T’filah
Our Kehilah K’doshah (sacred community) will join together in worship daily, morning and evening. Our prayer book, Mishkan T’filah for Gatherings, will be provided.
We are so looking forward to meeting each one of you and getting to know you better. If at any time you have questions or need clarification, we are here to help. The Registration Desk is available throughout convention to assist you, or simply look for someone wearing a co-chair or planning committee flag on their name badges.
Welcome to Atlanta!
The Atlanta Convention Team
Cantors Deborah Hartman and Amanda Kleinman, ACC Co-Chairs
Judy Cole and Laurie Akers, GTM Co-Chairs