2010 Virginia Meeting & Conference Planner A guide to planning your business meeting or conference 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g A message to corporate meeting planners Welcome to the 2010 edition of the Virginia Business Meeting & Conference Planner. Whether you are planning a large convention or a small off-site retreat, this guide is designed to assist in finding an ideal location. The commonwealth is home to many excellent facilities that can meet your individual or company needs. Virginia has many fine destinations available to support your recreational, networking and team-building goals.  If you are traveling within Virginia, the good news is that everything you need for an excellent meeting can be found near home.  If you are considering meetings in Virginia from elsewhere, please come and experience firsthand why Virginia is rated #1 by Forbes.com as a business-friendly state.  Virginia Business’ audience research indicates that 43 percent of our readers’ companies will be holding off-site meetings within the next 12 months. Eighty-five percent of those holding meetings will hold two or more off-site events in the next year. In addition, our readers are heavy travelers to locations within the state of Virginia. Eighty-eight percent of them report taking a trip in Virginia within the past 12 months, and one out of three of these have taken five or more trips within Virginia in the past year. This meeting and travel planner is designed to do one of the things that Virginia Business does best — bring readers and advertisers together to encourage business growth.  We hope that you will enjoy reading this year’s Meeting & Conference Planner. As always, we welcome your comments or suggestions on how we might improve future editions. In addition to the print version, additional information and updates can be found at www.virginiabusiness.com.  Here’s to successful meetings!  Bernie Niemeier President & Publisher [email protected] & C o n f e r e n c e P l a n n e r Index Vi r g i n i a ’s d iv e r s e r e g i o n s o f f e r a m p l e m e e t i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s 26 Conference Guide 28 Vi r g i n i a ’s d i s t r i c t r e g i o n s 30 Central 32 Vi r g i n i a H a m p t o n Ro a d s - Pe n i n s u l a 34 H a m p t o n Ro a d s - S o u t h s i d e 40 N o r t h e r n Vi r g i n i a 46 S h e n a n d o a h Va l l e y 48 S o u t h e r n Vi r g i n i a 49 S o u t h we s t Vi r g i n i a 50 Pinehurst, N.C. 53 ON THE COVER From top: National Conference Center, Hilton Richmond Conference Center and Spa at Short Pump, Boar’s Head Inn, Virginia Beach Convention Center, The Jefferson Hotel, Institute of Advanced Learning and Research ADVERTISING SECTION Virginia Business 25 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C o n f e r e n c e P l a n n e r An ideal setting Virginia’s diverse regions offer ample meeting opportunities W hether you are seeking an idyllic retreat or a site in the center of it all, Virginia likely offers the meeting facility you desire. Virginia is fortunate to be rich in natural beauty and history. Its diverse geography lends itself to a variety of picturesque settings, from breath-taking mountain ranges and dense forests to gleaming waterways and sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. The state’s wide-ranging tourist attractions also make it easy to entertain meeting participants. Virginia is home to the site of the first permanent English colony and numerous battlefields of the Revolutionary and Civil wars. In addition, Virginia’s geography offers a variety of outdoor activities to keep guests entertained. This guide features some of Virginia’s most prominent meeting facilities. From large-scale conference centers to eloquent inns and lavish resorts, the guide allows meeting planners to see the wide range of facilities Virginia has to offer. Whether you’re planning a small business luncheon, multiday conference or a major trade show, the details can be stressful. Virginia’s convention and visitor’s bureaus and tourism offices can provide help with all details: from finding the right event site, to selecting restaurants and organizing tours. They also can help you find motivational speakers. For more information, visit www.virginia. org/meetings. If you want your meeting to really stand out, consider holding a “green” event. For larger conferences and conventions, use social media to generate buzz before, during and after the event. Following are recommendations on both. 26 OCTOBER 2010 Meeting “green” Environmental awareness is becoming increasingly important. Choosing to put on a “green” meeting can go a long way toward attracting participants. It can also help you reduce waste…and may even save you money. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality offers the following tips on how event planners can put on “green” meetings or conferences: • Provide conference information electronically (email or website). • Use paper that is at least 30 percent from recycled paper. Print on both sides of each page. • Choose facilities that are located close to transportation spots (such as airports and major interstates). • Allow electronic registration. • Use reusable crates to transport conference materials. • Try to provide accurate attendance figures to hotels and convention centers to reduce food waste. • Provide participants with information on using public transportation. • Let your participants know that you are holding a “green” event. Environmental stewardship is a major initiative for the Virginia tourism industry. That is why the Virginia Tourism Corp., the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association have teamed up to recognize tourist attractions, hotels and meeting facilities that have environmentally sound practices. As of July 2010, more than 700 restaurants, hotels, convenADVERTISING SECTION tions centers and tourist sites had receive the Virginia Green designation. To qualify for the designation, convention and conference centers must take steps to conserve water and energy, implement recycling programs, reduce disposable/plastic foam waste and offer “green” or “environmentally friendly” conference and meeting packages. Hotels and convention centers that achieve these standards can display the Virginia Green logo on their websites and promotional materials. Generate excitement through social media Social media is now a reality. The variety of tools out there can be intimidating, but your conference will become more lively and engaging if you use at least a few of them. Offer some tools, and your conference goers will be more engaged than ever. First, use social media to generate excitement for your event. Advertise your events on multiple outlets. Consider posting your events on LinkedIn (linkedin.com), EventBrite(eventbrite. com), Facebook Events or Upcoming (upcoming.org). Set up Facebook pages and ask your conference goers to “follow” you on Twitter and become a “fan” on Facebook. You could even collect this information as people register. Use these tools to promote news about the event. For example, announce when new speakers are confirmed or event activities are added. You also can remind people about registration deadlines. If you want to allow people to be- 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n come even more involved, let them vote on topics or activities offered at the conference through tools such as Poll Daddy (www.polldaddy) or TweetPoll (tweetpoll.codeplex.com). You could even have them vote on something as simple as what meals or snacks will be served. Video can be a fun way to get people excited about the conference. You don’t need expensive equipment. Post a promotional video on YouTube, in Twitter or Facebook. The video could include interviews with past participants or a message from your CEO. Keep it short, and you could go a long way. During the event, continue to use social media to keep up enthusiasm. Create #hashtags (symbols that allow twitterers to follow what people are saying on a specific topic) on Twitter g & C o n f e r e so you can follow “tweets” about your event. Continue to tweet on your own site and encourage followers to tweet throughout the event. You even could consider using Twitter to promote contests and trivia throughout the event. Encourage your sponsors to become involved by offering prizes. Create a Flickr (www.flickr.com) page for the event. Again, you won’t need a fancy camera. Share the site with conference attendees and encourage them to