To meeting and event planners, continuing education is key. That’s how the City of Virginia Beach attracted more than 70 meeting planners, industry publications, restaurateurs, and hoteliers from throughout region to its Convention Center for the Get Green Already Conference. Featuring executives from the US Green Building Council, National Restaurant Association, Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants & Hotels (Proximity Hotel) and TFC Recycling, the expert panel educated the audience about the advantages of going green, how to budget for it, and how to measure its success. A photo slide show of the conference can be found here, courtesy of Organization Management Group, Inc.

During the conference, the City of Virginia Beach proudly announced a partnership with Green Meetings Industry Council (GMIC) and The Convene Green Alliance. Teaming up with these types of organizations will enhance Virginia Beach’s position to market the destination to the rapidly growing segment of meeting planners who want and need a green/eco-friendly destination for their clients.
 
As the first green destination in the Commonwealth with more than 90 Virginia Green certified restaurants, hotels, attractions and events, Virginia Beach is paving the way for a greener tomorrow.

Photo: Lynne Forsman, Green Meetings Industry Council (GMIC) (left.) Al Hutchinson, (center) and Tracey Messina, Executive Director, The Convene Green Alliance (right).

Virginia Beach is gearing up for Groovy & Green June 4-5, an exciting event to showcase the city’s newest products like the Sandler Center for Performing Arts in Town Center, the Virginia Aquarium’s $25 million renovation, Restless Planet, as well as highlight major CVB initiatives focused on green and sustainability. The 2-day event will include participation from 20 meeting planners, the city’s hospitality partners – restaurants and hotels, national trade media, an expert panel on green as well as keynote speaker Kimberley Lewis of the US Green Building Council. Agenda for “Get Green Already” Conference can be found here.

Two partnership announcements will also be shared at this event. Stay tuned for photos and updates.