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What to Expect in Atlanta

Whether this is your first time at an INFORMS Annual Meeting or you just need a refresher before touching down in Atlanta, consider this your one-stop-shop for what to expect when you arrive for the 2025 INFORMS Annual Meeting (and even before you get on the plane)! Learn more:

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

WHERE WILL THE INFORMS ANNUAL MEETING BE HELD?

The annual meeting will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) and the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park.

  • GWCC – 285 Andrew Young International BLVD, NW
  • OMNI – 190 Marietta Street, NW

WHAT HOTELS ARE IN THE OFFICIAL INFORMS ROOM BLOCK?

The hotels designated for the annual meeting are the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, Signia by Hilton Atlanta, and Embassy Suites by Hilton at Centennial Park.
Reserve your room now!

WHEN DOES THE OFFICIAL ROOM BLOCK CLOSE?

 Rooms are available until sold out or the specified cut-off date of October 2, 2025.

WHAT AIRPORT WILL I FLY INTO FOR THE INFORMS ANNUAL MEETING?

You’ll arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Check out our travel page for exclusive discounts with our airline partner, Delta. Terminal map

HOW WILL I GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL?

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is located about 12 miles from the hotels and convention center and offers a wide range of ground transportation options.

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?

The recommended attire for the conference is business casual. We also suggest wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a sweater or jacket, as meeting rooms can sometimes
be cool.

WHAT MEALS ARE INCLUDED WITH FULL CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONS?

All meals will be on your own; however, INFORMS will provide coffee and snack breaks twice daily, along with an evening welcome reception and a closing reception.

WHAT ARE THE INFORMS REGISTRATION POLICES?

Click here to review the official registration policies, including details on cancellations, refunds, registration transfers, the guest policy, and name badge reprints.

WHAT IS THE INFORMS CODE OF CONDUCT?

Every attendee has agreed to adhere to the INFORMS Code of Conduct during INFORMS activities, requiring that all meeting participants conduct themselves in a professional manner that is welcoming to all participants and free from any form of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or retaliation. Participants agree to treat each other with respect and consideration to create and ensure a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment. Read more about the INFORMS Code of Conduct.

Navigating the Meeting Venues

THE GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER (GWCC)

  • Conference Check-in and Registration: Building A/B Lobby, Level 4
    (Saturday – Wednesday)
  • Career Fair: Building A, Level 1, Exhibit Hall A2
  • Exhibits and Posters: Building A, Level 1, Exhibit Hall A3
  • Plenaries: Building A, Level 4, Sidney J. Marcus Auditorium
  • Keynotes: Building A, Level 4, Rooms A411 and A412; Building B, Level 2, Room B206
  • Technical Sessions: Buildings A and B, Levels 2, 3, and 4.

OMNI ATLANTA AT CENTENNIAL PARK (OMNI)

  • Satellite Conference Check-in: Level 5 (Saturday & Sunday only)
  • Special Events & Meetings: Levels 5 and 7
  • Technical Sessions: Levels 6 and 7

SOCIAL EVENTS and NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

There is never a dull moment at #INFORMS2025! Check the mobile app for more details regarding pre-meeting workshops and activities, technology showcases, Community business meetings, INFORMS publications events, university-sponsored receptions, award sessions, and more.

INFORMS Community Business Meetings & Receptions

Whether you’re driven by operations research, analytics, or another related field, there’s a dedicated community waiting for you. With 13 societies, 22 sections, 7 forums, and a host of geographic and student chapters, INFORMS offers various resources and networking avenues tailored to your interests and career aspirations. INFORMS Community business meetings, receptions, and special events offer prime networking opportunities. The schedule varies for each event, so check the mobile app for a full schedule with dates, times, and locations.

INFORMS New Member Connections Breakfast
(By Invitation Only)

Kick off your first INFORMS conference experience at the New Member Connections Breakfast! Enjoy a warm welcome, a hot meal, coffee or tea, and conversation with your fellow new members. INFORMS Board members and volunteers will share their tips for successfully navigating INFORMS membership and the Annual Meeting. (By invitation only.)

INFORMS International Connections Meet & Greet

Join a vibrant assembly of international attendees at this exclusive event. It’s a prime opportunity to network with fellow researchers and practitioners from around the world. Expand your professional circle and share diverse perspectives. We’re excited you’re here!

Welcome Reception 

GWCC – Building A, Level 1, Exhibit Hall A3
Sunday | 6:30–8:30pm

All meeting attendees are invited to join us to meet exhibitors and network with colleagues. Complimentary light refreshments will be provided. A cash bar will be available.

INFORMS Awards Ceremony & Dessert Reception

The INFORMS Board of Directors invites you to honor and celebrate the achievements of your colleagues at the annual Awards Ceremony. Dessert and coffee will be served. You’ll have an opportunity to congratulate the awardees at the end of the event. Check the mobile app for a list of the prestigious awards that will be presented.

INFORMS Student Chapter Annual Awards
Ceremony & Reception

Join us in Celebrating Student Achievements at the INFORMS Student Chapter Awards Ceremony! Gather with us to honor the exceptional accomplishments of our student chapters and leaders. Witness the presentation of prestigious awards and share in the collective pride for our outstanding students. Remember to check the mobile app for a comprehensive list of honorees.

INFORMS Member Meeting 

Join us for a special breakfast gathering at the INFORMS Member Meeting. This annual event is a perfect opportunity to connect with peers, celebrate our shared achievements, and show appreciation for outstanding INFORMS volunteers. We look forward to starting the day with you!

