Every year I debate if I will stop by the Black Women’s Expo (BWE) Chicago, and I always decide not to attend. However, I learned Atlanta is hosting BWE. Will I attend? Because I believe BWE is a great event, I booked a flight to Atlanta and purchased a ticket.

Back in the ATL

If you read my posts or connect with me on FB or IG, you know that I travel to the ATL at least twice a year. As I write this post, I need to quickly share my trip to the ATL for Heritage Ball 2020 hosted by Good Deeds International LLC. Heritage Ball is a great event, even if you are not part of the Steppin community. If you plan a trip to the ATL, consider visiting in February. Purchase a ticket to at least one event. The Atlanta Marriott Marquis is the host hotel. The main party is always Saturday night, but there are plenty of workshops and other activities for you to attend for this 4-day event. Please add a visit to the Black Dot Cultural Center to your list of activities.

Black Women’s Expo Atlanta

When I traveled to Atlanta, I booked a 7:25AM flight Saturday, September 14. My return flight was at 5:20PM Sunday, September 15, 2019. The roundtrip flight was $178.96. I used a travel fund to cover a portion of this flight. I also used my Amex Platinum to book a reservation at Kimpton Overland Hotel in Hapeville and added my IHG Rewards Club number. The cost of the hotel was $90.53, and I used 7,500 membership rewards points from Amex to cover the cost. I booked a deluxe room with a king bed. If you have forgotten my advice about traveling, you can pin the infographic from my Pinterest. The infographic is an overview of what you will need when you start traveling; a credit card, an airline card, and a hotel rewards program. When you read the pin, it will make sense.

Kimpton Overland Atlanta Airport and Black Women’s Expo 

I caught the free shuttle to the hotel, checked in, dropped off my luggage, and took the shuttle back to the airport to catch the free ATL SkyTrain to the Georgia Convention Center. As I walked toward the convention center, I met a couple from Chicago who relocated to Mississippi. By the time I left, 75% of the people I had conversations with at the convention center were from Chicago. I logged into my Living Social account and purchased my ticket to save a few dollars. I walked the expo floor with ease and stopped by several booths. However, at one booth, I was amazed by the demonstration of feminine hygiene products. Even though I am an official member of the menopause club, my students stop by my office for pads or tampons. I can now provide students with a product free of toxins.

LIFT Academy, Susan G. Komen, and MC Lyte

Do you know about the aviation school in Indianapolis, LIFT Academy? I invited the admissions representative to our college fair. Yes, tuition is $65,000. I also stopped by the breakout session, Dollars for Scholars, presented by Infinite Scholars Program. There are a lot of misconceptions around testing. Parents need more information on the benefits of taking college entrance exams. I not only stopped by the Susan G. Komen booth, but I also attended the panel discussion, Sister to Sister A Conversation with Susan G. Komen. The panel was open and honest about how they were dealing with cancer. Please schedule your mammogram appointment. I wrapped up my day sitting at the Main Stage listening to Dear Frank Clips & Conversations. I missed MC Lyte. Even though I scheduled my flight for 5:20PM Sunday, I visited most of the booths and attended panel discussions in just one day.

Happy Hour and Club at ATL

It was time to head back to the Kimpton for dinner. I took the SkyTrain to the airport and the shuttle to the hotel. When I walked into the lobby, I saw the staff setting up the complimentary Happy Hour. I had wine and dessert before dinner. At the restaurant, I ordered brussels sprouts with a side of calamari. It was a beautiful day, and I dined on the patio. The food was flavorful, and the portion size was manageable. After dinner, I tried to go to the rooftop, but it was closed for a special event. I had breakfast in the restaurant, caught the shuttle to the airport, and went to the Club at ATL until it was time to board. This airport lounge is clean, and the staff is always friendly. I enjoyed my visit, and I would make the trip again to Black Women’s Expo Atlanta.