With to-do lists miles long, event planners have their work cut out for them and any resource that can make life easier is appreciated. Thanks to the updated mobile version for www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com, planners have enhanced options for research and trip planning tools and pages right at their finger tips. Meeting planners can access helpful information such as the meeting planner’s guide, detailing the area and accommodation information, by simply tapping the “Meeting Planners” button.

This more robust version has better functionality, and is eye-catching with a light-colored sky background and a beach umbrella. Prominently displayed buttons include “Upcoming Events”, “Places to Stay”, “Where to Eat” and “Things to Do”, all information that assist planners when orchestrating unforgettable events. The “Explore” tab provides access to the weather in Virginia Beach, mileage from major cities and a “map it” option for obtaining directions. This mobile site is accessible to all Smartphone devices. When accessed on an iPad or any other brand of tablet or notebook, users will see the full website instead of the mobile version.

The new mobile site is another example of the CVB’s commitment to staying ahead of the game by providing meeting planners with the latest technology and best service in the industry. To learn more about the mobile site log on to VisitVirginiaBeach.com.

With multiple unique and versatile venues, planning meetings in Virginia Beach is a sure bet for a successful event. As an added perk, when meetings end, the city is the perfect location to enjoy multiple attractions, excursions, dining options and festivals. During the Memorial Day weekend, this vibrant city is buzzing with fun-filled festivities.

Along with beautiful beaches, Virginia Beach has many acres of farmland that produce a large variety of fruits and vegetables including plump, delicious strawberries. The Pungo area of Virginia Beach, located in the southern portion of the city, is the home of the 30^th Annual Pungo Strawberry Festival, taking place on Memorial Day Weekend. If you love fresh, sweet strawberries, then this festival is the place for you. Enjoy all the strawberries you can eat offered in over 50 different ways as well as entertainment on three stages, a military display, parade, one of the largest carnivals on the east coast, arts and craft booths and much more.

For an unmatched event that celebrates great music and the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country, join in the fun at the Salute to Summer Festival. Taking place in the 17^th, 24^th and 31^st Street Parks along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, the star-spangled celebration is a true salute to history and summer fun. Local and regional musicians will perform nightly on stages in the parks and keep the crowds moving and grooving. Additionally, the Heroes Walk, along the boardwalk from 17^th to 31^st Streets, displaying essays from local high school students is a must-see. Posted on four-by-eight foot banners, the essays describe historical military conflicts that the United Sates participated in, a true tribute to the United States military. The Steel Pier Classic and Surf Art Expo is for those lovers of the waves. This professional and amateur surfing contest takes place from 1^st through 5^th Streets on the oceanfront and is the largest longboard event on the East Coast. This event features not only longboarding but retro surfing, nose riding, tandem, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and professional and amateur surfing divisions. The Steel Pier Art Expo embraces the art of surfing in every form including the art of surf on canvas, carvings, jewelry and many other forms of craftwork. Artists along the boardwalk will be celebrating the culture and art of surfing in every shape.

For a complete listing of events that take place in Virginia Beach log on to VisitVirginiaBeach.com.

Spring Dining Options in Virginia Beach

This coastal destination is well known for offering unique meeting venues and first class service to meeting planners and attendees, however Virginia Beach also offers visitors excellent dining choices. When assemblies convene and tummies start rumbling it is time to satisfy those cravings. With multiple options, including new restaurants, this spring is the perfect time to taste what the city is serving up.

Located by the oceanfront, the restaurants in the Laskin Road Corridor are sure to satisfy every dining mood. From a casual lunch to sushi by the sea the options are endless. For world class seafood in a fun atmosphere, Catch31 is the place to be. When meetings wrap up, the Sky Bar, located 20 stories above the beach on the top floor of the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, is an excellent location for the finest specialty cocktails, wine, beer, a variety of light fare and breathtaking views.

For a more secluded dining experience with colleagues try Eurasia Café & Wine Bar, featuring creative cuisine, a “New World” inspired wine list, and an amazing atmosphere.  Terrapin offers a warm elegant dining room, a bar with an open view of the kitchen, and a charming terrace for outdoor dining while showcasing award-winning contemporary American Cuisine.

If your favorite flavors come from the Caribbean then Havana Nights, located in The Town Center of Virginia Beach, is calling. Guests at Havana Nights enjoy an array of cuisines from Cuba and throughout the Caribbean while being entertained by local performers in the jazz lounge. Entrees include pan-seared scallops, shrimp & polenta and arroz con pollo, a mouth-watering combination of organic chicken, rice and grilled asparagus. Unique wines paired with island cuisine and the glamorous décor of the Caribbean Room create a complete dining experience.