INFORMS After Hours! 

The Georgia Aquarium
Tuesday, October 28 | 7:00–10:00pm

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the world’s largest and most captivating aquariums, located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Home to thousands of marine animals representing hundreds of species, it offers a stunning window into ocean life through expansive, state-of-the-art exhibits.

Visitors can explore diverse aquatic environments, from tropical coral reefs and freshwater rivers to the mysterious depths of the open ocean. Notable residents include whale sharks—the largest fish in the world—beluga whales, manta rays, sea otters, penguins, and dolphins.

Exhibits such as Ocean VoyagerCold Water Quest, and Tropical Diver immerse guests in breathtaking underwater ecosystems.

EXHIBITORS

GWCC – Building A, Level 1, Exhibit Hall A3
Sunday | 12noon–5:00pm, 6:30–8:30pm Monday & Tuesday | 9:00 AM–5:00pm

Stop by the exhibits between sessions to visit with partners sharing the latest solutions, innovations, and resources in OR/MS and analytics. Check the mobile app for a listing of this year’s exhibitors and sponsors.

INFORMS Booth

GWCC – Building A, Level 1, Exhibit Hall A3

The INFORMS Booth is the heart of the 2025 INFORMS Annual Meeting! All attendees are welcome to stop by to chat with INFORMS staff and volunteers, grab some free goodies, and shop for INFORMS swag. Ask us your questions and share feedback on your INFORMS experience. Or use it as a meet-up spot to network with fellow members. We’ll also be offering informative posters to take back and share with your department to encourage more students to pursue an advanced degree in the decision and data sciences or to join and benefit from INFORMS membership. Last but not least, you can share your own story with the INFORMS community in a Member in a Minute video interview. Keep an eye on your app notifications for updates on what’s happening in the INFORMS Booth!

Accessibility resources

Accessibility is a top priority at the INFORMS Annual Meeting. We are committed to creating an inclusive experience for all attendees and are taking steps to ensure that everyone can fully participate. If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

DIETARY ACCOMMODATIONS

We ask that you share your dietary needs during event registration. While breakfast, lunch, and dinner are on your own, all coffee and snack breaks, as well as receptions, will include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences. Reception menus and dietary information will be available in the mobile app.

HEARING AND LANGUAGE

All plenary sessions and keynotes will feature Wordly AI Translation and Captioning. Wordly provides instant, multilingual translation and real-time captions directly on your mobile device, as well as live captions on the screen. A QR code will be available at the designated sessions for easy access.

LACTATION PODS

The Georgia World Congress Center offers secure, self-contained lactation pods to support nursing parents. A Mamava pod is available just outside Room B410.

QUIET ROOM

A quiet room will be available to offer a calm, low-stimulation space where attendees can take a break from sensory input, relax, recharge, or engage in personal reflection or prayer.

First Aid Locations in GWCC

  • Building B Level 4 next to Room B411
  • Building A Level 1 next to Exhibit Hall A3

HOTEL ACCESSIBILITY

​Please click on each hotel link below to view the specific accessibility accommodations offered at each property.

CONVENTION CENTER ACCESSIBILITY

All entrances include ramps, and accessible restrooms are conveniently located throughout the venue. GWCC provides ample designated parking for guests with disabilities, along with multiple passenger drop-off zones. Elevators are equipped with Braille instructions to assist visually impaired attendees.

Wheelchair Assistance: Manual push wheelchairs are available free of charge at the Georgia World Congress Center on a first-come, first-served basis. They can be found at the Information Desks in Buildings A, B, and C. A valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport) is required, which will be returned when the wheelchair is brought back.

For those needing additional mobility assistance, scooters can be rented in advance for a fee through Mobility Georgia by calling 470.357.6130 or visiting https://mobilitygeorgia.com/conventions. The pickup location is at the FedEx Office Business Centers in the main lobbies of the Georgia World Congress Center Buildings B and C.

AIRPORT ACCESSIBILITY

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport offers a printable map that provides special service locations such as the sensory room, service animal relief areas, adult changing station, wheelchair charging station, nursing mothers room, and TTY/TDD telephone location throughout the Airport.

 Click here for more information on accessibility at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS

If you require a reasonable accommodation that has not already been provided, INFORMS will make every effort to assist you. Please submit your request in writing to meetings@informs.org by October 10, 2025.

Ribbons

Are you a Session Chair, Cluster Chair, or Poster Presenter looking for some flair to add to your name badge? You can locate these ribbons and others on our “Ribbon Wall” near conference check-in. We will also have a number of fun ribbons to add to your badge that share your interests and serve as conversation starters with other attendees. Senior Members and other longtime members of the INFORMS community are invited to stop by the INFORMS Booth for special ribbons acknowledging your long-standing relationship
with INFORMS!

INFORMS CAREER FAIR

GWCC – Building A, Level 1, Exhibit Hall A2

INFORMS Career Fair & Networking Day

Sunday | 11am–5pm

INFORMS Career Fair resume reviews

Sunday  | 12pm-5pm (by appointment)
Monday | 8am–5pm (by appointment)

INFORMS Career Fair Interviews

Monday & Tuesday | 8am–5pm (by appointment)

INFORMS Career Fair, the largest source of O.R. and analytics jobs, connects job seekers and employers in an informal atmosphere to discuss employment opportunities. Employers will collect resumes at the beginning of the Annual Meeting to set up interviews throughout the event. Check out the Annual Meeting Career Fair Jobseeker page for other events listed.

Nearby Food Venues

Click here for dining options near the Georgia World Congress Center and the Omni Hotel.