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B M & T ••• July/August 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 17 NORFOLK UNVEILED: A MARITIME CITY WITH A HEART FOR MEETINGS Virginia Is For Lovers—And In Norfolk, Love Takes The Form Of Welcome, Water, And Time Well Spent By Zyan Avraham Some cities impress with their height. Norfolk holds you at the shoreline—steady, dignified, and quietly remarkable. It's where meetings find meaning, and hospitality feels like it has a history. WHERE RECEPTION IS A REFLEX Norfolk is more than a coastal dot on the map—it's one of the nation's most essential mar- itime cities. Home to Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world, the city stands as a living intersection of duty, tradition, and global reach. It also houses the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, the Navy's oldest continuously operating hospital, which has served generations of sailors and their families. This isn't just a port city—it's a portal. Norfolk receives with intention, whether it's global cargo, service members, students, or meeting professionals looking for a coastal retreat that doesn't compromise capability. With universities like Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Virginia Wesleyan, and Tidewater Community College, the intellectual and cultural make- up of Norfolk is alive and active year-round. For planners, this trans- lates to a city that thinks big while feeling intimate. MEETING SPACES THAT TELL STORIES Whether your event calls for grandeur or grace, Norfolk answers. Hilton Norfolk The Main offers 60,000 sq. ft. across 32 rooms, including the 18,382 sq. ft. Main Grand Ballroom—the largest hotel ballroom in Virginia. It's modern, expansive, and invit- ing enough to make you want to extend your stay. With rooftop views at Grain and fresh seafood at Saltine (try the salmon, sourced from port-fresh waters), the Hilton is more than a venue—it's the city's centerpiece. Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel provides 45,570 sq. ft. of meeting space across 18 rooms. Its largest spans 13,600 sq. ft. and can host 1,600 attendees. Though the property is older, it offers breathtaking waterfront views and is set to undergo future upgrades that will only enhance its appeal. Norfolk Waterside Marriott connects to the convention center, where over 68,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor space includes a 14,400 sq. ft. ballroom. It's an intuitive choice for large-scale events with visual impact. Glass Light Hotel & Gallery, a 117-room boutique retreat, offers a refined boardroom and intimate meeting suites for small gatherings. It's also a gallery space showcasing the Perry family's curated collection of glass sculpture. Guests here don't have to leave the property to experi- ence inspiration— meetings happen between art, light, and conversation. A i r p o r t - a r e a hotels, including the DoubleTree by Hilton, Holiday Inn Express, and Delta Hotels Norfolk Airport(, provide efficient hospitality just minutes from Norfolk International Airport—ideal for quick conferences or satellite sessions. WHERE CULTURE BECOMES THE AGENDA The Chrysler Museum of Art is not just a venue—it's a marvel. With more than 30,000 works spanning ancient to con- temporary, and an adjacent Glass Studio for live glassblowing demonstrations and events, the museum offers free daily admis- sion and rental opportunities for weddings, lectures, or elegant receptions. The Perry Glass Studio accommodates up to 65 guests for seated dinners and 120 for standing receptions, providing a unique setting where guests can witness the artistry of glassmaking first- hand. The studio also offers a variety of educational programs, including summer camps and workshops, encouraging creativity and engagement within the community. Adjacent to the museum, Zinnia Café offers a serene space to enjoy a quick lunch, snack, or beverage. With a striking modern design and an elegant outdoor garden terrace, Zinnia provides a full-service dining experience that highlights high-quality local and seasonal ingredients in unique and innovative ways.