VisitNorfolk.com; @VisitNorfolkVA
Home to the world’s largest naval base, a walkable waterfront, IACC-certified facilities, and amenity-filled venues, Norfolk offers planners a one-of-a-kind setting for successful gatherings, according to Dawn Whittaker, Visit Norfolk director of sales. “Norfolk’s naval history adds a distinctive character that fascinates visitors. Our city’s naval history adds a distinctive character that fascinates visitors. We also have an outstanding arts and cultural scene, endless nightlife and dining options, and so much more for groups to love.”
Norfolk Waterside Marriott features 407 rooms and 68,879 square feet of event space; its largest venue, a 14,400-square-foot ballroom, can accommodate 2,400 people. Hilton Norfolk The Main has 300 guest rooms and 41,443 square feet of event space. The hotel’s 18,382-square-foot Main Ballroom is the largest in Virginia, with a capacity of 2,200 people theater style. Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel offers 468 rooms and 45,570 square feet of meeting space, with a capacity of 1,600.
The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, also known as Perry Glass Studio, recently tripled in size, offering event space for 400 and hands-on art experiences. The 175-acre Norfolk Botanical Gardens is expected to unveil its new Garden of Tomorrow this spring. The garden’s centerpiece, the 26,000-square-foot Perry Conservatory, will be available for private events. Nauticus, Norfolk’s maritime discovery center, recently added interactive exhibits and a planetarium. The attraction offers several areas for private events, including the 350-seat Brock Theater and 12,000 square feet of exhibit space. The World War II-era Wisconsin battleship, one of the U.S. Navy’s largest ships, accommodates a capacity of 600 standing guests on its main deck, up to 250 seated guests on its fantail, and a capacity of 80 seated dinner guests in the elegant officer’s wardroom.
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is undergoing a $1 billion expansion that will include updated terminals and an onsite hotel. The project is estimated for completion in 2028.
Norfolk’s Elizabeth River Trail—a 10.5-mile pedestrian and bike path along the waterfront— continues to expand. Norfolk is also home to Virginia’s first light-rail system, the “Tide.” The rail system serves downtown Norfolk and surrounding neighborhoods.
