Former Louisville CVB Leader, Jim Wood, Tapped to Head Meet AC in Atlantic City
June 17, 2014
After stepping down from the top post at the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau earlier this year, Jim Wood has been tapped to run newly formed Meet AC, a private non-profit sales organization with a sole focus on building the convention, meeting and group market for Atlantic City.
Wood will begin his new role June 30.
“The entire board was very impressed with Jim’s highly successful track record of accomplishments,” said Jeff Albrecht, Meet AC board chairperson and general manager, Sheraton, Atlantic City.
He added, “Everyone we spoke to about Jim reiterated his strong sales performance in every venture he took on. He is the perfect collaborator, strategist and leader to take meetings and conventions in Atlantic City to the next level.”
Meet AC began operations on April 28 and is funded by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), with an annual budget of $8 million beginning July 1.
Wood will hire a staff and lead the Meet AC sales effort to generate both citywide and single-property bookings.
He formerly was president and CEO of the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Wood led efforts to bring to Louisville several large trade shows, including the hosting of the record-setting FFA at an economic impact of more than $40 million annually.
Other accomplishments include the opening of a state-of-the-art Visitors Center in 2007; the launch of the regional tourism partnership of Bourbon Country, one of the few multi-city cooperative marketing campaigns; and the awarding of the American Bus Association annual conference in 2016.
Wood also was instrumental in signing long-term contracts with multiple conventions, including the upcoming SkillsUSA Convention.
In Atlantic City, there have been several changes during the past few years to better position the city as a convention and meetings destination:
- In February 2011, the NJ S-11 legislation called for the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority (ACCVA) to be merged into the CRDA, with the exception of convention and group sales and convention services.
- The decision to create Meet AC was the result of two independent studies.
- The legislation also called for the creation of the Atlantic City Alliance, a tourism marketing organization for the leisure market segment funded by the casino industry through 2016 with a $150 million initial investment.
- The Atlantic City Alliance began operations in September 2011 and launched the “Do Anything, Do Everything, DO AC” campaign in April 2012.
Meet AC will work in collaboration with the CRDA, the Atlantic City Alliance and Global Spectrum, a newly selected management company of the Greater Atlantic City Convention Center and Historic Boardwalk Hall.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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