take and upload photos. If you have vendors at the conference, encourage them to participate by uploading photos of their booths. This will provide great exposure for them and may help attendees discover whose booths they want to be sure and visit. You can also use YouTube in the ADVERTISING SECTION n c e P l a n n e r same way as Flickr during the event. Interview attendees, speakers, sponsors and vendors and provide a link on your website. After the event, continue to follow up with social media. This approach can help you promote your convention next year. Post links to video, photos and presentations on your company website. Consider providing transcripts of the tweets submitted about the conference. Session Tweets (www. sessiontweets.com) allows you to take Twitter hashtags to create PDFs. Does this all sound Greek to you? Social media is simple to use. The best way to start is to get into each program and play around with it. If you are still uncomfortable, find the youngest person in your office and put them in charge of social media at your next conference. Virginia Business 27 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C o n f e r e n c e P l a n n e r Conference Guide Meeting facility Location Conference space (in square feet) Banquet capacity Guest rooms Telephone central virginia The Boar’s Head Charlottesville 22,000 450 170 (434) 972-2224 The Jefferson Richmond 26,000 440 262 (804) 649-4612 Hampton Roads Convention Center Hampton 160,000 5,700 N/A (800) 487-8778 Newport News Marriott at City Center Newport News 25,000 1,000 256 (757) 873-9299 Colonial Williamsburg Williamsburg 67,000 1,000 1,051 (800) 822-9127 Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg 14,500 350 405 (757) 229-9700 Kingsmill Resort Williamsburg 16,000 450 425 (800) 982-2892 Chesapeake Conference Center Chesapeake 22,700 1,300 N/A (757) 382-2500 Norfolk Waterside Convention Connection** Norfolk 121,000 ** ** (757) 622-6664 Suffolk Conference Center Suffolk 14,000 500 150 (757) 514-4130 Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center Virginia Beach 16,000 350 295 (757) 481-9000 The Founders Inn and Spa Virginia Beach 25,000 1,000 240 (757) 366-5716 Virginia Beach Convention Center Virginia Beach 210,000 9,400 N/A (757) 385-2000 hampton roads - peninsula hampton roads - southside ** Varies at each property 28 OCTOBER 2010 ADVERTISING SECTION 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g Meeting facility & C o Location n f e r e n c e P l a n n e r Conference space (in square feet) Banquet capacity Guest rooms 92,000 1,700 548-5555 N/A (540) ext. 105 Telephone northern virginia Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center Fredericksburg The National Conference Center Leesburg 265,000 1,644 250 (877) 363-3108 Staunton 8,500 400 124 (540) 885-4848 Danville 25,000 550 N/A (434) 766-6700 Wytheville 12,000 500 N/A (276) 223-3416 North Carolina 60,000 800 220 (877) 689-3741 shenandoah valley Stonewall Jackson Hotel southern virginia The Institute Conference Center southwest virginia Wytheville NORTH CAROLINA Pinehurst *Includes multiple properties ADVERTISING SECTION Virginia Business 29 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C o n f e r e n c e P l a Virginia’s district regions e r Counties: Charles City, James City, New Kent and York Cities and towns: Hampton, Poquoson, Newport News Williamsburg and Yorktown Featured advertisers: The Boar’s Head, Charlottesville The Jefferson, Richmond Hampton Roads - Southside Region includes: Counties: Albemarle, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Hanover, Bedford, Buckingham, Campbell, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Henrico, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Nottoway, Orange, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George, Southampton and Sussex Cities and towns: Ashland, Bedford, Blackstone, Charlottesville, Colonial Heights, Farmville, Franklin, Hopewell, Lynchburg, Petersburg, Richmond Featured advertisers: Chesapeake Conference Center, Chesapeake Norfolk Convention & Visitors Bureau Suffolk Division of Tourism Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center, Virginia Beach The Founders Inn and Spa, Virginia Beach Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach Region includes: Chesapeake Bay Counties: Isle of Wight and Surry Cities and towns: Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Smithfield, Suffolk and Virginia Beach Region includes: Counties: Middlesex, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, King William, King & Queen, Mathews, Westmoreland, Essex, Gloucester and King George Cities and towns: Kilmarnock, Warsaw, Urbanna, West Point, Colonial Beach, Tappahannock, Gloucester, Irvington Northern Virginia Featured advertisers: Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center Fredericksburg The National Conference Center, Leesburg Eastern Shore Region includes: Counties: Northampton and Accomack Cities and towns: Accomac, Cape Charles, Chincoteague Island, Exmore, Onancock, Tangier Island, Wachapreague Hampton Roads - Peninsula Featured advertisers: Hampton Roads Convention and Visitors Bureau Newport News Tourism Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg Great Wolf Lodge, Williamsburg Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg Region includes: Counties: Rappahannock, Fauquier, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun and Culpeper County Cities and towns: Alexandria, Arlington, Centreville, Culpeper, Dulles, Falls Church, Fairfax City, Fredericksburg, Front Royal, Herndon, Leesburg, Manassas Park, Manassas, McLean, Occoquan, Reston, Spotsylvania, Springfield, Triangle, Vienna, Warrenton, Woodbridge, Washington, VA, Washington, D.C . WYTHEVILLE SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA OCTOBER 2010 n Region includes: Central Virginia 30 n ADVERTISING SECTION SHENANDO VALLEY 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C Shenandoah Valley o n f e r e n c e P l a n n e r Southern Virginia Featured advertiser: Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center, Staunton Featured advertiser: The Institute Conference Center, Danville Region includes: Counties: Brunswick, Charlotte, Greensville, Henry, Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg and Pittsylvania Cities and towns: Danville, Emporia, Martinsville, South Boston and South Hill Region includes: Counties: Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Clarke, Craig, Frederick, Highland, Page, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Warren Cities and towns: Buena Vista, Clifton Forge, Covington, Front Royal, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Luray, Roanoke, Salem, Staunton, Waynesboro, Winchester Southwest Virginia Featured advertiser: City of Wytheville Region includes: Counties: Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, Wise, Bland, Carroll, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, Smyth, Washington and Wythe Cities and towns: Bluefield, Grundy, Norton, Tazewell, Abingdon, Blacksburg, Bristol, Christiansburg, Damascus, Galax, Marion, Pulaski , Rocky Mount, Radford and Wytheville LEESBURG NORTHERN VIRGINIA FREDERICKSBURG STAUNTON CHARLOTTESVILLE CHESAPEAKE BAY OAH EASTERN SHORE RICHMOND CENTRAL VIRGINIA WILLIAMSBURG NEWPORT NEWS HAMPTON HAMPTON ROADS SOUTHSIDE SOUTHERN VIRGINIA HAMPTON ROADS PENINSULA NORFOLK VIRGINIA BEACH CHESAPEAKE SUFFOLK DANVILLE SOURCE: Virginia Tourism Corp. ADVERTISING SECTION Virginia Business 31 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C o n f e r e n c e P l a n n e r Central Virginia The Boar’s head Charlottesville The Boar’s Head provides tranquil escape At The Boar’s Head every meeting is a breakout session with 573-acres of endless views, walking paths and lakes complimented by high-tech facilities. Business as usual is cooking classes held in the kitchen with our chefs, cardboard regattas or donating a day to build a Habitat House. Hold a regional sales meeting or roll out an internal initiative on the veranda, on our manicured lawns, poolside, or in 22,000 square feet of classic meeting space uniquely suited to your needs. Many of our private function rooms offer special features such as fireplaces and other residential-style appointments. Our catering managers help plan and coordinate everything from the preferred water you drink to even the most complex privacy/security details. The Boar’s Head offers 170-rooms featuring poster beds; including 11 suites ideal for guests who appreciate additional space and amenities. The 32 OCTOBER 2010 resort also offers balloon rides embarking out our front door and private wine tours. Spa services, public Audubon-certified golf course and a sports/ fitness center boasting 26 indoor and outdoor tennis courts are also available on this Top 50 U.S. Tennis Resort. ADVERTISING SECTION Forget the usual continental breakfast; cuisine at The Boar’s Head is unforgettable. With inspired interpretations drawing on Virginia’s history, our chefs design refreshing menu selections with impeccable flair unique to your event, utilizing the freshest offerings of the Central Virginia region. Enjoy cocktails in the Bistro, smoothies at The Café and extraordinary views at Birdwood Grill. Savor AAA FourDiamond dining in The Old Mill Room, the only restaurant in Virginia to have retained the coveted Four-Diamond award for 23 consecutive years. The Boar’s Head is the ideal destination for successful, memorable meetings and executive retreats at an incomparable value. From check-in until we say “Thank you and please come again,” our staff is anxious to serve you. Call our meeting planners today at 434.972.2224 or complete an RFP on our website at www.BoarsHeadInn.com. 