Spectra, the providers of venue management and food services & hospitality to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center, has named 20-year industry veteran and New Jersey native, Ronnie Burt, as vice president of sales & marketing of the Atlantic City Convention Center.
Burt brings his global experience working in major destinations on large-scale meeting and convention events, as well as working with premier sports organizations including the NCAA, NFL and Olympic-qualifying events.
Burt will be responsible for spearheading the efforts of a newly created sales department who will be accountable for short-term sales and event revenue while assisting in servicing, negotiating and contracting clients. He will also be responsible for building a new marketing and positioning strategy of the Center and will work in conjunction with the Meet AC sales team to build more demand and events that will utilize the facility.
“Meet AC is delighted to hear that Ronnie Burt will be joining the Spectra Team,” says Meet AC’s Sandi Harvey, vice president of sales. “He is a N.J. native and has always kept his eye on the pulse of Atlantic City. He will be a true asset to the sales effort.”
Burt has more than 20 years of experience in the convention, meeting and hospitality industry. He started his career in Atlantic City, working in Casino Promotions, VIP Services at Caesars Hotel and Casino before becoming a national sales manager with the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority. He has since worked at the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association as vice president of convention sales and services, Destination DC as vice president of sales and services, the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association as the senior vice president of sales and services. Most recently he served as the president and CEO of Visit KC.
During his tenure in Kansas City:
- Burt’s proven leadership style strategically implemented key changes to the sales function, sales administration and strategic sales solicitation. This aggressive focus on performance, accountability and building high performing culture was a huge success and benefit. While at the helm in Kansas City the sales team consecutively exceeded goals and set new benchmarks for performance.
- Burt spearheaded a very effective sales & marketing strategy driving occupancy, average daily rate (ADR) to the highest levels over a ten-year period as well as increasing visitation to more than 25 million visitors and $5.1 billion in economic impact.
- Burt’s vision and leadership shifting the marketing strategy, platform and messaging generated the organization’s highest return on advertising effectiveness.
- Burt’s collaborative style formed the Kansas City Hospitality Alliance, a coalition of six local tourism organizations.
“We’re excited to have Ronnie Burt head up the new sales and marketing efforts in Atlantic City,” says Joyce Leveston, Spectra’s senior vice president, convention centers. “His decades of experience in the convention industry, exceptional relationships throughout the country, and familiarity with the local market set the bar high to move the needle forward in Atlantic City and for Spectra. His top-tier sales experience will help change how the industry experiences the city and the region, both now and into the future. We look forward to welcoming him as a leader.”
He is currently a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), International Association for Exhibition Management (IAEM), National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners (NCBMP), and Meeting Professionals International (MPI).
Burt received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Stockton University and served in the United States Navy. His strong ties to Atlantic City including family, friends, neighbors and professional relationships in the market, will allow him to hit the ground running. His love for the city is why he has maintained a residence in the city for 25 years.
Both Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center are owned and funded by the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA). Spectra provides both venue management and food services & hospitality to both Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center. For more info, visit https://meetac.com/.
