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Georgia Tourism - Peach Byte
September 18, 2008 
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In this issue
1) GDEcD, TDAG AND GACVB HOST ONE UNIFIED INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
2) TOURISM LEADERS HONORED AT 2008 GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE ON TOURISM
3) STATE AWARDS E-CHALLENGE GRANTS TO TOURISM ENTITIES
4) STATE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTERS NOW PLAYING CLASSICS BY GEORGIA MUSICIANS
5) GEORGIA MADE GEORGIA GROWN AWARDS PRODUCERS OF DISTINCTION
6) REDDING FAMILY & GEORGIA MUSIC HALL OF FAME TO EXTEND AWARD-WINNING OTIS REDDING EXHIBITION
7) GEORGIA'S VISITOR INFORMATION CENTERS WIN INTERNATIONAL MARKETING AWARD
8) AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION'S 2009 TOP 100 EVENTS ANNOUNCED
9) THE OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION IN MILLEDGEVILLE SELECTED TO HOST "ABRAHAM LINCOLN: SELF MADE IN AMERICA"
10) BARNSLEY GARDENS NAMED GOLF COURSE OF THE YEAR
11) REGISTRATION OPEN: 2008 AGRITOURISM CONFERENCE
12) FLAT CREEK LODGE WINS BLUE RIBBON FROM AMERICAN CHEESE SOCIETY
13) GDEcD RESEARCH UPDATE
14) GDEcD SALES TEAM UPDATE
15) TRAVEL TRENDS: HOW TO USE EDUCATION TO CREATE "EDUVACATIONS"
16) TRAVEL TRENDS: WIFI NEARING TAKEOFF
17) TRAVEL TRENDS: SEARCHING FOR THE ROOTS OF A DEEP FAITH
18) HIGH HITS RECORD-BREAKING ADVANCE TICKET SALES FOR "THE FIRST EMPEROR"
19) MACON'S MUSEUM OF ARTS AND SCIENCES TO HOST NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAPS: TOOLS FOR ADVENTURE EXHIBIT
1) GDECD, TDAG AND GACVB HOST ONE UNIFIED INDUSTRY CONFERENCE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (GACVB) and the Tourism Development Alliance of Georgia (TDAG) joined forces to present one unified tourism industry conference from September 10 - 12 in Albany. The conference brought together the three organizations for the first time to provide a dynamic tourism industry conference to the more than 350 tourism industry professionals in attendance.
 
The Governor's Conference on Tourism is designed to further educate members of the tourism industry about travel and tourism related issues on a national and statewide level, reinforce existing tourism development efforts and plan for future initiatives. It offers a forum for discussion on the challenges and opportunities faced in a changing world, an economic forecast for the industry, current travel trends, the development of a strategic plan, methods of supplementing tourism dollars and how to develop tourism products.
 
The 2009 Governor's Conference on Tourism will take place August 31 - September 2 at Lake Lanier Islands.
 
GDEcD's Marketing Powerpoint presentation is now available in the Industry Presentations (click here) section on MarketGeorgia.org.

2) TOURISM LEADERS HONORED AT 2008 GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE ON TOURISM
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Governor Sonny Perdue honored several of the state's most dedicated tourism professionals at the 2008 Governor's Conference on Tourism in Albany on Friday. Award recipients were nominated by Georgia's tourism industry professionals. Recipients of the 2008 Tourism awards include Peter Bowden, President and CEO of the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau; Theresa Jenkins, Executive Director of the Marietta Welcome Center and Visitors Bureau; Elizabeth Harville, Executive Director of the Vidalia Convention & Visitors Bureau;
Spurgeon Richardson, Executive Director of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau;
State Representative Ron StephensJudy Renfroe; Trent Mercer of Streeter Printing and Graphics of Augusta; Clarks Hill Partnership of Georgia and the Welcome Center in Forsyth-Monroe County. Click here for more information.

3) STATE AWARDS E-CHALLENGE GRANTS TO TOURISM ENTITIES
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The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), through the Georgia Tourism Foundation, awarded $43,000 in E-Challenge Grants to 23 communities, convention & visitor bureaus, regional travel associations and other non-profit tourism entities across the state. The E-Challenge grants were established two years ago to assist communities in implementing innovative technology marketing programs that promote the state's tourism assets. Projects include web enhancements, developing e-newsletters, new video content, booking engines, Podcasts, downloadable brochures and more.
 
Recipients of the 2008 E-Challenge Grants included Activities Council of Thomson-McDuffie County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau; Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau; Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum; Brunswick Convention & Visitors Bureau; Camden County Public Service Authority; City of Douglas; Columbia County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Fannin County Chamber of Commerce; Georgia's Antebellum Trail Association; Greene County Chamber of Commerce; Historic Roswell Convention & Visitors Bureau; Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau; Macon-Bibb Convention & Visitors Bureau; Madison & Morgan County Chamber of Commerce; Magnolia Midlands Regional Travel Association; Marietta Welcome Center; Oconee County Chamber of Commerce; Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism; St. Mary's Downtown Development Authority; Statesboro Convention & Visitors Bureau; Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition and Valdosta State University - Peach State Summer Theatre. For more information, please contact Leslie Breland at [email protected].
4) STATE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTERS NOW PLAYING CLASSICS BY GEORGIA MUSICIANS 
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Travelers stopping at Georgia's Visitor Information Centers will now find more than a friendly face and directions: they'll hear a stirring introduction to the state's rich musical heritage. Nine of the 11 state visitor centers, which are operated by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), are playing songs by Georgia musicians, from marquis names like Ray Charles and R.E.M. to lesser-known talents such as Sonia Leigh and Luke Bryan. "The Soundtrack of Your Life," a partnership between GDEcD and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, was turned on at 10am on Aug. 15 at the Augusta, Columbus, Kingsland, Lavonia, Ringgold, Savannah, Tallapoosa, Valdosta and West Point centers. Click here for more information.
5) GEORGIA MADE GEORGIA GROWN AWARDS PRODUCERS OF DISTINCTION
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Averitt Center for the Arts, Meinhardt Vineyards and Winery, National Barbeque Festival and Flat Creek Lodge will be the first to be awarded the Georgia Made Georgia Grown Producer of Distinction designation. This designation recognizes the best of Georgia's artists, craftmakers, entertainers, authors, food product creators, festivals, agritourism venues, bed & breakfasts, shops and galleries.
 
The Georgia Made Georgia Grown logo may appear on product packaging, in collateral materials, promotional pieces, or as a part of point-of-sale signage. Participation in the Producer of Distinction Program is voluntary and open to all Georgia creative businesses that consistently meet and exceed specific quality standards.
 
The group will be recognized on Monday, September 22 at the 'Making Your Mark in the Magnolia Midlands' Symposium at the Averitt Center for the Arts in Statesboro. For more information about the Producers of Distinction program, contact Gilda Watters at [email protected]. For more information about the symposium, please contact Connie Hayes via email at [email protected].
6) REDDING FAMILY & GEORGIA MUSIC HALL OF FAME TO EXTEND AWARD-WINNING OTIS REDDING EXHIBITION 
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Mrs. Zelma Redding, wife of the late Otis Redding, and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon announced the exhibition, Otis Redding: I've Got Dreams to Remember, was scheduled to close, but will remain on display through April 19, 2009. Named "Museum Exhibition of the Year" by the Georgia Association of Museum and Galleries in January, Otis Redding: I've Got Dreams to Remember opened on Sept. 14, 2007 as part of a series of events commemorating the 40th anniversary of the soul icon's passing. For more information about the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, visit www.georgiamusic.org or call 478-751-3334.
7) GEORGIA'S VISITOR INFORMATION CENTERS WIN INTERNATIONAL MARKETING AWARD
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The Georgia Department of Economic Development's (GDEcD) Visitor Information Centers (VICs) were honored with an international marketing award for their Canadian Visitor Recognition program. The National Council of State Tourism Directors (NCSTD) announced the winners of the 2008 Mercury Awards program on August 26 at the Travel Industry Association's annual Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations. The Mercury Award honors the best in state tourism office marketing and promotion programs each year. Georgia's Visitors Information Centers created the Canadian Visitor Recognition program in March 2005 to introduce Canadian travelers to Georgia. The VIC Information Specialists encourage Canadian travelers to spend the day, stay the night and explore Georgia. The outreach includes a specially-designed "Georgia Welcomes Canadians" logo on the centers' counters and doors and on exterior and interior signage. Information Specialists offer Canadian visitors information on tourism entities who offer discounts specifically for Canadian travelers. In addition, the centers feature posters with kilometer/mileage conversion charts to Georgia cities and borders. With advance notice, litter bags, refreshments and goodie bags are made available to Canadian motorcoach passengers. So far, 69,454 Canadians have filled out the state's guest register sheets available at the VICs. Click here for more information.
8) AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION'S 2009 TOP 100 EVENTS ANNOUNCED
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The American Bus Association (ABA) announced that the Macon Cherry Blossom Festival and Callaway Garden's Fantasy in Lights have been designated as two of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2009. These events are considered the best to experience via motorcoach for 2009. With the release of the ABA's 2009 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 27 years of the Top 100 Events. It has grown to be one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public. According to studies recently completed by researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from $5,000 to more than $13,000 in a local destination's economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes. For more information, the Top 100 Events list is available online at www.buses.org.
9) THE OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION IN MILLEDGEVILLE SELECTED TO HOST "ABRAHAM LINCOLN: SELF MADE IN AMERICA"
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The Old Governor's Mansion is pleased to announce that they have been selected by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation and the Lincoln Illinois Bicentennial Committee to host the traveling exhibit "Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America" from December 19, 2008 - January 16, 2009 (with a week closing from December 25-January 1). The Mansion was selected nationwide from hundreds of applications and one of the few sites in the south. For more information, visit www.milledgevillecvb.com or www.lincoln200.net.  
10) BARNSLEY GARDENS NAMED GOLF COURSE OF THE YEAR 
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The General, the 18-hole championship golf course at Barnsley Gardens Resort, has been selected as Course of the Year by the Board of the Georgia Golf Course Owners Association.  The accolade was awarded based upon the exceptional quality of the course, including ownership and management.  Barnsley's outstanding contributions to the community and significant contributions to the game of golf were also recognized.  By becoming the GGCOA Course of the Year, Barnsley Gardens Resort will have the opportunity to vie for National Course of the Year honors in February 2009 at the Annual Golf Industry Show in New Orleans.  The honor was received shortly following the close of the 2008 Georgia Open, which was successfully hosted at the resort.  With its serene vistas, flawless greens and arguably the best collections of par 3's in all of golf, "The General" is one of the most desirable courses to play in the Southeast.  The course, designed by Jim Fazio, is consistently ranked in the Top 20 Courses in Georgia by Golf Digest. For more information, visit www.BarnsleyResort.com.
11) REGISTRATION OPEN:  2008 AGRITOURISM CONFERENCE
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The 2008 Agritourism Conference will take place November 5 - 6, 2008 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry. The theme of the conference is "Regionalism: The Key to Expanding our Agritourism Footprint".
 
This conference is ideal for people currently operating an agritourism venue; for those thinking about it but not sure if this business is for them, and for those who have an interest in helping to promote agritourism in their local community and need ideas on how to do so. Regional teams from local, state and federal entities that have programs and resources will be on hand. The Georgia Department of Agriculture, the USDA, The Farm Bureau, UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development, the Tourism Division and others will be in one place at one time. If you have ever wondered what other countries, states or regions are doing to market and advertise their agritourism destinations and attractions, conference keynote speaker Judy Randall will share that benchmark and travel analysis data in a memorable way.
 
Conference registration is $135 per person and includes all conference workshops, one year membership in the Georgia Agritourism Association, conference tours of agritourism venues (optional) and meals (two lunches, one dinner, one breakfast and multiple breaks). To register or learn more about the conference, visit www.areg.caes.uga.edu.
12) FLAT CREEK LODGE WINS BLUE RIBBON FROM AMERICAN CHEESE SOCIETY
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Flat Creek Lodge in Swainsboro brought home new honors from the prestigious American Cheese Society 25th Anniversary Conference in August. With entries from 181 producers in 30 states and three Canadian provinces, the 2008 American Cheese Society Competition acknowledges the very top cheesemakers on the continent. Flat Creek Lodge won First Place in the Hispanic & Portuguese Flavored category for the Flat Creek Lodge Dairy team's Caraway Cotija, a drier style of cheese similar to Parmesan with plenty of salt and picante. Cheeses are available onsite at Flat Creek Lodge and many selections have also recently been making their way to restaurants and retail spaces throughout Georgia. For more information, visit www.flatcreeklodge.com.
13) GDECD RESEARCH UPDATE:
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The following tourism research information is available on www.marketgeorgia.org under the Industry Research tab.
  • The 2007 Economic Impact State report and preliminary county level reports
  • The new Georgia Tourism Satellite Account Report
  • Research Newsletters
  • Research projects
  • Co-Op opportunities
14) GDECD SALES TEAM UPDATE:
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS - The next "edition" of Group Tour Boot Camp will take place December 4 & 5, 2008.  We plan to expand on topics covered in the first boot camp as well as work on itinerary planning.  Details will be coming soon!!
 

Congratulations to the Gwinnett CVB!  Cricket Elliott will once again play hostess to the Motorcoach Association of South Carolina. It was announced that the association will hold their 2009 Annual Meeting and Marketplace in Gwinnett next summer. The tourism division plans to participate as a co-sponsor of the event and as a supplier taking appointments with tour operators.
  
 
National Tour Association (NTA) promises to be an exciting show for Georgia in 2008!  Georgia's Tourism division will once again participate as a sponsor at the National Tour Association Marketplace in Pittsburgh, PA from November 15-20, 2008.  NTA is comprised of nearly 4,000 tourism professionals, actively involved in the growth and development of the packaged travel industry.  GDEcD's Tourism division will give National Tour Association members and attendees Movies, Music and Munchies of Georgia.  For five days, we will distribute collateral as well as information regarding Georgia's rich music history and sites you can see on the big screen. And we cannot forget about the food - we will have Georgia Made, Georgia Grown snacks, so attendees can refuel and experience a taste of Georgia. 
 
GDEcD would like to offer state tourism partners the opportunity to help sponsor the booth at $500 or $750 levels. Promote your destination or attraction to marketplace attendees by offering your brochures and itineraries at the Georgia booth. Please contact Katie Baasen, Senior Sales Manager, for more information via email at [email protected]. The deadline to sign up is October 15. 
 
 
American Bus Association (ABA) promises to be an exciting show for Georgia in 2009!  GDEcD will once again participate as a sponsor for the American Bus Association Marketplace in Charlotte, NC from January 6-13, 2009.  Our theme will be Movies, Music and Munchies which will help to increase Georgia's exposure in the marketplace.  For six days, we will distribute collateral as well as the movie and music themed itineraries and giveaways that celebrate Georgia. 
 
GDEcD is looking for co-sponsorship through either monetary or donations of Georgia product to be distributed at the booth.  As a sponsor, your company is afforded a unique opportunity to highlight your Georgia product to hundreds of tourism professionals at this ABA conference.  The State would like to offer you the opportunity to help sponsor the booth at $350 or $650 levels. Promote your destination or attraction to marketplace attendees by offering your brochures and itineraries at the Georgia booth. Please contact Katie Baasen, Senior Sales Manager, for more information via email at [email protected]. The deadline to sign up is November 1. 


This year, GDEcD is participating as a sponsor at several of the Regional Motorcoach Association shows.  We are giving away gas cards in support of tour operators and their industry. As we have all been affected by the high gas prices, tour operators are consuming much of the cost due to tours being priced one to two years out.  GDEcD has partnered with some of Georgia's Regional Travel Associations to sponsor this giveaway to show our support and appreciation for tour operators and the motorcoach market.  So far, we have given away six gas cards at the Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Virginia Motorcoach Operators Association events. If you are interested in getting involved and supporting the Gas Card Initiative please contact Katie Baasen, Senior Sales Manager, at [email protected].
 
 
Katie Baasen attended the Student Youth Travel Association (SYTA) Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX from September 6-9, 2008.  SYTA is the non-profit, professional trade association that promotes student & youth travel and seeks to foster integrity and professionalism among student and youth travel service providers. SYTA is "The Voice of Student & Youth Travel."  The Annual SYTA Conference provides participants with a marketplace for buying and selling student and youth products, educational sessions and discussion forums to provide greater understanding of the student and youth market.   Pre-scheduled appointments with tour operators as well as an operator round table session were opportunities for GDEcD to meet and discuss the student market. 
 
 
AARP Life@50+ National Expo - Washington, DC
Pam Kruseck attended the Life@50+ | AARP's National Event & Expo from September 4 - 6, 2008 to reach baby boomers and beyond. This market is considered to be one of the fastest growing travel segments. There was an overwhelming response to Georgia's presence at the show.  Many attendees talked about spending time in Georgia on their way to other destinations as well as planning an upcoming trip to Georgia. Savannah, the Coast and our mountains received lots of inquiries from the 25,000+ who were in attendance.
 
 
Birmingham Southern Women's Show - Birmingham, Alabama
October 2 - 5, 2008
www.southernshows.com
The Southern Women's Show attracts more than 28,000 women over a 4-day period.  The show targets women with give-a-way items and offers tips on beauty, cooking, fashion, health & well-being, shopping, travel and much more. Please contact Pam Kruseck, Consumer Sales Manager, for more information via email at [email protected].
 
 
Georgia National Fair - Perry, Georgia
October 2 - 12, 2008
www.georgianationalfair.com
The 20th annual, state-sponsored Georgia National Fair is Georgia's celebration of its youth, agriculture, and heritage. The Fair has been designated as a "Top 50 Fair in North America" by Amusement Business magazine. Fairgoers will be treated to one of the state's best family-oriented, entertainment values showcasing education and fun. You will have the opportunity to display your brochure throughout the fair as long as you are able to work one or more five hour shift. Please contact Pam Kruseck, Consumer Sales Manager, for more information via email at [email protected].
 
 
AAA Travel Conference
October 19 - 21, 2008
AAA Travel Conference is an annual gathering of AAA Travel Counselors and staff to learn what new offers are available as well as new things to sell to their members.  A tradeshow allows Travel Counselors an opportunity to meet with us and gather information to take back to their offices and pass on to their membership.
 
Registration Deadline: October 2, 2008
Brochure Distribution Fee: $450/3 partner maximum
Travel Association Registration Fee: $450/1 regional brochure displayed
 
Please contact Pam Kruseck, Consumer Sales Manager, for more information via email at [email protected].
 
 
Southeast ASTA Tradeshow - Atlanta, GA
November 6, 2008
Last year over 180 Travel Professionals participated in the Southeast ASTA Tradeshow in order to learn more about what destinations have to offer.  Clients still want to take vacations but they may need to cut them shorter or explore closer to home.  This is an opportunity to let Travel Agents and other Professionals in Georgia know what is in their back yard!  You can also purchase your own booth for $500.00.
 
Registration Deadline: October 10, 2008
Cancellation Deadline: October 16, 2008
Partner Registration Fee: $150/4 partner maximum
Brochure Distribution Fee: $200/3 partner maximum
Travel Association Registration Fee: $200/1 regional brochure displayed
 
Please contact Pam Kruseck, Consumer Sales Manager, for more information via email at [email protected].
 
 
AAA Superbowl of Knowledge - Charlotte, NC

November 22 - 23, 2008
 
AAA Superbowl of Knowledge is an annual gathering of AAA Carolinas Travel Counselors and their staff to learn about new offers that are available for their members.  A lunchtime tradeshow allows Travel Counselors an opportunity to meet and gather information they can take back to their office and pass on to their membership.
 
Registration Deadline: October 17, 2008
Cancellation Deadline: October 24, 2008
Partner Registration Fee: $250/4 partner maximum
Brochure Distribution Fee: $300/3 partner maximum
Travel Association Registration Fee: $300/1 regional brochure displayed
 
Please contact Pam Kruseck, Consumer Sales Manager, for more information via email at [email protected].
15) TRAVEL TRENDS: HOW TO USE EDUCATION TO CREATE "EDUVACATIONS" 
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According to the Internet Travel Monitor, educational vacations are one of the fastest growing areas of the tourism world and offer new and innovative ideas for almost any community to expand its product offering. This phenomenon is bound to grow as baby boomers retire and seek new and interesting experiences. Amazingly even college towns often do not take advantage of this product and tend to assume that local universities will do the work for them. Educational tourism can be packaged in a variety of ways, from short specialization weekends to yearlong study abroad programs.  From a tourism perspective, here are just some of the ways that your community can develop unique and innovative forms of educational tourism including academic seminars and classes, academic conferences, special study camps, special skills camps (such as sports camps) and special outdoors activities that provide an educational component. Click here for the complete article.
16) TRAVEL TRENDS: THE CHALLENGE TO WISELY SPEND REDUCED AD BUDGETS
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According to a recent survey from the Association of National Advertisers, 53 percent of marketers from a broad cross-section of categories and industries expect their advertising budgets to be reduced in the next six months as a result of the tough economic climate, and 87 percent of those polled are already being challenged to find cost savings or reductions within current marketing and advertising efforts. Click here for the complete article.
17)  TRAVEL TRENDS: SEARCHING FOR THE ROOTS OF A DEEP FAITH ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Religious tourism is a major draw, especially in the Middle East with all of the cultural and religious points of interest. Pilgrimage destinations are tapping into their potential for growth. Countries are capitalizing on major festivals and other religious holidays to draw in tourism business from around the world. For the complete New York Times article, click here.  
18)  HIGH MUSEUM OF ART HITS RECORD-BREAKING ADVANCE TICKET SALES FOR "THE FIRST EMPEROR"
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The High Museum of Art in Atlanta has over 35,000 advance ticket reservations for "The First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army," which opens Sunday, November 16, 2008, and runs through April 18, 2009. This is the largest number ever of advance ticket reservations for the High. The exhibition was previously on view at the British Museum in London (September 13, 2007, through April 6, 2008) and sold out every time slot to over 850,000 visitors.
 
"The First Emperor" was inspired by one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Featuring over 100 works, including 15 terracotta figures, the exhibition represents one of the largest groups of important works relating to the First Emperor ever to be loaned to the U.S. by the Museum of the Terracotta Army and the Cultural Relics Bureau of Shaanxi Province in Xi'an, China. With rarely seen and recently discovered objects from his famed tomb complex, the exhibition will provide insight into the legacy of China's First Emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, who reigned from 221-210 B.C. For more information, visit www.high.org.
19)  MACON'S MUSEUM OF ARTS AND SCIENCES TO HOST NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAPS: TOOLS FOR ADVENTURE EXHIBIT
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Going to cities across North America and internationally with the goal of reaching an estimated four million visitors, the exhibition is currently scheduled to appear at only one venue in the Southeast: The Museum of Arts and Sciences in Macon.  The exhibition is filled with activities to help visitors navigate through new, interactive technologies and ancient mapping techniques. It will be open September 27, 2008 through January 11, 2009.
 
On October 2, the Museum will host a visit by world-renowned archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass.  He has contributed to and appeared in numerous television documentaries, feature films, and magazine articles about Egyptian history and antiquities. He currently serves as Egypt's Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities and Director of Excavations at Giza, Saqqara, and the Bahariya Oasis. For more information, visit www.masmacon.com
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