Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/10149
Virginia Special Advertising Section Oceana Naval Air Station ing komodo dragons, exotic cobras, and adorable hedgehogs – just a few of the 367 species new to the Aquarium. Virginia Beach’s Claim to fame has always been its great location along the Atlantic Coast, adjoining Chesapeake Bay. Now, with the construction com- pleted on its new 516,522 sq. ft., $202.5 million convention center, as well as new hotels and restaurants, Virginia Beach is taking another step forward in its bid to become a major factor in the national meetings and conventions mar- ket. The resort city is becoming a year-round meeting destination; the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau manages the Convention Center, which hosts regional and national trade shows, conventions, sports tournaments and special events. Virginia Beach is proud to be a green destination; since their coastal envi- ronment is such a treasure, they have committed to eco-friendly practices to sustain and preserve it. In fact, Virginia Beach has led the way, becoming the Commonwealth’s first Virginia Green Destination by meeting and surpassing goals to reduce environmental impact. With meeting planners currently pas- sionate about preserving and protecting the environment, they are careful to select locations for their upcoming events that pay attention to the environ- mental footprints their meetings leave on the planet. The Virginia Green logo guides meeting planners, business travelers and leisure travelers to tourism- related businesses such as hotels, restaurants and attractions taking voluntary actions to reduce harmful impacts on the environment. 80 HOTEL Holiday Inn Oceanside 21st Courtyard Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront No. SpringHill Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront Photo Credit: Virginia Beach CVB S TAT S ROOMS 150 160 168 Fairfield Inn & Suites VB Oceanfront 114 EXHIBITION FACILITIES viRGiNiA BeAcH cONveNTiON ceNTeR total exhibit space largest hall meeting rooms 516,522 sq. ft. 37,503 sq. ft. 3 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Virginia Beach CVB (800) VA-BEACH www.vbfun.com Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com