What do trade show organizers need to know about Atlantic City, NJ?
We spent 48 hours on the Jersey Shore experiencing some of the old and new that Atlantic City has to offer.
How to get there: Although there is an airport in Atlantic City, there are many other direct flight options to Philadelphia International Airport, which is about 65 miles or an hour’s drive away in light traffic.
Where we stayed: Nobu Atlantic City Hotellocated at Caesars Atlantic City, open in March 2024The latest addition to Caesars Entertainment’s Atlantic City portfolio, Nobu Hotel combines minimalist design with the brand’s renowned Japanese culinary flair. Part of a $240 million renovation, Nobu Hotel features 85 guestrooms.
What’s new: THE Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa MGM Round The Borgata recently completed a $55 million renovation and renamed The Water Club Tower to the MGM Tower. Every detail of the guestrooms is beautifully designed to create a luxurious stay in Atlantic City, from the elegantly appointed furnishings and décor to the upscale amenities. Guestrooms overlook the Atlantic City Marina District. Borgata offers 106,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
Where to meet: Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center offers two 50,000-square-foot pillarless ballrooms that Caesars Atlantic Region Director Jim Marota says are the largest hotel conference center between Baltimore and Boston. Since its opening in 2015, the conference center has hosted numerous conventions including Ernst & Young, Caterpillar, Olympus, National Fastpitch Coaches, WAVES and IT SERVE.
What to do: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall Pipe Organ Tour. Formerly known as the Historic Atlantic City Convention Hall, the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall is an indoor multi-purpose arena that served as the city’s primary convention center until the Atlantic City Convention Center opened in 1997. Home to the world’s largest pipe organ, the arena hosts a variety of events, from concerts to conventions. We got a behind-the-scenes tour of the world’s largest musical instrument with Scott Banks, Membership and Events Coordinator.
Local off-site options: We had lunch at the Tennessee Avenue Brewery, a lively local restaurant in the heart of the city, just steps from the boardwalk in the neighborhood known as the Orange Loop. The casual indoor and outdoor restaurant features over 100 craft beers along with modern cocktails, juicy burgers and gourmet creations from Chef Charles Soreth. Also located in the Orange Loop, Bar 32 offers a unique after-dinner dessert and cocktail experience. With hand-crafted chocolate, curated playlists and craft cocktails, owners Lee Sanchez and Mark Callazzo have truly made Atlantic City the ultimate after-dinner destination.
Where to dine: Owned and operated by the Dougherty family since 1897, The Dock Oyster House is an Atlantic City institution. Dock’s is known for the freshest seafood in town, excellent steaks and an award-winning wine list.
Dinner with a view: Nobu Atlantic CitytChef Nobu Matsuhisa’s celebrated restaurant opened at Caesars Atlantic City in late 2023, bringing his famous flavors and dishes to the iconic beach destination.
Beach atmosphere: Most hotels in the city offer ocean views and easy access to the Atlantic City Boardwalk, which stretches for miles along wide beaches, perfect for walking and running without traffic.
Well-being awakening: As part of Caesars Entertainment’s wellness menu, we did morning stretches and meditation on the beach with a local trainer from Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Atlantic City, followed by a wellness-inspired breakfast.
What to see: The Spiegelworld Hook East a fun, adults-only show at the stunning Warner Theatre. With three successful shows in Las Vegas, Spiegelworld, in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, has created this live entertainment sensation especially for Atlantic City. Expect to see Spiegelworld’s signature blend of the ridiculous, the funny, the mind-blowing and the superhuman. Available for group purchase or event, Superfricoan Italian-American restaurant located next to the theater, offers a series of imaginatively themed dining rooms, bars and lounges.
Fun for the right group: Lucky snake & ISLAND Water Park at the Showboat Resort. What was once a casino has been transformed into Lucky Snake, home to the largest arcade on the East Coast with over 300 games, including an indoor electric go-kart track that we got to try out. One of Atlantic City’s newest attractions, Island Water Park at the Showboat Hotel, opened in summer 2023 and bills itself as the world’s largest indoor oceanfront waterpark.
Main image: Atlantic City skyline by Shutterstock