Web Savvy Meeting planners can take advantage of convenient online planning tools at virginia.org/meetings, including a venue search that narrows down destinations by locale, square footage, and other specifications.
Virginia is leading the way with a new state- wide initiative promoting something all planners deserve — getting their life back. Grounded in professional industry meeting standards, The Virginia Declaration of Meet- ing Excellence is a pledge to the success of every meeting professional that translates into real savings, in terms not just of money, but of that all-too-fleeting resource — time. Meeting planners can reclaim that precious commodity through Virginia Tourism Corpo- ration’s easy-to-use online toolkit, expansive network of knowledgeable CVBs and DMCs, and team of professional planning partners who can guide them through every step of the process. Meeting in Virginia means beautiful ven-
ues and desirable destinations, from vibrant city centers to sparkling nature retreats. And whatever destination planners choose, they will find an affordable and accessible frame- work for creating a successful event. Groups
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who appreciate a lesson in American history have their choice of notable cities, includ- ing Williamsburg, Charlottesville (home to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello), and Rich- mond, famous for its many museums and Civil War sites. Virginia’s natural beauty is also the perfect backdrop for off-site events, team-building, and pre- and post-tours. From scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway to whale and dolphin watching off Virginia Beach, the list of outdoor options is as long as the state’s coastline. And Virginia’s mild,
“Goldilocks” climate — not too hot and not too cold — means outdoor activities are an option during almost any time of the year. Preserving these natural assets remains a
high priority for Virginia’s hospitality industry. A partnership between the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Department of Envi- ronmental Quality, and the Virginia Hospital- ity and Travel Association has created the Virginia Green Certification, which identifies
tourism-related businesses that operate according to specific green standards. Plan- ners can find a comprehensive directory of these certified restaurants, hotels, venues, and other businesses at virginiagreen travel.org. For convenient online planning, virginia
.org/meetings allows users to compare ven- ues side-by-side, submit RFPs, and browse the online meeting-planning toolkit and the Virginia Meeting Planning Guide.
For more information: Virginia Tourism Corporation Joni Johnson, CTP, TMP, National Sales Manager (804) 545-5544 or (800) 811-4296 jjohnson@virginia.orgvirginia.org/meetings