Atlantic Builders Convention 2011:  Breaking New Grounds at ABC
By Eileen Monesson, ABC Committee Chair

The Atlantic Builders Convention (ABC) continues to be the largest builder and remodeler trade show for residential and commercial builders in the Northeast.  Despite the challenging economy, the mood was up beat with many builders hopeful to break ground on new projects soon. More than 6,500 attendees and over 450 vendors participated in ABC 2011.  Many new people attended the convention this year, including decision makers which enhanced the value of participating to exhibitors.

The goal of NJBA and the Convention Committee is to continuously refresh and enhance the convention.  From the positive feedback received throughout the trade show, we achieved this goal. Attendees had many experiences at ABC 2011 – vendors selling products and services on the show floor, revised exhibit hall and educational program hours, a “Green” exhibit showcasing innovations in clean technology, and a 3-D demonstration of Team NJ’s ENJOY: Generation House which will represent the state of New Jersey in the U.S. Solar Decathlon this Fall in Washington, D.C.

We had fresh venues for the numerous networking receptions, a culinary classic at the Mari Gras Welcome Party featuring some of the best restaurants in Atlantic City; as well as a new format for the NJBA Awards Luncheon and President’s Installation Gala. Our speakers were leaders in their fields and numerous “special guests” delighted and enlightened participants.

The NJBA staff should be applauded for their commitment to making ABC 2011 a success. Their dedication and countless hours working with the Convention Committee and numerous sub-committees resulted in what many participants said was one of the best conventions in years. Damaris Zayas, Irene Opitz, Diane Nicolo-Pocino, Mike Bellina, as well as the entire NJBA team did a tremendous job.

Here are just a couple comments we’ve received about ABC 2011:

“CONGRATULATIONS on an outstanding convention. There clearly was a great deal of excitement and optimism in the air.”

Peter J. Hovnanian, Principal, J.S. Hovnanian & Sons

“The ABC Convention this year was more than well worth our time.  As an NJBA Master Sponsor this year, I feel that my team has built some lasting business relationships, and brought some of our current relationships to another level.  I am looking forward to ABC 2012.”

Lisa A. Carney, Special Projects Coordinator, Aflac

2012 ABC:

Mark your calendars for the 63^rd Annual ABC show on March 28-30, 2012 at the Atlantic City Convention Center (Hall D). The host hotel will be the Taj Mahal.

Exhibit Registration Open:

More than 20% of the 2012 exhibit floor has already been reserved, so don’t delay. Visit the www.abconvention.com/floorplan/index.asp today for details on the NEW floor layout, available booths and reservation forms needed to select your prime location(s)! As they say, location is everything.

Volunteers Needed:

ABC is seeking committed members to volunteer for on-site responsibilities and the pre-planning of ABC 2012. Contact Damaris Zayas at 609-570-2153 or dzayas@njba.org for more details on how you can benefit from joining our creative team ASAP.