< Previousplanners today. “Hotels are asking for more money to be paid in the event of cancellation and groups don’t want to pay higher cancel fees. I’ve also seen higher rates. It could be that hotels are trying to recoup lost money from 2020/2021,” she says, noting labor and food costs have gone up. What she hopes to see from hotels is more flex- ibility, especially in allowing for extra attrition in agreements. “Groups need flexibility from their hotel partners in order to sign and move forward with hotel contracts,” she says. “We’re living in uncertain times; we need more than ever for hotels to be flexible. This is temporary until things get back to nor- mal and groups gain more confidence.” Meanwhile, uncertainty makes the process of planning challenging. “Nego- tiating the unknown has been difficult and it continues to be an issue,” Payne says. “Planners don’t know if or when attendees will come back to on- site meetings.” Terri Woodin, CMP, V.P. of marketing and global meeting services with Meeting Sites Resource, isn’t seeing much change. “A good contract negotiation includes a fair and balanced contract document, open commu- nication and flexibility. This hasn’t changed with the pandemic,” she says. But the situation hotels face makes things harder for planners. “Hotels haven’t been able to staff their sales departments as we come out of the pandemic. Until their level of busi- ness increases to the point that it makes financial sense for them to do so, it’s difficult to get RFP responses and con- tracts negotiated.” PRACTICE PATIENCE Like Warner, Woodin encourages planners to support hotel partners. “Be understanding and support hotel sales teams. They’re doing their best. Having patience while they’re short staffed and understanding what they’re experienc- ing goes a long way. I had a salesperson the other day email back that she couldn’t provide a space-flow diagram as she had six contracts and 20+ RFPs to respond to that day,” Woodin says. “We have to be understanding and set the expectation for our clients that everything is taking longer with the surge of RFP requests, and hotels don’t have the staff yet.” As for what hotels can do, Woodin says, “The same as always. Be fair, balanced and not one sided. Write clauses to follow hospitality law. Both sides working together in a partnership is always the goal.” Woodin points out that the industry has faced downturns before, though this one has lasted more than a year, “making it much more painful with the entire industry being decimated. Thank goodness for leisure travel,” she adds, “as it’s driving recovery.” For business travel, she notes,”2021 is still very much a year of transition” as vaccination levels increase. Woodin says planners should expect room-rate increases as hotels make up for operating in the red for a year just to stay open. And like some others, she says cancellation dates and payments haven’t changed much, and remain something to negotiate. “Hotels ask for what they have always asked for, and a good planner will negotiate to what dates and percentages they’ll owe that best meet their needs.” With the pandemic having forced groups to cancel and pay or postpone meetings, Woodin says it comes down to relation- ships and specific situations. “Having the conversations that we’re all in the same boat and how we can work together to a solution that works for both sides is the best strategy.” While smaller cities have been more in demand during the pandemic, Woodin thinks all destinations will soon be back in play. But she also thinks organizations will be looking at who really needs to meet face-to-face and how much money was saved by fewer meetings and less travel. Still, she says, face-to-face has been proven criti- cal to business and that won’t change. In terms of other lessons learned, she adds, “Meetings will always incorporate the cleanliness and safety protocols we learned during the pandemic and, honestly, many of them should have been implemented before. There will be future events we learn from,” she says, “and each experience makes the next one better.” EVERY DESTINATION IS DIFFERENT Nancy Nachman, CMP, CMM, owner, chief connecting officer at The Meeting Concierge, says contract negotiations themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJULY 2021 Experts say it’s necessary to remember while negotiating during the pandemic that it’s important to maintain relationships and to keep a sense of fairness. Tyra Warner, Ph.D., J.D., CMP Chair, Department of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts at the College of Coastal Georgia In the short run, the whole market has shifted. The supply side was hit very hard when COVID all but shut down meetings, so right now it’s a buyers market. ©2021 UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT 40change in every city and every hotel depending on the needs of a meeting, so every negotiation is an individual process. But differences related specifically to the pandemic include the fact that, “Some hotels are offering no attrition and