To meeting and event planners, continuing education is key. That’s how the City of Virginia Beach attracted more than 70 meeting planners, industry publications, restaurateurs, and hoteliers from throughout region to its Convention Center for the Get Green Already Conference. Featuring executives from the US Green Building Council, National Restaurant Association, Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants & Hotels (Proximity Hotel) and TFC Recycling, the expert panel educated the audience about the advantages of going green, how to budget for it, and how to measure its success. A photo slide show of the conference can be found here, courtesy of Organization Management Group, Inc.

During the conference, the City of Virginia Beach proudly announced a partnership with Green Meetings Industry Council (GMIC) and The Convene Green Alliance. Teaming up with these types of organizations will enhance Virginia Beach’s position to market the destination to the rapidly growing segment of meeting planners who want and need a green/eco-friendly destination for their clients.
 
As the first green destination in the Commonwealth with more than 90 Virginia Green certified restaurants, hotels, attractions and events, Virginia Beach is paving the way for a greener tomorrow.

Photo: Lynne Forsman, Green Meetings Industry Council (GMIC) (left.) Al Hutchinson, (center) and Tracey Messina, Executive Director, The Convene Green Alliance (right).

Thanks for stopping by. Our convention sales team is on a roll with new groups booking future events like the U.S. Field Hockey National Indoor Tournament, a 2-year contract; USA Track & Field (USATF) Annual Convention in December 2010; the National Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) in 2010 and 2013; the International Reading Association in 2011; and the Rejuvenate Marketplace in 2013. And there’s more to come on that.

We’re also very excited to announce that the search for a headquarters hotel adjacent to the Virginia Beach Convention Center is moving forward and proposals have been narrowed down to two major contenders. Plans are also underway for a new entertainment center on 19th Street where visitors can enjoy dining, retail, and theater establishments with attractions for all age groups.

On behalf of the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, I want to welcome you to the Bring It to the Beach blog. This is our chance to give you breaking news when you want it –NOW!  Did you know that the Virginia Beach Convention Center was the first green convention center in the commonwealth? Did you know that plans are in motion to secure a headquarters hotel and a new entertainment center at the Oceanfront? Did you know that Virginia Beach produced its first-ever sports event, the Cyclo Cross Winter Endurance, in January? This is the type of information my staff and I will post here as news develops, as well as interesting industry articles that I have found to help meeting planners in this ever-changing economy.