HCANJ Convention Guide
Your complete guide to the Health Care Association of NJ Convention at Harrah's Atlantic City. Best hotels in the Marina District, tips for healthcare professionals, and everything you need for a productive convention.
Quick Facts
October
Mid-month typically
Tuesday-Thursday
Harrah's
Waterfront Venue
Marina District
1,500+
Healthcare Professionals
From across NJ
CEUs
Available
Multiple categories
Marina District Location
This convention is held at Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center in the Marina District, which is about 3 miles from the boardwalk and convention center. Plan your hotel accordingly—Marina District hotels are most convenient.
What is the HCANJ Convention?
The HCANJ Annual Convention & Expo brings together healthcare professionals from across New Jersey's long-term care sector. Held each October at Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center in the Marina District, this three-day event offers education, exhibits, and networking for nursing home administrators, healthcare executives, and industry partners.
The Health Care Association of New Jersey (HCANJ) has served the state's long-term care providers for decades. The annual convention is the premier gathering for skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and post-acute care providers. It offers continuing education, regulatory updates, and connection with vendors serving the healthcare industry.
Who Attends?
Where to Stay
The convention is at Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center. Staying at Harrah's or nearby Marina District hotels (Borgata, Golden Nugget) is most convenient. Boardwalk hotels require driving to the venue.
Pro tip: Book through HCANJ for the convention rate at Harrah's. The Marina District has excellent dining—try Borgata's restaurants for a nice dinner.
Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
Convention hotel—stay here for convenience. Book through HCANJ for group rate.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Luxury option in the Marina District. Best dining and spa.
Golden Nugget Atlantic City
Marina District location, good value, renovated rooms.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Boardwalk location if you prefer beach proximity. Taxi/Uber to convention.
Tropicana Atlantic City
Boardwalk budget option. Will need to drive/taxi to Marina District.
Compare Hotel Prices
October rates are reasonable. Marina District hotels are most convenient.
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Convention Schedule
The convention spans three days with educational sessions, exhibits, and networking. Check with HCANJ for specific dates and CEU offerings.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
What to Expect
- 💉Educational sessions with CEU credits
- 💉Regulatory and legislative updates
- 💉Exhibit hall with healthcare vendors
- 💉Leadership and management tracks
- 💉Clinical care sessions
- 💉Networking receptions
- 💉Awards recognition program
- 💉Advocacy updates
Getting to the Convention
By Car
From most of NJ: Garden State Parkway to Exit 38, AC Expressway to Marina District. Harrah's is well-signed from the expressway. October traffic is typically light.
By Train
NJ Transit Atlantic City Rail Line from Philadelphia. The rail terminal is in the boardwalk area—you'll need a taxi or Uber to the Marina District (about $15-20).
Parking
Harrah's has a large parking garage with discounted rates for hotel guests. Self-parking is often free with casino player's card. Valet available.
Where to Eat
The Marina District has excellent dining. Borgata is a short walk from Harrah's and has some of AC's best restaurants.
Dining at Harrah's
- •Coastal Craft - casual American, convenient
- •Martorano's - upscale Italian, celebrity chef
- •Gordon Ramsay Steak - impressive client dinners
Marina District Options
- •Bobby Flay Steak (Borgata) - premium steakhouse
- •Izakaya (Borgata) - excellent sushi
- •Chart House (Golden Nugget) - seafood with marina views
- •Vic & Anthony's (Golden Nugget) - classic steakhouse
AC Classics (Worth the Drive)
- •Dock's Oyster House - legendary seafood
- •Knife & Fork Inn - historic fine dining
- •Steve & Cookie's By the Bay - waterfront in Margate
Insider Tips for Healthcare Professionals
Weather & What to Pack
October Weather
October in Atlantic City is pleasant—typically 55-65°F during the day, cooler in the evening. The Marina District is more sheltered than the boardwalk. Bring layers as conference rooms can vary in temperature.
Packing List
- ☐Business professional attire for sessions
- ☐Comfortable shoes for exhibit hall
- ☐Business cards for networking
- ☐Light jacket for evening
- ☐Nice outfit for awards luncheon
- ☐Phone charger
- ☐CEU tracking documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn continuing education credits at the convention?▼
Yes! Many sessions offer NAB, nursing, social work, and dietary CEUs. Check the session descriptions for specific accreditations. Keep track of sessions attended for your records. CEU certificates are provided.
Why is the convention at Harrah's instead of the convention center?▼
Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center offers an all-in-one experience—meeting space, hotel, and amenities in one location. It's well-suited for healthcare conferences of this size and provides a more intimate setting than the larger convention center.
Is this convention only for nursing home administrators?▼
No, the convention serves all long-term care professionals—administrators, directors of nursing, department heads, and clinical staff. Different educational tracks address various roles. Vendors and industry partners also participate.
Should I stay at Harrah's or can I stay at another hotel?▼
Staying at Harrah's is most convenient—you won't need to drive or taxi to sessions. The group rate is typically competitive. Borgata is a nice upgrade and walkable. Boardwalk hotels require driving to the Marina District.
How do I get from the boardwalk area to the Marina District?▼
The Marina District is about 3 miles from the boardwalk hotels. Take a taxi, Uber/Lyft ($15-20), or drive. The AC Jitney does not serve the Marina District regularly. If staying on the boardwalk, budget for transportation costs.
Is October a good time to visit Atlantic City?▼
Yes! October offers pleasant weather, reasonable hotel rates, and fewer crowds than summer. The beach is quiet but the casinos are fully operational. It's a nice time to combine the conference with some relaxation.
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Have a Productive Convention!
The HCANJ Convention is an excellent opportunity for continuing education, regulatory updates, and connecting with colleagues across the state. Enjoy the Marina District's dining and entertainment options.
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