I don't remember but it seems that we got a break on the hotel rooms in Charlotte for ACT..maybe $75 for whole thing?? It is definitely less expensive than Convention!!
As DB says, there are meetings all the time, so,if you attend what you're supposed to attend
, you won't see much of whatever town you're in..
Alpharetta has Northpoint Mall nearby..lots of shopping.
Not sure about any nightlife.