Virginia Beach Convention Center is a modern convention, exhibition and meeting venue near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The facility hosts trade shows, conferences, consumer exhibitions, sporting events, banquets, weddings, graduations and community programmes.
The building contains more than 250,000 square feet of programmable event space. Its main facilities include a 150,012-square-foot column-free exhibit hall, a 31,029-square-foot ballroom, five flexible meeting suites and premium rooms inside a 147-foot glass tower.
Virginia Beach Convention Center Quick Details
| Detail | Information |
| Official name | Virginia Beach Convention Center |
| Common abbreviation | VBCC |
| Address | 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 |
| Telephone | 757-385-2000 |
| Programmable event space | More than 250,000 square feet |
| Full exhibit hall | 150,012 square feet |
| Exhibit hall sections | Halls A, B, C and D |
| Maximum exhibit booths | Approximately 880 standard 10-by-10-foot booths |
| Full-hall theatre capacity | Up to approximately 13,440 |
| Full-hall banquet capacity | Up to approximately 9,400 |
| Main ballroom | 31,029 square feet |
| Ballroom sections | Ballroom One, Two and Three |
| Meeting suites | Five suites, divisible into multiple meeting areas |
| Exhibit hall ceiling | Approximately 40 feet |
| Ballroom ceiling | Approximately 35 feet |
| Loading facilities | 21 cargo bays and five loading ramps |
| Public parking | Free on-site parking; published counts vary by designated event area |
| Closest major airport | Norfolk International Airport |
| Oceanfront distance | Approximately one mile |
Address and Location
The official address is:
1000 19th Street
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
The convention center is west of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront resort area and a short distance from the boardwalk. It is near the Virginia Beach Sports Center, hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Nearby destinations include:
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk
- Virginia Beach Sports Center
- Atlantic Avenue
- Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
- Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
- ViBe Creative District
- Oceanfront restaurants and hotels
- Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater, reached by car
Norfolk International Airport is approximately 18 miles from the convention center. Normal driving time is around 25–35 minutes, although bridge, tunnel and summer resort traffic can make the journey longer.
Facilities at Virginia Beach Convention Center
The center combines large, column-free event rooms with smaller conference spaces and public areas filled with natural light. Major facilities include:
- Four-section exhibit hall
- Three-section ballroom
- Five meeting-room suites
- Tower Café Lounge
- Executive Board Room
- VIP Lounge
- Observation Deck
- Registration and pre-function areas
- Business center
- Food and beverage service
- Audiovisual and event-technology support
- Internet, telephone and data services
- Loading docks and exhibitor access doors
- Free Wi-Fi in designated pre-function areas
- On-site public parking
Virginia Beach Convention Center was the first convention center in the United States to earn LEED Gold certification for an existing building. Its environmental features and coastal-inspired architecture are major parts of the venue’s design.
Exhibit Hall Capacity and Layout
The main exhibition floor provides 150,012 square feet of column-free space. It divides into Halls A, B, C and D. Each individual hall contains approximately 37,503 square feet.
The complete hall has a ceiling height of approximately 40 feet and published maximum capacities of:
- 13,440 guests in theatre seating
- 9,400 banquet guests
- 880 standard exhibition booths measuring 10 by 10 feet
Published combinations include:
- Hall A or B or C or D: 37,503 square feet and up to 220 booths
- Halls A–B: 75,006 square feet and up to 440 booths
- Halls B–C: 75,006 square feet and up to 440 booths
- Halls C–D: 75,006 square feet and up to 440 booths
- Halls A–C: 112,509 square feet and up to 660 booths
- Halls B–D: 112,509 square feet and up to 660 booths
- Halls A–D: 150,012 square feet and up to 880 booths
Actual occupancy may be lower after stages, production equipment, food stations, sporting installations and emergency aisles are added. Organisers must obtain approval for the final floor plan.
Exhibit Hall Access
Each exhibit hall has an overhead loading door measuring approximately 21 feet 6 inches wide by 15 feet 6 inches high. The center has 21 cargo bays and five loading ramps.
Loading docks are intended for temporary use during move-in and move-out. Vehicles cannot remain in the dock area without a permit. Exhibitors should coordinate freight schedules, security and dock access through the assigned event coordinator.
Ballroom
The ballroom provides 31,029 square feet of column-free event space and has a ceiling height of approximately 35 feet. It can operate as one large room or divide into Ballroom One, Two and Three.
Published capacities for the complete ballroom include:
- 3,108 guests theatre-style
- 1,800 guests classroom-style
- 2,000 banquet guests
Ballroom One and Ballroom Three each provide approximately 10,472 square feet. Ballroom Two provides approximately 10,085 square feet.
The room is suitable for general sessions, gala dinners, awards programmes, weddings, dances and large receptions. Its sections can support simultaneous meals, sessions or backstage areas.
The ballroom has dedicated overhead access doors for production and catering movement. Organisers should confirm access times and door clearances before bringing in large scenery or equipment.
Meeting Suites
The second level contains five principal meeting suites with a ceiling height of approximately 15 feet 6 inches. Movable partitions allow the suites to operate as individual rooms or combined meeting areas.
Suite 1
Suite 1 provides approximately 7,884 square feet when fully combined. Its published maximum capacities include about 788 theatre-style, 488 classroom-style and 490 banquet guests.
It divides into Rooms 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D. This makes it useful for conferences requiring several related breakout sessions.
Suites 2, 3 and 4
Suites 2, 3 and 4 each provide approximately 3,958 square feet when combined. Each complete suite can accommodate approximately 396 theatre-style, 244 classroom-style or 230 banquet guests.
Individual rooms range from roughly 654 to 1,328 square feet. Several sections can be combined for larger workshops or meal functions.
Suite 5
Suite 5 provides approximately 4,719 square feet. Published maximum capacities include about 472 theatre-style, 308 classroom-style and 310 banquet guests.
The suite divides into four principal sections and is well suited to training programmes, seminars, private meals and supporting conference sessions.
Additional rooms identified as show-management offices can be used for organisers, speakers, staff or event operations.
Tower Meeting Spaces
The convention center’s 147-foot glass tower contains premium meeting and hospitality spaces with views across the surrounding area.
These include:
- Tower Café Lounge: Approximately 1,600 square feet with banquet seating for about 80
- Executive Board Room: Approximately 1,569 square feet with conference seating for about 21
- VIP Lounge: Approximately 1,077 square feet with up to 50 theatre-style guests or 30 banquet guests
- Observation Deck: Approximately 500 square feet
The tower spaces work well for executive meetings, sponsor functions, VIP hospitality and small receptions. Access and operating arrangements should be confirmed as part of the event contract.
Parking
Free public parking is available around Virginia Beach Convention Center. The official venue pages currently refer to more than 1,300 parking spaces, while event-planning material also identifies up to 2,200 public spaces across the broader designated parking area. The exact number available can depend on the event layout, shared use and nearby activities.
Visitors should follow the parking map and instructions supplied for their event. Premium spaces may be designated for carpools and energy-efficient vehicles.
Parking guidance includes:
- Arrive early for large consumer shows and sporting events.
- Use only marked public spaces.
- Do not park in loading docks or freight areas without a permit.
- Keep fire lanes and passenger-loading zones clear.
- Display the required placard or plate when using accessible parking.
- Confirm overnight and oversized-vehicle arrangements in advance.
Bus parking is not generally available at the convention center. Charter buses, recreational vehicles and other oversized vehicles may need to use designated city lots, such as the 4th Street lot, subject to current rules and charges.
Transportation
From Norfolk International Airport
Taxi, rideshare and rental-car services are the most direct options from Norfolk International Airport. The journey usually takes around 25–35 minutes in normal traffic.
There is no regular airport rail link to the convention center. Groups may arrange private coaches or hotel shuttles.
By Car
Interstate 264 is the principal highway into the Virginia Beach Oceanfront district. Drivers can reach the venue through Birdneck Road, Parks Avenue, 19th Street or nearby resort streets, depending on their direction of travel.
