Destination Virden – Where Meetings are a Shore Thing

Destination Virden – Where Meetings are a Shore Thing

by | Jun 18, 2019 | Beach Retreats, Meeting Trends

Destination Virden – Where Meetings are a Shore Thing

If you are sitting at your desk feeling a little warmer under the collar than usual, it could be a sign of one of two things; summer has arrived, or you forgot to hand in those reports your boss has been asking for.  Hopefully, it’s the former and with the coming of summer, it’s time to start planning all of your fun company retreats to build your team synergy and whatnot.

In case you have forgotten, our Virden Retreat Center is located on the University of Delaware’s coastal campus in historic Lewes, Delaware.  This venue is absolutely perfect for retreat and destination events, all while offering a relaxed and isolated meeting venue with an open oceanside style and layout.  Be assured that we can accommodate all of your business needs. So, allow us to tell you about some of the amazing activities your attendees will be able to participate in while using our facilities.

 

Beer and Wine Tasting

For such a small state, Delaware packs a big punch when it comes to craft breweries and vineyards.  Local production is more in demand than ever, and southern Delaware has a very high concentration of the state’s total tally of craft spirits.  Local favorites such as Dogfish Head, Big Oyster, or Mispillion River are enough to appease the craft beer crowd while Nassau Valley Vineyards and Salted Vines Vineyard and Winery will be fantastic for your visitors with different tastes.

 

Yoga and Meditation

If exploring the local liquor scene isn’t for you, then there is always an opportunity to wind down during your free time and find a little serenity.  Being nestled in the local wetland reserve, the Virden Center has a luscious green campus interspersed with wildlife which can offer a unique and serene experience.  The beach, which is a stone’s throw away, also offers variety to your calming options.

 

Hiking and Kayaking

The Great Marsh Preserve is an expansive and tranquil plot of protected wetlands with vibrant wildlife that can add an opportunity for amazing bird-watching.  With extensive walking paths and waterways your visitors can enjoy a nice hike through the preserve or choose to go canoeing or kayaking. Cape Henlopen State Park also offers some beautiful hiking paths along the beach.

 

Camping

On that note, Cape Henlopen also has exceptional campgrounds to offer potential visitors and outdoorsmen.  It could be fun to see how everyone interacts when there is no running water. If that’s a little too real, the park also has dormitories that can replicate the old summer camp feelings of yore.  There are also accommodations on our campus if you don’t feel like straying too far.

 

Explore the Rich History

Lewes has the distinction of being the first town settled in the state back in 1631. Because of that, the town has gathered a rich colonial history that can still be seen today.  Lewes is home to a lively community with its main streets and surrounding suburbs littered with shops, restaurants, parks and historical venues.  There are also more historic landmarks dotted throughout lower Delaware and Sussex County.

These suggestions are just scratching the surface of all that the area surrounding the Virden Center has to offer.   There are plenty of resources you can use online to dig deeper into what’s in store for you once you’re there. These are just a few reasons to hold an event at the Virden Retreat Center this summer.  

https://visitsoutherndelaware.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g34028-Activities-Lewes_Delaware.html

http://www.lewes.com/

http://www.ci.lewes.de.us/

Want to learn more about meetings at the beach? Check out UD’s Virden Retreat Center or contact a member of our Conference Services team.

UD Alumni and UD Conference Services: A Match Made In Heaven?

UD Alumni and UD Conference Services: A Match Made In Heaven?

by | Jun 4, 2019 | Conferencing on Campus

UD Alumni and UD Conference Services: A Match Made In Heaven?

The academic year has come to a close at the University of Delaware and all that’s left to celebrate is the graduation of our seniors, graduate and doctoratoral students.  This is an incredibly happy time that can bring back fond memories for our alumni. Just a reminder to those of you freshly entering the alumni ranks, or to those who have been gone for a while; even though you are no longer a student of the University, it doesn’t mean that your association with us has to end.  The University of Delaware Alumni Association has extensive services and resources that are available to any past, present, and future graduates. In tandem with that, there are many ways that holding events with UD Conference Services can be very beneficial for all past Blue Hens out there.

How the blue and gold can help you.

The mission statement of the UD Alumni Association states that they are dedicated to engaging the entire alumni community by fostering a tradition of lifelong loyalty and commitment to the University. They provide exceptional value and ongoing support to alumni worldwide.  In partnership with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, they strive to fulfill their vision and mission, and to execute their strategies, programs and outreach. Both Alumni Relations and Conference Services have the same end goal; to ensure that all current and future alumni have a fulfilling, lifelong relationship with our great University.  

One benefit of holding, or attending, a conference or event on campus is that with this kind of support and outreach from the University, it is a fantastic way to build on your professional and social networks. Networking will always be an important part of any individual’s professional life and it always helps to have a leg up on your potential competition.  

Having events at your alma mater immediately helps you tap into a global network that you already have an association with. And, at the very least, helps you reconnect with old friends.

