President; Ladies Ministry
Virginia District United Pentecostal Church
Portsmouth, Va.
Describe your event.
We held our annual statewide ladies’ three-day conference in Hampton and had 1,200 attendees. Most everyone slept at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Spa, which is connected to the convention center. Some stayed in the Courtyard by Marriott Hampton.
Why did you decide to host the meeting in Hampton?
It’s convenient for many of our members. Also, we outgrew the Marriott in Williamsburg, and it’s hard to find a center that will accommodate our group, along with a hotel, and Washington, D.C., is financially out of range.
What surprised you the most about Hampton?
We picked the wrong weekend—the one the circus was in town. Some people really had trouble getting to the convention center area because of traffic. The CVB reminded us they had told us about the event, but it was the only time we could get the availability we needed.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most?
They loved having the hotel connected with the convention center. They could just walk back and forth in a short time. They also enjoyed all the shopping around the region—MacArthur Center Mall, Williamsburg outlets and the mall across from the convention center.
Was anybody particularly helpful?
The staff at the Embassy Suites was wonderful and also at the convention center.
How does Hampton compare with other cities where you have hosted meetings?
It’s much busier than Williamsburg, and I do miss the quiet. However, Hampton has a better selection of restaurants, where Williamsburg seems to shut down late at night.
Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Hampton?
Be sure to check on the activities and public events going on in the Hampton Roads region before you book. They will impact your event.