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C o n f e r Central Virginia e n c e P l a n n e r THE JEFFERSON Richmond The Jefferson: Modern amenities in a historic gem Designed by Carrere and Hastings, the leading New York architectural firm of its day, and decorated with the finest furnishings, The Jefferson instantly became the center of Richmond’s social, political and business circles upon opening in 1895. In 2010, meetings at The Jefferson set the standard by which all other venues try to emulate. The beauty of the architecture featured in over 26,000 square feet of space is enhanced by the versatility in size and décor of the 19 different, distinct rooms. Although historic in look, The Jefferson is on the leading edge of meetings technology. Each space can be equipped with the latest in sound, video and lighting technology. The Jefferson again sets the standard by offering the equipment and bandwidth to provide a seamless video conferencing experience. Most notably, meeting guests will appreciate the attention to service and culi- nary tradition of excellence for which this Five Star/Five Diamond award winning property is famous. Our experienced Catering and Sales Managers lead each planner through the process of booking the finest meeting or event. From there our professional Convention Services Managers execute every detail in perfect concert with our banquet and culinary staff. If your attendees value fine food with a nod to Southern traditions and European grace, The Jefferson won’t disappoint. While our menus are extensive, the chef takes great pride in working directly with our customers to tailor each dining or event experience. Perhaps our greatest achievement is offering all of these amazing services and in a way that supports our natural environment. The Jefferson was Richmond’s first Green Lodging certified hotel. We look forward to hosting your next Jefferson experience! Make a name for yourself with The Jefferson’s superior level of service and planning expertise. Dedicated banquet managers, superb food, the latest technology and attention to detail can ensure a productive and memorable meeting in Richmond’s most unique meeting environment. For more information, call 804.649.4612 jeffersonhotel.com CorpTravelAd-4.875x4.75.indd 1 ADVERTISING SECTION Virginia Business 8/27/08 3:37:04 PM 33 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n hampton g & C o n f e r e n c e P l a n n e r Hampton Roads- Peninsula Hampton — A stellar location in the center of it all Hampton, with spectacular waterfront vistas, a 400-year history, worldclass attractions and the 344,000-squarefoot Hampton Roads Convention Center, has an array of meeting, athletic, and performance venues fulfilling event planners’ specialized needs. Convening delegates benefit from Hampton’s location in Southeastern Virginia’s geographic center and the proximity of exceptional shopping and dining at the Peninsula Town Center, the Power Plant of Hampton Roads, charming Downtown Hampton, and historic Phoebus. Hampton’s legacy as home of Freedom’s Fortress, founding site of NASA, and the center of early 20th-century seafood commerce is apparent in its special events, water-recreation opportunities, rich Civil War sites and African-American heritage. The Virginia Air & Space Center with the Riverside 3D IMAX Theater is a dynamic attraction appealing to all ages, but also serves as a unique venue for special events. Waterfront parks, The American Theatre, Hampton University Museum, Fort Monroe, and the Miss Hampton II harbor tour boat are just a few of the other attractions that double as event sites. Hampton is also home to iconic Hampton Coliseum, Hampton University Convocation Center, and the Boo Williams Sportsplex — a specially designed venue with indoor floor space to accommodate up to 8 simultaneous basketball games and seating for up to 4,000. More than 3,000 hotel rooms are close to the Hampton Roads Convention Center’s 35 flexible meeting spaces, which include a 108,000-square-foot exhibit hall and a grand ballroom seating 2,000. The center shares its campus with Embassy Suites Hotel and the Hampton Coliseum. Vibrant Peninsula Town Center, located within blocks of the convention center, features department stores, specialty retailers, and culinary delights. A lively town square is ideal for conference and event ice-breakers. Nearby, NASCAR Sports Grille and Luckie’s Dueling Pianos recently opened at the Power Plant of Hampton Roads, flattering an exciting palette of theme restaurants and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. To stage your event, convention or competition in Hampton, contact Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau at 800-487-8778 or go to www.visithampton.com for additional destination information. We built it and you came. And you came back. And you came back. Thank you for giving our new convention center a chance to shine. Looking back on our first five years, we’re especially grateful to our returning meeting planners. Thank you for your continued business. www.thehrcc.com www.visithampton.com 800-487-8778 34 OCTOBER 2010 ADVERTISING SECTION 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C o n f e r e Hampton Roads- Peninsula n c e P l a n n e r Situated on the eastern edge of the Virginia Peninsula, just a short drive to Virginia Beach and the Historic Triangle, Newport News is an ideal meeting location. Our full-service hotels can easily accommodate small to mid-size conferences, meetings and reunions, while our special venues will take your meeting out of the ordinary. Newport News has over 4,200 rooms and six fullservice hotels with more than 52,000 square feet of meeting space. The largest single meeting space is 12,000 square feet. Newport News, Where Great Things Are Happening, is headquarters to more than 20 international firms and two national laboratories and offers excellent transportation access via car, train and plane. Meeting attendees can choose from two convenient airports: Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport and Norfolk International Airport. Both offer taxi, shuttle or limousine services to Newport News hotels. The Newport News Tourism De- dining, shopping and group services. Also available are our popular Meeting Planners Checklist and Site Inspection Handbook. Additionally, Newport News offers a fun and rewarding pre- or post-meeting experience. Our nationally-known museums celebrate nature, the sea and our nation’s military heritage and our 8,000-acre park is perfect for teambuilding. A lively entertainment calendar and hundreds of shopping and dining choices, including specialty stores and chef-owned restaurants, complete the picture. newport news Newport News: Big-city amenities in a small-city setting velopment Office has several special services designed to make a meeting planner’s life a little easier. Our Convention Services Program offers complimentary welcome bags, name badges, promotional materials and a coupon book filled with discounts and free coupons for city restaurants, services, attractions and amenities. A personal welcome and greeting from city leaders and tourism professionals can also be arranged. We also offer a complimentary welcome table during registration, staffed by one of the Newport News Visitor Center travel counselors. They can provide attendees