2018 Event Planning Guide

Wilmington B iz M A G A Z I N E

2018

EVENT PLANNING GUIDE

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WILMINGTON'S CONVENTION DISTRICT

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EVENT FACILITIES

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

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Southern hospitality gives rise to

CONVENTION DISTRICT THE WILMINGTON CONVENTION CENTER IS MORE THAN JUST A BUILDING – IT’S A DESTINATION.

That’s how Connie Nelson of the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) sees the downtown event venue these days, and her colleagues would certainly agree.

That’s because a surge of commercial development in recent years centered around the 107,000-square-foot Wilmington Convention Center – the largest facility of its kind on the North Carolina coast – has given rise to what’s been appropriately dubbed the Convention District.

“As people learn more about what we have to offer, there is more interest in having events here,” said Nelson, CVB’s Communications and Public Relations Director.

Connected by nearly 2 miles of scenic Riverwalk along the Cape

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Fear River and surrounded by hotels, smaller event venues, a marina and pier, restaurants and performance halls, the Wilmington Convention Center offers not just a space to hold events but a place to which people want to come and stay a while.

30,000-square-foot exhibit hall

MAKING ROOM

6,000-square-foot meeting space (can be divided into 8 rooms)

In August, the N.C. Healthcare Engineers Association (NCHEA) held its conference at the Wilmington Convention Center, the second time since 2014. But this year, with many more accommodations to choose from, NCHEA’s conference had record attendance.

While the area has never lacked Southern hospitality, it was previously missing one critical component to booking large events.

“People like coming to Wilmington, but some groups wanted to have nearby hotels and we didn’t really have that,” said Elaine Tricarico, Wilmington Convention Center’s Senior Sales and Marketing Manager.

That changed with the opening of three new northern downtown

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Wilmington Convention Center at a Glance Total capacity: 2,000

12,000-square-foot ballroom (can be divided into 6 rooms) 12,000-square-foot outdoor event lawn 15,000-square-foot pre-event space Covered outdoor riverfront seating 580+ parking spaces Full A/V & sound systems Lighting controls Concessions Internet Drive-in floor access for tractor trailers

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hotels: Courtyard by Marriott in 2014, followed by Hampton Inn in mid-2017 and Embassy Suites later that same year.

Those added about 400 new rooms to a portion of downtown already supported by the 272-room Hotel Ballast and the 53-room Best Western Plus, attached to the Coastline Conference & Event Center. The 47-year-old Hotel Ballast, formerly Hilton Wilmington Riverside, recently underwent an $8.5 million makeover and rebranding effort.

And construction on yet another hotel – Aloft, a 125-room, seven-story building at the Coastline Conference & Event Center – is expected to be underway soon.

PUTTING THE DISTRICT ON THE MAP

The spike in accommodations has made an impact. Case in point – the N.C. Realtors Association Conference and Expo in September at the Wilmington Convention Center. Tricarico said the statewide organization – whose event brings 800 Realtors and appoximately 200 of their guests to the area – wasn’t able in the past to choose Wilmington as a location.

“Conventions and conferences that once could not consider Wilmington are now interested,” Tricarico said.

That includes the N.C. Department of Public Transportation Association, which, for the first time, picked Wilmington as the spot for its 2018 conference in April.

So many rooms to choose from makes an event planner’s job that much easier, CVB President and CEO Kim Hufham said. The CVB helps coordinate events and accommodations by sending leads out to the area hotels, which then will block off a certain number of available rooms, allowing event planners to spread out attendees through numerous hotels, if needed. Most of the hotels will also coordinate with each other to handle any overflow.

Add accommodations to the growing list of available entertainment and recreational activities and proximity to the Wilmington

International Airport and local officials say the future looks bright for the burgeoning convention district.

COMING FOR WORK, STAYING FOR PLAY

The convention center is not only booking more and bigger events but is also booking them further in advance.

Organizations are drawn to the area, Wilmington Convention Center General Manager Fredia Brady said, by more than just amenities and facilities (the convention district also includes a number of smaller event facilities, including Coastline Conference & Event Center). Those support the event itself, but the city’s offerings appeal to conference-goers, who can roll business and pleasure into one destination.

That, says Brady, has everything to do with downtown Wilmington’s charm.

“You can go into any downtown in any city and see the same brick and mortar. But Wilmington is different.

We’re more than that; we have the Cape Fear River and our proximity to the beach,” she noted.

The NCHEA conference offered up some rooms at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort in Wrightsville Beach, for example, Tricarino said, because some attendees decided to come early or leave a few days later and turn the trip into a vacation, as well.

That translates into economic impact far beyond the Convention District, Brady said. It supports jobs and creates new ones. It means the convention center can balance large outside events with smaller happenings. And it likely means more to come in terms of commercial development in northern downtown Wilmington.

“It creates that compression with the city if groups are coming and staying at our hotels and down at the beaches,” Brady said. “They’re staying and spending their money throughout Wilmington, and that’s only going to increase in the future.”

