Community Events
Hosting and Attracting International Events
The Mayor's Office of International and Immigrant Affairs (MOIIA) attracts and supports several international community events throughout the year that help grow Atlanta's brand as a global city, expand visitor traffic, and fortifies the relationship with different international communities. In addition, these events contribute to the economic impact of local communities including local and foreign owned businesses in Atlanta and attract international businesses interested in entering the U.S. market through Atlanta and the Southeast.
ChristKindl
Market
Since 2015, in partnership with the German American Cultural Foundation, the Mayor's Office of International and Immigrant Affairs has supported the growth and development of the Christkindl Market. From its original location at Atlanta Station to its recent home at Centennial Olympic Park. The number of visitors has increased throughout the years from 250,000 to almost 750,000 in 2019. In 2019, representatives from Atlanta’s Sister City Nuremberg visited alongside the Christkind, the traditional Christmas gift-bringer.
Canada Day
The Canadian Consulate in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs (MOIIA) hosted Canada Day at City Hall. MOIIA hosted a reception at City Hall to commemorate the celebration and illuminated City Hall in the colors of the Canadian flag in support of Canada and Atlanta's strong and longstanding relationship.
International
Migrants Day
The City of Atlanta and Consulates of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, México and Perú partners to host International Day of Migrants at City Hall. International Day of Migrants is an opportunity to bring awareness to human rights and the fundamental political freedoms of migrants, and to reflect upon the unique contributions migrants make in our communities. The celebration features renowned musical pieces from different countries and regions in Latin America as well as performances by Latin guitarists, a mariachi band, and members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
Caribbean
Heritage Month
To celebrate the Caribbean culture, lineage and contributions to America, many events take place around the City of Atlanta. The Georgia Caribbean American Heritage Coalition organizes an opening reception and expo at City Hall to feature approximately 35 countries representing English, French, Spanish, and Dutch speaking Caribbean nationals in their national dress, a taste of Caribbean cuisine, and cultural entertainment.
International
women's day
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8th to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate achievements. In 2019, Atlanta organizations held a variety of events to bring awareness to the global campaign theme--#BalanceforBetter. The international affairs team at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport assembled a group that included dance students from Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts, Airport staff, and strategic partners—including our Deputy Director, Paulina Guzman—to dance a choreographed performance of “Run the World” by Beyoncé.
Smart city expo
Atlanta
In partnership with Fira de Barcelona, Smart City Expo Atlanta, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Power, and economic development partners, MOIIA attracted and supported the first U.S. edition of the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona. In 2019, the Expo focused on redefining smart while ensuring equity, prosperity, humanity, inclusion and justice are on par with technological advancements. In its first year, the expo gathered over 2,500 attendees representing government, corporations, non-profits, and entrepreneurs. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms participated in a panel discussion alongside Ambassador Andrew Young and Dr. Bernice King to discuss the topic of compassionate cities. Director, Vanessa Ibarra, moderated a panel on Urban Diplomacy.
To celebrate the year of German-American friendship, MOIIA partnered with the Goethe Institut in Washington, the German Federal Foreign Office, and the Federation of German Industries (BDI) to bring the Wunderbar Together Pop-up tour to Atlanta. The tour also traveled around the U.S. through Chicago, St. Louis, Portland, and Atlanta to strengthen economic, educational and cultural ties between the two countries. In 2018, as part of the tour, MOIIA helped to bring Spotlight Bauhaus, featuring dancers, a street festival, and a light show created by German artist collective URBANSCREEN displayed across the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System building.
Wunderbar together
pop-up tour
2020 aaccla
annual meeting
The Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America and the Caribbean (AACCLA) hosted their annual Outlook on the Americas meeting in Atlanta. MOIIA worked closely with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and AACCLA to attract the annual meeting to the City of Atlanta and worked closely with the organizers to develop the meeting agenda and ensure that participants explored the valuable resources and opportunities available in our region. AACCLA hosted their public conference at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, where they set their 2020 policy priorities during internal meetings, explored Atlanta's innovation ecosystem, networked with the local business community and participated in site visits. MOIIA hosted a welcome reception to convene Atlanta’s business leaders, members of the civic community, state lawmakers, and community representatives to promote Atlanta as a premier destination for diverse business opportunities.
