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April 12, 2024
Dear Valued Tourism Partners,
From bulls, barrel races and fencing duals to cheer and dance competitions and photo ops with Disney princesses, there’s definitely something happening for everyone this week across our coastal city. It takes a lot of hard work and consistent effort to host thousands of guests each week, and my team and I appreciate all you and your teams do to showcase this amazing place we are fortunate to call home.
I hope everyone has registered for their complimentary seat to our 2024 National Travel & Tourism Week Hospitality Awards Luncheon. Scheduled for Thursday, May 2 at the Convention Center, I encourage everyone to register at this link to join in the celebration of our amazing hospitality industry. Registration is required and will be open through April 19. With more than 70 nominations, three new award categories, and several surprises in store, it’s going to be a great day. I look forward to seeing everyone there!
CVB Sales Activity and News:
The CVB team supports the bureau’s strategic pillars of Engagement, Growth, Brand Development, Culture, and Accountability.
The article “Traversing the Va Beach Beer Trail” recently appeared in Virginia Living magazine. Below are links to the extensive coverage we received surrounding the recent National High School Coaches Association’s (NHSCA) wrestling tournament and the upcoming 2024 Jackalope Festival scheduled for May 31 - June 2:
M&C Sales & Services - The M&C Sales & Service Team is on the road this week for sales missions and engagement with those in the market to book meetings and conventions. Sally Noona, Amy Overstreet, and Dee Mittman are in DC for Destination International’s Sales & Service Summit followed by Destination Showcase at the Washington DC Convention Center. Also, Dee attended the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners gathering, Sally attended a seminar at the American Society of Association Executives’ headquarters; and Amy will be attending the Society of Government Meeting Planners’ national chapter meeting. Scott Warren, Samantha Montague, and Lynn Hunnycutt are attending the Mid Atlantic Shrine’s spring meeting this week to secure plans for this fall and work on future commitments. Ryan Everett is in Milwaukee this week attending Simpleview’s annual Summit, honing in on new skills in the CRM for the CVB team. On the local front, Scott and Jamie Rawls were busy with site visits earlier this week.
This weekend, Virginia Beach becomes the ultimate sports destination as we host seven exhilarating events across various venues, showcasing talent from across the nation. The excitement kicks off at the Virginia Beach Convention Center with the 2024 Encore Dance Competition, where we anticipate a dynamic performance from 600 athletes. The energy continues at the same venue with the Royal Beach Dual Nationals, a cheer and dance spectacle expected to draw in 1,500 athletes.
The action doesn't stop there. The Sports Center is set to host the 2024 United States Association of Collegiate Fencing Clubs National Championships. This prestigious event will feature 700 of the nation's top collegiate fencers, battling it out on the track side of the center, showcasing their skill, precision, and passion for the sport. Representing colleges and universities from across the country, these athletes are poised to deliver thrilling bouts and unforgettable moments. Meanwhile, the court side will buzz with the 2024 Phenom 757 Showcase, a basketball tournament featuring over 2,000 athletes. Ocean Lakes High School will be the site of the Ocean Tumblers Spring Fling gymnastics event, showcasing the talents of 425 athletes.
Also, the Virginia Beach Field House will host the 2024 Surf's Up Grand National Championship Cheer and Dance event, with 400 participants ready to dazzle. Wrapping up the weekend, the Princess Anne Athletic Complex will be alive with the 2024 757 USSSA East Coast Championships, a baseball event expecting 800 athletes.
Join us for a weekend filled with athletic prowess and spirited competition, highlighting the best of sportsmanship and talent across multiple disciplines. It's a showcase of dedication, talent, and the vibrant sports culture that thrives in our community.
