As cities across the United States grapple with declining attendance at convention centers, Atlantic City is emerging as a vibrant center for the event industry. In 2024, Atlantic City hosted 12 major events, showcasing its potential to attract diverse audiences and generate significant economic impact. Key players such as Visit Atlantic City and the Atlantic City Sports Commission have been instrumental in this success [4d01e204].
Upcoming events in early 2025 further highlight Atlantic City's appeal. The Pool & Spa Show, scheduled for January 28-30, 2025, is expected to draw 11,268 attendees, contributing over $11 million to the local economy. Similarly, the New Jersey Music Educators Association Conference on February 20-21 anticipates 2,000 attendees, with an economic impact of $1.2 million [4d01e204].
Other notable events include the New Jersey Bar Exam, which will see 400 attendees on February 25-26, contributing $150,000, and the Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show, expected to attract 40,000 attendees from February 26 to March 2, generating over $8.6 million [4d01e204]. The Tri-State CAMP Conference and Impressions Expo are also set to bring thousands more to the city, further solidifying its status as a key player in the event industry [4d01e204].
In contrast to the struggles faced by many convention centers, which have seen attendance plummet and financial losses mount, Atlantic City’s strategic investments in event hosting and infrastructure, such as the revitalization of the Orange Loop, have enhanced the visitor experience and helped attract a variety of events. This trend suggests a potential shift in the landscape of the US event industry, where cities like Atlantic City may thrive even as traditional convention centers face challenges [40488601][4d01e204].