Etihad: From Buckhead to Abu Dhabi — No Passport Needed at the Atlanta Event

An immersive, tech-powered experience brought the UAE’s capital to life in the heart of Atlanta — and left guests wide-eyed.

THE ASK:

Introduce Etihad Airways to the Atlanta market with more than just an announcement. The airline wanted to make an impression that would turn heads, spark conversation, and associate Etihad with high-touch, culturally rich, unforgettable travel. The goal: connect Atlanta to Abu Dhabi in a way that bypasses the terminal and speaks straight to the imagination.

THE INSIGHT:

Atlanta is a city of momentum — full of creators, connectors, and travelers who value experience over exposition. In this market, brand awareness had to come wrapped in wonder. We couldn’t just say “fly Etihad.” We had to show people what it feels like to arrive.

THE IDEA:

Create a “portal to Abu Dhabi” — a one-night sensory takeover that collapsed the distance between Georgia and the Gulf, powered by technology, performance, and surprise.

THE EXECUTION:

The location: Tesserae, a rooftop venue with skyline views and a floorplan begging to be transformed.

Visual Entry Point: A state-of-the-art LED wall served as a digital gateway, displaying vivid, slow-panning footage of Abu Dhabi’s landmarks. Guests didn’t enter a room — they stepped into another world.
360 Video Experience: A circular platform invited guests to record panoramic videos of themselves “in Abu Dhabi.” It was part travel fantasy, part viral content generator.
Surprise Incentive: While on the platform, attendees were eligible for a random prize drop — thousands of Etihad Guest miles, instantly redeemable for a round-trip to Abu Dhabi.
Ambience & Entertainment: A live DJ set the tempo, while a scale-model airplane installation and buffet-style dining grounded the room in a luxe travel vibe.
Interactive Moments: Guests picked up custom photo magnets, mingled around branded backdrops, and shared their video reels in real time — flooding their feeds with Etihad.
Final Touches: Branded keepsakes wrapped in ribbon and a charming “ATLANTA ✈️ ABU DHABI FIRST FLIGHT” card reminded every guest they were part of something new.

THE IMPACT:

Hundreds of attendees created and shared personalized 360° videos, extending the event’s reach across social platforms.
The surprise mileage giveaways generated audible excitement and gave the night a signature moment.
Post-event feedback was consistent: “This didn’t feel like an airline ad. It felt like a travel experience.”
Etihad solidified its Atlanta market debut with not just visibility — but emotional resonance.

It was a night that didn’t ask for attention. It earned it — with light, sound, and story.