There are four divisions (Galileo, Archimedes, Curie, and Newton) at the Nationals in Atlanta. Perhaps he's confused that with regionals which were already held in cities all around US and the world. The divisions in Atlanta aren't based on region. There were 72 qualifying matches in each division today, and will be 29 or 30 more in the morning.
Then 8 alliances (complex draft process) will be created in each division, and they'll play quarterfinal eliminations, then semifinal, then division finals. One alliance from each division goes to the World Championship round on the Newton field. There, World Championship semifinals and finals are held.
5th or 6th in the division is excellent, because it would guarantee a spot in the division quarters, and a shot at being on a very good alliance. I watched a couple of 494's matches today (don't tell the boss) and they are very good.