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CFCC'S Wilson Center

Courtyard by Marriott

Dock on the Riverwalk

Wilmington Convention Center

Pier 33 music venue

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Partnering to Promote Wilmington and Island Beaches

Joe Pawlik, Professor of Marine Biology, Dept. of Biology and Marine Biology, UNCW Center for Marine Science

With an award-winning riverfront, National Register Historic District and nearby island beaches, it’s easy to see why residents and visitors love Wilmington. The feeling is mutual for the meeting and sports events planners who select the destination as a host site for annual conventions and sports competitions, and it means big business for the area.

The Benthic Ecology Meeting is hosted by academic scientists and marine biologists to exchange the latest information in the field, and to give students a venue to present their research results and to meet each other and faculty at participating academic institutions.

When starting to plan for the 2020 event, Joe immediately thought of Wilmington and reached out to the CVB for assistance.

As part of its mission, the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) works hard to bring meetings and other events to the area throughout the year. The CVB team is now inviting residents to join its efforts to help further boost the local economy and take Wilmington’s reputation as a meetings and conventions destination to the next level. Thanks to Wilmington’s newly formed Convention District, the largest convention center on the North Carolina coast, a transforming Riverfront and new developments on the way, the timing couldn’t be better.

More meetings and conventions in Wilmington means more visitors putting dollars into the local economy through their spending.

Support from locals is fundamental to increasing group bookings in the area, and we are pleased to share how you can help. Plus, it’s a great way to show your hometown pride!

Billie Fitzsimons, Wilmington Community Coordinator, Abilities Tennis

How You Can Help

Does your company or membership organization typically hold events outside of Wilmington? Are they searching for a place to hold next year’s meeting or event? Are you a board member of a trade association that makes decisions on meeting sites? Are you looking to organize an event?

The Swing into Spring Unified Doubles Tournament and Skills Clinic was held at Althea Gibson Tennis Complex at Empie Park on February 24. Fitzsimons found the CVB to be particularly helpful when it came to finding host hotels for tournament participants and spectators.

If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, the CVB would love to connect with you to discuss how we can help bring those meetings and events to Wilmington. Here’s a few local heroes who have done just that.

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Albert Eby, Executive Director, Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority Wave Transit and the North Carolina Public Transportation Association worked with the CVB to bring the annual NCPTA Conference to Wilmington in 2018. Eby says the staff of the CVB worked diligently to ensure the event was a success. Attendee feedback was positive, and the event produced record attendance.

Why Meet in Wilmington?

Here’s a quick site selection checklist sure to make any planner say “yes” to Wilmington as a meetings or events destination!

A Distinctive Destination 3 3 3 3 3 3

Voted America’s Best Riverfront

230+ block National Register Historic District

Downtown walkable access to entertainment, shops and cafes

Water- and land-based tours including history, craft beer, kayak/ canoe excursions, narrated cruises and culinary adventures Busy lineup of festivals and special events throughout the year

Three nearby island beaches

Exceptional Facilities 3 3 3

To get started on bringing your upcoming meeting or event to the area, contact John Sneed, Vice President of Sales and Services for the CVB, at (910) 332-8757 or jsneed@wilmingtonandbeaches.com.

From the moment you decide to recommend Wilmington as a potential site to your group, consider the CVB at your service.

Beginning with site selection, CVB staff will work directly with the local coordinator or regional/national headquarters, collecting the meeting details for lead distribution and hotel proposals. We will coordinate site visits, familiarization tours and bid presentations, as well as assist in planning transportation and shuttle arrangements, special events, and spouse/guest or children’s programs. Our team can coordinate publicity, pre-convention meetings and city welcomes, and design itineraries for extended vacation opportunities.

The CVB will provide marketing materials designed to build meeting attendance, including Visitors Guides and attraction maps. Photos and video assets are available, along with complimentary registration assistance and registration bags based on hotel room usage.

30 meeting facilities and over 40 unique off-site meeting venues Over 8,000 guestrooms and suites

Maximum Registration Potential 3 3 3

The CVB as a Resource

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified Wilmington Convention Center

Many groups max out their registration at meetings and events here Unlimited pre- and post-vacation opportunities

The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers an abundance of academic resources and speakers

New Promotional Resources for Planners

The CVB has rolled out a series of marketing assets for planners interested in bringing meetings and events to Wilmington’s Convention District including a new website, Convention District Guide, Meeting Planner Guide and SkyNav™ 3D Leisure and Convention District Tours (360.WilmingtonConventionDistrict.com). .

Sports is Big Business in Wilmington

Wilmington has also become a sought after destination for sports events planners, offering many things to see and do before and after the event for athletes and spectators. Ranging from multiple indoor and outdoor athletic facilities like Miracle Field at Olsen Park to the Wilmington Convention Center, there are plenty of options for hosting sporting events here.

Wilmington’s venues are best suited for youth and amateur sporting events including soccer, softball, volleyball, gymnastics, cheer, baseball, triathlons, marathons and watersports, just to name a few.

Nontraditional sports like beach soccer and Ultimate Frisbee are seeing a surge in popularity.

By the Numbers: Economic Impact

$82.6 million

Annual economic impact from meeting and conventions booked in Wilmington through the CVB in Fiscal Year 17-18.

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EVENT PLANNING GUIDE

The Cape Fear region is bustling with activity, and it shows in the number of unique coastal, downtown and upscale venues available for a variety of public and private events, as well as the service companies that help pull those events together. The following is a sampling of venues and services in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties.