with suggestions and advice on local attractions, amenities, services and directions, or simply answer questions. Free meeting planner publications include a Group Planner, with comprehensive information on accommodations, amenities, attractions, area history, traditional meeting facilities and special venues, transportation, Newport News Tourism Development Office 700 Town Center Drive, Suite 320 Newport News, VA 23606 (757) 926-1400 or (888) 493-7386 www.newport-news.org Contact: Cheryl Morales, Marketing Manager [email protected] Take A Break [ Unique Meeting Venues ] [ Groups up to 1,000 ] 1/2 hor [ Personal Meeting Planner ] Bring the family! newport-news.org ADVERTISING SECTION Virginia Business 35 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C o n f e r e n c e P l a n n e r Colonial Williamsburg Williamsburg Hampton Roads- Peninsula Our secret to successful events. Revealed. Colonial Williamsburg has been hosting successful events for years. And we pride ourselves on exceeding expectations. But the truth is, sometimes we just have to say no. Like no, we won’t skip a detail, even the most minuscule one. Or no, we won’t settle for mediocre, from the hightech services we provide to the mints on our pillows. No, your event won’t be just like last year’s, it will be better. We confidently say no to average. To inflexibility. To the same old routine. Yes, that’s our secret to success. Something we know quite well. If square footage is just the beginning, we make a grand entrance. We offer over 67,000 square feet of updated, flexible space — comfortable and elegant and equipped with up-todate technology such as Wi-Fi and the latest audiovisual equipment. From over-the-top to quaint and intimate, we have the space and budget flexibility to make it happen. The Virginia Ballroom is large enough to host fullscale concerts. The Williamsburg Woodlands Conference Center can handle large corporate events and grand galas with ease. And the Williamsburg Inn conference site’s more intimate space has played a part in many unforgettable events. So you’ve just hosted the biggest and best event ever, now what? Your guests can literally walk to their rooms, freshen up, and then take a nice stroll to dinner. With our campus-like setting, it really is that easy. And our incredible variety of lodging options make planning a breeze, too. The Williamsburg Inn creates that home- away-from-home experience in an unparalleled luxury atmosphere. The Inn’s guest rooms average 500 square feet and feature English Regency-style furnishings. The Williamsburg Lodge surrounds guests in a cozy, Southern family home ambience. It features Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museuminspired furnishings. The Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites is another great option, with suites that include a comfortable lounging room. Just outside their doorstep, there are 20 restaurants within walking distance. You can plan for a large catered dinner or guests can pick and choose their own dining experiences. And downtime is no different. There are three award-winning golf courses to play on, eight tennis courts, five pools and a full-service spa known for the most blissful massages on the planet. For the shop-till-you-droppers, we feature over 50 distinctive stores and boutiques. And just when you think you’ve got it all planned perfectly, your guests will run into a fabulous live street performance and happily miss their afternoon activities altogether. It happens. There are delightfully unexpected surprises around every corner. Yet another reason why Colonial Williamsburg wins the event industry’s most prestigious awards year after year. Not only is it easy to get around once you’re here, it’s even easier to get here. There are three international airports nearby. And since Colonial Williamsburg is located between Richmond and Norfolk on I-64, traveling by car is just as simple. Flexible event space and budgets. Lots of lodging options. Plenty of incredible restaurants and worldclass attractions — all within walking distance. And we’re easy to get to. Your next event here will practically plan itself. Go to colonialwilliamsburg.com/meetings or call 1-800-822-9127 or 1-757-220-7600 to begin your success story. 36 OCTOBER 2010 ADVERTISING SECTION 2 0 1 0 M e e t i great wolf lodge Williamsburg n g & C o n f e r e n c e P l a n n e r Hampton Roads- Peninsula Amaze meeting attendees at the Great Wolf Lodge contests and dock Want to throw a their iPods. The lodge conference guests also offers the Iron will remember? Horse Fitness Room Then you should to stay in shape and consider holding the Elements Spa Sayour next executive lon for relaxation. meeting or conferThe Great Wolf ence at the Great Lodge offers 14,500 Wolf Lodge, where square feet of flexmeeting attendees ible meeting space. will be amazed and The space includes amused. The staff in-house catering, at the Great Wolf the latest in audioviLodge is prepared sual technology, and to help planners wireless, high-speed meet their business Internet. The Grand goals and make Oak Ballroom can a lasting impression.  The lodge allows for plenty of “play” time when the meet- seat 350 in a banquet setting and 450 in a theater style.  The Great Wolf Lodge features 405 family-sized suites ings are over for the day. The lodge features a 79,000-squarefoot indoor water park, the Northern Lights Arcade and the and two Northwoods-themed restaurants and a contempogr8_space tech center, where guests can enter video gameT:7.5”rary café. Optimize business and fun. Whatever your business meeting calls for, Great Wolf Lodge® offers a conventional meeting space in a setting that’s anything but. We’ll make sure that you get exactly the kind of meeting you need, with customizable group menus, professional facilities and meeting planners who understand how to tailor the perfect event. Add in our incredible on-site activities and you’ll have a meeting that’s both productive and memorable. T:4.75” Williamsburg, VA 1-757-229-9700 greatwolf.com Focus. Food. Fun! Great Wolf Lodge is proud to be the first—and only—hotel chain to have all U.S. properties Green Seal™ Certified–Silver and meet the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Lodging Properties for waste minimization, water, energy efficiency, hazardous substances handling, and environmentally responsible purchasing. 38 OCTOBER 2010 ADVERTISING SECTIONBusiness) GWLP-1243 (Virginia 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C o n f e r e Hampton Roads- Peninsula n c e P l a n n e r Kingsmill Resort Williamsburg Kingsmill: Royal treatment along the beautiful James River Kingsmill Resort is situated on 2,900 protected acres along the James River in historic Williamsburg, Virginia. Indulge in beautiful accommodations and great dining, perfect your swing on a choice of three courses and treat yourself to decadent spa services. Kingsmill Resort reigns sovereign with meeting planners, offering 16,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting, banquet and conference facilities. Sixteen meeting rooms with soundproofing, adjustable lighting, individual climate controls and stateof-the-art audiovisual equipment put meeting planners in control of hosting the perfect event. Two break rooms provide areas for smaller gatherings throughout the day. Kingsmill’s two majestic ballrooms — the James River Grand Ballroom and the Burwell Plantation Ballroom — feature more than 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space. To aid meeting planners, Kingsmill employs a dedicated and attentive conference planning staff to serve not only as a resource for meeting planning information, but to assist meeting planners throughout the implementation of their event. A Conference Concierge remains on-site during events to assist with support services such as photocopying, faxing and limited secretarial duties. Concierges can also assist with planning recreational activities, on-property dinner reservations, tee times and spa appointments. Renowned as Virginia’s largest golf resort, Kingsmill boasts three 18-hole championship golf courses available for play throughout the year and the nine-hole, par-3 Bray Links perfect for business functions. And, with distinct, fine, and casual restaurants, there’s an atmosphere and a menu for every mood and craving. Meet with us. Your Kingdom Awaits. For more information call (800) 982-2892 or visit www.kingsmill.com. ADVERTISING SECTION Virginia Business 39 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C o n f e r e n c e P l a n n e r Hampton Roads- Southside chesapeake conference center Chesapeake Top-quality service creates memorable events Hold a conference or workshop at the Chesapeake Conference Center and you’ll ensure that your participants have an unforgettable experience. Equipped with flexible meeting space, an attentive and experienced staff and a prime location, the Chesapeake Conference Center is an ideal place to hold your next business event. The Chesapeake Conference Center, the only freestanding conference and meeting center in Hampton Roads, is easily accessible with 340 spaces of free on-site parking. Its versatile 22,700 square feet of meeting and banquet space can handle a variety of business and recreational needs, ranging from team-building workshops, business conferences, weddings, reunions, receptions and family gatherings. For trade shows, the center can handle up to 200 10-foot exhibit booths. The nine-foot ceiling height meeting rooms are equipped with a wide range of audiovisual technology, WiFi access with multi-room networking and décor possibilities can be changed to match the desired mood of your event. The Chesapeake Conference Center is known for its personal attention to detail, and skilled staff. The professional sales team can handle Annual Meetings, Awards Dinners, Sales Conferences, Seminars Company’s Coming and We’re Ready 757-382-2500 chesapeakeconference.com 40 OCTOBER 2010 ADVERTISING SECTION all the service and equipment needed for events and act as a liaison to the Center’s catering and audio-visual departments. They can also help with the critical aspects of event planning, including transportation, registration, accommodations, group tours and offsite events. The Center’s gourmet culinary staff ensures exceptional cuisine, whether you plan an exquisite banquet or inviting buffet. The Chesapeake Conference Center is located in an ideal site, just 15 minutes from Norfolk International Airport and two minutes to Interstate 64. The Chesapeake Conference Center is also close to a variety of tourist attractions and 650 affordable hotel rooms within walking distance. The region’s best shopping and entertainment options are within a one mile of the Center. 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C o n f e r Hampton Roads- Southside e n c e P l a n n e r norfolk Norfolk provides array of conventional and unique meeting venues While the seaport city of Norfolk, Virginia, already boasts outstanding meeting facilities, a series of unique, offsite venues provide planners with even more options. The city’s famed cultural centers, historic theaters, museums, zoo and river cruises double as alternative meeting venues. Additionally, for those meetings and events that require a more traditional space, the destination’s downtown hotels and convention center offer the ideal setting. Hotels in Norfolk provide over 5,000 rooms and nearly 500,000 square feet of total meeting space, complete with the latest in modern audio and visual equipment. The dedicated professionals at VisitNorfolk are ready to ensure that your meeting or convention is the best it can be. Our award-winning sales team is here to assist you in any way possible, and VisitNorfolk’s convention services team can assist with conference registration, housing, event planning, photographers, caterers, requests to the Mayor’s office and other local dignitaries, and much more. VisitNorfolk also provides meeting planner guides and promotional materials for groups. The public relations department at VisitNorfolk offers assistance with coordinating press releases and local media coverage. Additionally, VisitNorfolk can help groups find unique off-site venues for convention meetings and functions. With 144 miles of beautiful shoreline, Norfolk has become home to a wide array of water sports and boating excursions. Whether by private or public boat, sailboat or yacht, sailing Norfolk’s Elizabeth River offers spectacular downtown views. Multiple river cruises are easily accessible from downtown Norfolk’s Town Point Park, conveniently located within walking distance of many area hotels. Norfolk’s bustling downtown district, including more than 80 chef-owned restaurants, reads like a culinary map of the world, with stops in India, Greece, France, Spain, among others, but certainly not without overlooking Virginia’s beloved, hometown fare. For more information, please contact VisitNorfolk at www.visitnorfolktoday.com or phone 1-800-368-3097. So many points of view to make your meeting a success. See for yourself how easy and simple we can make meeting in Norfolk. In fact, you’ll find the value you receive as attractive as the many amenities you and your attendees will discover when you book a meeting in Norfolk, the heart of the Virginia Waterfront. v i s i tn o rf o l k to d a y. c o m | 1 -8 0 0 -3 6 8 -3 0 9 7 ADVERTISING SECTION Virginia Business 41 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n suffolk g & C o n f e r e n c e P l a n n e r Hampton Roads- Southside Influential people have been meeting here for over 400 years. So, when can we expect you? They all met here. The Nansemond Indians and Captain John Smith, the English colonists, George Washington, the Continental and British armies, the North and the South. And an Italian businessman, Amedeo Obici, met with success when he founded Planters Peanuts. Now, we are ready to welcome you. Shop our downtown boutiques, explore our museums, dine gourmet or any way you like, or golf your way through five challenging courses. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, explore the history, mystery and lore of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. It once served as a route to freedom for runaway slaves. Today, the 112,000-acre refuge is open to hiking, biking, photography, wildlife observation, fishing and boating. Our convenient and well-appointed accommodations and meeting facilities anticipate your every need, but it’s our hospitality that will keep you coming back. So what’s keeping you? Once you meet in Suffolk, the rest is history. Suffolk’s convenient, high-tech, lowstress meeting and conference centers: The Hilton Garden Inn Riverfront and Suffolk Conference Center in historic downtown has 150 guest rooms and 14,000 square feet of meeting space, a 28-slip marina and 6-acre riverside park. Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts boasts a 500-seat auditorium, 3,860-square-foot ballroom and additional meeting space. Hilton Garden Inn Chesapeake/Suffolk in the Harbour View community offers 135 guest rooms and 4,000 square feet of flexible meeting space with many other amenities. It’s the perfect spot for a meeting or conference with easy access to Suffolk’s high-tech corridor. Comfort Suites at BelleHarbour offers 116 guest rooms and meeting space to accommodate up to 200 people in a 100% smokefree facility. Riverstone Chophouse, conveniently located off Interstate 664, offers a contemporary setting with design touches that reveal the influences of Frank Lloyd Wright with wood, glass and stone. Private dining rooms for meetings and events can accommodate up to 250. The First Lady, an elegantly restored Victorian Queen Anne home in historic downtown, is the perfect venue for hosting weddings, receptions, celebrations, corporate affairs, meetings, reunions, retreats and more. The 8,000-square-foot facility was erected in 1907 as the home of the prominent Causey family and boasts beautiful moldings, chandeliers and polished hardwoods. Event planners may use caterer of choice. For more information on booking your next conference or meeting in Suffolk, contact Suffolk Division of Tourism 866-SEE-SUFK www.Suffolk-Fun.com or e-mail: [email protected]. Come for the adventure. Stay for the hospitality. Meet in Suffolk and fuse adventure with fine hospitality. Rally downtown at the Suffolk Conference Center. Take a leap into the wild side of life in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Travel through time on foot, by car or by tour bus. Take a swing at waterfront golf courses. Pick up the pace after dark with big-name entertainment at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. We’re historically hip, eco-exciting and way beyond “nuts.” The only missing piece is your group enjoying the fun. Call today and watch it all come together in Suffolk. Suffolk-Fun.com No: 42 Job Title: Agency: Contact: Toll Free 866-SEE-SUFK (866-733-7835) SUFT10 6632 Pub: Virginia Business Magazine OCTOBER 2010 ADVERTISING SECTION “Come for the Adventure. Stay for the hospitality.” 