Dean Dennis is a 20-year veteran in the convention center world and has seen and done a lot, but his newest professional opportunity
is one that has him excited as he prepares to lead the 600,000-square-feet Atlantic City Convention Center.
“I consider it a real honor to be tapped by Spectra to make the move to Atlantic City,” said Dennis, who arrives from the Owensboro (KY) Convention Center that he opened in 2014. “My 20-plus years of experience in the hospitality and venue 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 know well the valuable resources our company offers and the synergies I can build upon with our other similarly-sized managed venues.”
As the new general manager, Dennis will be responsible for supervision and oversight of the convention center as well as Boardwalk Hall. He will serve under the direction of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), the state’s key economic development agency for Atlantic City, which oversees the center through Spectra’s contract.
“Atlantic City is a fantastic meeting destination and I look forward to creating partnerships and enhancing the existing efforts of the CRDA, Meet AC and our Spectra Team,” Dennis said. “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.”
Prior to Owensboro, Dennis served as vice president of the Pueblo Convention & Visitors’ Council and president of the Tourism Industry Association of Colorado. As he leaves Owensboro for Atlantic City, Dennis spoke fondly of his experience in Kentucky.
“It has been a privilege to be involved with such a wonderful and progressive community,” he said. “My wife, Michelle, and I moved to Owensboro in early 2012 to open the new venue and we have created wonderful friendships which will certainly be missed. Stepping aside from my business development role into an operations role for Spectra was a great move for me. I have enjoyed creating a great team of employees and organizational structure to deliver quality service and exceed expectations for our clients.”
Way to go! Dennis!
I want to thank you for all the help you have rendered to me through the years. I know you love challenge and I am sure Atlantic City will be better for you make this choice.
I wish well my friend!
Richard Karamatic