For Philip Carroll, great events are built the same way great automobiles are: with vision, craftsmanship, and attention to every detail.
A longtime Roswell resident, Carroll grew up watching his parents create memorable experiences through The Atlanta Jazz Party, a nationally recognized event that attracted music lovers from across the country. Years later, when attendance began to slow, Carroll and his wife, Pualani, found inspiration in another driving passion: collector cars.
That spark led to the creation of The Atlanta Concours d'Elegance and later the Roswell Motoring Festival. After attending some of the nation's premier concours events, Carroll saw an opportunity to create something uniquely Georgian while bringing people together through a shared appreciation for automotive history and design.
The Roswell Motoring Festival has become a local tradition, while The Atlanta Concours d'Elegance continues to draw enthusiasts from across the Southeast. The multi-day event showcases exceptional automobiles, motorcycles, and boats, with owners competing for top honors and visitors enjoying a one-of-a-kind experience.
Hosted at Lanier Islands Resort, the event goes beyond the show field. Guests can enjoy waterfront activities, aviation demonstrations, and the warm hospitality that has become a hallmark of Carroll's events.
At its heart, however, the experience is about connection.
When asked what he hopes people take away from the event, Carroll points to the friendships and camaraderie that develop among attendees, along with the chance to see remarkable vehicles that rarely leave private collections.
That passion for preserving the past also lives in his own garage. His first collector car, a 1936 Ford known as "Old Blue," remained in the family for more than four decades and became a familiar sight in Roswell parades. Today, a 1998 Aston Martin DB7 Volante is the standout in his collection.
Through every event, Carroll continues to prove that while cars may capture attention, it's the people, stories, and shared experiences that create lasting memories.
"Cars may draw people in, but the memories keep them coming back."