2010 Meeting & Conference Planner Ethicom Contact: Susan Horton Linda Andrus 757-625-4233 Suffolk V I R G I N I A 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C o n f e r Hampton Roads- Southside e n c e P l a n n e r virginia beach resort hotel & conference center Virginia Beach Treat your guests to an unforgettable meeting or conference Meeting attendees will forget they’re working at conferences held at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center, where the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay meet. The resort offers 295 spacious suites, each with a view of the bay and a private patio. The hotel offers both one- and two-bedroom suites and luxurious penthouse suites. All rooms are equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, two cable televisions and Internet connection. The hotel’s high-tech conference center offers 16,000 square feet of meeting space in spacious rooms that are able to handle a conference of any size. The center includes the latest audiovisual equipment and a fully equipped business center. Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center is a past winner of the coveted Meeting News Meeting Planners’ Choice Award in the Conference Center category. The resort offers a variety of activities meeting attendees will enjoy in their free time. Guests can relax on the hotel’s private beach, explore the area on complimentary bicycles or hike on trails through cypress trees at nearby First Landing State Park. Guests can also enjoy 90 minutes of free tennis each day at the award-winning Virginia Beach Tennis and Country Club. The club offers 30 outdoor courts and six indoor courts. It has been voted Member Organization of the Year by the United States Tennis Association. With so many healthful amenities, a Virginia Beach vacation at the resort offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and reflect. The fully-equipped health club features weight-training equipment, stationery bikes, treadmills, sauna, whirlpool, HydroSonic Infrasound Relaxation System and a professional massage service. You’ll also want to enjoy our in- ADVERTISING SECTION door/outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. The Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center also offers its guests a taste of paradise. Surrounded by warm bay breezes, soft light of the setting sun and the gentle lapping of the Chesapeake Bay waves, we pride ourselves on attention to detail and culinary excellence. Executive chef John Maclure offers a variety of catering menus with exquisite cuisine. If you have something different in mind, the hotel’s catering manager will help design a personalized menu for your event. For an unparalleled vacation or business trip, choose the fine Virginia Beach hotel that rivals the expensive Virginia Beach resorts - Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center. The resort is conveniently located just 10 miles from the Norfolk International Airport. The hotel offers free shuttle service to the airport. Virginia Business 43 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C o n f e r The Founders Inn and Spa is one of the most advanced meeting facilities in the mid-Atlantic region. With 25,000 square feet of flexible function space as well as several scenic outdoor venues, this is a setting to both focus and inspire. From the Conference Concierge and ergonomic seating to wireless Internet access, enjoy the very best atmosphere for conducting business. Dedicated conference planners, comprehensive meeting packages, team building activities and a central location with easy access to Norfolk International Airport and Interstate 64 make The Founders Inn and Spa an ideal destination for meetings or conferences. 25,000 square feet of dedicated conference space 20 function rooms Groups from 10 to 1,400 Conference Concierge 13,000 square-foot Ballroom & 78-seat Jefferson Amphitheater Business Center Wireless Internet in meeting space & public areas Tackable wall surfaces with presentation rails Ergonomic chairs, executive and hard surface conference tables Dedicated conference planning managers Compliant with standards of International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) Success Comes at a Price Fortunately, it’s a good one. A destination meeting can be comfortable and productive without breaking the bank. At The Founders Inn, elegant, yet ergonomic conference space facilitates focus, while well-appointed guest rooms and comprehensive amenities allow the mind to refresh and recharge. Find meeting success without exceeding your budget with the all-inclusive Benchmark Conference Plan. Package includes: • Deluxe Overnight Accommodations • Meeting Room Set to Your Specifications • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner • Continuous Refreshment Breaks • Audiovisual Equipment • Professional Conference Planner Book a Benchmark Conference Plan from Build your own package with room rates from 199* $109 * $ MeetatFounders.com | 757.424.5511 5641 Indian River Road | Virginia Beach, 23464 *Package rate is per person per night, based on single occupancy. Consume by 6/30/11. Applicable to new bookings only. Minimum 10 rooms, two night stay. Subject to availability. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. 44 OCTOBER 2010 n c e P l a n n e r Hampton Roads- Southside founders inn & Spa Virginia Beach Founders Inn and Spa offers scenic, high-tech meeting space • • • • • • • • • • • e ADVERTISING SECTION Hampton Roads- Southside 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C o n f e r e n c e P l a n n e r virginia beach convention center Virginia Beach Convention Center offers innovative meeting space Just blocks from the beach and in the joy enticing views from the 147-foot glass heart of Virginia Beach’s oceanfront resort tower, which hosts the Café, Executive area, the Virginia Beach Convention Cen- Board Room, VIP Lounge and Observater (VBCC) is over 500,000 square feet of tion Deck. state-of-the-art, stylish event space. As From trade shows and meetings to the Nation’s first and Virginia’s largest receptions and corporate holiday parties, convention center to earn LEED® Gold our coastal facility creates the perfect certification from the U.S. Green Building atmosphere for every occasion. Your Council, we are as committed to conserv- event needs are second-nature to our ing our environment as we are innovative. dedicated professionals who are ready to The VBCC is situated among beau- accommodate you in our first-class faciltiful Mid-Atlantic beaches, resort hotels, ity. Like the sand and sea that surrounds family attractions, golf courses, shopping us, the Virginia Beach Convention Center and nightlife. We are within a day’s drive is a natural fit for your event needs. from two-thirds of the U.S. population and fewer than 20 minutes from Norfolk InterA Division of the Virginia Beach national Airport, which services over 200 Convention & Visitors Bureau flights daily. 1000 19th Street | Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Our exquisite facility features fabric, (757) 385-2000 | [email protected] metal and wood wall coverings and highvbconventioncenter.com VB Conv Ctr_VA Biz October 2010.Page 9/2/2010 11:12:20 AM quality carpet, which provide a 1 unique twitter.com/VBCC ambiance. Attendees and visitors will enfacebook.com/VBCC1 C M A Measurement of Success is to be the First or Largest of its Kind Y CM MY CY As the Nation’s first and Virginia’s largest convention center to earn LEED® Gold certification* from the U.S. Green Building Council, we pledge that your next meeting or event here will have minimal impact on the environment. From trade shows and meetings to receptions and corporate holiday parties, the Virginia Beach Convention Center is the LEEDing fit for your event needs. For more information, visit vbconventioncenter.com/green CMY K VIRGINIA BEACH CONVENTION CENTER A Division of the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau 1000 19th Street | Virginia Beach, VA 23451 | (757) 385-2000 | [email protected] vbconventioncenter.com | twitter.com/VBCC | facebook.com/VBCC1 * in the existing building category ADVERTISING SECTION Virginia Business 45 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C o n f fredericksburg expo & CONFERENCE CENTER Fredericksburg offers ample meeting locations in a convenient location e r OCTOBER 2010 ADVERTISING SECTION n c e P l a n n e r Northern Virginia Fredericksburg, Virginia, is quickly becoming a premier meeting