Area Development Spring Consultants Forum to be Held in Hampton Roads in 2024

HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA – (JULY 17, 2023) The Hampton Roads Alliance is pleased to announce that the prestigious Area Development Spring Consultants Forum will be held at the world-class Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront from June 10-12, 2024. This highly anticipated event, organized by Area Development, will bring together the nation’s top site selection consultants and economic development professionals for three days of networking and knowledge sharing.

“We chose the Hampton Roads Virginia Beach location as the site for our Spring 2024 Consultants Forum for several key reasons: first-class hotel facility, excellent air accessibility into Norfolk, attractive coastal location, a strong diverse regional economic development program, and their very convincing invitation to host this conference.” Dennis Shea, Publisher and President of Area Development magazine and the organizer of The Consultants Forum conference series. “Since 2006 Area Development has produced more than 80 Consultants Forum titled conferences including Annual Spring and Fall Consultants Forums. Virginia Beach will be the 35th of that series.”

“The Hampton Roads Alliance is thrilled to welcome the nation’s leading site selection consultants back to our shores for the Area Development Spring Forum,” said Douglas L. Smith, President & CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance. “The recent Virginia Consultants Forum brought together 18 of the nation’s top site selectors and showcased the incredible assets and beauty found in Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads region, and we have no doubt that we will leave as indelible an impression on all who attend next year’s Forum.”

Founded in 1965, Area Development magazine has established itself as a leading executive publication focusing on corporate site selection and relocation. In addition to its informative articles, Area Development is renowned for its ability to connect site selection consultants with economic development experts, fostering collaboration and driving economic growth. The Spring Consultants Forum follows the success of the Virginia Consultants Forum, which recently brought 18 top site selectors to Virginia Beach. The event showcased the exceptional assets and natural beauty of the Hampton Roads region, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees. Building on this momentum, the Area Development Spring Consultants Forum promises to be an even larger gathering, attracting influential professionals from across the country.

“Virginia is thrilled to host the 2024 Spring Consultants Forum, strengthening a long-term strategic partnership with Area Development,” said Jason El Koubi, Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) President and CEO. “This event in Hampton Roads will offer national site selection consultants a firsthand view of the region’s tremendous infrastructure, culture, and livability, and we look forward to showcasing all the advantages that make Virginia the premier business destination in the U.S.”

“I am thrilled that the Area Development Spring Consultants Forum will be coming to Hampton Roads in July 2024,” added Stephen Edwards, CEO and President of the Port of Virginia. “This is a monumental occasion, as it’s the forum’s first time in our region. This event will not only bring national site selectors to our doorstep, but also showcase the unparalleled potential of Hampton Roads and the Port of Virginia. We’re eager to highlight our region’s strengths and to foster new partnerships.”

Charles E. Rigney, Interim Director of Economic Development with the City of Virginia Beach stated “We’re thrilled Area Development chose The Marriott Hotel in Virginia Beach for their 2024 Consultants Forum. Our region offers a blend of history, robust infrastructure, and a vibrant community, making it an ideal backdrop for conferences and events. As site selectors converge on Virginia Beach, they will see firsthand our dynamic growth potential.”

Christina Winn, President of the Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA), remarked “the Virginia Consultants Forum was a great success for VEDA and the Commonwealth last year, and we are thrilled to see the nation’s leading site selectors return to Virginia Beach in 2024 for the Area Development Forum.  VEDA’s membership is actively engaged with the site selection community, and we look forward to partnering and making this event another Virginia success story.”

The Area Development Spring Consultants Forum will provide a platform for industry experts to exchange ideas, discuss emerging trends, and explore potential business opportunities. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in informative sessions, engage in one-on-one meetings, and gain valuable insights from renowned thought leaders in the field of site selection.

With its stunning oceanfront location, world-class amenities, and vibrant business community, Virginia Beach is the perfect backdrop for this prestigious event. The Hampton Roads region, known for its strategic location, skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure, offers unparalleled opportunities for businesses looking to expand or relocate. For more information about the Area Development Spring Consultants Forum and to register for the event, please visit the official website at https://www.areadevelopment.com/consultantsforum.

The Hampton Roads Alliance is the leading regional economic development organization for the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. It is a nonprofit, public-private partnership supported and led by 14 public sector and nearly 70 private sector investors. The Alliance’s key responsibilities including marketing the Hampton Roads region to domestic and international firms looking to expand and/or relocate in the next 12-24 months.