Anaheim/Orange County CVB President Charles Ahlers Will Step Down at End of 2012

April 7, 2012

Charles Ahlers has spent 40 years in the convention and visitors bureau business, most recently serving as president at the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, but he’s now decided to move on at the end of this year.

“I have been fortunate to be able to realize many accomplishments during my four decade career in this industry,” Ahlers said.

He added, “I have worked for five distinct destination marketing organizations, and it seems fitting at this time to finish my visitor industry career on a high note. This Anaheim Resort community and all of Orange County have evolved into a leading leisure and business destination, and I’m very pleased to have played an active role in shaping what it is today.”

Ahlersserved as president of the AOCVCB since 1992, and early in his career, he was a convention sales manager at the AOCVCB from 1972-1979.

In total, he had 28 years of service with the organization.

Ahlers said he had “no plans for what he was doing next” and was going to take some time to decide once he steps down.

He added there were several highlights of the time he’s spent at the AOCVB.

“Anaheim has really grown and developed nicely in the last 10 years,” he added.

Ahlers was at the bureau when a major expansion occurred at the Anaheim Convention Center, giving the center extra space and what he called “nice curb appeal.”

He also was at the helm when two tourist improvement district funds came together for the AOCVB.

In addition, there are even more improvements on tap at the center set to begin in May that will feature the building out of the Grand Plaza in front of the venue.

“This will really enhance our campus environment,” Charles said.

He added there was another 250,000 square expansion to the center also in the works for late 2013.

In all, though, what Ahlers said he would miss most about working at the AOCVB were the people.

“Anaheim is a really unique organization,” he added, “People don’t really leave. … It speaks to the culture the organization has developed over a period of time. It’s kind of like leaving your family after 20 years.”

The AOCVCB will conduct an executive search for Ahlers’ replacement, according to CVB officials.

Ahlers will stay involved in the organization as an advisor and also continue to be instrumental in the current development of the Anaheim Convention Center and the Grand Plaza.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact