DAYTONA BEACH CVB

Although Daytona Beach is best known for its 23 miles of sparkling beaches, in recent years it has become known for its growing inventory of quality hotels and meeting and convention facilities. The newly expanded Ocean Center Convention Complex has opened to rave reviews.The NEW Ocean Center has nearly 200,000 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art interior meeting and exhibit space. The expansion heralds the Daytona Beach area’s emergence as an attractive oceanfront meeting and convention market. The Daytona Beach area offers approximately 12,000 hotel rooms, with everything from quaint, upscale inns to larger, business-class meeting resorts.The Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, The Shores Resort & Spa, The Plaza Resort & Spa and Daytona Beach Resort & Conference Center have undergone multimillion- dollar refurbishment projects. Accommodations in the area have never looked better.

The Ocean Center Convention Complex and area hotels are all within minutes of the Daytona Beach International Airport, which is served by Delta Air Lines and US Airways. There is direct service from Atlanta and Charlotte and convenient connections from everywhere else. For those driving, Daytona Beach is conveniently located at the intersection of I-95 and I-4. The Daytona Beach area features LPGA International with its two championship golf courses, along with dozens of other challenging courses in the area.

The USTA Florida Tennis Center is located in Daytona Beach and boasts 24 clay hydro-courts and 20 lighted courts. Museum-goers will enjoy the Museum of Arts & Sciences, a Smithsonian affiliate, the Southeast Museum of Photography at Daytona State College and many others. For the maritime lovers, the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse is one of Florida’s finest nautical museums. And the neighboring Marine Science Center provides a delightful interactive look at marine life in Volusia County. Whether you are meeting on the beach, in the fast lane at Daytona International Speedway or doing a little team building at Daytona 500 Experience, Daytona Beach is the perfect meeting location. With professional meetings and convention staff available to assist you with small meetings, large conventions and everything in between, your next event will be a memorable success.

Linda McMahon
Sales Manager
Daytona Beach CVB
Daytona Beach, Fla.
386/255-0415, ext. 132
www.daytonabeachmeetings.com

NORFOLK CVB

Seaport Destination Welcomes Meeting & Convention Visitors to Stay and Enjoy the Family-Friendly Sights

Few destinations in the United States can blend a convention and a family vacation as seamlessly as Norfolk, Va. Within a day’s drive of most cities on the East Coast and home to the easily accessible Norfolk International Airport, the riverside city has surged in popularity as a meeting destination with one especially unique perk—the whole family can tag along!

Perfect for families, the city is best enjoyed outdoors, whether by land or sea. Following a convention or meeting, guests can cruise the harbor in style on the American Rover or tie up dockside for the day with Norfolk’s variety of aquatic attractions for families and groups alike. Back on the dock, visitors can explore the world’s largest battleship, the USS Wisconsin, which will soon offer tours of the lower decks to the public. The adventurous set can put their nautical skills to use with SailTime Virginia, where personalized sailing escapades allow novices and experts alike to coast through summer. Visitors can also enjoy the serene nature of the Elizabeth River and Lake Whitehurst through organized kayaking tours.

Back on dry land, families can explore the city’s cosmopolitan dining options, eclectic shopping, diverse cultural events and activities. Guests to the seaport destination can also embark on Segway tours of the downtown area, weaving through the city’s many neighborhoods including Freemason, the historic district, which features original cobblestone roads and historic homes, as well as Ghent, an eclectic area with unique boutiques and restaurants lining the streets. Families can also enjoy the city’s pristine weather while visiting the Virginia Zoo, Norfolk Botanical Garden and the Chrysler Museum of Art, where admission is now free.

With numerous hotel options in the downtown area, including two new properties that debuted in 2010, Norfolk attracts thousands of travelers each year to enjoy its lively waterfront downtown, which is easily walkable and alive with eclectic dining options, a rich arts scene, high-end shopping and fun, year-round special events.

Donna Allen
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Visit Norfolk
Norfolk, Va.
757/664-6620
www.visitnorfolktoday.com
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