DOWNTOWN event space, as well as an outdoor garden courtyard.

In-house catering Capacity: 267 Onsite parking: No

128 SOUTH

910.399.1709 128southevents.com

Open floor plan that includes a river-view deck, as well as a second-floor mezzanine overlooking the central lower level. Hotel accommodations available at the adjacent Stemmerman’s Inn. In-house catering Capacity: 180 Onsite parking: No

THE ATRIUM BY LIGON FLYNN

910.520.7956 atriumwilmington.com

Nestled between historic buildings, this open-air garden with natural foliage and brick walkways is available for weddings, concerts, benefits and other private events.

Outside catering Capacity: 200 Onsite parking: No

BAKERY 105

910.399.1709 bakery105.com

Repurposed baking facility with private meeting and special

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Onsite parking: No

BATTLESHIP NORTH CAROLIN A

910.399.9100 battleshipnc.com

World War II-era ship and museum that offers the outside fantail overlooking the Cape Fear River and two interior rooms for private events.

Outside catering Capacity: 300 Onsite parking: Yes

BELLAMY MANSION MUSEUM

910.251.3700 bellamymansion.org

Antebellum mansion open to the public and available for private events, with access to a choice of interior rooms, porches and exterior grounds and gardens.

Outside catering Capacity: 150 Onsite parking: Yes

THE BROOKLYN ARTS CENTER & THE ANNEX

910.538.2939 brooklynartsnc.com

Historic repurposed church with 60-foot cathedral ceilings, a stage and a refurbished 1910 onsite schoolhouse (The Annex).

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CITY CLUB OF WILMINGTON 910.343.1880 cityclubofwilmington.com

Nineteenth century mansion with terraced gardens, onsite suites and salon services, as well as an event planner and serving staff.

In-house catering Capacity: 200 Onsite parking: No

COASTLINE INN CONFERENCE & EVENT CENTER

910.763.2800 coastlineinn.com

Repurposed historic train depot with a banquet hall and conference and event space.

Onsite hotel accommodations available.

Outside catering Capacity: 1,000 Onsite Parking: Yes

CFCC WILSON CENTER

910.362.7898

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capefearstage.com

State-of-the-art performance space with options to rent the main hall, lobby or both areas.

Outside catering Capacity: 1,559 Onsite parking: Yes

CFCC UNION STATION

910.362.7488 cfcc.edu

Top-floor event space with views of the Cape Fear River, an open-air terrace and multimedia capabilities.

Outside catering Capacity: 400 Onsite parking: Yes

EMBASSY SUITES

BY HILTON WILMINGTON RIVERFRONT 910.765.1131 embassysuites3.hilton.com

Hotel along the riverfront that includes a banquet hall for large events, as well as meeting spaces. Offers onsite event planning coordinators.

In-house catering Capacity: 250 Onsite parking: Yes

EVENTS! ON FRONT

910.777.2887 eventsonfront.com

Flexible event space with a staging kitchen, 18-foot tile bar and assortment of tables and chairs available for use.

Outside catering Capacity: 100 Onsite Parking: No

HOTEL BALLAST

910.763.5900 hotelballast.com

Boasts the largest ballroom on the Wilmington waterfront, as well as a second, smaller ballroom, meeting spaces and a bridal suite. (Formerly Hilton Wilmington Riverside).

In-house catering Capacity: 1,000 (grand ballroom) Onsite parking: Yes

IRONCLAD BREWERY

ironcladbrewery.com 910.769.0290

Restored 1925 building in the heart of downtown Wilmington with modern industrial design, an onsite brewery, multiple bars and serving staff.

Outside catering Capacity: 300 Onsite parking: No

wilmingtoneventvenue.com

A 2,000-square-foot venue for intimate weddings and parties or corporate events that offers dining and cocktail tables and lounge furniture, as well as table settings.

Outside catering Capacity: 50 (seated); 65 (cocktail party)

THE RIVER ROOM

FRONT STREET BREWERY 910.769.4085 beamroomcatering.com |

frontstreetbrewery.com

Wilmington’s first brewery and restaurant that includes The Beam Room, a top-floor event space with a full bar, restrooms and audio and video equipment.

In-house catering Capacity: 150 Onsite parking: No

THE LOF T ON FRONT

910.297.6526

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910.251.8902 theriverroomevents.com

Restored 19th century structure that includes a Sunset Flat, bridal suite and cocktail party venue, as well as a deck available for rental at an additional cost.

Outside catering Capacity: 120 Onsite parking: No

THE RIVERWALK LANDING

910.343.0408 riverwalklandingnc.com

Outdoor venue located along the Cape Fear River with a spacious deck that offers rentals of tents with lighting, tables, chairs and linens, as well as professional servers.

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Capacity: 250 Onsite parking: No

SAINT THOMAS PRESERVATION HALL

910.343.1880 saintthomaspreservationhall. com

Former Catholic church listed on the National Historic Register with stained glass windows and high ceilings. Includes a staging kitchen, bridal boudoir and two bars.

