Embrace the Slowdown: How Low-Season Meetings Promote Sustainability and More

By Discover Atlanta Editorial Team

Published April 29, 2025

When you think about your next meeting or event, your plans might veer toward peak seasons — the times of the year when cities like Atlanta are buzzing.

But don’t overlook seasons when the footfall is lighter. Planning during these times comes with a set of perks, including:

• Reduced environmental strain
• Cost savings and a boost to the community
• Streamlined travel
• Unique, less crowded experiences for attendees

Here’s how your low-season meeting in Atlanta can promote sustainability and more.

The Case for Low-Season Meetings

Our quieter months, like October-November and January-February, are valuable times for hosting meetings. With fewer visitors and open hotel rooms, these months typically create a co-benefit of planning smarter and more sustainably. Holding meetings during these slower times spreads out demand and gives our city a breather. It’s not just good for the environment around you; it’s a chance to plan meetings that feel more intentional and less hurried.

Sustainability Benefits

There are more sustainable ways to meet in Atlanta, courtesy of our low-season advantages:

• Less strain on resources: Fewer overlapping events mean less stress on energy, water and waste systems.
• Smaller carbon footprint: Cooler weather means less need for air conditioning, while fewer flights during off-peak months result in reduced emissions.
• Efficient use of resources: With fewer tourists, Atlanta’s infrastructure, like transportation and utilities, isn’t overstretched, making operations smoother and more sustainable.
• Outdoor meeting opportunities: The cooler weather makes it easier to host meetings and networking events outdoors or in outdoor-blended environments, reducing the need for energy-intensive indoor climate control.

Actionable Ideas

Look into unique venues that take advantage of stunning outdoor offerings and rooftop perches throughout our in-town neighborhoods. Partner with local vendors offering eco-friendly services, like digital event signage or restaurants with sustainable food options. You also can “greenify” your budget and take advantage of any low-season rates from Atlanta’s sustainable hotels.

Local and Economic Benefits

• Cost savings: Hosting meetings during our low season can mean better rates from hotels, venues and vendor services. You can negotiate perks while bundling services for extra savings.
• Support year-round economy: You can also provide consistent business for these hotels, venues and vendors that may experience a lull during these months. Planning events during the slower months helps sustain local businesses and suppliers that rely on tourism, ensuring they remain profitable year-round.

Actionable Ideas

Build relationships with local artists or small businesses to feature Atlanta-made products as part of your meeting or decor. Incorporate local vendors, suppliers and authentic culinary experiences into events. You can also organize a CSR activity where attendees can participate in giving back to Atlanta’s community.

Transportation Benefits

• Streamlined travel: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport reported that January and February typically trend with reduced passenger traffic. With fewer visitors in the city, local transportation systems like MARTA and the Atlanta Streetcar experience less congestion, making it easier for attendees to navigate our city.
• Cost savings: Lower travel costs during this time free up budgetary resources, which can be redirected toward sustainable meeting practices such as carbon offsets or eco-friendly catering.

Actionable Ideas

Carry out a beginning-of-the-year meeting to help cut emissions compared to a peak-season event – thanks to a less-crowded events calendar, fewer flights and lower energy use overall. You can also plan to use local, transportation-friendly meeting spots Downtown, at the Georgia World Congress Center or the Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart.

Attendee Benefits

• Crowd-free attractions: During this time, our city’s attractions and amenities tend to be less crowded, allowing attendees to enjoy a more relaxed and immersive experience.
• Add exclusive, high-touch experiences: With fewer crowds, you can more easily tap into VIP experiences for your group: private tours of top attractions, intimate receptions at historic venues and networking events that feel more exclusive and authentic – offering a sense of exclusiveness that’s highly desirable to attendees.
• Finding hidden gems: The low season offers an opportunity to think creatively about event planning. You can find unique spaces that embrace Atlanta’s charm, such as indoor or outdoor areas adorned with greenery or chic, cozy settings. These elements add warmth and character to any meeting or event.

Actionable Ideas

Look into a reception at The 1904 on Piedmont Park, the new 8,000-square-foot catering and event venue located on the Atlanta Beltline, with city views, bar packages and more. Host at places with Atlanta-only experiences like the mixed-use gathering spot Ponce City Market, where indoor spaces provide a trendy, welcoming vibe even in cooler months. Or consider Atlanta Botanical Garden, which offers stunning seasonal views and ample room for creative outdoor setups.

Pro tip: Partnering with local DMCs gives you access to hidden gems and exclusive Atlanta experiences.

Contact Us

If you’re interested in learning more about planning your low-season meeting or would like to connect with local experts for an event any time of the year, reach out to Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB).