Sponsored By Visit Richmond, VA
Second-Tier, Second to None: The Richmond Region’s Case for Meetings That Matter
Named CNN’s top U.S. town to visit in 2024, the Richmond Region is catching attention for good reason. Here’s why experienced planners are calling it one of their best-kept secrets.
Second-tier cities are stepping into the spotlight for all the right reasons. They offer the kind of scale, access, and cultural depth that today’s planners are prioritizing. The Richmond Region is a clear example of how that shift is playing out, delivering real value without sacrificing character.
What makes it especially compelling is how it balances big-league infrastructure with an experience that feels grounded and accessible. That’s where the difference starts, and where the story begins.
Right Sized and Ready for Anything
Planners are increasingly drawn to destinations that strike a balance between cost-efficiency and character. As one planner noted, the appeal lies in “savings and being able to plan according to budget without missing out on the ‘cool’ factor.” That’s exactly the advantage the Richmond Region offers.
The Richmond Region hits a rare, sweet spot for meetings: It pairs scale with simplicity. At the center is the Greater Richmond Convention Center, the largest in Virginia, featuring 178,000 square feet of continuous exhibition space, a 30,000- square- foot ballroom, and an additional 50,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. This entire footprint is located in the heart of a compact, walkable convention district where attendees can move seamlessly between sessions, hotels, restaurants, and off-sites, all within a few manageable blocks.
Add to that Richmond International Airport, recently named the most efficient mid-sized airport in the country, and you’ve got a gateway that’s both modest in size and major in performance. Direct access, short lines, and strong connectivity take the stress out of arrival and departure.
The Richmond Region’s seven distinct localities and 15 convention hotels, with over 20,000 rooms throughout the region, offer planners choice without complexity. Whether hosting 200 or 2,000, there’s flexibility to fit the format and the personality of the event. One size never fits all, and here, it doesn’t have to. The Richmond Region is built for access that enhances every layer of the meeting experience. From arrival to agenda execution, its infrastructure makes movement intuitive and planning more strategic. It’s a region built for access that fosters connection, confidence, and strategic alignment. This foundation of access becomes a planning advantage, reinforcing trust, coordination, and the ability to execute with clarity and purpose. The ease of moving between spaces supports the flow of ideas, and the presence of a deeply invested local team ensures that execution reflects intention.
A Destination That Partners on Purpose
Every planner has a vision. What distinguishes the Richmond Region is how well it helps bring that vision to life. Partnership in this mid-sized metro is rooted in alignment, where the Destination Sales and Services team moves in step with planners from early ideation to final wrap-up, anticipating needs and responding with precision.
That alignment comes through in the details: timelines that stay intact, communication that feels seamless, and a local network that knows how to deliver. This kind of support feels intuitive because it’s informed by experience, and the result is a working relationship that feels less like a handoff and more like an extension of the planning team.
The Richmond Region’s approach to support is grounded in both place and purpose. Planners gain access to a network of local thought leaders, inclusive event design expertise, and values-aligned partnerships that reflect the character of the community. These destination-driven services not only enrich programming but also deepen resonance and relevance. They help shape agendas that reflect more than logistics; they reflect intention. This kind of planner-centered support sets the tone for something even deeper: a connection to culture and community that transforms logistics into lasting impact.
Built-In Culture and Community
Plans are important, but people are everything. The Richmond Region stands out as a destination that honors and represents its community, in both story and substance. Its narrative is shaped by the people who call it home, and its commitment to conscientious stewardship is evident in every layer of the meeting experience.
Whether it’s curating off-site experiences that reflect the character of the region’s neighborhoods or engaging with local vendors and makers who mirror its diversity, planners will find alignment with their values. Initiatives like BLK RVA and OutRVA actively celebrate Black and LGBTQ+ culture as a visible, vibrant part of the region’s cultural fabric, reflected in programming, placemaking, and storytelling across seasons. From festivals to community collaborations, this presence adds both depth and resonance to the meeting experience. A perfect score of 100 on the Municipal Equality Index further underscores the region’s ongoing commitment to inclusive hospitality and equitable practices.
The Richmond Region is also a partner in sustainability and accessibility, with active collaborations through VisitAble, Virginia Green Travel, and Tree Nation. Conscientious planning and conscious programming can go hand in hand, and in the Richmond Region, they do.
Smart planning centers on clarity, purpose, and knowing where real value lives. The Richmond Region reflects the best of what second-tier cities can offer: agility, authenticity, and connection, combined with the infrastructure and momentum of a destination that is second to none. It is a strategic choice, and experienced planners recognize it.
To learn more about the dynamic Visit Richnond, VA Destination Sales team and their ongoing initiatives, please contact Jerrine Lee, Vice President of Sales at jlee@visitrichmondva.com
