I don’t know about you, but I am ready to Rock! For the past nine years, Virginia Beach has been the host of the Rock ‘n Roll ½ Marathon over Labor Day Weekend and yes, I have run the race each year that I have been with the Virginia Beach CVB.  As an experienced meeting planner, I am sure you know what it is like to walk the convention floors for the 13 miles during your meetings and conventions, so I don’t need to tell you what it feels like to cross the finish line at the race or at the end of your convention. Both situations offer a major sense of accomplishment to say the least (and the need for a cold drink).

What makes the Rock ‘n Roll ½ Marathon in Virginia Beach so unique is the live bands on each mile of the course, a finish line on the beautiful oceanfront boardwalk, cheerleaders on the course and running-party atmosphere. After the race is over, we host a headliner concert right on the beach. The people and the destination make this race a huge success every year. If you don’t believe me, ask one of the 20,000 runners that participate every year!

I am confident that the same two ingredients listed above; the people and the destination, will make your next meeting in Virginia Beach a winner.

The attached picture is of my staff and I on race morning. I am the happy guy in the blue shirt who looks ready to run.

See you at the Finish Line – Bring it to the Beach!
Al

It’s been a busy summer for the Virginia Beach Convention Center!  Last month, we hosted nationally ranked high school wrestlers for the National Wrestling Open Championships, talented young dancers for the Starquest International Dance Competition, the Gem & Jewelry Show and a reception for 1,000 executives of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE) Conference . 

Not only are events keeping us busy, but our green efforts are moving right along as well.  Just recently, we ordered parking signs designated for drivers of hybrid vehicles and for those vehicles that are carpooling.  We are also working on signs to post around the building with little tidbits regarding eco-friendly functions related to that area. For instance, signs posted outside of our meeting suites would convey their use of energy efficient LED lighting and/or compact fluorescents in addition to other green info.

This month, we are happy to welcome nearly 4,000 attendees for the Black Expo, about 5,000 for the Antique Show and over 1,000 for the International Youth Event.  Recently, we re-booked the Mary Kay convention for 2011 and 2012 as well as the 2nd Annual Get Green Already conference that was held here in June. Never a dull moment at the VBCC!  Be sure to follow us for more detailed updates on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/VBCC and become of our Facebook page @ http://bit.ly/wLK7F