As expectations for the meeting develop, planners are increasingly seeking to offer more destinations that are more than just spaces – they are looking for places where events can leave lasting, positive impact.
Atlantic City offers venues suitable for all kinds of meetings. Although each space in this iconic seaside destination has its own unique character, they all share a powerful mission: helping each party make a meaningful mark in the community. Intent and impact are common in 1.8 million square feet of conference space and over 17,500 hotel rooms.
As the summer event season approaches, the hotel community in Atlantic City is undergoing a “small steps, big waves” mentality. By connecting event organizers with local organizations and increasing the bar of sustainability, Atlantic City events live outside the program’s opening and end dates.
Leave your mark on you through purposeful team building activities
Corporate social responsibility is more than just a responsibility – it is an opportunity to elevate events to something with a larger purpose. Visit Atlantic City partners with more than 20 local nonprofits to help event organizers connect with causes that align with their missions and attendee values.
In addition to promoting charitable donations from organizations such as the New Jersey Community Food Bank, the Atlantic City Humane Society, and the Boys and Girls Club, attendees can roll up their sleeves and volunteer as part of the mission.
One of the excellent experiences with Mudgirls Studios is that groups can work with disadvantaged women who create ceramics as a source of supplementary income. “When art is created in a group, it’s a great way to connect with others and provide support,” said Dorrie Papademetriou, founder and designer of Mudgirls Studios. “Working side by side in our studio, barriers are broken. Through the tools of art-making, we illustrate the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.”
PapadeMetriou believes that the organization’s partnership with the visit to Atlantic City is a key part of its mission, which goes beyond monetary support: the opportunity to work with conference participants gives them self-empowered women. “The creative project visiting Atlantic City has created fulfilling work and our women gain self-confidence,” she said.
Feed the future
In addition to supporting financial health, event organizers can also directly affect the health of Atlantic City residents. While the city is a well-known culinary destination for tourists, many locals have faced food insecurity for decades, a challenge rooted in a grocery store without full-service.
That was Reed’s farm (a nonprofit regeneration farm about 10 miles from downtown Atlantic City) involved. In 2024, the farm grew 27,000 pounds of produce, playing a crucial role in closing the nutrition gap in the city. But the task goes far beyond the crops: Reed’s farm offers educational and career opportunities, especially for students and individuals with cognitive impairment.
Organizers can participate in meaningful activities by sponsoring farm animals or attracting teams to participate in meaningful activities such as covering, planting trees or working in the garden. A new corporate retreat, to be open in the barn in 2025, will provide more immersive experiences.
“Our aim is to provide a community hub that inspires all those who gather here,” said Cookie Till, a restaurant owner and owner of Reed’s Farm. “One of our biggest goals is to be a reliable, sustainable food source for Atlantic City residents.”
While the event can have a significant impact in Atlantic City, planners can rest assured that they know they can leave a small environmental footprint. Since its opening in 1997, the LEED Gold Certified Atlantic Convention Center has reduced its energy consumption every year.
Cities everywhere are becoming greener. Atlantic City Jitney, known for its effective collective transport, replaced half of his fleet with renewable natural gas-powered vehicles and planned to transition the entire fleet.
Even using meals can also contribute to ecological awareness efforts. Many restaurants and casinos participate in the recycling program of clams and oyster shells, which helps to preserve the marine ecosystem and make the beaches of Atlantic City vibrant.
Taste the summer
There is never a wrong time to hold a meeting in Atlantic City, but summer offers a special magic and offers more opportunities to remember moments.
Attendees can start the day along the world’s first, longest boardwalk, hand coffee and a quiet stroll in the sea breeze. For those seeking adventures, skiing and paratrooper tours. For a more leisurely activity, guests can relax in the poolside cabin and absorb the sun. In the evening, the city is full of vibrant, vibrant drama, live music, comedy performances and nightlife.
Whether your meeting is a day or spanning several times, there are so many experiences that it may inspire attendees to extend their stay. Those looking for a leisurely outing can enjoy the Champions Golf Course or explore Atlantic County’s winery and vineyard trails, with 10 unique sites. Attendees turn a party period into a family vacation will find many kid-friendly experiences, from solving Tropicana’s escape rooms to thrill-seeking rides on historic steel marinas, or spending a day at Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort. In Atlantic City, there is something for everyone.
Learn more about taking small steps to create big waves in Atlantic City and exploring new ones about new waves Visit the Atlantic City website.
This content is from Visit Atlantic City and Skift’s branded content studio Skiftx.
