Press Releases

Mayor’s Office of Communications
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Mayor Andre Dickens Announces New Legacy Initiative to Leverage Large-Scale Events for Local Residents and Businesses

Showcase Atlanta to be Chaired by Arthur Blank & Carol Tomé

ATLANTA—Mayor Andre Dickens today introduced Showcase Atlanta, a new initiative aimed at ensuring that major events, conventions, conferences and festivals significantly benefit the city’s residents and local businesses.

“The primary goal of Showcase Atlanta is to provide our residents, small businesses and visitors with exceptional experiences during major events hosted in our city. As more large sports and entertainment events continue to choose Atlanta, we want our community to participate fully and equitably, and this initiative is a unique opportunity to drive generational progress for our communities across the city,” said Mayor Andre Dickens.

Arthur Blank and Carol Tomé will serve as co-chairs of the Showcase Atlanta committee, alongside local business and civic leaders. The committee will advise the Mayor on City-led plans for these events and ensure that the local community is engaged and directly benefits. Additional committee members will be added over time.

"Atlanta and the entire state of Georgia continues to shine as a premier event and sports destination, and I’m thrilled to support Mayor Dickens alongside Carol Tomé as we highlight our city, state and community achievements through Showcase Atlanta,” said Arthur M. Blank, Owner and Chairman, Blank Family of Businesses.

“I’m thrilled to help showcase Atlanta to the world,” said Carol Tomé, CEO of United Parcel Service. “We are an international city with a rich history, vibrant culture and thriving entertainment industry and Showcase Atlanta will highlight everything our city has to offer.”

A centerpiece of this initiative is the FIFA World Cup 26, in which Atlanta will host eight matches, including the highly anticipated semi-final. The FIFA World Cup 26 is one of the largest sporting events in history, with over 48 teams and 104 matches taking place across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Mayor Dickens stresses that Showcase Atlanta is not just about FIFA World Cup 26.  Showcase Atlanta will also leverage other large-scale events that will take place in Atlanta, including the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, and major conferences and local festivals. Just last week, the NFL announced that Super Bowl 2028 will be held in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Additionally, Norelie García has been named Executive Director of Showcase Atlanta. With over 20 years of experience leading private-public partnerships, business management and large-scale global initiatives, García will spearhead efforts to ensure the success of Showcase Atlanta.

“Through the leadership and vision of the mayor and other public and private leaders, we are going to showcase Atlanta to the rest of the world, while ensuring major events are done with and for the benefit of all our residents,” said García.

About Showcase Atlanta:

Showcase Atlanta is an initiative dedicated to maximizing the positive impact of large-scale events on the city’s residents and businesses. By fostering community involvement and supporting local enterprises, Showcase Atlanta aims to create lasting economic and social benefits.

For more information, visit showcaseatlanta.com. 

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For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta.