Thurs, May 21, 2026
5:30 pm VIP Reception (Invitation only)
6:00 pm General Pre Reception
6:45 pm Seating in Main Ballroom
7:00 pm Awards Dinner
NEW! 8:45 pm Post Reception
9:45 pm Event Close
The Georgia Aquarium Oceans Ballroom
246 Ivan Allen, Jr. Blvd., NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
ARRIVAL & PROGRAM TIME:
Our General Reception begins at 6:00 pm.
Our VIP Reception begins at 5:30 pm, and is reserved in a private area for all Honorees, General Counsel, Judges, Elected Officials, Board Members, select Premium Level Sponsor guests, and designated VIPs.
Our Dinner & Awards Presentation begins promptly at 7:00 pm.
WHERE TO GO:
REGISTRANTS, PLEASE DO NOT GO TO THE MAIN PUBLIC AQUARIUM ENTRANCE. It will be closed, and guests will have to walk all the way to the other side of the Aquarium to enter the Ballroom.
See the red star on the map below.
Ridesharing is ENCOURAGED.
DIRECTIONS & PARKING:
The Oceans Ballroom entrance is located at 246 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, which shares the same entrance as the Aquarium parking deck. Look for directional signs in the deck to "Oceans Ballroom".
Parking tickets can be paid for on your way out of the event via a parking payment machine next to the Oceans Ballroom which provides a discounted rate per car.
DOWNLOAD DIRECTIONS HERE
GALA FAQS
- NO PHYSICAL TICKETS: We do not have any physical tickets issued other than the original e-receipt generated by our website. Registrants must check in and collect a name tag from the registration desk to enter the event. After checking in at registration, guests will be prompted where to go for the General and VIP reception. We have limited capacity to print nametags only for last minute guests on site. If possible, please notify us in advance: registration@gapaba.org.
- ATTIRE is Business Formal or Cocktail. Please click here to view past Gala photographs.
- TABLE SEATING: We have taken great care with table seating, guests please keep to assigned tables. Table seat numbers are inserted in the name badges.
- MEAL SELECTION: Guests who indicated a VEGETARIAN meal will have a CARD INSERTED IN THE NAME BADGE TO PRESENT TO THE WAITSTAFF. Those with allergies will also be indicated with a card. Guests with a dietary restriction that do not have a card insert can let their server know.
- DRINKS: All guests are provided 2 drink tickets in their nametags for use at the bar. After that, it is a cash bar.
- PHOTOGRAPHY and VIDEO: Please note that we will have professional photographers and videotaping. Attendees of the GAPABA Gala will acknowledge that they are entering an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. Please READ OUR PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO WAIVER LANGUAGE.