no cancellation penalties, as well as clearer force majeure terms.” Currently, Nachman says, negotia- tions include asking a lot of questions about safety measures, especially related to meeting-room seating capac- ity and food-service options. “The crazy thing is, by the time meetings take place, many of these measures will be lifted by hotels to accommodate large group gatherings again.” That goes back to the issue of uncertainty. “It’s very dif- ficult to prepare for the unknown,” she says. “A year ago, none of us would have dreamed this global pandemic could be a reality. Organizations and hotels alike will not forget this time for a very long time, yet, before you know it, we’ll all be back to gathering without masks and seating without elbow room. That’s why I like to make sure any meeting room a hotel offers is plenty big enough for the size group we’re booking, and that the meeting room cannot be changed after contracting.” As for room rates, little is predict- able. “Want to save money? Go to San Francisco right now,” Nachman says. “Hotel rates are very attractive. Why? We don’t know. Go to Nashville and prepare to pay more than you would have last year. Why? We don’t know. We’ve had some customers say, ‘Hotels need our business, so the rates will probably be lower,’ but that’s not what we’re finding. Hotels need to make up for a lot of loss so expect prices to be higher for everything from guest rooms to meeting rooms and F&B. And don’t forget that budget killer — A/V.” Nachman says hotels are currently “being tough” and wanting to get con- tracts signed quickly. “Supposedly, there are other organizations waiting in line to take the guest rooms and meeting space our client is holding. To be honest, I’m happy about this. Every- one wants to get back to business and meeting again. Hotels need the busi- ness to keep their employees employed and organizations need to meet to pick up where they left off when the pan- demic arrived.” She says some hotels are offering flexible cancellation terms while others are not, but she expects cancellation deadlines to get stricter quickly. “Watch for that one sentence in contracts: ‘DEPOSITS ARE NON- REFUNDABLE.’” She’s also seeing smaller groups booking more buyouts and increased interest in drive-to desti- nations and second- or third-tier cities. Nachman doesn’t see much flexibil- ity going forward. “Many of our long- term hotel global sales representatives lost their jobs and won’t be hired back. This makes me sad, yet it’s not surpris- ing as hotels can hire younger people who will work four times harder for a quarter of the salary,” she says. “Man- agement always puts pressure on sales managers to get that signed contract, so expect limited flexibility on contract terms and meeting-deposit deadlines — and be prepared for the unex- pected. “I remember sitting in a contract-negotiation class at an MPI meeting. We talked about what one would do if Martians landed in the hotel lobby where your meeting was taking place. We all laughed. Now, I think it’s a good idea to have plans in place for the craziest ‘what ifs’ that can happen.” Phelps R. Hope, CMP, senior vice president, meet- ings & expositions, with association management group Kellen, sees hotels cur- rently pushing harder for deposits and thinks, “Cancellation terms for groups are tougher, more stringent, with a higher initial percent fee required.” He says both parties are taking a closer look at force majeure language related to COVID, with awareness of and option to cancel without penalty based on increase in cases or a new out- break. He says hotel revenue managers want money upfront, and are pushing tougher cancellation terms until they feel more comfortable about extend- ing credit. “However,” he adds, “force majeure clause issues will settle down by mid-2022, and COVID language will disappear as discussions around it fade away.” Short term, Hope says the pandemic has increased need for flexibility and for groups to be vigilant that they’re contracting the right venue for their needs with the right amount of spacing and staffing to allow for social distancing. He also says hotels and venues need to understand that associations can’t be responsible for JULY 2021 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Nancy Nachman, CMP, CMM, owner, chief connecting officer at The Meeting Concierge, left, says contract negotiations change in every city and every hotel depending on the needs of a meeting. Nancy Nachman, CMP, CMM Owner, Chief Connecting Officer The Meeting Concierge Management always puts pressure on sales managers to get that signed contract, so expect limited flexibility on contract terms. COURTESY OF NANCY NACHMAN 41their lost revenue, and that paying deposits a year or more in advance simply isn’t realistic for many groups. As for destinations, he says planners can’t help but look at them differently now. “We look at how the state and city handled communications regarding the pandemic and what restrictions were imposed, how quickly they adjusted those restrictions, what