Traffic is often heavier on summer weekends, holidays and during major festivals. Visitors should allow extra time and check event-specific road notices.
Local Buses and Seasonal Service
Hampton Roads Transit operates bus services in Virginia Beach. Routes and seasonal oceanfront services can change, so attendees should check the current schedule before relying on public transport.
Walking and Rideshare
The center is roughly one mile from the boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue hotel district. Walking may be practical in good weather, but guests should consider the distance, heat and the location of their hotel.
Rideshare and taxi passengers should use the designated pickup or drop-off point specified by event staff, particularly when the front drive is busy.
Hotels Near Virginia Beach Convention Center
The convention center does not have a hotel physically attached to it. Several Oceanfront and 19th Street properties are within a short walk or drive.
Nearby options include:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Virginia Beach: Located close to the convention center and commonly used by event groups.
- The Dome Virginia Beach: A newer Oceanfront-area hotel and entertainment complex near Atlantic Avenue.
- Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach North Beach: An Oceanfront option north of the convention district.
- Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront: Located on the boardwalk near 31st Street.
- Hyatt House Virginia Beach/Oceanfront: Suite-style accommodation on Atlantic Avenue.
- Courtyard Virginia Beach Oceanfront/South: A boardwalk hotel within a short drive of the venue.
- Residence Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront: An extended-stay property suited to longer events.
Walking distance varies considerably. Guests should compare the hotel’s exact address with the convention-center entrance rather than relying only on an “Oceanfront” description.
Dining
Food and beverage service is available for contracted events through the center’s catering operation. Organisers can arrange banquets, receptions, coffee breaks, boxed lunches, bar service and in-booth catering.
Outside food and beverages generally require advance approval. Alcohol service must follow the center’s catering and licensing rules.
Restaurants can be found along 19th Street, Pacific Avenue and Atlantic Avenue. The ViBe Creative District also offers cafés, breweries and casual dining. During summer weekends and major events, reservations can reduce waiting time.
Accessibility
Virginia Beach Convention Center provides accessible entrances, routes, elevators, restrooms and parking. Guests who need wheelchair seating, assisted listening, sign-language interpretation or another accommodation should contact the event organiser or venue before arrival.
Event layouts must maintain clear accessible routes to registration counters, seating areas, stages, exhibits and emergency exits. Temporary displays, cables and queues should not block these routes.
Service animals are permitted in accordance with applicable law. Other animals may be restricted unless they are part of an approved event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the address of Virginia Beach Convention Center?
The address is 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.
Q2. How large is the exhibit hall?
The full column-free exhibit hall provides 150,012 square feet and divides into four equal sections.
Q3. What is the maximum exhibit hall capacity?
The published maximum is approximately 13,440 theatre-style guests, 9,400 banquet guests or 880 standard exhibition booths. The approved capacity depends on the final layout.
Q4. How large is the ballroom?
The complete ballroom provides approximately 31,029 square feet and divides into three sections.
Q5. Is parking free?
Yes, the convention center advertises free public parking. The number of spaces available and the designated lot can vary by event.
Q6. Is the convention center near the beach?
Yes. It is roughly one mile from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and the main Atlantic Avenue resort area.
Q7. Is a hotel connected to the convention center?
No hotel is physically attached. Several hotels are located nearby, including DoubleTree by Hilton Virginia Beach and numerous Oceanfront properties.
Q8. Which airport is closest?
Norfolk International Airport is the closest major airport, approximately 18 miles away.
Q9. Does the center have loading docks?
Yes. It has 21 cargo bays and five loading ramps. Dock use and move-in schedules must be coordinated with the event team.
Q10. Is bus or RV parking available at the center?
Bus parking is not generally available on site. Oversized vehicles may need to use a designated municipal lot under current city parking rules.
Q11. Is the venue accessible?
Yes. Accessible parking, entrances, elevators, routes and restrooms are available. Guests needing a specific accommodation should make arrangements before the event.