These resources have helped put
the region’s convention industry on the upswing. Todd Bertka, vice president for convention sales and marketing for the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, says that in FY 2015-2016, convention traffic generated $54 million in attendee spending and $9.7 million in direct and indirect revenue for his city. He is optimistic about posting even fat- ter figures in the future. For example, when the venerable
Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach reopens after a $75 million restoration, the venue will contribute 35,000 square feet of function space to the resort city’s meeting capacity. In addition, it will offer a one- of-a-kind, five-star destination that can provide the local color that has become so important to convention-goers. The ability to offer the most
advanced connectivity also will be critical to the region’s quest to play a bigger role on the national stage. Virginia Beach was recently named among the nation’s top 20 cities for meetings, according to finan- cial technology company Smart Asset. In surveying 102 of the largest U.S. cities,
SmartAsset looked at such factors as availability of hotels, room rates and proximity to major airports. It noted that more than 7,000 hotel rooms are within three miles of the Virginia Beach Con- vention Center, located close to the city’s oceanfront area.
Todd Bertka, vice president of convention sales and marketing for the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, helps market the resort city’s convention center.
The center’s already high-tech IQ
is expected to get even better. Microsoft and Facebook, in partnership with Telefónica of Spain, have picked Virginia Beach as their first destination for a transatlantic, fiber-optic cable that should provide the convention center
MEET
STAY FOR THE FOR A
PURPOSE. EXPERIENCE.
The Omni Homestead Resort has been inspiring guests for over 250 years with incredible service and picturesque views. Having hosted 23 U.S. Presidents, we will ensure your next event is as grand as its setting. Ask about our spring meetings package.
540-839-1766
www.VirginiaBusiness.com
VIRGINIA BUSINESS
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