Visit Atlantic City and the Atlantic City Sports Commission continued strong throughout Q2 with an impressive showing of 56 events, conventions and conferences that generated 50,613 room nights booked and 112,884 attendees that resulted in a total economic impact of $63,666,503. This summer, the iconic beach and boardwalk destination is gearing up to host a series of fan-favorite events, including Jimmy Johnson’s Atlantic City “Quest for the Ring” Championship Fishing Week (JJFISHWEEKAC), New Jersey Cannabis Conference (NECANN), Visit Atlantic City Airshow and the US Open Pool Championship.
“We’re thrilled to continue our momentum into Q3 with a lineup that showcases Atlantic City’s vibrant spirit and our commitment to hosting world-class events,” said Larry Sieg, President and CEO of Visit Atlantic City and the Atlantic City Sports Commission. “We are delighted to see an influx of visitors for a variety of conventions, conferences, and sporting events. The energy in the city is palpable, with major events like the Visit Atlantic City Airshow and the 2024 National Association of Elevator Contractors Convention (NAEC) both drawing significant visitation. Our well-appointed casino resort properties and upgraded amenities ensure that attendees have an exceptional experience, reinforcing Atlantic City’s status as a premier destination for in-person events and entertainment all year long.”
Q3 CONVENTIONS, CONFERENCES & EVENTS IN ATLANTIC CITY
The New Jersey Bar Exam will be held at the Atlantic Convention Center on July 30 – 31. The standardized exam is administered to law school graduates seeking admission to the New Jersey Bar and tests general principles of law, legal analysis and communication skills. The event expects 1,400 attendees, 83 room nights and $347,061 in economic impact.
2024 Visit Atlantic City Airshow
The 2024 Visit Atlantic City Airshow, “A Salute to Those Who Serve,” will soar into Atlantic City from Aug. 13 – 14. Powered once again by premier sponsor Visit Atlantic City, this world-class beachfront event celebrates its 21st anniversary. Spectators will be treated to jaw-dropping aerial displays by the highly skilled Polaris Ghost Squadron, U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys, U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the 177th Fighter Wing of the N.J. Air National Guard, alongside an impressive lineup of civilian performers. The event expects 500,000 attendees and $70 million in estimated economic impact.
New Jersey Cannabis Conference (NECANN)
The 5th Annual New Jersey Cannabis Conference (NECANN) will take place at the Atlantic City Convention Center from Sept. 6 – 7. This event recruits the largest, most comprehensive group of cannabis industry professionals of any event across the Northeast, bringing new relationships and customers to them. The event expects 3,000 attendees, 250 room nights and $864,746 in economic impact.
The Arett Sales Open House will be hosting a live show at the Atlantic City Convention Center from Sept. 11 – 12. With over 300 vendors, the newest products, and the best deals, this event is a must for the garden industry. The event expects 2,200 attendees, 1,053 room nights and $1,728,160 in economic impact.
2024 National Association of Elevator Contractors Convention (NAEC)
The 2024 National Association of Elevator Contractors Convention brings the newest technology and product innovations in the elevator industry to the Atlantic City Convention Center from Sept. 23 – 26. Featuring educational sessions to increase industry knowledge and networking opportunities, this exhibition event houses more than 200+ exhibits to explore. The event expects 6,000 attendees, 3,913 room nights and $6,037,473 in economic impact.
Garden State Council – SHRM Conference & Expo
The Garden State SHRM Council Annual Conference brings Human Resource (HR) professionals together to the Atlantic City Convention Center from Sept. 30 – Oct. 1. This event supports the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) initiatives within the state. It serves as an entry point for HR professionals new to New Jersey or those not currently covered by a local chapter. The event expects 700 attendees, 480 room nights and $569,747 in economic impact.
Q3 SPORTING EVENTS IN ATLANTIC CITY
Hoop Group Boys Jam Fest once again returns to the Atlantic City Convention Center from July 10 – 12. This year’s Hoop Group Boys Jam Fest will feature over 18 courts under one roof, showcasing some of the best competition and unparalleled exposure across the basketball community. The event expects 11,000 attendees, 4,677 room nights and $5,989,810 in economic impact.
Jimmy Johnson’s Atlantic City “Quest for the Ring” Championship Fishing Week
Following the resounding success of JJFISHWEEK in South Florida in March, Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach Jimmy Johnson and the seasoned team at Fish Hard Events are heading back to Atlantic City for the fourth annual JJFISHWEEKAC, in partnership with Atlantic City Sports Commission, on July 14 – 20, hosted at the Frank S. Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina. This high-stakes sportfishing event will include a $1.5 Million+ Guaranteed Purse and a week full of the ultimate hospitality and big payouts. The event expects 1,500 attendees with 1,500 room nights and $2,300,225 in economic impact.