Outside catering Capacity: 280 Onsite parking: No

WILMINGTON CONVENTION CENTER

910.251.5101 businessmadecasual.com

The largest of its kind on the N.C. coast. Can accommodate guests for a variety of private VIP and large-scale public events in its flexible spaces, including a grand ballroom and exhibit hall.

In-house catering Capacity: 1,750 (exhibit hall) Onsite parking: Yes

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WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH & MAYFAIRE BLOCKADE RUNNER BEACH RESORT

910.256.2251 blockade-runner.com

Wrightsville Beach hotel with all-waterfront rooms, an outdoor patio bar and East oceanfront dining restaurant. Offers five rooms, as well as garden and lawn space, for private events and “The Cottage,� a 13-room suite with common areas for reunions and corporate retreats.

In-house catering Capacity: 300 (largest room)

house pastry chef. Rooms are available for rent, as well as the entire clubhouse.

In-house catering Capacity: 800 (entire clubhouse)

meeting space.

Outside catering Capacity: 120

FOX & HOUND

910.509.0805 foxandhound.com/wilmington

Mayfaire restaurant and pub that can accommodate large groups for parties, rehearsal dinners, showers, meetings, holiday parties and other events.

In-house catering Capacity: 100

OCEANIC RESTAURANT 910.256.5551 oceanicrestaurant.com

Coastal-inspired oceanfront restaurant on Crystal Pier serving brunch, lunch and dinner. Includes a large classroom/meeting room.

In-house catering Capacity: 150

HILTON GARDEN INN WILMINGTON

910.509.4046 hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com

BLUEWATER WATERFRONT GRILL

Hotel in Mayfaire Town Center that features an onsite restaurant, outdoor pool and 2,000-squarefoot meeting space.

In-house catering Capacity: 90 (meeting room)

910.256.8500 bluewaterdining.com

Restaurant and event space along the Intracoastal Waterway serving casual American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Includes a banquet room and a third-floor meeting room.

In-house catering Capacity: 200

BRIDGE TENDER

910.256.4519 thebridgetender.com

Fine dining establishment on the Intracoastal Waterway with a board room and private events room.

In-house catering Capacity: 200

COUNTRY CLUB OF LANDFALL

910.256.8411 countrycluboflandfall.com

Clubhouse within the gated community of Landfall that provides multiple locations for a variety of events, as well as onsite event coordinators, handcrafted menus and an in-

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NEW HANOVER COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSIVE ARBORETUM

910.798.7660 arboretum.nhcgov.com

HOLIDAY INN RESORT WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH

910.256.2231 wrightsville.holidayinnresorts. com

Oceanside resort with familythemed activities, outdoor and indoor pools, hot tubs and a wading pool. Features six banquet rooms.

In-house catering Capacity: 350

HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON WILMINGTON

910.791.7272 homewoodsuites3.hilton.com

Hotel located between Mayfaire Town Center and Wrightsville Beach with a 1,000-square-foot

Event facility named for its two rooftop terraces that also includes a grand ballroom, conference rooms, atrium water features and cutting-edge technological capabilities.

Outside catering Capacity: 450 (ballroom); 240 (outdoor terrace)

Seven-acre public garden available for private events.

Facility rental includes a fully equipped indoor kitchen, auditorium, outdoor grill and performance space for musicians.

Outside catering Capacity: 150

PORTERS NECK COUNTRY CLUB

910.686.8180 portersneckcountryclub.com

Clubhouse overlooking a 4-star Tom Fazio golf course that provides flexible space and a variety of menus for corporate functions, business meetings, cocktail galas, weddings and other events. (Note:Located eight miles north of Mayfaire.)

In-house catering Capacity: 200

THE TERRACES ON SIR TYLER

910.473.5550 terracesonsirtyler.com

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SHELL ISLAND RESORT 910.256.8696 shellisland.com

Family-friendly, full-service luxury resort on the northern tip of Wrightsville Beach with indoor and outdoor pools, a tiki bar, onsite restaurant, private beach access and banquet and event rooms.

In-house catering Capacity: 300 (largest room)

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH PARK

townofwrightsvillebeach.com 910.256.7937

Public park located in the heart of Wrightsville Beach with a playground, as well as tennis and basketball courts and other recreational facilities. Available for event rentals with an approved permit application.

WRIGHTSVILLE MANOR AND GARDENS

910.508.7224 wrightsvillemanor.com

Indoor-outdoor event venue located near the gateway to Wrightsville Beach on a 1.25acre property that features a patio veranda, gardens and lawn space, as well as a catering prep room and service area.

Outside catering Capacity: 300

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PLEASURE ISLAND

ATLANTIC TOWERS

910.458.8313 atlantic-towers.com

Eleven-story oceanside condominium complex offering unique one- and two-bedroom suites with private balconies available for nightly, weekly or monthly rentals. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a gazebo with a grilling area and a club room for meetings and events.

Outside catering Capacity: 60 (meeting room)

CAROLINA BEACH LAKE PARK

910.458.7416 carolinabeach.org

Eleven-acre freshwater lake near the ocean that is the site for public events throughout the year, including a weekly farmers market, the annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cookoff and free outdoor movies. Kayak and paddleboat rentals available, as well as rental of a picnic area and gazebo.

