Meeting and convention standards are changing. Gone are the days of simply corralling your attendees in a conference room all day and presenting your lecture.
Spending time outside in the fresh air has been shown to improve short-term memory, rejuvenate mental energy, decrease stress, increase concentration and boost creativity —all of which positively affect a meeting’s success.
Outdoor meeting spaces fulfill this desire by helping visitors feel as if they are getting the full experience of the city they are visiting. For the Wilmington Convention Center, the largest waterfront building on the North Carolina Coast, this is a trend it’s seeing echoed in the popularity of its unique outdoor event lawn.
The outdoor event lawn will make your meeting or conference a truly unforgettable experience as you will be captivated by scenic views of the Cape Fear River. It’s time to forget the traditional crowded room and breathe in the 11,826 square feet of fresh air. You and your attendees will experience first-hand Wilmington’s historic charm. The theatre style set up of the outdoor meeting space can accommodate 1,400 people – additionally, the space can hold up to 750 guests while banquet style, including round tables that seat 10. Various types of events take place on the event lawn ranging from ceremonies, receptions, cocktail parties as part of a conference or convention and event dinners. Even better yet, the mild Wilmington temps allow for use of this outdoor space nearly all year long.
Beyond the convention grounds, Wilmington has no shortage of activities to fulfill those “fresh air” desires. In fact, USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice contest for Best American Waterfront recently voted Wilmington the Best Riverfront in the nation. Take a stroll along the beloved Riverwalk, and check out Wilmington’s historic river district. Explore more than 200 restaurants, shops and attractions in the downtown area alone, most of which are within walking distance of the WCC.
Visitors can also choose from a variety of tours including, history and theme walking tours, trolley, horse-drawn carriage and Segway tours, kayak/canoe excursions, narrated cruises, behind the scenes film tours and culinary adventures. Additionally, be sure to check out our local events calendar for affordable festivals and events taking place during your meeting or conference.
