Jason Birney is currently the Marketing Specialist for Harrah's
Entertainment. Recently, his focus has been on poker strategy as well as a
bar marketing strategy for the four Harrah's properties including Caesars,
Harrah's, Showboat & Bally's. With the World Series of Poker having
three events in town in the next 6 months we know he must be busy. Despite
being only 25 years old, Jason is incredibly experienced with the Harrah's
brands and understands where the future of A.C. is headed. With a background
in advertising, he currently assists the Harrah's Entertainment V.P.'s of
Marketing in any endeavor that may be requested of him.
How long have you lived in A.C.? I commute from the suburbs south of
Philadelphia where I grew up. I will be relocating shortly though, still
looking for that perfect house.
Are you married? Still single, no children, but in a relationship.
What do you like most about Atlantic City? Big city attractions with a
small town feel! With the addition of The Walk, The Quarter, House of Blues
and the Pier at Caesars opening soon you have every draw you could ask for
from a big city. Even with all those attractions Atlantic City still is the
town where everyone seems to know each other. It's almost scary at times.
What originally brought you to AC? I was given an opportunity in
Showboat's advertising department in 2002 and it just stuck. I love my job
and the people I work with as well as the interesting people I get to meet
on a daily basis.
Where do you see the city in 10 years? It's amazing how much the city has
changed in the short time since I arrived and I can only imagine the changes
that are about to take place. I see more hotel rooms, more condos, and more
attractions that will continue bringing this city into the lime light as a
premier tourism destination. The casino's have an understanding of what the
new gaming public wants and expects and they are eager to deliver.
What is your part in getting there? Getting the word out! Marketing to
our guests and making them realize that Atlantic City is full of choices.
House of Blues can offer our guests a completely different, though just as
exceptional, experience than they could expect at Caesars or Harrah's, there
is something for everyone!
Tell us about your favorite AC memory. My favorite moment was the
Counting Crows concert, opening weekend of the House of Blues. A fairly
recent memory I know, but everyone at both H.O.B. and Showboat worked so
hard to see that opening weekend through and it brought such a huge level of
satisfaction to see the public's response to the venue.
You've got two hours to kill on the boardwalk, what do you do? That's a
tough question to pose in the winter. I would walk the boardwalk ducking
into each casino for both warmth and to see what new & interesting
things are going on. Every time I visit a property in A.C. it seems like
they have added some new table area or hip, exciting bar. The growth and
evolvement of this city is really amazing.
What's your favorite casino, hotel, bar and restaurant? Why?
CASINO: I like what Borgata has brought to this city. They opened the
doors and showed the other properties the possibility for growth. It would
be dumb to ignore the impact that they've had on this city and I admire
their product and marketing. BAR: The lounge in the Foundation Room is
unbelievable. Everyone should experience it once. Believe me, this is not a
commercial. The atmosphere in there is incredible & it has always seemed
to relax me after a hectic day of work. RESTAURANT: CESCA in Harrah's is
phenomenal. I love the atmosphere in there with the open kitchen and they
also run a great happy hour.
What three words describe Atlantic City best? Future, Growth &
Potential
Dealer shows 17 you've got a pair of 8's - how do you play them? I am the
worst Blackjack player ever, but I think you would split them.
What would you most like to change about Atlantic City? The winter
weather. Snow has no place being on a beach.
Where do you see your future in A.C. and with Harrah's Entertainment?
Harrah's has some amazing things planned in the future and I would just be
pleased to be a part of them. We have an incredible team of executives at
Harrah's and every time I have the opportunity I walk away from
conversations with them having learned something.
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