This spring the city welcomes Braise and Wharfside Bar & Grill to the existing family of delectable dining choices. Braise, scheduled to open in early spring, is a New American cuisine restaurant that will serve American favorites with a flare. Bobby Huber, the owner and Executive Chef, will be making everything in-house including the condiments and the buns for the burgers. The recently opened Wharfside Bar & Grill is located on picturesque Rudee Inlet and offers diners a wide variety of fresh seafood, international entrees inspired from the Far East and Italy and traditional southern dishes. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the Wharfside Bar & Grill invites guests to indulge in a variety of dishes including Filet Mignon, Five Cheese Ravioli and Tuna Tacos.

For a detailed list of all of the restaurants in Virginia Beach please visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com/visitors/dining.

“Bring it to the Beach” isn’t just a catchy phrase our Meeting & Conventions sales teams use to entice business to Virginia Beach. Sure, they’d be thrilled to host your next conference, convention or sports event, but what they’d more enjoy is the chance to help your group make a significant mark on our city that will remain long after your return home.

The Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (VBCVB) is proud to have created a culture of compassion and empathy for our local community and the world. Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, is not an occasional activity for us. As a bureau, our staff is involved in local give-back efforts throughout the year.  When our sales teams are on the road, they arrive with enthusiasm and their sleeves rolled up, ready to support whatever community project their host city has organized.  We’re leaders in the CSR realm; we walk the talk.

So we were intrigued last year when we recognized a movement within the travel and tourism industry:  meeting planners were interested in learning CSR opportunities which could be easily and seamlessly included into their conference itineraries. Sensing an emerging trend, the VBCVB decided to take the wheel and develop a program that would take CSR to the next level.

Our vision was realized this past fall with the rollout of a program we named “One Beach, One World.”  A comprehensive CSR initiative, “One Beach, One World” offers visiting groups the ability to build a customized CSR event into their agenda.

Currently, there are 11 local non-profits and one international organization aligned with OBOW with contacts in each entity ready to work with willing groups.  Based on area research and environmental scanning, there are involvement opportunities in six focus areas:

• Restoring & Protecting our Environment
• Supporting the Armed Forces
• Combating Homelessness, Hunger and Domestic Violence
• Assisting our Youth and the Elderly
• General Community Service
• International Outreach

Several factors determine the type of project created for a particular group, including how much time a group has, how many volunteers will be involved and finally the needs of the designated organization.  In rare cases where a hands-on project may not be realistic, a monetary donation is welcomed, as was the case for our first official OBOW project.

The organizers of the 2013 Bank Travel Conference desired to support our military community during their meeting in February; however, they found themselves under strict time constraints.  We were able to successfully match them with Vetshouse, Inc., an OBOW partner which helps homeless veterans. Their unique 12-month program provides living quarters in a group environment, assistance in job hunting, transportation, and personal skill and development guidance.

At their opening gala held at the Virginia Beach Military Aviation Museum, Bank Travel officials made a $1,000 donation to Vetshouse.  This match was a perfect fit and mirrored the success we envisioned during the conceptual stages of OBOW.

If your group would like to participate in One Beach, One World, we’d be happy to help find a perfect fit for you too.

Explore the World of Culture, History and the Arts in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach offers multiple unique meeting venues to satisfy any request, including ones that can provide meeting attendees with a rich educational or cultural meeting experience. The Sandler Center for Performing Arts, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art are just a few locations in Virginia Beach where meeting goers can get the best of both worlds.

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, the cultural centerpiece of the city, is home to top performing artists and Broadway productions. This performing arts venue offers theatre-style seating for 1,300 and proudly boasts a Grand Lobby, perfect for catered events. Flanked by grand staircases and illuminated by an exquisite chandelier, the three-story lobby is an ideal place for a banquet or reception. During your event, step outside of the Sandler Center and enjoy a performance in the facility’s outdoor performance plaza, capable of accommodating up to 400 guests.

For an inside glimpse at Virginia Beach’s fascinating marine life the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is the ideal location. As the commonwealth’s largest, and one of the nation’s most popular aquariums, planners will discover a unique venue for business functions, special events, parties and more. From a cozy sit-down dinner for 20 to a cocktail reception for a couple thousand, the Virginia Aquarium can accommodate events of most any type and size. Aside from the 300 interactive exhibits, IMAX® 3D theater and 800,000 gallons of aquariums, there are 6,000 new animals, 367 new species and 12,000 square feet of spectacular habitats in the new permanent exhibit, Restless Planet.  Whether it’s a dramatic event in the live shark and sea turtle galleries or a more traditional affair in the Promenade Room overlooking Owls Creek, planners are sure to make a splash with an event at the Virginia Aquarium.

