These interviews are part of a series that highlights new hires within the industry. Have you recently started a new role or do you know someone who has? Submit your ideas to brittany.trevick@tigeroak.com.
Dean Dennis was recently hired as the general manager of the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, NJ.
1. What are you looking forward to in your new role as general manager of the Atlantic City Convention Center?
Atlantic City is a fantastic meeting destination, and I look forward to creating partnerships and enhancing the existing efforts of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Meet AC and our Spectra Team. I am also very excited about participating in the upcoming capital improvements planned for the center to ensure it remains competitive and a top destination in the meetings industry.
2. How do you think your past industry experience has prepared you for this role?
My 20-plus years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry have provided the skill set I feel is essential to managing a venue the size and scope of Atlantic City. Having spent most all of those years with Spectra, I understand the valuable resources our company offers and the synergies I can build upon with our other similarly sized managed venues.
3. What goals do you have in mind for the Convention Center for this year and further down the line?
Every day with every action, my goal is to be a supportive partner of the community. Managing a first class operation and creating memorable experiences for our Atlantic City guests is my highest priority. I want to aggressively support the CRDA and Meet AC with their sales and marketing efforts to help increase bookings and revenue while controlling costs. As a Spectra team, our primary objective at all times is to exceed the expectations of our guests.
4. How did you get into the industry?
My career in the hospitality industry began in 1992 as the vice president of the Pueblo Colorado Chamber/Convention & Visitors Bureau. In that position, I lobbied for and helped secure the funding for a new downtown convention center. After its approval, I was recruited by the management firm to be the first general manager of the venue. Twenty-plus years later, I am very excited about the opportunity to represent the Atlantic City Convention Center.
5. What do you enjoy most about the industry?
Our goal in the hospitality/event industry is to provide a fun, exciting and even once-in-a-lifetime experience for our guests. After a great deal of planning, it’s always gratifying to see a guest leave with a smile on their face! It’s encouraging to know that we met, and hopefully exceeded, their expectations and will want to return.
