We are looking forward to having you attend THE EDGE in Atlanta! Please read the following information closely to help you prepare for your visit.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is located approximately 26 minutes from the hotel and the average cost of transportation is:
Ride share pickups occur in the North Economy Lot. Passengers will proceed through North baggage claim for access to the lower-level escalators located between doors N2 and N3. Once downstairs, follow the orange signs to the Economy lot and request a ride only after arrival at the pickup location. Taxi service is in the Ground Transportation Center/West Curb immediately outside between doors W-1 and W-2.
HOTEL INFORMATION
Thompson Atlanta - Buckhead
415 East Paces Ferry Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
404-574-1234
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE
Participants should plan to arrive on Sunday, June 23 by 6:30 p.m. to attend the welcome reception in Tesserae on the rooftop level of the hotel. Use the designated express elevator to the 10th floor.
REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES
Housing for 5 nights (arriving Sunday and departing Friday). Room reservations have been made. Hotel room incidental expenses will be your responsibility.
Bus transportation from the Thompson hotel each morning to Mercer University and returning each evening. The bus will board at the Thompson on the street. The bus will depart promptly at 7:30 a.m. each morning to arrive at Mercer in time for your 8:00 a.m. class.
Meals will include: Sunday evening (reception), breakfast in the hotel each morning, lunch at Mercer University each day, and a reception/dinner on Thursday evening at the hotel. Participants are responsible for evening meals on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Course materials will be housed on Canvas (a secure online learning platform). Login and password information for Canvas and Mercer Wi-Fi will be given upon your arrival to Mercer. Ensure your phone’s IOS is updated. Please leave laptops at the hotel. Mercer will provide writing materials for note taking along with other EDGE branded items.
THE EDGE 2024 SCHEDULE
You will receive a copy of the schedule when you arrive.
WEATHER
The forecast for the area is in the low-mid 90s during the day and in the low 70s at night.
ATTIRE
Business casual such as blouses, shirts, and long pants are appropriate for class sessions. Business attire such as a suit is required for dinner on Thursday evening. It is advisable to bring a sweater to class each day, as it may be cool. Remember to dress for success on Monday as we will take pictures by class and individual company groups.
BADGES/WELCOME RECEPTION
Name badges will be provided at the welcome reception Sunday evening in Tesserae located in the rooftop bar and restaurant of the hotel. The reception will include heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks starting at 6:30 p.m.
BREAKFAST
Each morning a breakfast buffet will be offered for THE EDGE group on the first floor in Cresthaven A.
PARKING
Overnight parking is offered for the daily rate of $55. It is not included in THE EDGE fee.
ELEVATORS
The Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead is a boutique hotel, so the number of elevators is limited. Please allow plenty of time to get to the bus in the mornings. When possible, use your elevator waiting time to network and get to know your peers.
BUSING INFORMATION
Monday through Thursday during THE EDGE participants will load the buses on East Paces Ferry Road in front of the hotel right outside the Cresthaven Ballroom. Just walk out the front entrance and down the left-hand side of the U area in front of the hotel. Buses will leave promptly at 7:30 a.m. Rhonda Ashburn will be assisting with busing so look for her. Please load the first bus first and once it is full it will depart.
MERCER ATLANTA CAMPUS ADDRESS
If you miss the bus, please take an Uber or use your own transportation to get to campus. The Mercer Atlanta Campus address is 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341. Please park in the West Lot. The School of Business is in Building #12 on the campus map.
The Mercer - Atlanta campus is convenient and modern, yet tranquil, as it is located on 300 heavily wooded acres inside the Atlanta Perimeter. Parking is free, and passes are not required. The campus is convenient to Interstates 85 and 285, and it is about 15 minutes from the hotel depending on traffic.
RESTAURANTS
There are over 20 restaurants within a .5 mile radius of the Thompson hotel. The Shops of Buckhead are an 8-minute/.4-mile walk. Stop by the bell stand to pick up a listing of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. Also, the hotel offers an SUV drop-off and pick-up within a 2-mile radius and is first come first serve. Please see or call the front desk to arrange your ride. It is available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Additionally complimentary cruiser bikes are available to explore Buckhead from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Sign up at the front desk.
C-SUITE PANEL
You are in for a treat during lunch on Thursday, June 27. Nik Volkov, assistant professor of finance at Mercer University, will moderate a panel session with these exemplary c-suite panelists.
Ginger Herring, President and CEO, 1st Franklin Financial Corp
Jim Schneider, Executive Vice President and COO, Mariner Finance, LLC
Dan Walters, Chief Executive Officer, Credit Central, LLC
TRAVEL DELAYS
Please contact one of us if you need to miss the Sunday night reception due to travel delays.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Please contact us if you have questions regarding the 2024 EDGE. We look forward to seeing you in Atlanta!
An additional great resource with comprehensive information on THE EDGE is available via this brochure.
