What's New This Year

VSAE is dedicated to providing a welcoming, respectful, safe, and accessible environment for all conference attendees. In addition to that, each year we strive to add something new to your Annual Conference experience, and this year is no exception. 

• COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT - The VSAE Community Service Committee is coordinating an opportunity to support Stop & Pop Youth Sports Charities as their mentoring programs represent a major impact in the course of many youths' lives, not only in terms of improving athletic performance but also providing them with a safe environment to grow and develop. Conference attendees can support their greenhouse project by donating needed items. The Community Service Committee will collect your donations at the conference registration desk. This is a great opportunity to making a difference in the Hampton Roads community.

• MOTHER'S LOUNGE - VSAE and the Hampton Convention Center will offer a room for nursing mothers attending the conference. A private room located on the 2nd floor will be equipped with comfortable seating, tables, a small refrigerator, a sink with soap and paper towels, and water bottles. This room will be secure, so if you wish to use it, please check in at the VSAE registration desk for room location and access information when you arrive onsite.

• QUIET LOUNGE - VSAE and the Hampton Convention Center will offer a Quiet Lounge, a designated comfortable atmosphere for attendees to re-energize and rejuvenate. This room is a “tech-free zone” where attendees can self-unplug from their electronic devices. Five minutes of quiet mindfulness can do wonders for concentration, sleep, breathing, and focus throughout the day. This space is also for those attendees who seek a quiet place for prayer/meditation, who may be sensitive to light or sound, or who just need a quiet break between sessions to rejuvenate without the need to go to your room to do it. Location information will be provided in the mobile app as well as signage.
• THEME - During Hampton's infamous Blackbeard Pirate Festival visitors from all over the country enjoy the sights and sounds of 18th century Hampton overrun by pirates. Hampton’s waterfront comes alive with dozens of pirate re-enactors, costumed in historically accurate garb, who transform today’s Hampton into the busy seaport of yesterday. As homage, a few of our food and networking events will have a pirate theme. Feel free to create a pirate name or wear your favorite Captain Jack Sparrow or Elizabeth Swann outfit to the Pirate Parley (aka After Dinner Entertainment on Monday).

• WALK THE PLANK - In the past, conference attendees have enjoyed a Zen yoga session on Monday morning. This year, we'll take advantage of the walkability of the Hampton with our own Lori Leib, CMP with the Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau leading a leisurely walk on Tuesday morning, providing interesting facts about Hampton along the way. In keeping with the pirate theme, we invite you to Walk the Plank with Lori.

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