the COVID metrics were for the city or state, how any newsworthy incidents of violence were addressed,” he says. “Drive-to destinations have become more popular, and that probably will not change in 2022, based on the group’s demographics. There’s hesitancy, he adds, to book international destinations very far out due to unpredictable travel restrictions. Current situation notwithstanding, Hope says his group isn’t negotiating any differently than before. “We don’t feel we’re taking advantage of the situation or hotel, nor do we want to. We always negotiate as best we can in favor of our group events, making sure to be fair and honest so we continue to have a great relationship with the hotels and venues, and are welcomed back at a future date. We always have terms we will negotiate on and some we won’t, some harder than others.” THE HOTELIER PERSPECTIVE Of course, the hotelier perspective is important, too. Kelly Gleeson Smith, Caesars Entertainment Inc. director of sales, Eastern division, points to the same issues as planners. “Over the last year, Caesars Entertainment kept the sales team in place to be available for customers. Customers reached out as they needed to reschedule their con- ferences and had lots of questions about the future and Caesars Entertainment’s protocols. There were many discus- sions about force majeure, attrition and cancellation.” And there were lots of requests to include references to CDC guidelines. “As CDC guidelines have been changing” Smith says, “we felt it was best to not include these in our contracts. The same applies to safety and cleaning protocols, as these are also continually changing.” There were also discussions about reductions in attrition and cancellation, Smith says. “Short-term programs have had a lot of flexibility; however, as restrictions are lifted and confidence in travel increases, traditional attrition and cancellation tiers are in place for 2022 and beyond.” Smith encourages planners to part- ner with their sales manager to discuss concerns and to be transparent. “Ask many questions so there’s alignment and collaboration. At Caesars Enter- tainment, our goal has always been to understand what a planner’s objectives are and to build long-term relation- ships.” She does see positives coming out of the pandemic. “Since the Caesars Entertainment sales team continued to work throughout the pandemic, there was lots of time to spend with custom- ers discussing their concerns, both for their programs and for their situations. This has brought us closer together. Everyone is more familiar with contract terms and there’s much more open dia- logue.” Regardless of changing circum- stances, Smith is clear on this point. The focus, she says, is always to be a good partner and for meetings to take place. Hope, too, sees positives in many aspects of meetings. “We all were forced to experience virtual events; we’re no longer scared or hesi- tant about the technology. We have metrics to help us deter- mine if there’s a viable need and opportunity for engaging a virtual audience or offering a hybrid event. We also bet- ter understand the terms of force majeure and the importance of rebookings, and how seriously we need to consider the location and venue for future events,” he says. “And we have a better understanding of how cancella- tions are viewed by both parties and what it means to cancel an event, both from the contracting perspective, as well as communicating with the asso- ciation’s membership and the financial implications. We were allowed to see how our boards respond in crisis and what factors most strongly influenced their decision-making. We learned to become more efficient and not to rely on habits and routine. We better under- stand attendee engagement.” In the final analysis, Hope says, “We’re all stronger negotiators and planners from the experience.” | AC&F | themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJULY 2021 Caesars Entertainment Inc. kept its sales team in place to be available for customers during the pandemic. The plan paid off as customers had questions about everything from CDC guidelines to rescheduling, to cancellations. Kelly Gleeson Smith Caesars Entertainment Inc. Director of Sales, Eastern Division At Caesars Entertainment, our goal has been to understand a planner’s objectives and to build long-term relationships. Boise’s Best. At its Centre. Centrally located in the heart of vibrant downtown Boise, the recently expanded Boise Centre has a variety of customizable meeting spaces, modern amenities, exceptional culinary services and a friendly and dedicated staff ready to make your next event an unforgettable experience. Explore Idaho’s premier convention center for yourself. LEARN MORE: boisecentre.com • Centralized, downtown location • Only seven minutes from Boise airport • 25 direct flights to and from Boise • Closely surrounded by more than 100 restaurants • Over 1,300 hotel rooms within walking distance • Close to outdoor recreation, including The Boise Greenbelt 42Boise’s Best. At its