First-Time Attendee Guide
Everything you need for your first ABC
If this is your first Atlantic Builders Convention, here's how to plan the trip, what to expect over two days at the Hard Rock, and how to leave with more than a tote bag full of brochures.
Start Here
What the Atlantic Builders Convention is
ABC is the Northeast's largest building-industry trade show — two days when roughly 4,000 professionals who build New Jersey gather in one place.
Presented each year by the New Jersey Builders Association at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, ABC combines a large exhibit floor of building-product companies and service providers with a full program of educational seminars and signature industry events. It's where builders and developers, land use attorneys, engineers, architects, lenders, suppliers, and planners do a year's worth of in-person business over two days. If your work touches home building in New Jersey, this is the room where the industry meets.
The short version: a big exhibit floor, a strong seminar program with continuing-education credits, and the industry's signature events — all under one roof for two days.
Is ABC for You?
Who attends — and where you'll fit in
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Builders & Developers
Residential and commercial builders from across the Northeast.
Land use attorneys
Counsel on permitting, zoning, and approvals.
Engineers & architects
Design and technical professionals.
Lenders & finance
Construction lending and capital partners.
Suppliers & vendors
Building-product manufacturers and service providers.
Planners & consultants
Planning, environmental, and advisory firms.
Not sure it's your crowd? If you specify, source, finance, design, permit, or build housing in New Jersey — or sell to people who do — you'll find your corner of this floor.
Getting In
How to register
Registration opens ahead of each convention, with a few options depending on how much of the program you want and whether your company is an NAHB member. Rather than list rates here — they're set fresh each year — here's how the process works so you know what to expect.
What to expect over two days
ABC follows a consistent rhythm each year: a pre-event reception to kick things off, then two full convention days. Knowing the shape of it helps you plan which day to come and what not to miss.
Tuesday evening
Exhibitor reception
A pre-event cocktail reception where builders and exhibitors connect before the floor opens — a relaxed start to the week for those attending.
Wednesday
Day one
The convention runs in full: exhibit floor open, seminars underway, and the SAM Awards as the signature evening event.
Thursday
Day two
The floor and seminars continue, with the Professional Women in Building luncheon among the day's highlights before the show closes.
Across both days you'll have the exhibit floor, the seminar program — where you can earn AICP, CLE, and CPC continuing-education credits — and the networking events that give ABC its reputation. You don't have to choose one; the schedule is built so you can move between the floor, a session, and an event in the same day.
Make the most of your first visit
A trade show rewards a little planning. These are the habits that separate attendees who leave energized from those who leave footsore and empty-handed.
Before you go
A few practical notes so the trip itself goes smoothly:
Book lodging through official channels only. ABC and NJBA never use third-party housing agents. If someone contacts you offering convention housing, it's not legitimate — book only through the official hotel information.
Preregister before you arrive. It saves money and gets you onto the floor faster than registering onsite.
Plan your travel to Atlantic City. The convention is at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Check the venue and travel details for guidance on parking, driving, and lodging.
Check what your registration includes. Make sure the type you choose covers the seminars and events you care about.
A note on the housing scam: unauthorized third-party housing solicitations targeting ABC attendees are an ongoing problem. Any offer of convention housing that doesn't come through official ABC or NJBA channels should be treated as fraudulent.
Keep Planning
Helpful Next Reads
Ready for your first ABC?
Now that you know what to expect, take the next step and plan your two days with the industry.