Patricia McCormick
Show Manager; Atlantic City Pool and Spa Show; Morganville, N.J.
Describe your event. The Northeast Spa & Pool Association’s annual event, the Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show, is held for the aquatic industry every year in January. Our attendance, almost 13,000, is mainly from the Northeast, with exhibitors from all over the country. For three days, there are trade show exhibits and a heavy education component—more than 75 seminars.
Why do you host the meeting in Atlantic City? We could do Philadelphia, New York, etc., but we’ve grown with Atlantic City. We’ve signed on for 10 more years. Atlantic City is next to none on the East Coast, with the wonderful Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority (ACCVA) and the Atlantic City Convention Center (ACCC). For our show last January, we utilized the ACCC and hotels including Tropicana Casino and Resort, Trump Plaza, Bally’s and the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa.
What has surprised you the most about Atlantic City? We’ve been in Atlantic City for 27 years; we used to be in the old Boardwalk Hall. We outgrew that venue, and the ACCC was built just in the nick of time to support our annual growth.
What have your attendees enjoyed the most about Atlantic City? Our attendees are family people, and with Atlantic City’s redevelopment, they’re able to go shopping and go out to great restaurants, and there’s entertainment. Of course, there’s gambling, but shows and shopping keep people here.
Has anybody been particularly helpful? I couldn’t do it without the ACCVA. They are my partners in the show. I came into this a little green, and they’ve taught me so much over the years. Also, I have personal relationships with the hotels I block. They know my account and my customers. I don’t know what kind of deal would have to come down the pike to leave my Atlantic City friends.
What are some of the unique off-site venues that you have used for events or meetings? We’re there in January, so we don’t do much off-site. We did have a fabulous party at the 40/40 Club, owned by rapper Jay-Z, and also a great party at House of Blues.
What local suppliers have you utilized? I love providing direct private shuttles from each hotel, not a round-robin to all. I arrange shuttles to run every seven minutes between each hotel and the ACCC. I use TransService Transportation Management. They’re wonderful. Also, Vista Convention Services is my official show contractor. They’re in charge of getting exhibitors into the building, laying the carpet, registration, decorating, etc. They’re amazing.
Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Atlantic City? Reach out to Atlantic City’s different entities. A lot of planners don’t utilize people for help, like the ACCVA to write press releases. The ACCVA is more than willing to partner with you. They want your show to be successful, so don’t be shy; form those relationships.