Our pal Mr. Chris Hendley is now the Director of Special Events & Promotions for Lanier Islands. There are not many ways to improve the premier destination on Lake Lanier … except for Chris Hendley.
Chris spent the past 15 years serving the Georgia Force Arena Football League, Philips Arena, the non-profit group Right to Hike and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
We have no doubt that the impact Chris will have on Lanier Islands will rival that of Sunset Cove, the beach, and the waterpark all rolled into one. His sparkly personality will outshine all the Christmas lights that Lanier Islands used to have.
Chris is a master planner and a brilliant marketer. We believe he’ll attract new levels of entertainment and events at the Islands in no time and he’ll make sure that every guest will always be happy all the time. (Probably.)
I am personally excited to hear that Chris will be using his amazing talents at the Islands, especially after I personally offended him when he worked for the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. His exact words were, “You’re killing me!” after I wrote that the only good reason to get off an airplane in Atlanta was to come to Lanier Islands. No doubt that he agrees today.
In reference to his new job Chris stated, “I’m really excited about working with this talented group of folks and learning all about the resort industry. I believe that my experience with the Arena at Gwinnett Center – which afforded me the opportunity to build relationships with a wide variety of TV, radio and print partners to grow the brand, as well as agents and promoters to bring events to the facility – will prove invaluable in my new capacity as Director of Special Events & Promotions for the Islands.”
He went on to say, “They already do an amazing job with many of the events they currently have in place, such as their Full Moon Parties at Sunset Cove and their Fourth of July Celebration, which drew more than 11,000 guests last year. In addition to continuing those traditions, I will be focused on creating an atmosphere where people from throughout the region – including Alabama, Tennessee and the Carolinas – are drawn here through ‘travel-worthy’ events.”
Although the popularity of Lanier Islands continues to grow, Chris Hendley still believes it’s one of Atlanta’s best-kept secrets. He sees great potential in future festivals and music-oriented events. He plans to expand the Islands’ renowned Full Moon Parties – which run seasonally on Saturday nights near each full moon – even further in 2015.
Chris was a consultant to the Islands back in 2007. He’s very impressed with the many transformations this gorgeous lakeside resort has undergone since then, from the infrastructure, improved accommodations, LanierWorld and the challenging golf course.
“This is not the first time we’ve had the opportunity to work with Chris,” shared Lanier Islands’ CEO Mike Williams. “He was the Executive Director of Ticket Sales for the Georgia Force during the time that my father – Virgil – owned the arena football team. We are proud to welcome him back into the fold, and know he will bring that same level of enthusiasm and incredible work ethic to his role here. As a hospitality newcomer, I have no doubt that he will bring a fresh perspective to the Islands – along with a wealth of experience in event planning and brand growth.”
Chris joins a fabulous team at the Islands. His skills, attitude, experience and business contacts will make Lanier Islands better than ever.
As a founding member and previous President of Right To Hike, Inc. – a non-profit organization founded in memory of Meredith Emerson and committed to creating safety awareness for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts – Chris proved that he is more than a promoter. He knows how to work with the community to create meaningful and pleasant bonds.
When not hard at work at the Islands, Chris Hendley enjoys spending time on Lake Lanier. His wife, Leslie – who is considerably prettier and even nicer than Chris — is an avid paddle boarder and Auburn supporter, while Chris prefers to kayak and, occasionally, root for lesser teams.
Any organizations, companies and/or talent agencies interested in partnering with Lanier Islands for upcoming special events and promotions should contact Chris. You’ll find him to be easy to work with and a soon-to-be friend. You may reach him by calling 770-945-8787 or by e-mailing [email protected].
Congratulations, Chris Hendley! Your new position as Director of Special Events & Promotions is perfect for you and Lanier Islands! It’s also another great reason to get off airplanes that land in Atlanta.
Click Here for Chris Hendley at Lanier Islands
