As if there isn't enough to be excited about downtown, the next few months will be full of anticipation as the countdown begins for the Brand Atlanta unveiling. An initiative launched by Mayor Shirley Franklin and the Atlanta Committee for Progress (ACP), the Brand Atlanta campaign will create a new brand and marketing strategy for Atlanta that is expected to make Atlanta that much more appealing to convention attendees, visitors, businesses and residents.

The initiative was launched in February and the brand is being developed from extensive research conducted on the city and brainstorming sessions with stakeholders. Just last month, the first hint of the new brand was released--three words representing timeless and timely truths about the city: Optimism, Opportunities, Openness.

The Three O's will keep everyone guessing for now, but starting in mid-October Brand Atlanta will launch an ambassador program to engage residents in the campaign and in November, creative advertising and messaging will be launched. A national campaign will begin early next year and it will include resources to assist show management in boosting attendee and exhibitor attendance.