The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a prime cultural attraction in the city, offering meeting attendees the opportunity to enjoy premier exhibitions featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, video and glass from acclaimed artists worldwide. The stunning architecture of MOCA is nestled among trees on more than eight acres of park-like grounds and is beautiful both indoors and out. The atrium is an impressive 4,800 square feet and features a vaulted ceiling, skylight and live trees while outdoor sculptures lend an atmosphere of integrity throughout the landscape. MOCA is the perfect location for an intimate event for 35 or an extravagant gala for 350. There is also theater-style seating for 268 guests attending a seminar or meeting in the auditorium.

The Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau (VBCVB) is proud and honored to announce that Teri Wiley, Senior Convention Services Manager, has been granted the Convention Services Manager of the Year award in the Convention and Visitors Bureau category by the Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) and Successful Meetings magazine. Teri was selected for her commitment and dedication to the convention industry and honored at a gala luncheon during the ESPA Annual Conference in Orlando.

Teri has been a vital extension of the sales team since she joined the Virginia Beach CVB in 2000 as the Convention Services Manager and due to her hard work and determination, was promoted to Senior Convention Services Manager in 2005. “Teri’s emphasis on teamwork and customer service is a driving force behind the success of the many meetings and conventions held in Virginia Beach,” said CVB Director Jim Ricketts. “I’m honored to have such a great team and to know that key individuals are being recognized among industry leaders.”

Teri is an important partner in the meetings process and is an advocate for Virginia Beach. She achieved the industry’s highest standard of professionalism by completing the Certified Meeting Professional program and is a hard worker responsible for supporting the needs of events with 200 to over 5,000 attendees. Teri, along with her staff and dynamic volunteers are responsible for coordinating and executing the needs of state and national associations, military, religious, multicultural & fraternal conferences and conventions, professional tradeshows and amateur sporting events in Virginia Beach. The VBCVB is proud to have her on our team!

Discover the Great Outdoors in Virginia Beach

When the meetings end, Virginia Beach offers affordable options for entertainment, dining, attractions and accommodations unlike those at any other host city. With over 35 miles of ocean and bay beaches, Virginia Beach provides plenty of opportunity to frolic in the sea and sand. For nature enthusiasts, fall and winter are wonderful seasons to explore Virginia Beach’s great outdoors due to temperatures that are cooler yet still mild.  And, of course, the resort city has plenty of options for taking in a bit of culture.

Delight in exploring Virginia Beach’s award-winning 3-mile boardwalk at the resort area. Perfect for strolling, people watching, dining al fresco or taking in live music, the iconic boardwalk is a great location to live the true Virginia Beach life. It also offers a separate bike path perfect for the novice or serious cyclist who wants to have a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy the excitement of the resort area. Visitors can bring their own or rent a beach cruiser to traverse the boardwalk and take in the sights and sounds of the ocean and resort excitement. Cherie’s Bike and Blade Rentals offers surrey, bike and in-line skate rentals at affordable prices along seven locations covering the entire boardwalk: 2^nd, 8^th, 19^th, 20^th, 22^nd, 24^th, 25^th, 31^st and 34^th Streets. While there, don’t forget to swing by and see King Neptune – a thirty-four foot, twelve-ton bronze statue that stands at the gateway to Neptune Park on 31st Street. This is perhaps one of the most popular photo opportunities in the resort area.

Off the sand, meeting attendees can get adventurous and explore 18,600 acres of nature in two state parks and a wildlife refuge, as well as over 121 navigable miles of waterways. Venture out into Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, False Cape State Park or First Landing State Park where you can kayak, canoe, hike, or bike along pristine land and aqua trails through beach, back dunes, tidal marsh and cypress swamps.

Take the time to experience a Winter Wildlife Boat trip by venturing off the coast on a two-hour boat tour sponsored by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Every winter, thanks to the food-rich waters surrounding Virginia Beach, humpback and fin whales can be seen diving, breaching, spyhopping and lobtailing along the coastline.  Revel in these magnificent creatures, as you observe them in their natural habitat. From April through October, the aquarium also offers dolphin-watching boat trips, perfect for getting up close and personal with these magical mammals.

In addition, with nearly 800,000 gallons of aquariums and live animal habitats, more than 300 hands-on exhibits and a 3D IMAX Theater, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is an excellent place to discover nature. Explore the Aquarium’s most recent expansion, Restless Planet, featuring exhibits and animals that chronicle Virginia’s ecological history. Habitats include a Malaysian peat swamp, a Red Sea, a coastal desert and an erupting volcano along with the animals that adapted to those environments such as komodo dragons.

