The First Word: Atlantic City -- You Have To See It To Believe It

As I write this, I am sitting in my smartly appointed suite in the Taj Mahal Hotel in Atlantic City (provided compliments of my colleague there), overlooking the famous boardwalk and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. I am attending the annual conference for the Mid-Atlantic Society of Association Executives (MASAE), the networking and education event for others like me who work at not-for-profit associations based in NJ. This year’s conference is especially meaningful for me, and I think everyone in attendance, as it is one of the first opportunities for many of us to see firsthand the impact Hurricane Sandy had on this historic resort city.

Immediately after Sandy hit, it is likely you heard news reports and saw videos purporting Atlantic City had been devastated by the storm. But if you’ve stayed tune over the past two weeks, you’ve heard many reports and seen many commercials sponsored by the Atlantic City Convention Authority saying Atlantic City is "open for business" and that things are back to normal.

After my visit here, I can say without a doubt that Atlantic City is definitely open for business. The reports of large portions of the Atlantic City boardwalk being washed away simply are not true. Yes, an older portion of the north end of boardwalk washed away, but it had been closed to pedestrian traffic for years and was already scheduled for demolition. Take a look at the accompanying photos I took just a few minutes ago; the only thing missing on the boardwalk is the summer crowd, which I am confident will return in six months! Also, flood waters here quickly receded and authorities moved swiftly to move sand back on to the beaches. The town looks so good that I venture to say most would never know a hurricane barreled through just a little more than one month ago.

So, rest assured that Atlantic City is truly open for business and will be in fine shape for NAFA’s I&E next April. In fact, my friends here at the Taj Mahal tell me they’ve got some amazing renovations beginning in just a few days that will make this place more grand than it already is. You’re going to love it! (And at just $99/night for I&E registrants, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better bargain!)

Sincerely,

Phil

P.S. Be sure to check out the NAFA website for a link to the I&E "early bird" registration. Early bird prices are actually below cost for NAFA Members – meaning NAFA will actually subsidize a portion of your fee to attend – but space is definitely limited. You’ll want to register early to get the best deal!

The Boardwalk in Atlantic City is completely intact after Hurricane Sandy. Reports of large portions of the boardwalk being washed away are not true. In six months, the summer crowd here will be wall-to-wall!

The Taj Mahal Hotel, the main hotel for NAFA’s 2013 I&E, suffered no damage from Hurricane Sandy. I&E registrants can enjoy a fantastic room rate of just $99/night at I&E!

Atlantic City’s famous Steel Pier, home to amusements and thrilling rides, suffered no damage from the hurricane despite jutting out into the ocean hundreds of feet. The beachfront was reduced by approximately 75 feet, but a restoration plan is being discussed.

Here’s the view from my room on the 50th floor of the Taj Mahal hotel, looking south down the NJ coast. Atlantic City’s beachfront hotels and casinos suffered minimal damage, if any, and are open for business.

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