Centre. Centrally located in the heart of vibrant downtown Boise, the recently expanded Boise Centre has a variety of customizable meeting spaces, modern amenities, exceptional culinary services and a friendly and dedicated staff ready to make your next event an unforgettable experience. Explore Idaho’s premier convention center for yourself. LEARN MORE: boisecentre.com • Centralized, downtown location • Only seven minutes from Boise airport • 25 direct flights to and from Boise • Closely surrounded by more than 100 restaurants • Over 1,300 hotel rooms within walking distance • Close to outdoor recreation, including The Boise Greenbeltthemeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJULY 2021 ATLANTIC CITY The Wheel at Steel Pier sits prominently on Steel Pier in Atlantic City. Inset, attendees enjoy the popular Atlantic City Boat Show, held in February 2020 immediately prior to the nationwide COVID-19 lockdowns. DESTINATIONREPORT 4445 JULY 2021 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES BY KEITH LORIA A s the calendar turned to 2021, numerous asso- ciations started thinking about their annual con- ferences, hoping that the problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown of most venues in 2020 would be history by the time this year’s meetings were being planned. One of the places high on the list for plan- ners is Atlantic City, which has long been a popular place for hosting thanks to incredible venues, fun nightlife, the beach and board- walk, and the excitement of the gaming tables. Plus, it’s situated just a few hours’ drive from nearly 33% of the nation’s population and 20% of the country’s business addresses, so it’s convenient for a lot of people to get to by car — important in the immediate post-COVID world. Overall, Atlantic City is a great way to get big city amenities in a small-town feel. IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC Not surprisingly, Atlantic City’s conference business was hit hard by the pandemic — the city lost an estimated $2 billion — as venues weren’t allowed to host large gatherings and many associations turned to virtual events as an alternative. At the height of the pandemic, indoor events in the state were limited to just 10 people and outdoor gatherings were reduced to 150 guests, though New Jersey weather in the winter pretty much made that possibility unattractive already. But things are on the upswing as the Atlantic City Convention Center (ACCC) recently hosted ImportExpo, the first face-to-face convention in the city since the lockdowns were implemented. Gov. Phil Murphy lifted many restrictions in late spring, and expects to lift most or all of them by mid to late summer. Millions of dollars in revenue have been forfeited this year without the New Jersey Education Association’s and New Jersey State League of Municipalities’ annual con- ventions, which both switched to virtual events due to COVID-19 concerns. Steve Callender, president of the Casino Associa- tion of New Jersey and regional president of Caesars Entertainment Inc, is one of many who reached out to state legislatures to open things up. “We need meetings and conven- tions,” he says. “We feel pretty passionate that we can do this, and we can do this well.” Basil N. Mossaidis, executive director of the Order of the American Hellenic Edu- cational Progressive Association (AHEPA), hosted the organization’s 2018 international annual convention at the Harrah’s Atlantic City’s Waterfront Conference Center. “I had about 1,200 people in total come and visit us while we were there for a week. We planned and hosted dances, meetings and dinners. The food, service and location were per- fect,” he says. “It was perfectly placed and very convenient to use. Lots of spaces, lots to do and great attractions in and around the hotel.” Over the years, Mossaidis has also hosted the event at the ACCC, and is always excited about coming back to the area. “Atlantic City is a great destination for A Great Deal for Meeting and Conference Attendees COURTESY OF JON PRITKOthose who like the sun, surf and fun,” he says. “It is a short drive from many large population centers and not expensive.” Shawn Johnston, CMP, meetings director for the American Fisheries Society, hosted a conference at the ACCC just prior to the pandemic lock- downs, reserving the entire conven- tion center and Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel, as well as a large block of rooms at Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino, The Claridge - A Radisson Hotel, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City to accommodate the overflow. “We typically have 1,600 attendees at our meetings in the East,” he says. “The convention was a huge hit, and we will have a hard time outdoing the networking events we had, with fire- works on the beach at Bally’s Beach Bar and a buyout at the Steel Pier and dinner in the Hard Rock ballrooms.” This was the third time he’s brought the annual convention to Atlantic City. Johnston regularly works with CVBs and calls Meet AC one of