Outside catering

CAROLINA BEACH STATE PARK

910.458.8206 ncparks.gov/carolina-beachstate-park

Campsite and marina with onsite cabins, hiking trails, a classroom and an auditorium available for half- and full-day rental.

Outside catering Capacity: 65 (auditorium)

DARLINGS

BY THE SEA

910.458.1429 darlingsbythesea.com

Oceanfront suites aimed at providing “romantic getaways” for couples. Features five rooms with whirlpools, as well as 24/7 on-call service and use of beach chairs and bicycles.

FORT FISHER STATE HISTORIC SITE

910.251.7340

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nchistoricsites.org/fisher

Remaining portions of the Civil War's largest amphibious battle that includes scenic trails, the adjacent Visitors Center & Gift Shop and oceanfront gazebos.

Available for public and private tours, as well as weddings and private events.

Outside catering Capacity: 350

COURTYARD CAROLINA BEACH 910.458.2030 marriott.com/hotels

Beachside resort on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk with flexible event space, newly remodeled hotel rooms and suites, a restaurant and indoor and outdoor pools.

In-house catering Capacity: 30

FORT FISHER AIR FORCE RECREATION AREA

910.458.6549 ftfishermilrec.com

Site available to active duty military, disabled veterans, reservists and Department of Defense civilians that includes event space, an onsite restaurant and bar and an outdoor swimming pool.

In-house catering Capacity: Call for details

GOLDEN SANDS BEACH RESORT

910.458.8334 goldensandmotel.com

Oceanfront hotel with private balconies and a pier, as well as the Ocean Grill Restaurant and

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Tiki Bar, an indoor and outdoor pool and a meeting room.

Outside catering Capacity: 75

HAMPTON INN & SUITES CAROLINA BEACH OCEANFRONT

910.707.1770 hamptoninn3.hilton.com

Beachside hotel next to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk with an oceanfront pool and space for small weddings and meetings.

Outside catering Capacity: 50

KURE BEACH COMMUNITY CENTER

910.707.2015 townofkurebeach.org

Approximately 2,300-square-foot building a block from Ocean Front Park. Includes a kitchen area with a serving island for catering, a separate meeting room, large banquet room and onsite parking.

Outside catering Capacity: 100 (banquet room)

THE LAZY PIRATE SPORTS GRILL

910.458.5299 lazypiratesportsgrill.com

Restaurant and bar in Carolina Beach with a casual atmosphere and outdoor seating. Offers space to accommodate events of all sizes, as well as a customizable menu.

In-house catering Capacity: Call for details

N.C. AQUARIUM AT FORT FISHER

910.772.0500 ncaquariums.com

Offers partial- or full-rental options, as well as onsite childcare and touch tank access for after-hours events and behind-the-scenes tours for daytime events.

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Capacity: 350

OCEAN FRONT PARK & PAVILION

910.458.8216 townofkurebeach.org

Kure Beach’s largest public green space located near the Kure Beach Fishing Pier.

Features an open-air pavilion with a stage for concerts, weddings and events, as well as a children’s play area and public restrooms.

Outside catering Capacity: 75

THE PEARL AND THE PETAL

910.524.1251 thepearlandthepetal.net

1930s standalone building with ground-floor event space, an upstairs preparation room and a lighted patio. Offers flexible packages based on specific events.

Outside catering Capacity: 175

SEAWITCH CAFÉ & TIKI BAR

910.707.0533 seawitchtikibar.com

Carolina Beach restaurant offering a casual event space for both indoor and outdoor events.

Offers a full event catering menu that includes hors d'oeuvres, entrees, buffets, and pasta and taco bars.

In-house catering Capacity: 150

WINNER PARTY BOAT FLEET

910.458.5356 winnerboats.com

Carolina Beach fleet with boats for various functions, including a high-speed catamaran for fishing excursions and a triple-deck dinner-cruise vessel for formal events.

In-house catering Capacity: 250 (dinner-cruise vessel)

Her flowers,

her way.

(910) 395-1868 | www.JuliasFlorist.com 900 S Kerr Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403 2018 EVE NT PL AN N I NG G U I DE

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MIDTOWN

BEAU RIVAGE GOLF & RESORT 910.392.9021 beaurivagegolf.com

CAMERON ART MUSEUM 910.395.5999 cameronartmuseum.org

Historical and contemporary art museum with rotating indoor and outdoor exhibits and permanent collections.

The facility includes a reception hall with multimedia capabilities, a courtyard, conference room, roof terrace and an onsite cafĂŠ, which can be rented for smaller events.

In-house catering Capacity: 200 (reception hall)

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Golf clubhouse near Carolina Beach with more than 6,000 square feet of versatile space between five rooms. Resort offers onsite lodging, banquet facilities, various views of the course, a poolside tiki bar and hardwood dance floor.

In-house catering Capacity: 350

THE BURNEY CENTER AT UNCW

910.962.4150 uncw.edu/campuslife/services

More than 9,000-square-foot ballroom on the campus of UNCWilmington with modern sound and lighting system and a catering prep kitchen. The ballroom can be configured to include banquet and auditorium seating.

In-house catering (through

campus provider) Capacity: 1,000 (auditorium seating); 600 (banquet seating)

HAMPTON INN WILMINGTONMEDICAL PARK

910.796.8881 hamptoninn3.hilton.com

Centrally located accommodations that include a business center, fitness center, an outdoor pool and a conference room for business meetings.

Outside catering Capacity: 150

SCOTTISH RITE TEMPLE

910.762.6452 wilmingtonaasr.org

Freemason lodge available to rent for events and social functions. Features a large dining room and auditorium, as well as a 10-seat conference room.

Outside catering

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Capacity: 350 (auditorium); 300 (dining room)

THE WARWICK CENTER AT UNCW

910.962.4150 uncw.edu/campuslife/services

UNCW’s largest multiuse event space, with additional smaller meeting rooms. The ballroom can be configured for auditorium-style seating or set up for a banquet.

In-house catering (through campus provider) Capacity: 600 (auditorium); 320 (banquet)

WATERMARK MARINA

910.794.5259 facebook.com/eawmarina

Venue on a private bay with a pier and two-story clubhouse.

Amenities include overnight accommodations, a swimming pool and free onsite parking.

Outside catering Capacity: 200

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BRUNSWICK COUNTY BALD HEAD ISLAND CLUB

910.457.7300 bhiclub.net

Clubhouse on Bald Head that offers banquet facilities, conference rooms, an expansive lawn for outdoor events, and a terrace space.

In-house catering Capacity: 250

THE BARN AT ROCK CREEK

910.253.4012 thebarnatrockcreek.com

Rustic-style event facility on 13 acres in Leland. Facility rental includes dining and banquet tables, an antique farm table, access to all indoor and outdoor grounds, and onsite parking.

Outside catering Capacity: 150

MAGNOLIA GREENS GOLF PLANTATION

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910.383.0999 magnoliagreensgolf.com

Golf course clubhouse in Leland that includes banquet space for weddings and other private functions. Facility provides tables, chairs, linens and table settings.

In-house catering Capacity: 75

MARKER 614 BANQUET HALL

910.448.0360 southportbanquethall.com

Event venue near the Southport Marina with indoor ballroom space, as well as outdoor space and meeting rooms, a full kitchen and waterfront views.

Outside catering Capacity: 250

ODELL WILLIAMSON AUDITORIUM

910.755.7416 bccowa.com

Auditorium on the campus of

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Brunswick Community College in Bolivia. Adjacent Virginia Williamson Event Center is available for smaller events.

Outside catering Capacity: 1,500 (auditorium); 95 (event center)

SILVER COAST WINERY

Locally owned winery in Ocean Isle Beach offering rental of the vineyard, patio and lawn, its interior Barrel Room, and the Art Gallery for smaller events.

Outside catering Capacity: 130

SOUTHPORT COMMUNITY CENTER

910.457.0665 southportnc.org/southportcommunity-building

Multi-use facility on the banks of the Cape Fear River. Offers flexible open space, a lawn overlooking

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the water and a full kitchen.

Outside catering Capacity: 160

THOMAS MANOR

910.973.5169 thomasmanorweddings.com

Waterfront home on the Intracoastal Waterway in Oak Island with indoor and outdoor space for events. The manor is also available for overnight or weekly accommodations.

Outside catering Capacity: 150

THE WINDS RESORT BEACH CLUB

910.579.6275 thewinds.com

Accommodations in Ocean Isle Beach that range from single guest rooms to six-bedroom cottages for destination weddings and corporate retreats and meetings.

Outside catering Capacity: 150

PENDER COUNTY HAMPSTEAD WOMEN’S CLUB

910.270.9549 hampsteadwomensclub.org

Facility available for rental that includes use of the catering kitchen, outside patio space, portable speakers and furniture.

Offers two spaces – the main building and the smaller O’Hara Room for more intimate gatherings.

Outside catering Capacity: 140 (main building); 30 (O’Hara Room)

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF TOPSAIL ISLAND

910.803.0521 topsailhistoricalsociety.org

The society’s Assembly Building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, includes a catering kitchen, dance floor and two smaller rooms featuring

views of the water and sunset.

Outside catering Capacity: 250

INLET 790

910.328.0790 inlet790.com

Casual restaurant overlooking the waterfront in Topsail Beach that offers indoor and outdoor event space.

In-house catering Capacity: Call for details

OCEAN’S EDGE RESTAURANT & EVENT CENTER

910.328.0582 topsailshrimphouse.com

Located at the tallest point on Topsail Island, which allows for panoramic views of the sunset and waterfront. Full-service venue with custom packages and an onsite coordinator.

In-house catering Capacity: 300

NORTH SHORE COUNTRY CLUB

910.327.2410 northshoregolfcoursenc.com

Clubhouse on the green at North Shore Golf Course in Sneads Ferry available to rent for weddings, banquets, meetings and private parties.

Private meeting and dining area with a full-service bar and dance floor available.

Outside catering Capacity: 150

POPLAR GROVE PLANTATION

910.686.9518 poplargrove.org

Peanut plantation turned museum in Scotts Hill, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, that can accommodate a variety of events in its museum facility and on plantation grounds.

Outside catering Capacity: 150

THE SURFSIDE CENTER AT THE SURF CITY WELCOME CENTER

910.328.2716 topsailchamber.org

Oceanfront setting that includes an ocean-facing patio and access to the beach. Is not equipped with an audio system or speakers.