Hoop Group Girls Jam Fest will take over the Atlantic City Convention Center from July 19 – 22. This year, the event will feature fierce competition once again. It expects 7,000 attendees, 5,295 room nights, and $5,906,621 in economic impact.
Vertical Adventures 16th Annual Jersey Jumps Beach Vault
The largest and best beach vaulting event in the world is back for its 16th annual pole vault series on the Atlantic City beach from July 27 – 28. The event expects 750 attendees, 50 room nights and $152,767 in economic impact.
The Amerikick Internationals return to the Atlantic City Convention Center from Aug. 15 – 17. This highly anticipated event, hosted by Amerikick, showcases live, in-person competitions renowned for their competitive Team Fight and premier Open Weight Sparring Competition. Participants ranging from ages 3 to 83 will demonstrate their skills and compete for top honors. The event expects 3,200 attendees, 615 room nights and $906,274 in economic impact.
The US Open Pool Championship, in partnership with the Atlantic City Sports Commission, takes place at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City from Aug. 19 – 24. Now in its 47th year, this esteemed annual event will feature a competitive field of 256 players vying for one of the pool’s most prestigious titles. Attendees will be able to witness renowned names in the sport, including defending champion Ko Ping Chung, alongside 128 professional players seeded within the expansive player roster. The event expects 1,500 attendees, 2,820 room nights and $2,129,137 in economic impact.
WHAT’S NEW IN ATLANTIC CITY
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Debuts Two New Venues
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City recently unveiled two new venues, The Balcony and The Terrace, as part of the resort’s ongoing enhancements aimed at elevating guest experiences. The Balcony is an upscale VIP nightlife experience featuring a 4,056-square-foot immersive lounge, a 2,790-square-foot dance floor, a live DJ and a private VIP area with bottle service and top-shelf spirits. The Terrace is a new outdoor restaurant located on the second floor of the property boasting stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Steel Pier Wheel. It can accommodate up to 150 guests and serves elevated casual seasonal cuisine, including lobster rolls, salads, burgers and grilled flatbreads.
Ocean Casino Resort Launches Summer Games Pop-Up Experience at Medal Bar
From June 27 – Sept. 2, Ocean Casino Resort presents Medal Bar, a new, captivating pop-up experience near the casino floor. Here, guests will enjoy themed cocktails, photo-worthy moments, and live broadcasts of the Summer Games on large screens. Located at 1927 Lounge, Medal Bar promises an unforgettable celebration in the heart of the action.
Ocean Casino Resort Partners with BLADE for Helicopter Flights from NYC
This summer, Ocean Casino Resort has partnered with BLADE to offer nonstop helicopter flights from New York City to Atlantic City. Guests can book seats on the six-passenger helicopter, which will fly every Saturday through Labor Day Weekend, all summer long. The 40-minute trip departs from Manhattan and lands on Ocean’s rooftop helipad, where passengers will receive personalized concierge service and complimentary suite upgrades. Moët & Chandon, the official champagne partner, will provide an exclusive champagne tumbler and a chilled bottle of Moët Imperial for every BLADE x Ocean hotel package.
Gametime is Coming to Showboat Resort
Showboat Resort continues to enhance its reputation as a premier family destination by introducing “Gametime at The Showboat.” This new addition to the Lucky Snake Arcade will feature a dedicated casino-style section where guests can enjoy poker and slot machines for credits and redemption-only prizes. Embracing its rich history while catering to a diverse audience, Showboat aims to maintain its family-oriented appeal while offering new, exciting experiences for visitors of all ages. This expansion underscores Atlantic City’s ongoing evolution as a multifaceted entertainment hub, blending tradition with innovation to attract a broad spectrum of guests seeking memorable experiences. These new, state-of-the-art machines will include 5 progressive jackpots and poker tournaments, where guests can win thousands of bonus points!
Bally’s Atlantic City Celebrates 45 Years All Summer Long
Bally’s Atlantic City celebrates its 45th Anniversary with enhanced guest experiences this summer, building on its $100 million renovations completed in 2022. Highlights include the reintroduction of Park Place Prime, a modern steakhouse featuring a completely transformed dining room for a luxurious experience. Additionally, the new Legacy Lounge offers the ultimate VIP Players Club experience following its recent makeover. Guests can also enjoy a nostalgic journey back to 1979 with Disco Inferno at Bally’s Showroom, capturing the sights and sounds of the property’s early days.
Atlantic City Aquarium Reopening
After being closed for several years, the aquarium has undergone extensive renovations and updates, including new roofing, windows, and interactive exhibits. With funding secured from the American Rescue Plan for additional exterior enhancements like a new façade and mural, the Atlantic City Aquarium is scheduled to open in September 2024. As Atlantic City gears up to welcome back this beloved attraction, excitement is palpable among locals and tourists eager to explore its marine wonders and educational exhibits once again.
