Your Questions Answered for an Unforgettable Time in Atlanta!
The countdown is on for our 2025 Family Reunion in Atlanta, and we couldn’t be more excited to see everyone! We also know that planning a trip and preparing for a big weekend like this can bring up a lot of questions — and that’s exactly why we put this FAQ page together.
Here you’ll find all the important details in one place — from travel tips and hotel info to what to pack, what to wear, and what to expect throughout the weekend. Whether you’re coming from out of town or just down the street, we want everyone to feel prepared, relaxed, and ready to have a great time.
Take a look through the questions and answers below, and if there’s something you still need to know, just reach out — we’re happy to help. Let’s make this reunion one to remember!
A. YES! Plans are continuing and we look forward to hosting all of you.
A. $175 $100 for ages (18 and up), $75 $50 for ages (6-17), Free for children (5 and younger)
B. Register online by June 9, 2025. Full Payment is due by June 30, 2025.
C. The host committee would like to ensure that all family members interested in attending the reunion are able to do so. If you have a financial hardship, please reach one of three host committee members to have a confidential conversation on how to cover your fees. Darren Ellison (DE) 404-969-7736, Gregory Ellison II 609-203-1736, or Neil Rollins 404-536-1225.
A. A “Simpson Family Reunion 2025” checking account has been opened through Wells Fargo Bank. Please make May 15th deposits and June 15th final payments through Zelle. When transferring money through Zelle, please use the following: Name: Gregory Ellison Phone: 609-203-1736. All submitted funds are directly deposited into the Simpson Family Reunion checking account. If you need assistance using Zelle please contact one of DE, Greg, or Neil through the cell phone numbers above.
A. The reunion officially starts with a Welcome Celebration, Dinner, and Family Feud game night on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 5:30 PM. a Gospel Brunch and Closing Celebration will conclude the reunion at 1:30 PM on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Both events will be held at the Rita Anne Rollins Building on the campus of Emory University.
A. Friday (early afternoon): The Emory Conference Center Hotel is equipped with a large indoor pool. Lullwater Park, a short distance from the hotel, has scenic walking paths around the lake and open areas for an early afternoon picnic and free play.
B. Saturday (morning and early afternoon): While some families may choose to take a chartered city tour on Saturday morning and early afternoon, you may also choose another alternative that will be covered with your reunion fees. Families with children may choose to be shuttled to Centennial Park in Downtown Atlanta for ticketed access to Atlanta SkyView and the College Football Hall of Fame or the Coca Cola Museum.
C. Saturday (afternoon and evening): A family cookout with DJ will be held in Lake Spivey. Families with children may choose to spend some of their afternoon at the Lake Spivey Splash Center. 40 tickets will be available on a first come, first serve basis. https://www.spiveysplash.com/water-park/ Another great option for family members with young kids.
A. Friday: Official reunion activities will conclude by 9:00 PM. Plans for unofficial reunion fun are underway and will be available both Friday and Saturday nights. We fully intend to help in facilitating fun and fellowship across the generations.
A. Registration and the distribution of welcome materials will take place in the hospitality suite at The Emory Conference Center Hotel from 2:00-4:00 PM. Registration will continue after 4:00 during the Welcome Celebration the Rita Anne Rollins Building on Emory University’s campus.
A. There are multiple activities, concerts and museums available in the city that are not too far away.
Here’s a starter list of options in for you to consider:
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Beyonce Concert (Cowboy Carter Tour) – tickets available via ticket master
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Atlanta Zoo -($22.95 Adults/19.95 Child)
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College Football Hall of Fame – ($35 Adults/$23 Children)
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MLB All Star Weekend
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National Center for Civil and Human Rights
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Georgia Aquarium
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Atlanta SkyView – ($19.50 Adults/$14.50 Children)
Atlanta is a bustling metropolis with many leisure activities and cultural attractions. We invite visiting family members to reach out to the host committee for recommendations. Also, please be mindful of travel time as Atlanta is internationally infamous for its traffic, especially on Friday afternoon and evening.
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A. Atlanta’s summer heat can be unrelenting with average highs above 90 degrees by day with only slightly cooler temperatures after dark. We offer the following clothing suggestions to “Stay Fresh and Clean” while in the A:
Friday: Stay Cool – Casual attire recommended (shorts, sneakers, sandals, t-shirts, tank tops etc.)
Saturday: Stay Cooler – Casual attire recommended (Simpson Family Reunion T-shirts, Swim Suits)
Sunday: Stay Fresh – Mid-Morning Brunch attire recommended (Sun dresses, Linen shirts, or your next best/closest thing!)
A. While we will not have a party bus, we invite you to experience Atlanta’s vibrant night life through other transportation alternatives.
A. The host committee will has secured a dedicated room near the front desk for registration. We will have continuous access to this room throughout the weekend, but we won’t be allowed to bring in or set up outside food and drink. Outside food and drink is fine in your hotel room. If you happen to walk into the hospitality room with an individual small snack (chips, popcorn, peanuts etc.) or non-alcoholic beverage from your room, it should not be a problem.
A. Friday afternoon rush hour offers the biggest challenge. To prevent sitting in gridlock traffic, our Friday Welcome Celebration and Sunday Gospel Brunch are located on Emory’s campus approximately 5-10 minutes from the Conference Center Hotel. If you choose lodging other than the host hotel, please utilize Waze to guage expected time of arrival. In some areas of Atlanta, it may take nearly thirty minutes to drive a few miles.