best he’s dealt with in the 15 years of organizing meetings. “They went above and beyond to assist with our entire meeting, including running permits and working with the hotels for our needs, and checking in daily to see how things are going and what we may need.” He notes the overall package offered by Meet AC was second to none, and the location was perfect for the American Fisheries Society’s members. “There are many options in Atlantic City for fun that our mem- bers enjoy,” Johnston says. “Checking out the boardwalk, taking a break on the beach, various restaurants, outlet shopping — there’s no sales tax on cloth- ing — checking out the views from The Wheel at Steel Pier, trying your luck at the casinos, an early morning jog on the beach, both high-end and casual food options, and when we were here, the airshow was in town, which was very popular.” Additionally, by offering both gaming and non-gaming properties, the event appealed to everyone. OVERCOMING CHALLENGES James C. Morris, vice president of client development at Impact XM, an event and experiential marketing company, notes while Atlantic City has seen its fair share of challenges over the past decade, it has remained top of mind for events. “With almost a half million square feet of exhibit space, significant hotel space, coupled with top-notch restaurants and nightlife, Atlantic City continues to be an ideal destination to attract attendees for conferences and congresses,” he says. “From casinos to fishing excursions in the Atlantic Ocean, AC has something for everyone.” Plus, being located outside of Philadelphia and not far from New York City, Atlantic City is attractive to attendees and brands alike. Jon Pritko, vice president of North- east shows for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), plans the Atlantic City Boat Show every year. The 41-year-old event started at the old Boardwalk Hall and switched to the Atlantic City Convention Center in 1997. “The NMMA purchased the show in 2003,” Pritko says. “It’s a great show for Atlantic City because boats could come by water and we could just pull them out and bring them to the convention center, which cuts down on expenses for some of the larger boats.” Being a regional show — inviting boats from all over the mid-Atlantic, Atlantic City is the perfect place for the annual boat show as it’s convenient to so many. The marine industry in New Jersey has more than a $6.6 billion impact, so that makes the show extremely important. Last February, immediately prior to the pandemic lockdowns, nearly 42,000 people took part in the event. Pritko appreciates Atlantic City as a great host due to all of the amenities that are avail- able to attendees outside of the show itself. “Atlantic City is a resort town, and we come at a need-time for the hotels and casinos. Our demographic is one that they like because people will stay, most gamble and eat at the high-end restaurants,” he says. “What’s great about Atlantic City is Meet AC is a great partner and helps us solve any problem. Other markets aren’t as accommodating or willing to help.” Lisa M. Daly, associate director of the New Jersey Prevention Network, a public health agency working to pre- vent substance abuse, addiction and other chronic diseases, says the orga- nization hosts an annual conference in Atlantic City, though last year’s event was cancelled due to the pandemic. “We host ours in the convention cen- ter, which has so much versatility,” she says. “They have huge warehouse areas and have 18 wheelers that can be sold, and the ability to make it intimate for a setting like mine, that only has 1,500 people at the conference. We set up our warehouse area more like a rock show.” That means a full stage, plenty of themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJULY 2021 The Atlantic City Boat Show, which in early 2020 attracted nearly 42,000 attendees, was canceled in 2021. However, organizers are hoping for numbers similar to 2020 next year. James C. Morris Vice President of Client Development Impact XM Atlantic City continues to be an ideal destination to attract attendees. From casinos to fishing excursions in the Atlantic ... AC has something for everyone. COURTESY OF JON PRITKO BACK T BUSINESS Visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/meetings or call 609-449-6060 today and receive additional booking incentives. Get back to taking care of business safely, soundly and in style. With 150,000 square feet of spectacular meeting space, plus 2,000 luxury hotel rooms, we have the perfect place for you to get back on track. Our newly implemented Safe + Sound procedures are in place for your peace-of-mind. We are committed to remaining FLEXIBLE in the face of evolving conditions: • Zero attrition or cancellation fees • Zero risk in rebooking 46BACK T BUSINESS Visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/meetings or call 609-449-6060 today and receive additional booking incentives. Get back to taking care of business safely, soundly and in style. With 150,000 square feet of spectacular