Prevue September-October 2014 - (Page 16)
good business
The Virginia Beach CVB
Bridging the gap between environmental and human sustainability
Montego Bay Boys and Girls Club
Virginia Beach Convention Center
S
ustainability has become the feel-good buzz word of the
year. We're getting hip to the environmental impact of our
meetings and events and have turned the 'take, make and
waste' production process on its head-whether from supporting
sustainable venues or opting for locally grown f&b. But there's
another piece of the puzzle as equally important, but too often
overlooked. It's the human element-the inseparable link between
human beings and the environments that sustain us, and it's
something that the Virgina Beach CVB readily explores.
With over 35 miles of coastal waterways, three beautiful
beaches and a thriving military community, the CVB provides
planners with unique ways to connect groups with local
communities and the wild blue yonder. They call it "One Beach One World," and like the title implies, it's all about learning how to
share with the earth and each other in a world that is becoming
increasingly smaller, yet more interdependent.
Sally Noona, interim VP of sales/marketing & director of
convention sales says one of the CVB's biggest CSR initiatives
this year included a give back marketplace where attendees and
local stakeholders, including more than a dozen local industry
partners, assembled surfing kits that were donated to Surfer's
Healing Virginia Beach, a non-profit organization that provides
surfing therapy to children with autism. Each partner hosted a
table containing over 100 beach-related items that were stuffed
into 100 backpacks by all involved. The assembly line had a
speed-dating vibe, as planners switched to a different table after
a period of time. Noona says this approach offers the additional
benefit of allowing hoteliers and attractions to meet with planners
and share information about their businesses, while giving back
to a worthy cause.
"Similar to the set-up at appointment-driven tradeshows,
the marketplace is kept moving with an indicator for when the
planner needs to move on to the next table," Noona says. "A
lively exchange took place while they packed the kits."
Along with a CSR coordinator who connects groups
to the right opportunity, the CVB's website is also a bit of a
matchmaker, providing an easily navigated list of outreach
opportunities that help planners align their values Picture caption
with those
of local or national agencies. Noona says it's actually a bit
of a trend.
"We are finding that many groups are seeking out agencies
that speak to their mission statement, belief system or values of
their organization."
In the past, the CVB has facilitated a vast spectrum of
One Beach - One World CSR projects, including fundraisers
at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, writing postcards
for armed forces overseas, tree planting, donating books to
active duty soldiers, taking water samples or collecting litter
along the coast. Earlier this year, close to 500 pounds of food
was collected during a food drive challenge conducted among
industry partners to benefit the Foodbank of Southeastern
Virginia and the Eastern Shore. The point, Noona says, is to
get out there and make a positive impact. For it's part, the CVB
is constantly connecting with local organizations that can help
identify new CSR possibilities.
"One Beach - One World is not only about helping planners
reach CSR goals and reducing the logistical and executional
tasks associated with planning. It's a call to action for groups
meeting in our dynamic city to participate in making a positive
impact on the community and the world."-Johnalee Johnston
visitvirginiabeach.com
"Many groups are seeking out agencies that speak to their
mission statement, belief system or values of their organization."
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http://www.visitvirginiabeach.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue September-October 2014
Planner’s Pick: The London, Los Angeles
Fresh Meets: InterContinental Hotels
Bureau Buzz: Oakland CVB
Good Business: Virginia Beach CVB
Sea Shores: Meetings 2.0
The Future of Meeting Design
THE WEST
On Location: Phoenix
On Location: Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
FLORIDA AND THE CARIBBEAN
SOUTH AFRICA
HAWAII: DISNEY AULANI
C2MTL
On Location: Westin and Sheraton Kansas City
Checkout: Princess Grace Rose Garden, Monaco
Prevue September-October 2014
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