Black Meetings & Tourism - VIRGINIA BEACH BUZZ: MEET DEE MITTMAN

Industry Briefs
VIRGINIA BEACH BUZZ: MEET DEE MITTMAN
After a nationwide search for a convention sales manager, the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to announce the arrival of Dee Mittman. Dee hails from Greensboro, NC and brings more than 15 years of hospitality sales and marketing to the table. Dee will be managing all multi-cultural associations, the corporate market and the Midwest territory. Get to know Dee below! Q: What drew you to Virginia Beach? A: Virginia Beach is such a unique destination that really showcases a little bit of everything for everyone. What really drew me to Virginia Beach is, it's not just a beach it's so much more! Yes, you have the beach, but you also have the city. As I envision myself selling Virginia Beach showcasing to a planner that yes your attendees can be at the beach, but also be removed from the beach in a matter of 15 minutes will be a huge plus for planners to showcase to the decision makers and attendees. Q: What are the attractions or venues you're most looking forward to sharing with your clients? A: I look forward to sharing the new Apex Entertainment center located right in the heart of our Town Center area, our aquarium, and the overall history of Virginia Beach (Lynnhaven House and Ferry plantation house to name a few). Q: In your opinion, what are Virginia Beach's key unique selling points? A: Our state-of-the-art convention center that can cater to really almost any group. The way the venue is laid out makes it very easy for conference attendees to navigate through the building without getting lost and it offers complimentary parking, which is such a huge selling point for us. Also, our hotels, restaurants and additional attractions are ready to welcome back guests to our city safely. The steps they've taken to ensure guests they are not letting their guard down and want to make everyone feel safe, but want them to still enjoy their time vacationing has been amazing. Q: What are some of the key trends you're seeing in meetings these days? A: If you've got the unconventional space that's never been used before it is now being used in a creative way. Hotels are renovating and before they weren't taking into account outdoor space, but now they are and large outdoor space at that. We want to gather so badly and with that being said hotels are getting really creative with what they can do with their meeting spaces and outdoor space for us safely. Q: What is Virginia Beach doing to stay on and ahead of these trends? A: Our PR and Marketing team has done a really good job of communicating with the outside world on our happenings, new attractions and destination updates. Over the past year it has been so key for destinations like Virginia Beach to stay in front of planners and not go dark. I know that because of them being so intentional with ad placement, marketing and PR, when we are given the go ahead to open for larger groups we will be ready. Q: Favorite VB restaurant? A: Cobalt Grille is so good!!!!! Black owned and somewhat off the beaten path. Their menu is simple but has something on there for every palate. Favorite VB shop? The Shack on 8th is such a neat place. It has food and local vendors that sell anything from candles, tea, clothes and bags. Q: Favorite VB attraction? A: The Aviation Military Museum. If you love history you will love this place. I know backwards to say, but each plane that is at this attraction has a story both modern and historical. I also love the volunteers here and the time they've put into being a part of the museum. How do I know? Their years of service is noted on their name tags.

Industry Briefs

VIRGINIA BEACH BUZZ: MEET DEE MITTMAN

After a nationwide search for a convention sales manager, the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to announce the arrival of Dee Mittman. Dee hails from Greensboro, NC and brings more than 15 years of hospitality sales and marketing to the table. Dee will be managing all multi-cultural associations, the corporate market and the Midwest territory.

Get to know Dee below!

Q: What drew you to Virginia Beach?

A: Virginia Beach is such a unique destination that really showcases a little bit of everything for everyone. What really drew me to Virginia Beach is, it's not just a beach it's so much more! Yes, you have the beach, but you also have the city. As I envision myself selling Virginia Beach showcasing to a planner that yes your attendees can be at the beach, but also be removed from the beach in a matter of 15 minutes will be a huge plus for planners to showcase to the decision makers and attendees.

Q: What are the attractions or venues you're most looking forward to sharing with your clients?

A: I look forward to sharing the new Apex Entertainment center located right in the heart of our Town Center area, our aquarium, and the overall history of Virginia Beach (Lynnhaven House and Ferry plantation house to name a few).

Q: In your opinion, what are Virginia Beach's key unique selling points?
A: Our state-of-the-art convention center that can cater to really almost any group. The way the venue is laid out makes it very easy for conference attendees to navigate through the building without getting lost and it offers complimentary parking, which is such a huge selling point for us. Also, our hotels, restaurants and additional attractions are ready to welcome back guests to our city safely. The steps they've taken to ensure guests they are not letting their guard down and want to make everyone feel safe, but want them to still enjoy their time vacationing has been amazing.

Q: What are some of the key trends you're seeing in meetings these days?
A: If you've got the unconventional space that's never been used before it is now being used in a creative way. Hotels are renovating and before they weren't taking into account outdoor space, but now they are and large outdoor space at that. We want to gather so badly and with that being said hotels are getting really creative with what they can do with their meeting spaces and outdoor space for us safely.

Q: What is Virginia Beach doing to stay on and ahead of these trends?
A: Our PR and Marketing team has done a really good job of communicating with the outside world on our happenings, new attractions and destination updates.

Over the past year it has been so key for destinations like Virginia Beach to stay in front of planners and not go dark. I know that because of them being so intentional with ad placement, marketing and PR, when we are given the go ahead to open for larger groups we will be ready.

Q: Favorite VB restaurant?
A: Cobalt Grille is so good!!!!! Black owned and somewhat off the beaten path. Their menu is simple but has something on there for every palate. Favorite VB shop?
The Shack on 8th is such a neat place. It has food and local vendors that sell anything from candles, tea, clothes and bags.

Q: Favorite VB attraction?
A: The Aviation Military Museum. If you love history you will love this place. I know backwards to say, but each plane that is at this attraction has a story both modern and historical. I also love the volunteers here and the time they've put into being a part of the museum. How do I know? Their years of service is noted on their name tags.