meeting space, plus 2,000 luxury hotel rooms, we have the perfect place for you to get back on track. Our newly implemented Safe + Sound procedures are in place for your peace-of-mind. We are committed to remaining FLEXIBLE in the face of evolving conditions: • Zero attrition or cancellation fees • Zero risk in rebookingbanquet tables, vendors supplying plated food and everything it needs to put on a first-class event. “The versa- tility of the convention center and the expertise of the management team help coordinate access to all the city-wide vendors, which is exactly what makes working in Atlantic City so easy,” Daly says. “They connect us to the hotels, they have premium shopping all within walking distance, and some of the best restaurants in the tri-state area are around. So, when your people are not at your event and need something to do, Atlantic City gives them all of that.” Atlantic City is also world-famous for hosting some of the biggest artists in the entertainment industry, and the hotels regularly bring in the hottest names in music, comedy and theater. “There are just amazing shows for attendees to check out,” Daly says. “No matter what genre you listen to, there’s something happening every single night with a major act. Plus, comedians and other fun acts.” Then of course, if your event is held in the summer, like the New Jersey Prevention Network’s is every year, the beach is right there off the boardwalk. “You have this beautiful boardwalk that’s been around forever,” Daly says. “There’s a great culture there and people just love the beaches. And it’s cleaned up so much for those who haven’t been there in a long time. They’ve made such a great effort with tourism. There are aquariums, parks, pristine beaches, and there are just great amenities for people who come to your conference.” So, while Daly is in control of everything that happens inside the convention center, and knows from past experience that it’s going to be a winning conference during show times, she can be assured that there’s plenty for people to do outside those hours as well. “When they are out of my convention center, I want to know that people are in a safe, easy-to-access and fun environment, and that’s what Atlantic City offers,” Daly says. “It’s really a cool place.” The New Jersey Prevention Network show is 15 years old now, and it’s also been held at the Sheraton in past years, which is adjacent to the conference center. That’s still where many of the guests of the show stay. “Because of what we do dealing with substance abuse, some of my presenters need to be in a facility that does not connect to gambling or alcohol,” Daly says. “Having a hotel adjacent to the convention center that is not a casino gives me that versatility. I can have my other presenters, who want to gamble and enjoy the nightlife, stay at another hotel.” Before the event each year, Daly hosts a pre-conference show at the Sheraton for about 500 people, and notes it’s a great facility for what she needs. Transportation options are also strong for people coming from all over the country. For instance, the Atlantic City Inter- national Airport has expanded a great deal over the years, and has many low-cost carriers flying in from all over. More international flights can also go into Newark or Philadel- phia, which are both less than 45 minutes away by car. “It’s very easy to get to, and we see people from Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Delaware usually driving because it’s close to the turnpike,” Daly says. “It does have fast access to get into the city, and you usu- ally don’t have much traffic.” For planners looking to entice attendees who enjoy golf, Atlantic City was recently named one of the Top 10 Golf Cities in America by ForbesTrav- eler.com, thanks to its 25 courses offer- ing a challenge to novice and advanced golfers alike. Many courses are champi- onship caliber, designed by some of the top course consultants in the country. Atlantic City’s oceanside location also provides a generous opportunity for day cruises, sailing, fishing, boating, and canoe or kayak rentals. Nearby local, state and national parks, such as Lake Lenape Park East and Lake Lenape Park West, and the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, also offer things to do during confer- ence off hours. NOTABLE VENUES In total, Atlantic City offers nine casinos and event facili- ties, such as the ACCC, Shera- ton Atlantic City, Showboat Hotel Atlantic City, The Clar- idge and Courtyard by Marriott Atlantic City Beach Block, rep- resenting more than 1.8 million sf of meeting space. The ACCC provides 486,600 sf of exhibit space, as well as 45 meet- ing rooms featuring an extra 109,100 sf, ample pre-function space and plenty of amenities. Atlantic City hotel resorts also offer some of the finest places to host conferences and meetings. Take Resorts Casino Hotel for example, which spans 21 acres on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, giving guests prime oceanfront views and themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJULY 2021 The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City offers more than 150,000 sf of meeting space. Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena can stage general sessions of 7,000 attendees. Jon Pritko Vice President of Northeast Shows National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) We were fortunate to just squeak through last year before things started shutting down, and it was one of our best shows ever. 48easy access to the beach. Resorts’ two hotel towers combine to offer a total of 942 guest rooms, along with an 83,000- sf casino, two theaters, six restaurants, an indoor-outdoor pool, a health club, spa, salon and retail shops. Heather Manzano, director of PR for the hotel, notes, in 2015, Resorts unveiled an advanced all-digital confer- ence center adding 12,000 sf of meeting space and 12 more conference rooms. In total, Resorts offers four ballrooms and 24 meeting rooms — 17 on one floor alone and 14 with natural light and ocean views — comprising 64,000 sf of function space. “The showpiece of the Resorts Conference Center is the Atlantic Ballroom, a 6,500-sf function room with a multi-use, pre-function area, and four sets of operable walls,” she says. “The center offers wireless connectivity of multiple devices for up to 500 attendees simultaneously.” Among the organizations and asso- ciations that have held meetings at Resorts over the past 24 months are the New Jersey Association of Hous- ing Redevelopment Authorities, New Jersey Association of Veteran Service Officers, the New Jersey College and University Public Safety Association, the Air Traffic Control Association and the N.J. State Branch of the National Association of Postal Supervisors. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has 30 meeting rooms and more than 150,000 sf of meeting space. Mean- while, Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena can stage general sessions of 7,000 people or 300-plus-booth trade shows and expo events. Then there’s Ocean Casino Resort Atlantic City, which boasts 160,000 sf of flexible meeting space, complete with a fully equipped business center and an on-site technical support team. Another favorite venue for meeting planners is the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, which features 70,000 sf of meet- ing space, and is home to The Water Club for conferences, which has 18,000 sf of contemporary and inventive space loaded with advanced technology. “Borgata has just a beautiful casino and one of my favorites,” Daly says. “You can have spa treatments, and great food as well.” Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Cen- ter is the newest, largest and most technologically advanced meeting facil- ity in the area, offering approximately 100,000 sf of meeting space. ONCE THE DUST SETTLES With the vaccines, there’s every reason to believe that things will be somewhat normal by later this summer, and that should mean that meetings, con- ventions and events can get back to being held in-person sooner rather than later. Still, Mos- saidis thinks it may take a little time for people to want to travel by plane or go someplace unfamiliar, which is why he will once again be planning something for Atlantic City and Harrah’s next year. “I think it will rebound quickly and easily,” he says. “With Atlantic City, because people can drive and not fly, they will feel safer, and I feel our next conference there will be as strong as our last one.” Daly made the decision to transfer this year’s show to a virtual event, but is looking forward to next year and getting back to the excitement of the city. “The hotels and casinos are safe, and we know there are lots of folks hosting with appropriate numbers, but our conference is just a bit too big to hold right now,” she says. “We’ll be back though. We’re already booked for May 2022.” Pritko also had to cancel this year’s show, but he anticipates bringing the show back for 2022, and thinks some of the effects of the pandemic will be over by the time the show runs in late Feb- ruary, enough so that people will come out again. “We don’t expect everything to be back to normal just like that, but this show is a big ecosystem for our industry, and when the show doesn’t happen, it’s a big hit for everyone,” he says. “We were fortunate to just squeak through in February last year before things started shutting down, and it was one of our best shows ever. This is a tradition for so many, and we hope to continue that in Atlantic City for many years to come.” | AC&F | JULY 2021 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES The American Fisheries Society’s 2019 Trade Show and Poster Session was held at the Atlantic City Convention Center, left. The ACCC offers 486,600 sf of exhibit space. Basil N. Mossaidis Executive Director, Order of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Atlantic City is a great destination for those who like the sun, surf and fun. It’s a short drive from many population centers. COURTESY OF PETER TURCIK 49Next >