Anaheim Area Convention Bureau Chooses New President

Portland’s convention center chief, saying he believes that California tourism will “bounce back” from the riot aftermath and recession, was selected Monday to become the new president of the Anaheim Area Visitor and Convention Bureau.

Charles Ahlers, executive director of the Portland Oregon Visitors Assn., said he is looking forward to returning to lead the Orange County bureau where he worked as a convention salesman in the mid-1970s.

“I think the challenge will be keeping Anaheim in the forefront and a vibrant destination for visitors,” he said. “Anaheim is the most significant convention destination on the West Coast.”

Ahlers, 47, will replace Bill Snyder, who has served as convention bureau president since 1968. Ahlers is expected to begin work Sept. 25, although he said he may need more time to relocate. Snyder is retiring but plans to stay on through next June in an advisory capacity to ease the transition.

Snyder, who led the search committee for his successor, said Ahlers was chosen because of his experience. Ahlers has served five years in Portland, overseeing a staff of 35 and the opening of a new convention center that has attracted nearly three times as many conferences and conventions as had been expected. Previously, he worked in the convention bureaus in San Francisco, Phoenix and Anaheim.

Ned Snavely, the Anaheim bureau’s chairman and general manager of the Anaheim Marriott hotel, said of Ahlers: “The 20 solid years with major bureaus and his hands-on style of management and identity with the industry made Charles a good choice for us.”

In Anaheim, Ahlers will oversee a staff of about 45 and will be on scene to witness one of the nation’s most significant new amusement and hotel complexes, the Disneyland Resort, being built across the street.