The “new” Atlantic City sees the meeting, convention & conference business as a good bet. So much so, that the CRDA placed a handful of chips on ‘Meet AC’ and the appointment of James Wood as CEO.
According to Meetings Magazine, the former president and CEO of the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau, Wood’s job is to maximize Atlantic City’s potential as a meetings hub.
“Knowing that the convention market is one that used to be vibrant here in Atlantic City years ago, (we’re trying to) reenergize that aspect of the business and bring more meetings and conventions back to Atlantic City.” The effort has seen results, with 8 percent more group bookings and 15 percent more convention-related room nights, in 2014 than in 2013.
“We booked more convention room nights in 2014 than we had in the previous 15 years. So we have very positive momentum,” he says, adding, “We’re seeing growth in multiple segments, including corporate, regional association and sports, so that’s very encouraging for us.” Sports convention business in particular will benefit from the new Atlantic City Sports Commission, launched in January.