Here at the CVB, we consider the culinary experience to be an integral part of any convention or meeting. That’s why we hired Distinctive Gourmet, a division of Centerplate, one of the nation's leading providers of food, beverage and merchandise for sports, convention and entertainment centers, as the exclusive onsite caterer for the LEED® Gold-EB certified Convention Center. Heading up the staff is Executive Chef Paul Benson.

With more than 16 years experience, Chef Benson works meticulously to create imaginative creations tempting to each taste bud. A few examples of his signature dishes include “Soup Sips,” a variety of butler-passed soups including gazpacho, yellow and red pepper coulis and other seasonal favorites presented in small, individual cordial glasses, as well as the Shrimp and Grits Station featuring southern-style stone-ground yellow grits topped with sautéed shrimp, tasso ham, onions, peppers, white wine and fresh cream.

But words can only begin to describe the experience.  To see what Virginia Beach can offer your group or convention, call (757) 385-4700 or visit www.vbmeetings.com.

Great relationships, confidence and morale make great team members, and Virginia Beach offers several activities that promote team building among groups. For example, The Virginia Beach Convention Center offers “culinary team building” for groups or individuals from businesses or organizations.

During this exercise the group is divided into teams of 4-5 people and assigned a leader from the culinary staff. Each team is responsible for a meal component to prepare such as the appetizer or hors d’oeuvres, salad, main course, and starch and vegetable. Afterwards, the group can celebrate their success by enjoying their delicious concoction after the meal is completed.

The Founders Inn and Spa, a premier meeting and conference center in Virginia Beach, also offers "culinary team building" Monday through Thursday and can accommodate nine to 45 participants. Other team-building opportunities are available at Virginia Beach's state parks, museums and other attractions.