Harrah’s Atlantic City’s new conference and convention center has attracted a conference of about 2,000 meeting planners for 2016.
Meeting Professionals International will hold its 2016 gathering at the new Waterfront Conference Center being built by Caesars Entertainment next to Harrah’s Resort. Caesars quickly pointed to the announcement of the MPI’s annual World Education Congress as validation of the $126 million conference center.
“Cities all across North America vie for the chance each year to welcome WEC to their city, and MPI chose Atlantic City,” said Michael Massari, senior vice president in charge of national meetings and events for Caesars Entertainment. “This decision validates Atlantic City as a serious contender as a meetings destination for meeting planners across the country.”
Atlantic City currently attracts just 1 percent of the $16 billion convention and meetings market in the northeastern United States and is trying to launch a concerted effort to attract more business. The Harrah’s center is seen as a keystone to that effort, so a booking of meeting planners in the market is seen as a major coup.
Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI, said the new center has exactly what his group needs.
“When selecting venues for MPI events, we look for destinations that provide great infrastructure, world-class facilities and memorable experiences,” he said in a press release. “Having grown up spending my summers on the Jersey Shore, I am excited for the opportunity to showcase this unique and beautiful destination to our community.”
The center is due to open in August. The World Education Congress will be held June 11-14, 2016.
