Business, casino and political officials are calling on Gov. Phil Murphy to ease COVID-19 regulations enough to allow conventions and trade shows to resume in Atlantic City.

The groups say that the convention industry generates nearly $2 billion in annual revenue for Atlantic City. They asked the governor to allow meetings to utilize available space at 50% of capacity, as is permitted on the gambling floors of the city’s nine casinos.

Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce President Michael Chait says a casino floor can be half full, but only 25 people can occupy an adjacent meeting room.

The Murphy administration says it will make several reopening announcements next week.

The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.