10 Things you should know about WVPA Convention 2015, which is Thursday through Saturday in Charleston, W.Va.:
No. 1 — President’s Reception, which opens Convention 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, is at The Culture Center at the state Capitol Complex, not The Embassy Suites, which serves as Convention headquarters. The Charleston Convention & Visitors Center is providing a bus to transport guests to the Capitol. It will leave at 6:15 p.m. It’s also an easy and lovely 1.5 mile drive along the river on Kanawha Blvd for those who prefer to drive their own vehicle to the Capitol. There will be maps, but for the GPS folks: Embassy Suites, 300 Court St., Charleston, W.Va. 25301 to The Culture Center, 1900
No. 2 — The weather is expected to be in the mid 80s during the day and low 60s at night with no chance of rain. Friday should be a great evening to stroll three blocks West to “Live on the Levee” at Haddad Riverfront Park for performances of the Jeff Ray Band and Trent Tomlinson. The concrete seating is great but you might want to bring a blanket or even a chair. This is a great “family” entertainment event with a mix of concert and street fair. It’s a showcase for Charleston. The Charleston CVB is also greeting us with some refreshments at the Haddad Riverfront Park so be sure to bring your Convention ID to the Levee to take advantage of their hospitality. Learn more about Charleston at http://charlestonwv.com/default.aspx
No. 3 — There have been a few schedule changes to
the final Convention 2015 program. Be sure and check the program provided with your registration package and convention bag.
No. 4 – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin will be the featured speaker at Friday’s Advertising Awards Luncheon at noon at the Embassy Suites.
No. 5 — U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin will be the featured speaker at Matt Yeager’s President’s Reception at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at The Culture Center at the state Capitol Complex.
No. 6 — The Convention 2015 dress is coat-and-tie for the President’s Reception and Awards events, business causal for seminars and sports-themed for Friday night’s social and concert. For those more interested in following their favorite sports teams on Friday night than attending the outdoor concert, there is a sports-themed restaurant in The Embassy Suites.
No. 7 — The Charleston TownCenter Mall is just across the street from The Embassy Suites. With plenty of restaurants and shopping, the mall offers your spouse and family a chance to get away, enjoy a snack and do a little back-to-school shopping.
No. 8 — The Culture Center and State Museum and the Captiol Building will be open to convention attendees during Convention 2015. Very interesting opportunity. You will need to have your WVPA Convention 2015 ID and tell them you are with the WVPA.
No. 9 — The Clay Center, located between The Embassy Suites and the Capitol Complex on Washington Street, is open to Convention 2015 attendees. You will also need to have your WVPA Convention 2015 ID and tell them you are with the WVPA.
No. 10 – Capitol Street — just two blocks east of The Embassy Suites and anchored by the open-air Capitol Market and some of the city’s best restaurants — is a nice walk and great visit. Be sure to check out Pies & Pints pizzeria, Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream and Taylor Books (reading, coffee and wine) among the many choices. For those wanting a little exercise and a rural moment, check out the historic Carriage Trial on the southern side of the Kanawha River at the Southside Bridge. This amazing path once served as the primary route between the railroad depot and the former Governor’s Mansion. Now it’s one of the most beautiful walks in Charleston. Be warned, it’s a hillside stroll but not too steep.