Outside catering Capacity: 300

TOPSAIL MANOR

910.329.9800 topsailmanor.com

Eight bedroom, 8,000-squarefoot oceanfront manor built in 2017 available for multi-family vacations, as well as weddings, reunions and corporate events.

Outside catering Capacity: 100 (event-only)

2 7 0 0 N L U M I N A AV E , WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N O RT H C A RO L I NA 2 8 4 8 0 Contact Meredith Swicegood Call: (910)-256-8696 x 7028 Email: mswicegood@shellisland.com

E N J OY YO U R C O N F E R E N C E B Y T H E S E A Have your meeting by the sound and your meals by the sea Each of our ballrooms are 3,000 sqft, perfect for hosting any conference or party Our resort offers room blocks, each with a full suite that faces the ocean

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services di r ecto ry

CATE R E R S ANGIE’S OF CHRIS’S RESTAURANT

Wilmington, NC 910.343.9902 angiescatering.net

CAPT’N BILL’S BACKYARD GRILL

Wilmington, NC 910.762.0111 captnbills.com/catering

ART CATERING

Shallotte, NC 910.755.6642 artcateringevents.com

CASEY’S BUFFET

Wilmington, NC 910.798.2913 caseysbuffet.com

THE BEAM ROOM CATERING

COASTAL CATERING AND EVENTS

Wilmington, NC 910.769.4085 BeamRoomCatering.com

Southport, NC 910.845.2516 coastalcateringandevents.com

BEAUCHAINES 211

Surf City, NC 910.328.1888 beauchaines211.com

COASTLINE CATERING

BON APPETIT CATERING

Wilmington, NC 910.796.0520 bonappetitwilmington.com

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BRENT’S DELI CATERING

Wilmington, NC 910.839.3131 brentsbistro.com

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Shallotte, NC 910.754.8680 coastlinecateringnc.com

DIAMOND CATERING

Wilmington, NC

M A R K E T I N G S E CT I O N

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910.399.3811 diamondcateringservices.com

GOURMET TO GO & CATERED AFFAIRS LLC

Southport, NC 910.505.9336 gourmettogosouthport.com

LITTLE POND CATERERS

Wilmington, NC 910.960.7663 littlepondcaterers.com

SAWMILL CATERING COMPANY

Wilmington, NC 910.620.7001 sawmillcatering.com

SPOONFED KITCHEN & BAKE SHOP Wilmington, NC 910.679.8881 spoonfedkitchen.com

SURF CITY BARBECUE AND CATERING

MIDDLE OF THE ISLAND CATERING

Surf City, NC 910.328.4227 surfcitybbq.com

Wilmington, NC 910.256.4273 middleoftheisland.com

SWEET BAY CATERING

Bald Head Island, NC 910.457.7450 maritimemarketbhi.com/Catering.aspx

SWEET N SAVORY CAFÉ

Wilmington, NC 910.256.0115 sweetnsavory.cafe

F LO R I STS BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS BY JUNE

Wilmington, NC 910.769.4596 beautifulflowersbyjune.com

BLOOMERS FLORAL DESIGNS

Ocean Isle Beach, NC 910.575.4000 bloomersnc.com

BRUNSWICK TOWN FLORIST

Southport, NC 910.457.1144 brunswicktownflorist.net

CALABASH FLORIST & COMPANY INC.

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES

Wilmington, NC 910.679.8797 nothingbundtcakes.com

MILNER’S CAFÉ & CATERING

A THYME SAVOR CATERING & MARKET Wilmington, NC 910.262.2962 athymesavor.com

Wilmington, NC 910.350.8899 milnerscafeandcatering.com

OCEAN RIDGE CATERING

Wilmington, NC 910.282.8829 catspajamasfloraldesign.com

COASTAL FLORAL

CREATIVE DESIGNS BY JIM

PF CATERING & EVENT PLANNING

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE

Leland, NC 910.524.6252 www.facebook.com/ PaulFordsCatering

Wilmington (2) & Leland, NC

PINE VALLEY MARKET

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CAT’S PAJAMAS FLORAL DESIGN

Shallotte, NC 910.754.6200 coastalfloraldesigns.com

Ocean Isle Beach, NC 910.287.1713 oceanridgecatering.com

Wilmington, NC 910.350.3663 pinevalleymarket.com

Calabash, NC 910.859.0223 calabashflorist.webs.com

910.769.3939 (Midtown) 910.821.8677 (Porters Neck) 910.765.1144 (Leland) tropicalsmoothiecafe.com

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Burgaw, NC 910.686.9000 creativedesignsbyjim.com

