Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront (4201 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451)
About the VML Annual Conference
Each fall hundreds of local government officials, speakers and member organization representatives attend the VML Annual Conference. The conference includes:
- General sessions featuring political leaders, nationally-known speakers and local government experts.
- Workshop sessions on a variety of local government issues.
- Business meeting focusing on the adoption of the annual VML legislative program and the election of officers for the upcoming year.
- The presentation of the annual Innovation Awards recognizing excellence in local government programs.
- The opportunity for networking with colleagues from across the state.
What to expect for 2024
- The conference programming will begin the afternoon of Oct. 13 and will run concurrent with the second half of the Mayors Institute.
- The evening of Oct. 13 will feature a reception followed by the Awards Banquet which will conclude with live music by the Soul Expressions Band (if you caught them last year in Norfolk, you know this is going to be a treat!)
- Programming will be offered throughout the day on Oct. 14.
- Spouses and guests of attendees can register for the Spouse/Guest Lunch & Learn happening at the historic Cavalier Inn (across the street from the Marriott). Speakers will address the unique challenges and opportunties that are faced by spouses of locla government elected officials and staff. To attend, select this offering during the registration process.
- The conference will conclude mid-morning on Oct. 13 with an engaging, interactive session with expert faciliator Matt Lehrman.
A prelimiary agenda will be posted here soon!
Silver and Gold Community Business Member Benefit - Host a Dining Table
VML strives to ensure that our Community Business Members (CBMs) and local government members can have mutually beneficial interactions during our annual conferences. In this spirit, for the 2024 Annual Conference we are pleased to provide each of our Silver and Gold Level CBMs with dining table to host during the event.
How does hosting a table work?
During breakfast and lunch on Monday, October 14 and breakfast on Tuesday, October 15, your table will have a stanchion with your organization’s name. At the center of the table, you are welcome to place brochures, handouts, small giveaway items, and similar materials. Your representatives are encouraged to visit with our local government members at their table during the designated meal and break times.
Tuesday raffle
On the morning of Tuesday, October 15, any organization that would like to participate in a raffle can collect business cards during breakfast. Extra time will be given that morning for members to circulate to different tables. While attendees are at the Closing Session later that morning, the winners will be selected, and names posted so they can meet the sponsoring organization representatives and claim their prize.
Why no exhibit hall?
Like many other organizations, VML has found that keeping representatives tied to tables in a separate space does not lead to valuable interactions. We want our CBM representatives to be able to circulate and attend sessions during the conference and receptions. VML believes that the opportunity to hear about the issues most important to Virginia’s local governments is a valuable component of your membership. This also increases the likelihood of beneficial engagement as business and local government representatives share the experience of the conference together.
Networking opportunities
All CBM member representatives are invited to attend both the reception and awards banquet (followed by live music from Soul Expressions) the evening of Sunday, October 13 as well as the reception the evening of Monday, October 14.