Meeting in today’s environment is certainly a challenge posing new questions and considerations for planners. State and city regulations, safety protocols for businesses and hotels, open businesses and attractions, creative spacing and hybrid solutions are now critical considerations that are constantly changing. The City of Alexandria proudly boasts a strong community partnership and a dedication to customer service and well-being. Scroll down and view how our city is providing a safe and welcoming environment and our comprehensive and up-to-date resources available to you.
Use this Meeting Planner's Destination Checklist to cover all your bases when looking at a destination and communicating with a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) or Convention Visitors Bureau (CVB).
The safety of our visitors and meeting attendees is our top priority. Learn about current state regulations and Alexandria’s community-wide commitment to the highest safety standards for employees and customers.
The well-being of you and your attendees is our top priority and we want your attendees to feel comfortable to travel to Alexandria. Take a glance at our city-wide hotel commitment to safety and feel confident that Alexandria’s hotels are ready for you.
Alexandria’s restaurants, boutiques, historic sites and attractions are taking the necessary precautions to create a safe and welcoming environment. From outdoor dining to shopping and recreation, see what your attendees can experience now.
Planning a flawless event is easy. Connect with local vendors and meeting facilities for top-notch streaming and audiovisual resources and seamless hybrid events.
Take a tour through Alexandria’s historic, walkable Old Town and distinctive meeting venues in 3-D. Explore new virtual experiences to engage your remote delegates.
Ensure attendee confidence in traveling to Alexandria for your meeting and promote safety and social distancing during your event with our social distancing marketing toolkit.
Our team is closely monitoring the coronavirus situation. Here are some additional FAQs and resources for your planning purposes. Read about the latest information about how COVID-19 is affecting Alexandria for your meetings and stay on top of the City’s reopening status.
Let us help you plan a successful event from start to finish with our complimentary concierge service to help you find creative solutions with technology and social distancing terms.
The Westin Alexandria Old Town was able to earn Decibel Events’ business in support of the Library of Congress’ National Book Festival. The festival went on-line this year with multiple video presentations by the authors whose books were featured. Decibel Events chose The Westin Alexandria Old Town because of our 1 Gig internet service allowing 30 different techs to monitor and maintain the quality of all the presentations. In addition, the hotel’s COVID 19 cleanliness, social distancing and service standards convinced the customer the 4 days of intensive 12 hour days could be accomplished safely.
Something we are doing is creating different experiences in a variety of spaces versus having an entire party in a ballroom. Last night was a good example. We had one event, but they were spread between our restaurant, the courtyard, and Del Ray with each space having its own experience. That way you can socially distance, but it is in a very natural way. We are also getting creative with individual service items. Considering the safest way is to have individually portioned items, we are moving to using small skillets or mason jars etc. so that it is still a unique sophisticated presentation (versus a plastic container with a lid like I have seen in other set-ups) There has been a shift in how clients book, going direct to hotels again to have a personal connection. It is more important than ever that we build trust and confidence for guests from the time they call until their event is complete. We have found success through partnering with our clients and community colleagues during this difficult time to ensure they know we are here for them and willing to be flexible in the booking process and creative to host memorable events which are also safe, sophisticated and in-keeping with all local guidelines.
Pivoting and being fluid to enhance your unique value proposition.