Check out this great shot of our very own Jim Goggin, in Cleveland for the American Business Association (ABA) Marketplace. Stay warm up there, Jim.
Jim in Cleveland for ABA
Vote for Dave!
Here’s a great opportunity to support one of our own – Dave Orr of Whitlock, one of our VBCC contractors. Many have probably seen Dave walking around VBCC setting up screens, projectors and mics. He’s also our resident video wall content generator. You can always spot Dave because of his warm smile and can do attitude. He’s one of the reasons Whitlock is successful at VBCC. Dave is also a musician and could use your vote for his nominated We the Beautiful People Everywhere in Veer magazine’s Song of the Year Category. His band Tusko Fatale has in interesting story and they’ve been around for a few decades. Dave’s music and videos are uniquely different than today’s pop culture. Here’s his site:https://www.reverbnation.com/tuskofatale/song/27185630-we-beautiful-people-everywhere
You can vote for his song here: http://veermag.com/2017/01/6th-annual-veer-music-awards/ While there, you can vote for our own Beach Events American Music Festival and Beach Street USA.
Pictured: Dave is on the right with the beard.
Boardwalk Astronomers
The city’s boardwalk astronomy program was featured in the December edition of Reflector magazine. This unique program is a joint effort between the City, the Virginia Beach Public Schools Planetarium and the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers Club. Once a month between May and September, astronomers set up telescopes along the boardwalk at 24th Street for stargazing and celestial observation. The program has been in place since 2008 and has become so popular among visitors and residents that an arrangement is in place for an entire block of boardwalk lights to be shut off during this event.
CLICK HERE to read the full article.
2017 Convention Calendar
CLICK HERE for the 2017 Convention Calendar.
Giving Good: The New CSR Program
The CVB has partnered with Giving Good for give back opportunities related to meetings and conventions.
Nothing brings people together like a common cause.
In partnership with PCMA’s Giving Good program, One Beach, One World, helps planners meeting in Virginia Beach reach their corporate social responsibility goals by offering:
o meaningful experiences that delegates and attendees value
o shared enrichment that strengthens bonds among collaborators
o the chance to make an impact through volunteer efforts
CSR in Virginia Beach is special. Our coastal location and the area’s thriving military community offer unique ways to get involved. Activities range from participants rolling up their sleeves – and pants legs – to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay, to working on behalf of our troops, to providing care and assistance to people in need.
Click here to learn more about the outreach opportunities.
new marketing creative- check it out!
Check out some of our recent ads!
What’s New in Virginia Beach for 2017?
What’s New in Virginia Beach for 2017?
The Historic Cavalier Hotel Opens, Following a $70-million Renovation
The historic 1927 storied property, once considered to be the crown jewel of the mid-Atlantic oceanfront, will be brought to life when it reopens its doors this summer as a distinguished member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is undergoing a total refurbish and the addition of a luxurious spa, fine-dining restaurants, a bourbon distillery and more. Staying true to the meaning behind its name, the renovated Cavalier will bring back the days of elegant and refined hospitality, impeccable service and glamorous etiquette. www.CavalierHotel.com
The Area’s First Farmer-Driven Restaurant Now Owns New Earth Farm
Commune, Virginia Beach’s first farmer-owned restaurant, is the true definition of farm-to-table. Located within the ViBe Creative District, Kevin Jamison opened the zero-waste business in early 2016, with an on-site herb garden, as an extension of his love for homegrown, healthy and hearty food. Kevin has taken his dream to the next level, purchasing New Earth Farm – a working, sustainable and educational farm located in the local Pungo farming community. He has started building a solar-powered henhouse, which he expects to supply all of Commune’s eggs, and by March, he hopes to revive the farm’s “Food Lab” cooking, pickling and fermenting classes for visitors and locals alike. While the farm will be capable of supplying all of the restaurant’s produce needs, Commune will continue to seek out unique offerings from other regional growers and to collaborate with the local community, including a partnership with the area’s sustainable schools to improve their culinary programs. www.CommuneVB.com
Coastal Virginia Brewery, Smartmouth, Finds a New Home in Virginia Beach
Smartmouth Brewery Co. was crafted in our neighboring city, Norfolk. The craft brewery, which will be known as the “Pilot House,” is opening its second location at the Resort Beach this fall. Housed within a former post office, the fully-renovated space will feature a small-batch brewery system, private event space, a tasting room as well as an outdoor patio for guests to enjoy during the warmer months. This new oceanfront hotspot will continue Smartmouth’s mission to brew quality craft beer with an emphasis on flavor over flash. www.SmartmouthBrewing.com
Virginia Beach Welcomes the Destination’s First Hyatt Brand Hotel to the Oceanfront
A new Hyatt House hotel will make the Virginia Beach oceanfront its home when it opens its doors this spring. The 19-story, 156-room hotel, located at 27th Street will be the destination’s first Hyatt property, providing guests with a four-star lodging experience themed and inspired by the local beaches. Amenities will include a fully equipped fitness center, meeting space, indoor pool, 24-hour room service and a 5-foot backlit waterfall on Atlantic Avenue. www.virginiabeach.house.hyatt.com
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Prepares for 2018 Expansion
The Aquarium’s Marsh Pavilion is gearing up for more than $9 million in improvements, that when completed will include outdoor learning and play areas, a conservation garden, new exhibits and a veterinary wing, the Mid-Atlantic Marine Animal Conservation Center. Also home to The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium, the renovations will include an expansion of the aerial park, including additional ropes courses and a view platform across Owl’s Creek. Construction is slated to begin in 2018. www.VirginiaAquarium.com
There’s a Bird in the Building!
You never know what a day will bring at the VBCC! At some point during the snowstorm, a lonely bird found its way into the VBCC. Thanks to the quick actions and years of bird wrangling experience of a few staff, they were able to safely coax the bird out the door. Rumor has it there is video of the whole experience. Disclaimer: No animals were harmed in the production of this video.
Remembering When Obama Came to Town
In light of the farewell the country offers our president, Courtney Dyer has shared these great pictures of one of the Virginia Beach Convention Center’s top events from 2008. Although it was hard to gauge crowd size, we suspect it still holds a record for the most people to ever come into the building at one time. It was a night filled with energy and excitement.
Report: Tourism Fact Sheet 2015
CLICK HERE to see the Tourism Fact Sheet for 2015, including the Economic Impact of Tourism, Visitor Statistics and more.