December is normally a quiet month at the convention center, but this year was the exception. Over 24,000 guests visited the center and in usual style, they came from a variety of places. Virginia Society for Technology in education brought nearly 1,200 educators from across the state December 3-5. For the second year in a row, and growing at a rapid pace, the Center hosted Virginia Holiday Duals 2016. This wrestling tournament with 2,400 athletes from 32 states generated 2,600 room nights. Both of these events are great examples of what the Convention and Visitors Bureau does for our citizens. While locals may not attend these events, or even be aware of them, these guests leave plenty of tax dollars behind and provide employment for our hospitality partners in December when it is most needed. To round the month out, VBCC hosted 11 holiday parties for local businesses and our military commands. The Center’s food service partner, Distinctive Gourmet fed over 8,000 guests, including 5,000 hungry Santas who will run the Surf-n-Santa 10 miler December 17th.
January kicks off with the 2017 National Judges Cup Gymnastics Meet January 6-8 followed by the annual Hampton Roads International Auto Show January 13-15. Rev your engines and come see us!