DESIGN PERFECTION

Wilmington, NC 910.512.4145 designperfectionnc.com

ECO CHIC BLOSSOMS

Wilmington, NC 910.617.3864 ecochicblossoms.com

M A R K E T I N G S E CT I O N

EDDIE’S FLORAL GALLERY

Wilmington, NC 910.791.0990 eddiesfloralgallery.com

FLORIST & GIFTS

Wilmington, NC 910.395.1004 lousflowerworld.com

Bolivia, NC 910.755.5878 justforuflorist.com

SHALLOTTE FLORIST

FIORE FINE FLOWERS

Shallotte, NC 910.754.4848 shallotteflorist.com

FLORA VERDI

Leland, NC 910.371.2224 sweetnectarsflorist.com

Wilmington, NC 910.791.6770 fiorefineflowers.com

SWEET NECTAR’S FLORIST

Wilmington, NC 910.815.8585 bloomersfloraldesignsnc.com

GREEN THUMB FLORAL BOUTIQUE

Wilmington, NC 910.742.0185 facebook.com/ GreenThumbFloralBoutique

HARTS FLORIST

JULIA'S EVENTS & FLORIST Wilmington, NC 910.395.1868 juliasflorist.com

KIM FISHER DESIGNS

Burgaw, NC 910.259.2926 burgawfloristnc.com

Wilmington, NC 910.279.5530 kimfisherdesigns.com

JUST FOR YOU

LOU’S FLOWER WORLD

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SURF CITY FLORIST

Surf City, NC 910.328.3238 surfcityflorist.com

WILD BY NATURE

Southport, NC 910.363.5032 wildbynaturellc.com

WINE & ROSES FLORIST

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Southport, NC 910.457.4428 wine-roses-florist.business.site

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VERZAAL’S FLORIST & EVENTS

910.763.6070 danielscompany.com

Wilmington, NC 910.791.1756 verzaalsflorist.com

TRANSPORTATION AZALEA LIMOUSINE SERVICE

910.799.4484 prestigelimousineservice.com

EASY WAY LIMO & TRANSPORTATION SERVICE

TUXEDO LIMO SERVICE

Supply, NC 910. 477.0211 www.facebook.com/pg/tuxedolimo. gmail/services/

Sunset Beach, NC 910.579.9926 easywaylimoservice.com

EVENT SHUTTLE SERVICE

VIP LIMO OF WILMINGTON

Wilmington, NC 910.452.5888 azalealimo.com

Wilmington, NC 910.398.8333 eventshuttleservice.com

Wilmington, NC 910.264.4343/910.619.5890 viplimowilmington.com

BLUEWATER TRANSPORT

LETT’S LIMOUSINE SERVICE

WILMINGTON TROLLEY CO.

Wilmington, NC 910.208.0057 bluewatertransport.com

Wilmington, NC 910.763.4483 wilmingtontrolley.com

Wilmington, NC 910.343.4161 lettslimo.com

CAPE FEAR LIMO & COACH LINES

PLATINUM LIMOUSINE

Wilmington, NC 910.679.4339 CapeFearCoachLines.com

Wilmington, NC 910.833.7026 platinumlimonc.com

DANIELS TOURS LLC

PRESTIGE LIMOUSINE

Wilmington, NC

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3 CHEERS PARTY RENTAL

Wilmington, NC

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AUDIO-VISUAL

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Southport, NC 910.448.1002 3cheerspartyrentals.com

M A R K E T I N G S E CT I O N

ACOUSTICREATIONS INC.

Leland, NC 910.371.2038 acouticreations.com

AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES COASTAL

Wilmington, NC 910.341.0045 avcoastal.com

AVALIVE

Wilmington, NC 910.790.0324 AValive.com

BEHIND THE SOUND

Wilmington, NC 443.854.2741 behindthesoundav.com

CAROLINA STRAND

Wilmington, NC 800.772.0349 carolinastrand.com

EZAV

Wilmington, NC 910.762.4144 ezav.biz

FILMWERKS INTERNATIONAL INC.

Rocky Point, NC 910.675.1145 filmwerksintl.com

J & S AUDIO VISUAL

Wilmington, NC 910.202.3160 jsav.com

K2 PRODUCTIONS

Wilmington, NC 919.341.5111 k2proevents.com

PAST PRESENT FUTURE DIGITAL INC.

Wilmington, NC 910.399.1820 ppfdigital.com

SOUND WAVE AUDIO

Wilmington, NC 910.794.2858 soundwaveaudio.com

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STAFFING / OTHER GREENE RESOURCES

Wilmington, NC 910.251.0505 greeneresources.com

NORTH CAROLINA’S BRUNSWICK ISLANDS

Shallotte, NC 910.755.5517 ncbrunswick.com

n n n n n

LITIGATION CONSTRUCTION DISPUTES MEDIATION/ARBITRATION/COLLABORATIVE LAW REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT & ZONING EMINENT DOMAIN & CONDEMNATION

n n n n n

LICENSING DISPUTES CONTRACT DRAFTING TITLE INSURANCE BANKING LITIGATION LIENS

ON TARGET STAFFING LLC

SERVING BUSINESS AND CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS IN North and South Carolina

(910) 777-5995 | www.hamletandassociates.com

Wilmington, NC 910.765.0949 ontargetstaffingllc.com

PENDER COUNTY TOURISM

Burgaw, NC 910.259.1278 visitpender.com

PREMIER STAFFING SOLUTIONS

Wilmington, NC 910.793.1010 premierstaffnc.com

WILMINGTON BEACHES CONVENTION VISITOR’S BUREAU Wilmington, NC 910.341.4030 wilmingtonandbeaches.com

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