Despite Short Notice, Convention Center Team Pulls Together for Rubio Rally

When Florida Senator and presidential candidate Marco Rubio’s team booked on Thursday for Sunday evening’s rally, the Convention Center team had their work cut out for them. On top of the short notice, they were in the midst of the 2016 Virginia Fire and Rescue Conference and making final preparations for the 16th Annual VOW Bridal Show, both of which were being held on the same day as the rally. With an estimated 2500 attendees, hundreds of whom showed up early to wait in line, it is no small feat that the event was pulled off without a hitch. Senator Rubio’s team was very pleased with the efforts of the VBCC team, with lead advance member Joey Smith saying: “Thanks to your entire team. I know a campaign’s traveling show brings with it a few challenges and, at times, annoying requests. However, your entire team was incredible to work with and the team was very happy with the event. Thanks again and I look forward to doing another event with you all, hopefully sooner than later!”

Next up: The building is currently being flipped from the Fire and Rescue Conference to accommodate the DECA Conference and 3200 incoming kids!

Way to go VBCC team!!

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Visit Virginia Beach Facebook is Now in German!

To increase our visibility in the German speaking market and to intensify the relationship with our customers, we have implemented a German Facebook fan page “Entdecke Virginia Beach.” The page provides basic information in German about Virginia Beach and a link to the German Virginia Beach website, where more detailed information in German language can be found. We have created a first photo album to show how to “live the life”. in Virginia Beach. It is planned to upload destination videos as well. Regular posts will provide information about current events, new and all-time-favorite attractions and more. Therefore some of the posts of the English fan page will be translated into German, others will be created specifically for the German market.

Community Projects 2015

The Communications Unit participates in several community projects and initiatives to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders. The following is an update on community relations activities by our unit for December 2015:

LGBT: Tiffany was invited to meet with Laura Habr, Russell Lyons and Hampton Roads Pride to discuss potential programming for Virginia Beach. The CVB is a 2016 sponsor of Hampton Roads Pride.

Resort Block Conversations: Tiffany continues to attend community meetings with police and bar owners at oceanfront to discuss improvements to area. The ultimate goal of this group is to improve business practices to reduce crime in this area of the resort. The business owners are looking to model an association similar to the ViBe district to capitalize on tourism efforts.

Public Relations Society of America: The CVB is a sponsor of the PRSA Hampton Roads chapter for 2016. Tiffany chairing Pinnacle Awards committee, an awards luncheon to be held at VBCC in June. Thank you VBCC for your support!

VBHA Community Relations Committee: Teresa continues to serve on the VBHA Community Relations committee and was involved with the Hospitality for the Holidays give back program.

Thankful Thursdays!

We’re excited to announce a new annual tradition to help us get into the spirit of the season, celebrate a variety of holidays together, and most of all remind us to be thankful for each-other and all of life’s blessings.

We look forward to seeing you the next four weeks!