Wilmington, NC: With gathering restrictions lifted statewide there are once again promising signs of life for meetings and conventions. On July 18, the Association Executives of North Carolina (AENC) will hold its three-day annual meeting at the Wilmington Convention Center. This year marks the fourth time that AENC has held its annual meeting in Wilmington, most recently in June 2011 just six months after the Wilmington Convention Center first opened.

Appropriately themed “Reunite,” this year’s annual meeting will be mostly in-person with approximately 185 meeting professionals and suppliers in attendance. There is also a hybrid component via Zoom for members who opt for virtual attendance. AENC members include CEOs and staff of associations across North Carolina, as well as representatives from the association service and hospitality industries. About one-third of this year’s event attendees are meeting professionals who are actively engaged in planning conferences and events.

“The Wilmington and Beaches CVB is pleased to welcome attendees of this year’s AENC annual meeting,” states John Sneed, Vice-President of Sales & Services for the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Hosting meeting professionals provides a unique opportunity to showcase the area and all that’s new in the Convention District. Our goal is to ensure that all attendees have a positive experience with hopes that they will consider Wilmington and our island beaches for future meetings and events.”

In addition to keynote speeches, panel discussions, educational and business sessions, social events are planned aboard the Henrietta riverboat, on Marina Grill’s boatyard patio, and at the host hotel Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront. Optional pre-meeting activities include a round of golf, a limo bus brewery tour, a beach cruise aboard the Carolina Runner, and a horse-drawn carriage tour of Wilmington’s historic district. There will also be free time to explore restaurants, shops, attractions, parks and entertainment venues within walking distance of the Convention District.

The Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau is a longtime member of AENC. Established in 1955, Association Executives of North Carolina (AENC) is committed to providing high quality professional development and networking opportunities to help members develop their fullest potential and foster the recognition and respect of the association management profession. For more information about AENC, visit www.aencnet.org. 

The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, markets and develops the county and its communities’ leisure and group travel experiences for economic growth and quality of place.    

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Contact:
Connie Nelson
Wilmington CVB
910-341-4030 x120
866-266-9690
cvbpr@wilmingtonandbeaches.com