The resort city is an ideal year-round destination for a rich meeting experience. The accessibility, affordability, abundant activities, and southern hospitality are just a few of the added benefits that make Virginia Beach a top destination for meetings any time of the year.

Meeting planners often find themselves with a difficult task – keeping the audience alert! Whether the attendees are serious health industry professionals studying the latest medical techniques or sales teams learning about a new product, periodically an event needs a wake-up call. Here are six techniques used by experienced meeting planners to keep attendees alert and their events lively and interactive.

1. Be Punctual – Starting on time is just as important as ending on time. Setting the standard of getting things going promptly is a great way to kick-start your event. However, in order to keep the moral up it is important to stay on schedule and wrap up sessions in a timely fashion as well.
2. Keep Attendees Busy – An interactive approach usually is effective in keeping attendees alert and involved during meetings. When there is free or down time, offer a variety of activity choices to ensure an overall great experience.
3. Opportunities for Feedback – In order to keep attendees alert during sessions, schedule select times designated for feedback. It is important for everyone to feel like they are a part of the meeting and not just passive audience members.
4. Incentives – Everyone enjoys receiving acknowledgements of a job well done, tangible or not. Present prizes, tokens or verbal kudos to attendees that get involved in the presentation by asking questions or providing feedback.
5. Dress it Up – It might be difficult to stay alert and involved while sitting in a drab room with plain white walls. Give the room a punch by creating related eye catching themes, such as a massive sports mural to emphasize competition.
6. Take a Break – Plan for coffee, restroom and stretching breaks. Sitting for long periods of time can cause attendees to become disengaged and uncomfortable. However, allowing for brief breaks gives attendees the opportunity to get revitalized and refocused.

When planning your next meeting or event, implement these few tips to ensure a successful gathering with alert attendees.

Named after the Founding Fathers of the United States, The Founders Inn and Spa honors the nation’s proud heritage while looking to the future as one of the most advanced meeting facilities in the mid-Atlantic region. With 25,000 square feet of dedicated and flexible function space as well as several scenic outdoor venues, this is a setting to both focus and inspire. The conference center offers special features such as 20 function rooms suitable for groups from 10 to 1,400, a 13,000 square-foot ballroom, a specially equipped auditorium with seating for up to 78 and tackable wall surfaces with presentation rails. From the Conference Concierge and ergonomic seating to wireless internet access, planners will enjoy the very best atmosphere for meetings.

Their multifaceted facility provides occasions to dine casually or elegantly, from mouthwatering seafood fresh from the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean to prime beef or lamb prepared to perfection, Executive Chef Scott Simpson welcomes visitors to an acclaimed dining experience. Restaurants include The Hunt Room which serves American fare in a contemporary setting, the award-winning and more upscale Swan Terrace Restaurant offering regional and colonial dishes and for lighter food on-the-go, the Muffin Pan serves up fresh baked goods, fruit and sandwiches.

When meetings wrap up, attendees can unwind and escape at the Flowering Almond Spa. With the promise to transport you to a distant personal escape by using time-honored rejuvenation and relaxation techniques, the spa is a wonderful retreat after a long day. Full access to the gym and indoor pool for the entire day is offered with any spa treatment.

From corporate conferences to intimate meetings, The Founders Inn and Spa offers a luxurious atmosphere with the hospitality of a country inn. With dedicated conference planners, comprehensive meeting packages, team-building activities and a central location with easy access to Norfolk International Airport and I-64, The Founders Inn and Spa is an ideal destination for meetings or conferences.

The Virginia Beach CVB received the prestigious 2012 Gold Service Award from Meetings and Conventions magazine. This is the 11th time the Virginia Beach CVB has been selected as a recipient since 1999, including each of the last nine years. The Virginia Beach CVB, which was selected for the distinction by industry meeting professionals, was judged on its ability to provide superior assistance to meeting planners in hotel and site inspections, ground transportation planning, guidance on local attractions, liaison with local vendors and services, and overall professionalism of staff.

The Virginia Beach CVB prides itself on a staff that is well-trained and experienced, and always prepared to provide exceptional service. James Ricketts, Director of the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, said, "It’s an honor to once again be recognized by the industry and our peers. This award is truly a tribute to the commitment we have to providing our clients with quality customer service."

This prestigious award honors convention and visitors bureaus that have excelled in professionalism and dedication in their service to meeting professionals. The Virginia Beach CVB, who will be featured in the Gold Awards issue in the November publication of Meetings & Conventions, exemplifies dedication to quality service. For more insight into the CVB’s offerings and the stellar sales team, go to www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com/meetingplanners.