NJ-THE MEETING PLACE

New Jersey Business, Dec 01, 2003 by Prior, James T

Despite, and in some cases because of, the economic downturn and the cutbacks by the corporate world on travel and conferences in far off places, New Jersey's meeting venues report that business is back, albeit in shorter duration and with less advance booking time. Here, we look at what the meeting places have to offer, from videoconferencing and high-tech communication aides to flexible space and on-site meeting planners.

CONVENTION CENTERS

What's the definition of a top-quality convention and public show destination? Atlantic City defines it perfectly, and 2002 attendance figures back that up. The number of delegates attending Atlantic City conventions and trade shows in 2002 increased by 11.8 percent over 2001, and delegates attending public shows increased by 21.2 percent. The figures for 2003 are not in yet, but appear positive.

"These figures prove the impact of maintaining a first-class convention facility and providing a hospitable and enjoyable destination," says Jeffrey

Vasser, executive director of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority. "The increased number of people attending events at the Convention Center indicates that we are a desirable destination. As Atlantic City continues to grow and improve, we anticipate that our convention and public show attendance will also continue to grow."

Vasser says Atlantic City has a new slogan: "Always turned on." It replaces "America's Favorite Playground." It is part of an $800,000 joint marketing campaign funded by the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority and the South Jersey Transportation Authority.

Aside from the world-class Atlantic City Convention Center, with nearly 500,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, Atlantic City offers a convenient location for one-third of the nation's population, plus a plethora of opportunities for dining, shopping and entertainment - and the list of options continues to grow. Several new developments have created a renewed interest in Atlantic City as a meeting venue, and some of those developments include additional meeting facilities and hotel rooms throughout the city.

"Anyone who hasn't been here in a couple of years really hasn't seen Atlantic City," says Vasser.

Take, for instance, The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, which opened in July in the marina district with 2,002 elegant rooms and suites, top quality restaurants, a European-style spa, expansive meeting and banquet facilities and a host of other amenities. Also opened in 2003, The Walk, multi-block shopping district just steps from the Convention Center, features an exciting dining and entertainment complex and sixty upscale retail outlet stores.

The renovated Boardwalk Hall Atlantic City's original convention facility -- now serves as the city's premiere entertainment arena.

The Quarter, Tropicana's new hotel tower, dining and entertainment complex, will open in 2004 and provide additional meeting facilities, and Park Place Entertainment's exciting, upscale shopping and dining pier, Number One Atlantic Ocean, will set sail in 2005 on the site of the Ocean One shopping pier across from Caesars Atlantic City.

The Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel could easily be called The Sheraton Convenient Center Hotel. Located at the foot of the Atlantic City Expressway, steps from the New Jersey Transit train terminal, adjoined to the spectacular Convention Center and next to the newly opened retail and entertainment center, "The Walk," the hotel's convenient location and complete amenities can comfortably accommodate the needs of meeting planners, conventioneers and leisure travelers.

Whether a group consists of 10 or 1,300 people, the Sheraton Atlantic City offers over 27,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space including 18 meeting rooms, a boardroom, and in-house audio/visual and exhibitor support. The Sheraton's "Meetings Concierge Program," provides meeting attendees a support staff on the floor ready to assist any needs.

"Atlantic City is in the spotlight," says Danny Williams, director of sales and marketing for the hotel. "The region's continued growth is attracting a lot of attention and activity. We are anticipating larger groups coming to this market and the Sheraton is positioned to handle their individual needs," he adds.

The Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel is a member of Starwood Hotel & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., and is home to the national headquarters of the Miss America Organization. The 15-story hotel has over 500 guestrooms, a fully equipped fitness center, year-round heated pool, outdoor whirlpool, nonsmoking and disabled facilities.

New Jersey's newest convention complex is The Wildwoods Convention Center, a 260,000 square-foot multi-functional facility, that opened last year and has given the region an economic boost. It can host groups from 100 to 10,000 people. During the last year of operation of the former facility, some 49 events were held. That jumped more than 225 percent in the first nine months the new complex was open, with the Wildwoods Convention Center hosting 112 groups that booked 246 events, from April to December last year. In the first full year, April to April, 120 events were held.