destination, boasting rich historical attractions, unique dining, endless shopping and endless outdoor activities. Fredericksburg offers a variety of meeting sites, convenient accommodations, access to Interstate-95 and proximity to the Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Va. markets. Located in the Celebrate Virginia retail, dining and entertainment complex, the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center is the largest meeting facility in the area. Featuring state-of-the-art amenities, the facility is a multi-purpose expo and conference center capable of hosting trade shows, consumer shows, receptions, banquets, meetings and conventions. Boasting nearly 110,000 square feet, the center includes an 80,000-square-foot exhibition hall, a 10,000 square foot grand ballroom, divisible into six meeting rooms, plus an additional five meeting rooms and 1,200 parking spaces. A variety of hotels located adjacent to the center also offer meeting facilities, as well as comfortable accommodations. For a more unique venue, head to Jepson Alumni Executive Center located on the campus of the University of Mary Washington. The facility consists of a 3,400-squarefoot ballroom, one board room and two outdoor venues in the lush courtyards on campus. After your meeting, enjoy award-winning golf courses, stroll through downtown shops and enjoy a meal at a chef-owned restaurant. Walk in the footsteps of influential historical figures or sip a vintage at one of the area’s four wineries. End the day with a night at the theater. For more information on planning your next meeting in Fredericksburg, Virginia, contact Victoria Matthews at (800) 260-3646 or visit www.VisitFred.com. 46 e 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & Northern Virginia C o n f e r e n c e P l a n n e r THE national conference center Leesburg National Conference Center focuses exclusively on meetings The National Conference Center is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive conference facilities. Here the focus is exclusively on meetings and training—so you can count on this dedicated, IACCapproved center to train your people to work faster, smarter and better. For corporate, association and government clients, the National Conference Center advantage is clear: A True Learning Environment The 265,000-square-foot meeting facility accommodates large and small groups in a setting free of the distractions typically found at a hotel or resort. This business-focused atmosphere creates optimal learning for your attendees. Outstanding Value The center’s Complete Meeting Package saves time and money by including everything for your meeting in one low rate: • Guest room • Three meals daily • Conference room(s), break-out rooms, meeting setups • Standard AV package • Continuous refreshment breaks • Dedicated conference planner • Use of fitness center • Free parking Day Meeting Packages are available, as well as upgraded breaks and dining options. Exceptional Facilities & Technology A flexible layout allows groups to have guest rooms and meeting space close by, ensuring productivity and privacy. On-site audiovisual equipment and support include high-speed Internet access via a DS-3 Circuit, a professional meeting support team and a staffed business center. Accommodations, Dining & Recreation The National Conference Center features comfortable guest rooms and suites, plus a dining room serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests also enjoy the sports bar, wine lounge, fitness center and jogging trails. For corporate events, West Belmont Place provides an elegant environment, including the National Ballroom, the largest in Northern Virginia. Award-Winning & Green-Certified The center’s commitment to productive, results-oriented meetings has been recognized by numerous Pinnacle Awards and certification from the International Association of Conference Centers. It is also Green Sealcertified for using environmentally responsible products and practices. Convenient Location Located on 110 scenic acres in Leesburg, Virginia, The National Conference Center is just 12 miles from Dulles International Airport and 45 minutes from Washington, D.C. To find out how The National Conference Center can add productivity and value to your next meeting, visit conferencecenter.com or contact 877.363.3108 or [email protected] THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTER™ when you try to do too manyTHE things well, you rarely do any of them NATIONAL well at all. CONFERENCE CENTER™ When choosing a location for your training needs, don’t look for one that tries to be all things to all people. Look for one that specializes in just what you need for the most successful training possible—a focused environment, free from distractions. Of course, the National Conference Center offers a comfortable, enjoyable stay. But with less fanfare. THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTER™ 877.363.3108 • conferencecenter.com 541457001010-038_NCC_1manband_ad.indd 1 ADVERTISING SECTION Carlson Marketing slUg Virginia Business 47 12/5/08 9:52:04 AM 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C o stonewall jackson hotel & conference center, Staunton Meet in the heart of historic downtown Staunton n f e r Contact Holly Boggs, Director of Sales & Marketing at 540-885-4848. www.StonewallJacksonHotel.com Discover the revitalized Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center. 2 hours from DC, 90 minutes from Richmond. Historic Downtown Staunton in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. 8,500 square feet of elegant meeting space. On- site eventplanning professionals. Heated in- door pool, fitness center, business center, attached indoor parking. 124 luxury guest rooms and suites. Wireless Internet. STONEWALL JACKSON HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER Staunton VA Contact Holly Boggs, Director of Sales & Marketing 540-885-4848 866-880-0024 www.StonewallJacksonHotel.com OCTOBER 2010 ADVERTISING SECTION n c e P l a n n e r Shenandoah Valley Built in 1924 and completely restored in 2005, the Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center is in the heart of historic downtown Staunton, VA next door to the American Shakespeare Center theater and within walking distance to restaurants, antique shops and art galleries. The Hotel is the perfect size for small or mid-size meetings to take over the property as their own. The large lobby has an adjacent bar and meeting space allowing attendees to mingle without being too spread out. It is a designated Virginia Green hotel. Staunton is at the junction of I-64 and I-85, two hours from DC, 90 minutes from Richmond. The Stonewall Jackson has 8,500 square feet of meeting space including the 2,700-square-foot Colonnade Ballroom with historic glass chandeliers and terrazzo flooring, the modern 4,453-square-foot Shenandoah Ballroom which accommodates up to 400 banquet guests or 495 theater-style, an executive Board Room and break out rooms. There is a heated in-door pool, fitness center, business center, attached indoor parking, wi-fi and 124 guest rooms and suites accommodating up to 400 guests. The Hotel offers customized meal packages and events. Groups can also use the American Shakespeare Center stage and theater for meetings. There are organized walking and trolley tours of downtown Staunton and group tours of local wineries using the Staunton trolley. The Stonewall Jackson hosts meetings, events, weddings, religious conferences, bicycle, automobile and motorcycle groups and is pet friendly. 