Evening, Overnight Road Work May Disrupt Travel in April Near Oceanfront – While Virginia Beach Boulevard, Birdneck Road, and Atlantic Avenue undergo paving projects, there may be disruptions to evening and overnight travel near the Oceanfront in the second half of April. All work on these projects will be done 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., weather permitting:
- Virginia Beach Boulevard from Cypress Avenue to Birdneck Road – Sunday, April 14, through Tuesday, April 30
- Birdneck Road from Laskin Road to Norfolk Avenue – Monday, April 15, through Tuesday, April 30
- Atlantic Avenue from 42nd Street to 45th Street – Thursday, April 18, through Tuesday, April 30
Milling and paving operations are likely to produce traffic delays, congestion and some construction noise. Advanced warning signs will be clearly posted advising motorists of lane closures. Drivers are urged to use alternate routes when possible. Questions may be directed to Dennis Simon with the Virginia Beach Department of Public Works at (757) 385-1470.
Please note: A utility project near the intersection of 19th Street and North Birdneck Road is also underway through mid-May. Heavier congestion may occur when these projects overlap. Click here for more details on this project.
Catch the Sold Out Bulls & Barrels Beach Rodeo - Those who missed out on advance tickets to the 2nd Annual Bulls & Barrels Beach Rodeo this weekend can still catch all the action! Click here to find out how to experience the excitement live or on demand.
2024 Boardwalk Art Show Call To Artists! - Make plans to be at the Oceanfront on October 4 – 6, 2024, for the 68th Annual Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show. This three-day festival welcomes nearly 200 artists from across the country, bringing the highest caliber of fine art and contemporary craft to the relaxing setting of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. The Boardwalk Art Show continues to feature many artist amenities including:
- A prize fund of approximately $20,000, including a $5,000 Best in Show award
- Over 200 volunteers, booth sitters, overnight security, and on-site storage
- Artist Drive-On Program for easy load-in and load-out
The application deadline is April 30, 2024; late applications will be accepted until May 31, 2024, for an additional $10.00. Check out the full Artist Prospectus here for a detailed description on the works accepted into the show. Ready to apply? Click here. For more information, please email to boardwalkartshow@virginiamoca.org with any questions you may have.
Beyond Monet Exhibit Begins July 5 at Convention Center - Through the use of cutting edge technology and original score, Beyond Monet breathes new life into over 400 of Claude Monet’s artworks. Occupying more than 50,000 square feet of space, this exhibit is the largest immersive experience in the country. Composed of over four trillion content pixels, this high-resolution portrayal of Monet’s work offers guests the opportunity to become one with the paintings. Did you miss Beyond Van Gogh last season? Don't miss it this time! Get your tickets and check out combo options to see both Monet and Van Gogh. Find out more about both of these unique experiences here.
2024 Virginia Beach Funk Fest Beach Party - For 14 years, the Virginia Beach Funk Fest Beach Party has brought the funk to the Oceanfront with two days of electrifying music, delectable food, and a diverse array of vendors. The heartbeat of the festival is its music, echoing across the beach at 24th Street on Friday and Saturday, August 23 - 24. Rooted in R&B, jazz, gospel, and blues, funk is a genre that has left an indelible mark on the music scene. Influential artists like James Brown and George Clinton, the leader of Parliament-Funkadelic, have inspired countless musicians and played pivotal roles in the evolution of other genres such as disco and hip hop. A limited number of preferred viewing tickets are on sale now - click this link for more information!
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
Click here to view the 2024 CVB Events Calendar. To view the Resort area entertainment schedule, click here and for easy access the Town Center of Virginia Beach events and activities listing, click here.
My team and I are committed to you and our industry and are here to help any way that we can. Please let me know how we can assist you.
Sincerely,
Nancy Helman
CVB Director
CVB Strategic Pillars:
Engagement|Growth|Brand Development|Culture|Accountability
Hotel Occupancy Data for the Week of March 24 -30: Virginia Beach’s hotel occupancy rate for the week of March 24 – March 30 was up 6.2% at 59.1% occupancy and up 1.1% for the running 28-day trend. ADR was down -1.4% at $125.65 and down -2.0% for the running 28-day trend. RevPAR was up 4.7 at $74.21 and down -0.9% for the running 28-day trend.
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