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Setting the Stage for Clean 2015

A sneak peek of what to expect from this year’s show in Atlanta

ATLANTA — Nearly 30 years have passed since the Clean Show, formally known as the World Educational Congress for Laundering and Drycleaning, last set its stage here at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC).

Clean 1987 was held in what is now the Center’s “A” building, which has a total exhibit space of 340,000 square feet, according to show organizer Riddle & Associates.

After nearly three decades, the Clean Show returns to Atlanta April 16-19.

As part of its efforts to re-familiarize the industry with the city, Riddle & Associates, in conjunction with the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), hosted a two-day “media familiarity tour” here in early November.

It was my first time venturing into Atlanta. The tour not only provided a small sample of the Southern hospitality attendees can come to expect, but also a sneak peek of what’s in store for Clean 2015.

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER

Officially opened in 1976, the GWCC has undergone numerous expansion projects since it last hosted the Clean Show.

Today, the 3.9-million-square-foot convention center houses 1.4 million square feet of exhibit space, making it one of the “top five largest convention centers in the country,” according to the GWCC.

Clean 2015 will take up nearly half of the facility’s total available exhibit space, with the exhibition taking place in halls 2 through 5 of building B, encompassing a total of 518,000 square feet, according to Riddle & Associates.

To accommodate many Clean Show exhibitors’ need for steam power, a new steam system was recently installed at the center and is now fully operational, explains John Riddle, president of the show’s management firm. The steam system covers approximately 125,000 square feet of exhibit space. 

Riddle and Brian Wallace, Coin Laundry Association president and CEO, and Clean 2015 chairman, expressed excitement about the upcoming show. At the time of my visit, more than 90% of space on the current exhibit floor plan was under contract; the Clean Show website listed more than 380 exhibitors as of last week.

The overall space at the GWCC can be overwhelmingly expansive, so plan to wear comfortable walking shoes, or take time to relax in atrium-style indoor seating or outside on the patio. 

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Those looking to venture outside the halls of the GWCC will have plenty to see and do. Various attractions are within walking distance, while some are only a short cab ride away. 

Here are a few locales the ACVB treated me to during my stay:

Centennial Olympic Park

Just across from the GWCC is Centennial Olympic Park, built as part of the Centennial Olympic Games Atlanta hosted in 1996, and what the ACVB calls the “heart of [downtown Atlanta’s] tourist hub.”

Attendees can stroll the 21-acre park and have a sweeping view of the city’s skyline, as well as learn the history of the Centennial games, or cool off by the park’s interactive fountain, The Fountain of Rings.

Center for Civil and Human Rights

Located across from Centennial Olympic Park, and housed in a bright, modern, new building, the recently opened Center for Civil and Human Rights highlights the history of the American Civil Rights Movement, bridging it with contemporary human rights movements around the world.

Historic moments, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington, come to life through archived photos, videos and artifacts, and through touch-screen informative displays.

Georgia Aquarium

The ACVB also took me on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Georgia Aquarium, known as “the world’s largest aquarium.”

Opened in 2005, the aquarium features a variety of aquatic animals housed in more than 10 million gallons of water.

In one of its exhibits, the Ocean Voyager, visitors walk through an acrylic tunnel, which provides a nearly 360-degree view of the aquarium’s 6.3-million-gallon tank.

College Football Hall of Fame

The College Football Hall of Fame just opened in August, and has plenty of unique exhibits and interactive displays that provide fun for all. Upon entering, visitors are given an “All-Access” pass equipped with an RFID chip, which they can digitally personalize by selecting their favorite college football team.

Guests will have a unique, customized tour as they navigate their way through the museum’s exhibits.

SERVING UP COMFORT

The media tour was packed with plenty to see, and for me, trekking between one point of interest to the next can easily build up my appetite. 

Thankfully, the ACVB presented plenty of unique local eateries suitable for foodies (like yours truly).

TWO Urban Licks

A 15-minute cab ride from the GWCC will lead visitors to TWO Urban Licks. Situated on the Eastside BeltLine Trail, and housed in a restored warehouse, TWO Urban Licks serves up a fusion of traditional dishes and unique eats, like salmon chips, lobster tostada and the addictive pimento cheese hush puppies.  

Glenn’s Kitchen

Set in a modern, upscale dining room, Glenn’s Kitchen is just minutes away from GWCC.

Despite its posh atmosphere, its lunch menu provides accessible favorites, like grass-fed beef hamburgers, short-rib sandwiches and daily tacos. Prosciutto-wrapped Georgia trout, sautéed sea scallops or Scottish salmon give those with a more refined palate even more options, while the restaurant’s warm bourbon bread pudding and spread of various truffles can easily satisfy those with a sweet tooth.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room

Considered an Atlanta institution by many, Mary Mac’s (just two miles northeast of the GWCC) has been serving both locals and visitors stick-to-your-ribs favorites, like pan-fried cube steak, chicken potpie and chicken fried chicken, which also come with side dishes, like collard greens, cheese grits and macaroni and cheese.

A true Mary Mac’s experience would be incomplete without Georgia peach cobbler for dessert, which can be ordered with ice cream on top.    

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Downtown Atlanta skyline with views of Centennial Olympic Park and the new SkyView Ferris wheel. (Photo: Gene Phillips)

Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].