48 e 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C o n f e r e n c e P l a n n e r Southern Virginia The institute conference center Danville High-tech meeting facility away from the stress of big cities The Institute Conference Center at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research is the premier conference and meeting facility in Southern Virginia. The ICC offers a fully equipped, high-tech setting in the countryside away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. As a member of IACC (International Association of Conference Centers), The Institute Conference Center offers 25,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space. Some of the features include an 8,400-square-foot flexible Great Hall, a 135-seat tiered surround sound auditorium and a beautiful glass atrium. The business facilities offer numerous amenities including, an Executive Boardroom with seating for 30, and three perfectly appointed business con- ference rooms. From executive and professional training, to workshops, trade shows, receptions, wedding and family reunions, the ICC offers options that will satisfy all of your meeting needs. The Institute Conference Center technologies include wireless microphones, satellite and flat-screen televisions, videoconferencing, Polycom MGC video bridge, Web conferencing services, teleconferencing, SMART boards, and Mediasite recording. The warm and friendly staff will plan the menu for your next event and make entertaining an effortless and memorable experience. The Conference Center team is dedicated to providing superior customer service and looks forward to welcoming you to Southern Virginia. Business Retreat Within Reach Located in beautiful Danville, Virginia at the intersection of Highway 29 and 58 • Spectacular Meeting & Function Space • Plasma Screens, Bandwidth Freedom, Cyber Library • Exemplary Catering Service • Advanced Technology and Affordable Rates Call today for your personal tour - 434.766.6777 Or visit us online - www.ialr.org/icc ADVERTISING SECTION Virginia Business 49 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g & C o n f e r e Beagle Ridge Herb Farm is a 160acre wooded retreat with display gardens, trails and a brand new butterfly house. Meet animals from six continents during the “Outback” guided experience at the 45-acre Fort Chiswell Animal Park. Nearby Pleasant Hill Farm offers over 50 flower beds for a “cut-your-own” experience in a farm setting. Located on a fourth generation homestead, West Wind Farm Vineyard Winery offers handcrafted Virginia wine with daily tasting and tours. For evening entertainment, don’t miss the latest production at Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre. Presenting “All Musicals, All the Time”, this venue offers evening and matinee performances in a German village architectural setting. Come discover the big meeting experiences that Wytheville has to offer. Visit www.WythevilleMeetingCenter.com or www.VisitWytheville.com. Comfortable, Sophisticated Meeting Facilities at an Ideal Location! EVANSHAM BALLROOM Seats up to 1,000 theater style or 500 banquet style THREE SMALLER MEETINg ROOMS For breakouts or smaller meetings up to 150 Intersection of Interstate s 81 and 77 in Southwest VA ! LARgE PRE-FUNCTION LOBBY CORRIDOR Perfect for receptions, registrations or displays LATEST TECHNOLOgY for audio-visual; video conferencing WYTHEVILLE Everyone’s talking about Southwest Virginia’s newest meeting facility! Discover why Wytheville is a great location for your next meeting, conference or event. 8:5)&7*--& .&&5*/($&/5&3 WYTHEVILLE, VIRGINIA UNIQUE ACCOMMODATIONS NEW HOTELS DINNER THEATRE WINERIES MUSEUMS AND HISTORICAL TOURS 866-694-8287 • [email protected] • Info packet: www.WythevilleMeetingCenter.com WythevilleMeetingCtr-VaBusOct10 1 1 50 OCTOBER 2010 9/14/10 3:27:16 PM ADVERTISING SECTION c e P l a n n e r Southwest Virginia wytheville Wytheville – Your Ideal Meeting Location With an array of attractions, new hotel properties and sophisticated meeting space, Wytheville offers a small town location ideal for local, regional, and state meetings and conferences. Since opening in 2007, the Wytheville Meeting Center has developed the reputation for exceeding customers’ expectations while providing a venue that offers spacious and sophisticated meeting spaces for clients’ needs from small, intimate meetings to large multiday conferences. With an emphasis on technology, this facility offers seamless meeting experiences with the hospitality and customer service that visitors to this Southwest Virginia community have come to expect. A variety of attractions offer great activities for meeting attendees and their families. History buffs might tour one of the area’s five museums, including the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace, home of this early 20th century First Lady. n VCU ad Photo courtesy Virginia Tourism Corp. 2 0 1 0 M e e t i n g North Carolina & C o n f e r e designed by Ellis Maples, Tom Fazio and Rees Jones. More championships have been contested at Pinehurst than anywhere else in America. And, by 2014, Pinehurst No. 2 will be the only course in the world to have hosted all five major USGA championships. Not all play at Pinehurst requires a tee time, however. Along with 144 holes of some of the best golf in the country, you’ll find an award-winning spa to soothe your body and awaken your senses. This 31,000-square-foot oasis features every indulgence, including his and hers saunas, steam and whirlpool areas and climatecontrolled treatment suites designed for private couples-only massage. And you can choose from a host of sensory therapies using natural botanicals from the local landscape. While your senses of touch and smell are easily satisfied at the spa, you can appease your sense of taste almost anywhere at the resort. From the endless Southern breakfast buffet at the Carolina Dining Room to a casual lunch at the Donald Ross Grill to cocktails and appetizers at the newly expanded Ryder Cup Lounge, eight unique dining options await you before you ever step off the resort campus. Just a short walk away in the historic Village of Pinehurst, you’ll find still more charming pubs and eateries. Take a tour of the Village on one of our complimentary guest bikes or hear some interesting local lore on an enchanting horse-drawn c e P l a n n e r pinehurst Village of Pinehurst, NC Rock away the years The easy warmth, natural beauty and rich tradition of Pinehurst Resort have drawn people here for more than one hundred years. From the moment Boston soda magnate James Walker Tufts created this New England-style retreat, its fresh, pine scented air and unhurried pace have been restoring souls and rejuvenating spirits. Over the years, celebrities, dignitaries, business leaders, presidents and legendary athletes from all over the world have escaped to this quiet Southern respite. Bing Crosby, Will Rogers, Annie Oakley, Amelia Earhart, Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama have assembled in Pinehurst’s boardrooms, dined in its restaurants and danced in its ballrooms. And the greatest golfers to ever play the game — from Ben Hogan to Arnold Palmer to Jack Nicklaus to Phil Mickelson — have walked the lush fairways of its challenging courses. With eight golf courses and more than 100 years of tradition, Pinehurst is considered the birthplace of golf in America. Legendary Scottish golf architect Donald Ross made the Village of Pinehurst his home, designing course Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4. Since then, the resort has continued to grow with four more courses n ADVERTISING SECTION carriage ride. Browse through the many shops and boutiques. If you prefer outdoor activities, try your hand at lawn bowling or croquet on one of the immaculate greens. Or bring out your “inner Venus Williams” at the 24-court tennis center. Lounge by the pool as the kids splash through the fountain on the West Lawn. Or just rock away the afternoon under the lazy ceiling fans on the veranda. You’ll find accommodations to suit everyone’s needs at Pinehurst. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 220-room Carolina features all the charm of last century with all the conveniences of this one. The elegant Holly Inn is a Four-Star, Four Diamond jewel boasting 82 guest rooms and period décor. The 45 rooms of the charming Manor Inn offer the comfort of a casual golfer’s lodge while spacious Villas with shared parlor areas and private condominiums serve foursomes and families alike. Families, friends, colleagues and competitors have been gathering at Pinehurst for more than a century — to rejuvenate their spirits, their games, their businesses or their relationships. Let it rejuvenate you. Contact: Pinehurst Resort 80 Carolina Vista Drive, Village of Pinehurst, NC 28374 877.689.3741 Pinehurst.com Virginia Business 53 © 2010 Pinehurst, LLC Our meeting facilities are as manicured as our fairways. While you’ll never see a mower in our meeting spaces, you’ll find the same meticulous attention to detail that’s made our golf courses famous for more than one hundred years. Our extraordinary staff goes to great lengths to ensure your gathering is a success - whether it’s a board meeting of ten or a conference of 1,000. So while we don’t trim the carpet, the views indoors are every bit as inspiring as the ones on the course. Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina • 877.689.3741 • pinehurst.com
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