When Nashlee Young talks about Atlanta Tech Park in nearby Peachtree Corners, her enthusiasm is infectious. As director of business operations, Young has watched the park evolve from its opening in late 2017 into a thriving ecosystem that now houses more than 100 companies — both physical tenants and virtual members who maintain offices here when traveling.
“In business for yourself, but not by yourself,” Young said, reciting the park’s unofficial motto. “People work better when they’re around other people who are working as hard as them.”
That philosophy will be on full display during Atlanta Tech Week, taking place August 9-14 throughout metro Atlanta. Atlanta Tech Park will host kickoff day for the week’s activities, drawing entrepreneurs, investors and tech enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.
From 650 to 2,000 attendees
The growth has been remarkable. During the inaugural Atlanta Tech Week at the park in 2023, organizers welcomed 650 attendees. Last year, that number jumped to more than 1,300. This year, Young anticipates surpassing 2,000.
“We’re really excited,” Young said. “You couldn’t find a facility like this in downtown Atlanta, and you definitely couldn’t find one with free parking.”
Atlanta Tech Park’s location — nestled among the trees of Peachtree Corners — provides what Young calls an unexpected advantage. The sprawling four-acre facility offers multiple rooms and outdoor spaces, allowing simultaneous workshops, main stage activations and networking opportunities. Last year, attendees even enjoyed tai chi on the lawn.
“Entrepreneurs are typically bootstrapping themselves,” Young explained. “Every penny counts. When they’re coming to an event, if they have to pay $25, $35 or $45 to park, that’s a lot out of their pocket.”
A full-day experience
The Atlanta Tech Week kickoff at the park begins Sunday, August 9, with brunch on the lawn starting at 10 a.m. Official programming begins around noon with speakers, followed by workshops and activations until 4:30 p.m. A happy hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m. extends networking opportunities.
“People aren’t looking for just a nuts-and-bolts thing,” Young said. “They’re looking for an experience. It’s educational and energizing.”
While this year marks the third year the park has hosted Atlanta Tech Week activities, it’s the first year that Curiosity Lab — another innovation hub in Peachtree Corners — will participate with activations at its facility. Attendees will move between locations, experiencing the full breadth of what the corridor offers.
Global community
What may surprise many Atlanta entrepreneurs is the international presence already thriving at the park. The Czech consulate and its incubator operate here. And companies from Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Italy and Israel call the park home. Young said Atlanta Tech Park’s events provide these international entrepreneurs with exposure to resources, connections and opportunities they might not find elsewhere.
“We have people come out here all the time and ask, ‘Where are all the companies?'” Young said with a laugh. “We’re all kind of hidden in the trees. It’s nice because aesthetically we look awesome. You’re not located in stark buildings of glass and concrete.”
Beyond the park
Young’s vision extends beyond Atlanta Tech Park’s boundaries. She hopes to eventually expand Atlanta Tech Week activations to include the nearby Town Center, with lawn happy hours and retail and restaurant participation.
“I would love for people to experience Peachtree Corners as a whole,” Young said. “It has so much to offer everybody.”
For those interested in learning more about artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, Atlanta Tech Park is hosting additional events after Atlanta Tech Week wraps up.
The AI Pulse event on August 27 will feature morning workshops for marketers and afternoon sessions with speakers. On August 20, a women’s gathering will feature Tiffany Willis, motivational speaker and bestselling author of “Own Your Narrative.”
“There isn’t anyone that doesn’t touch technology now,” Young said. “I don’t care what business you have. Even if your business isn’t technology, you have a website, a shopping cart, you shop online. Everyone should be part of a community that can help educate them.”
Atlanta Tech Week details
Atlanta Tech Week runs August 9-14 across multiple venues, with Atlanta Tech Park serving as one of the primary hubs.
Many Tech Week events are free to attend, though some may require a ticket or invite. Check venue websites for the most current information.
For additional details, visit atl.tech and atlantatechpark.com.
