Happy Holidays to our Valued Members of VADMO

We had a very exciting and productive year in 2023 and are poised to continue on our growth trajectory for 2024.

Last year, we saw increased participation in our Spring Symposium in Suffolk, and many thanks goes to Theresa Earle and the Suffolk staff for making the event such a success.  The Virgo Awards were very competitive, and many interesting and exciting programs were nominated and recognized.  The Fall Meet Up in Winchester, chaired by Justin Kerns, was an exciting and experiential event with a focus on Agritourism, which is a sector that is growing across the state.

One of VADMO’s most successful outreach programs is the AAA Sales Blitz, chaired by Bruce Newton of Hampton CVB also grew this year. Thank you to all the partners who participated. 

As we prepare for the coming year, you will see new and exciting opportunities that will add value to your dues investment.

We will begin a series of virtual meetings with timely topics that will support the enhancement of your daily activities and your professional development.  VADMO is also planning additional outreach via email for more “News You Can Use” in your local and regional programs.  We will be seeking timely and relevant topics to cover, so if you see interesting articles to share or Best Practices in tourism programs, please share it with us. You can also share requests for specific topics, all ideas are welcome: vadmo@associationbuilders.com.

In addition, VADMO supports the tourism advocacy efforts of the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association (VRLTA), and they are planning a Tourism Day on the Hill on January 29 and 30, 2024.  Please consider supporting this important outreach to our legislators, and you can sign up at this link:  https://web.vrlta.org/events/VRLTAs-Annual-Legislative-Day-on-the-Hill-Taste-of-VRLTA-2024-15169/details

Our crown jewel conference, the Spring Symposium, is scheduled for Richmond VA from March 26-28 at The Crossings Conference Center.  We will get the registration information posted shortly so that you can sign up and get a room at this wonderful facility.

Bruce Newton has announced that he is planning the next AAA Sales Blitz for later in the Spring or early Summer of 2024. The details and locations will be posted as soon as they are confirmed.

We are also in the early planning stages for the 2024 Fall Meet Up which will take place in Berry Hill VA.

A new initiative for VADMO and our membership is the Leadership Institute, on schedule to launch in conjunction with the Fall Meet Up in Berry Hill VA.   The program will include intensive training over four, meetings that will take place quarterly across the state.  Details on this credentialed program are coming soon. 

On behalf of the VADMO Board of Directors, we thank you for your continued investment to our industry, and our partners and small businesses that make tourism great everyday across the Commonwealth. Wishing you all a season of joy. 

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please reach out to us via our email at vadmo@associationbuilders.com.

Warm wishes,

Paige Read

President VADMO