Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/129161
•Pg_54-74__BMT_pg86-162 4/30/13 9:52 PM Page 68 AREA GUIDES VIRGINA VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS AND MEETING PLANNERS BY GERTHEART JOHNSON Located adjacent to Washington D.C., Virginia is strategically situated on the U.S. East Coast. Fifty-six percent of all U.S. consumers live within 750 miles of Virginia. Virginia's Washington Dulles International Airport serves 80+ U.S. cities and 40 non-stop destinations worldwide and is the 6th busiest U.S. airport for international travel. Virginia's economy remains strong and is consistently ranked among the top states in the country for business. In addition to its pro-business environment, Virginia offers an exceptional transportation and utility infrastructure, strong education system, dynamic workforce, and strategic location. The Commonwealth's strong assets will continue to make it a desirable location for both international and domestic travelers alike. The Commonwealth is bordered by Washington, D.C., the nation's capital, and Maryland to the north; the Atlantic Ocean to the east; North Carolina and Tennessee to the south; and West Virginia and Kentucky to the west. Boundless outdoor and cultural activities along with one of the nation's highest concentrations of historic resources provide limitless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Virginia is blessed with beautiful mountains, rivers and beaches and offers abundant outdoor opportunities in 35 state parks, 22 national parks, over 500 miles of trails and 119 national historic landmarks. • • VIRGINIA BEACH • • Virginia Beach is famous for hosting historic meetings. From unforgettable events at the LEED® Gold Certified Convention Center to the daily reunion of sand and surf, Virginia Beach continues to offer a wide variety of meeting locations and accommodations for every need under the sun. The coastal charm is a happy host to a wide array of unique meeting locations and exciting events while offering an unmatched beach destina68 One of many pristine beaches in area tion at your fingertips. Whether you're an eager attendee looking forward to some beach time or a planner searching for eco-friendly and green alternatives, Virginia Beach has the tools to make your next meeting a success. There's a Virginia Beach vibe that's right for your event. In the middle of it all is the Virginia Beach Convention Center, the Nation's first convention center to earn LEED® Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. It can hold any size meeting imaginable, with over 525,125 gross sq. ft., over 150,000 sq. ft. of column-free exhibit space, nearly 29,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, over 31,000-sq. ft. ballroom (one of the largest on the east coast), and 2,209 free parking spaces. The beautiful shores of the fabulous East Coast beach and intriguing inland options are home to almost as many options for where to stay as there are ways to play. The Holiday Inn Virginia Beach Norfolk Hotel & Conference Center is centrally located in the Hampton Roads area and is in close proximity to major Interstates. Norfolk International Airport is 10 minutes, Downtown Norfolk/Waterside 8 min- B M & T ••• March/April 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Photo Credit: Virginia Beach CVB utes, and the Oceanfront is within 15 minutes. The hotel is equipped with 307 beautifully appointed guest rooms including 10 Executive Suites and one Presidential Suite. The Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center, The Founders Inn and Spa, The Holiday Inn & Suites North Beach along with the Sheraton Oceanfront are all outstanding lodging options for planners to look into as well. Visually stunning and naturally appealing, Virginia Beach is a family beach vacation destination that is rich with possibility. Your trip may be as simple as relaxing in the sun or seeking out the freshest in delectable local seafood. Wherever your path may lead, let the rich beach life be your guide. Within a day's drive of half the country's population and right down the road from N o r f o l k International AL HUTCHINSON Airport, major