The Power of Partnerships

The CVB recently partnered with the Virginia Arts Festival and Visit Norfolk in exhibiting at The LGBT Expo in New York City, the largest trade show of it’s kind in the US.

IMG_1486

IMG_1484

VBCC Comes to the Rescue for American Music Festival!

Team VBCC was happy to provide shelter for Saturday night headliners of the American Music Festival, and even happier that they were able to take place on the beach Sunday! Karen Foster (L) and Kay Crockett (R), both VBCC Ushers, were among the dozens of staff and contractors who pitched in to get Rock ’n Roll exhibitors and Brede Exhibition Services out of Hall B in order to open the doors for Rebelution and Michael Franti & Spearhead.

Over 4,000 guests enjoyed the event that otherwise would have been cancelled. Short notice didn’t stop team VBCC who at the last minute mustered a staff of event managers, ushers, housekeepers, maintenance staff, food service staff and contractors. Avery Burgess, VBCC’s Director of events appropriately called this an epic room flip. A special thanks goes to Avery for coordinating this event at the last minute and living it for more than 14 hours on Saturday.

IMG_20170902_175929803

Tourism on the Road

Jim Coggin recently attended the Student Youth & Travel Association(SYTA) conference in Albuquerque, NM with Tina Knight, Adventure Park, Jan Williamson, Best Western Sandcastle and Amy Miller, Best Western  Oceanfront. Between them, they had over 83 appointments with Tour Operators from the United States and Canada.

IMG_1456

2018 Shamrock Full & Half Marathon Course Change Highlights

  • J &A Racing requested and received an approved City of Virginia Beach Special Events Permit and will be unveiling a new race course for the 2018 Shamrock Marathon. The Shamrock Half Marathon and Full Marathon will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2018.
  • Course Change Highlights:
    • Half Marathon and Full Marathon runners will begin the race at the same time, utilizing the same start line and course. Both races will begin at 7:30 am.
    • The Shamrock Marathon course footprint will not change. No road closures will change, just the times of the road closures.
    • Half Marathon course will not change.
    • Full Marathon will change. Runners will begin at 41st Street start line and will proceed north through the North End/Oceanfront and Fort Story area for the first portion of the run. In the second portion of the run, they will head south on General Booth Blvd. and into Camp Pendleton.
      • First runners will get to Croatan neighborhood at 8:50 am.
      • After 8:50 am, cars will have police officer controlled access to S. General Booth Blvd.
      • Due to the race distance, individual runners will be more spread out than in previous years and will allow greater access in and out of the neighborhood.
    • Course Change Benefits:
      • Reduction in public/safety police manpower and subsequent costs.
      • Reduction in overall road closure by approximately one hour.
      • Reduction of impact on Atlantic Avenue and North End area.
    • Atlantic Avenue will remain open from 6th Street to 22nd Street from 7:45 am – 12:00 noon.
  • J&A Racing will have the ability to add a 4-person relay event giving additional runners the opportunity to participate.

    Shamrock Map

M&C On the Road

Team Virginia Beach attended Connect Marketplace 2017 in New Orleans and spent time connecting and networking with colleagues and prospective clients. This photo, taken 8/21/17, reflects the amazing partnership between the Virginia Beach CVB, our hotel and VTC partners, and current and future clients.

 

 

 

 

Marketing, Advertising, Tech & Travel Trends

Today’s experience-driven society shows that modern travelers are looking to one another for inspiration and affirmation: “Infographic: These Are the Images Travelers Share Most on Social Media

The Rise of “snackable” TV advertising spots: “Why Brands and Agencies Are Preparing for the Era of 6-Second Ads

Big developments from Google and ways to better leverage their products including: Google Assistant, Android O, Virtual Reality, and much more: “The 10 Biggest Announcements from Google I/O 2017”

 Airbnb launching premium service to compete directly with luxury travel hotels in an effort to attract more affluent travelers looking for a unique, but equally expensive, alternative to traditional lodging.

###

 

 

 

Maser Mural: Time Lapse Video

It’s not every day a world-class artist comes to town to leave his colorful mark behind. Check out this cool and upbeat time lapse video captured by our very own and very talented Will Smith:

On the Water: Waves for All

CVB Videographer Will Smith captured a glimpse of a unique theraputic surf program sponsored by our friends at Parks & Rec. Offered twice a year, this program is open to any child diagnosed with a disability; recreation center membership is not required nor is Virginia Beach residency. Visitors are welcome to participate.

Kudos to P&R for a terrific program and congrats to Will for this amazing video. Click below to check it out: