Atlantic South Group LLC will host the 5th Annual Hamilton-Johnson Legislative & Diplomatic Reception on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Atlanta City Hall.

Presented under the theme “The Power of Partnerships,” this year’s reception will bring together leaders from Atlanta City Hall, the Georgia General Assembly, the diplomatic corps, business, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, higher education, and the broader civic community for an evening centered on collaboration, public service, and the partnerships that strengthen Atlanta and Georgia.

The invitation-only reception has become an annual gathering for leaders across levels of government and sectors of the community to connect, exchange perspectives, and recognize the importance of strong intergovernmental and civic relationships.

“Five years ago, this reception began with a simple belief: the strength of Atlanta depends on the strength of the relationships between the people and institutions serving our city and our state,” said Antwan T. Lang, President & CEO of Atlantic South Group LLC. “Five years later, we are proud to see this gathering continue to grow into a room that reflects Atlanta’s leadership, diversity, international connections, and spirit of partnership.”

The reception is named in honor of two pioneering Georgia public servants, Grace Towns Hamilton, Georgia’s first African American woman elected to the Georgia General Assembly, and Senator Leroy Reginald Johnson, Georgia’s first African American state senator since Reconstruction. Their legacies represent civic leadership, public service, and the importance of building bridges across communities and institutions.

The 2026 reception will feature participation from Atlanta City Council and Georgia General Assembly leadership, diplomatic representatives, corporate and civic leaders, and community stakeholders. The evening will also recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership exemplifies service, partnership, and lasting contributions to Georgia.

Among the evening’s planned recognitions are the John Lewis & C.T. Vivian Legacy Award, the Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. Excellence in Corporate Leadership Award, the Legislator of the Year Award, and the inaugural Pinnacle Award of Excellence in Intergovernmental Partnerships.

The program will also include a leadership discussion focused on the role of collaboration across government, business, and civic institutions, along with musical and ceremonial elements designed to celebrate Georgia’s history, culture, and public service tradition.

The 2025 reception, held at Atlanta City Hall, brought together more than 130 local, state, federal, and civic leaders and featured remarks from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta City Council leadership, and the Atlanta House and Senate Delegation chairs. The City of Atlanta described the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen communication and alignment between city and state partners ahead of the legislative session. (atl.direct⁠)

The fifth anniversary represents a new chapter for the reception as Hamilton-Johnson Legislative & Diplomatic Reception becomes its permanent identity, reflecting the event’s evolution from a city-and-state legislative gathering into a broader forum connecting Atlanta’s governmental, civic, corporate, and diplomatic leadership.

Acknowledging Our 2026 Sponsors and Partners

Atlantic South Group LLC extends its sincere appreciation to the organizations and partners whose support is helping make the fifth annual reception possible. Their investment reflects the very spirit of this year’s theme, “The Power of Partnerships,” and their commitment to Atlanta’s civic, cultural, business, and community leadership.

2026 Sponsors and Partners include:

Georgia Power
Schneider Electric
ATL+ Magazine
Atlanta CASA, 2026 Nonprofit Spotlight
Tequila Comisario
Insperity HR Solutions
Rick Joyner Experience
Atlanta Jazz Festival

We are grateful to each of these organizations and partners for supporting an evening dedicated to bringing Atlanta City, State, and Diplomatic Leaders together in the spirit of partnership and public service.

The reception is invite-only and nonpartisan. Attendance is by individual invitation and is not transferable.

Event Details

5th Annual Hamilton-Johnson Legislative & Diplomatic Reception
An Evening with Atlanta City, State, and Diplomatic Leaders

Thursday, November 12, 2026
5:00–8:00 p.m.
Atlanta City Hall Atrium
Atlanta, Georgia

Theme: The Power of Partnerships

Hosted by: Atlantic South Group LLC

Co-Hosts:
Council President Marci Collier Overstreet
Senator Nan Orrock
Representative Inga Willis

Honorary Co-Chairs:
Joseph "Joe" Handy (Former Georgia Aquarium CEO)
Emmanuel Lewis ( Beloved actor best known for his iconic role as Webster.)

Media inquiries and credential requests may be directed to Atlantic South Group LLC.