 

How you can help the blue and gold.

As stated above, one major goal of the University and the Alumni Association is to foster and grow lifelong loyalty amongst its current and former students.  Through constant support and engagement, they want our alumni to have long-lasting, positive memories of their experiences at the University that will hopefully motivate them to keep coming back.  Whether it be a reunion, a wedding, corporate event; having an event through UD Conference Services is a wonderful way to give back to your alma mater. It is a contribution that is much deeper than a simple donation as well.  

By holding events with us will you not only provide the University with your patronage, but we will also provide you with an excellent experience. Not only are our locations diverse enough for multiple types of gatherings, but our staff is very experienced at executing high-quality events.

Ultimately, the goal of Conference Services is the same as the Alumni Association, to foster a lifelong connection with alumni by providing a high-quality service and experience that can cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship between the two.  And just remember, regardless of what you do or where you go, once a Blue Hen, always a Blue Hen.

We’d love to see you back on campus! Contact a member of our Conference Services team to make it happen.

We Made the List. You Check it Twice.

We Made the List. You Check it Twice.

by | Oct 2, 2018 | Special Events & Celebrations

We Made the List. You Check it Twice.

It’s a warm September evening and you are enjoying a wonderful lager from Munich at your local Oktoberfest celebration.  As you sit there enjoying the sights and sounds of the performing polka group and condensation forms on your bier stein, a creeping feeling begins to dawn on you; I haven’t even begun my corporate party planning for the approaching season.

Don’t fret! University of Delaware Conference Services has you covered with this year’s edition of our corporate holiday party planning checklist.

First things first – budget.

The first order of business on our checklist is to crunch those numbers.  Although it may not be your favorite thing to do, figuring out the logistics of your event is essential to throwing a holiday party that will be talked about around the water cooler for years to come.  Many of your decisions will be dictated by your budget for the party. Questions to ask yourself are:

  1. The number of employees attending – An early headcount is critical to maximizing your party planning. It could save you from wasting time and money down the line.  Also, decide if you are inviting the whole group or just management? Are significant others included? These questions need to be answered before you proceed.
  2. How long should the party last –  Many venues offer packages with the option of 3 – 4-hour parties. Your budget will dictate your package choice.
  3. What time of day to throw your party –  It is important to know the demographics of your employees before making this decision. During the workday is worth considering. This option would include lunch with the extra perk of allowing your employees part of the day off. Also, for the parents on your staff, this might eliminate the need for a babysitter. Or, perhaps your staff would enjoy a happy hour with heavy hor d’oeuvres for a more festive flair.  Finally, you may choose an after-hours event that includes a buffet or plated dinner with dancing and entertainment.
  4. Venue costs – Venue prices can vary depending on the number of additional services you require.
Our professional event planning staff can assist you every step of the way, ensuring that you have the best event your budget will allow.  Once you have established your budget and met with your event manager to consider options, you will be prepared to move on to the next step on our list.

 

Let’s talk about the theme.

This is where you can begin to customize your event with the desired atmosphere and quirky activities to really wow your employees and/or coworkers.  This is where you can take advantage of our unique venues at the University of Delaware. Want an old-school Christmas in California vibe? Not only do we have a space for that in coastal Delaware, at the Virden Center, but we also have staff on hand to create a unique experience filled with signature menus and aesthetics. If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, there is always space on the historical University of Delaware campus. Whatever you have in mind, our Clayton Conference Center is practically a blank slate for your desired aesthetics.

 

Connecting the dots.

Now that you have the loose outline of your event squared away, it’s time to connect the dots.  Something to think about is creating a unique party moment for your event.  This could be connected to the entire theme or something like an engaging speaker, or a bonding activity. Your people have had a busy and productive year, hopefully, and they could really use some down time and a show of appreciation. Some other fantastic ideas could be wine tasting, beer tasting, photo backdrops or booths, company step-and-repeat, signing a company yearbook, viral video dance-off contest, Department awards, or better yet, Office Olympics Awards.  You should also think about social media considerations. It’s 2018 and everyone is more connected than ever, so why not tie social media into your event and have a hashtag and tagging bonanza. But, if you’d like a more intimate and personal event, you could always just tell everyone to leave their devices at the door.

 

Creating a unique party moment for your event shows appreciation. It could be a wine tasting, beer tasting, photo backdrops or booths, company step-and-repeat, signing a company yearbook, viral video dance-off contest, Department awards, or better yet, Office Olympics Awards.

 

A word about giving.

Finally, something to never forget about the holidays. It is a season of giving, hoping, miracles, and gift exchanging. Your employees or coworkers will be expecting something, so let’s discuss. There’s been this wonderful movement of friends and family requesting donations in lieu of gifts, and the impact has been otherworldly. A company donation is something so personal and meaningful, and it can spread an impactful message. Consider shaping your gifting toward a cause, and encourage some holiday philanthropy. Or, for the less altruistic of you out there, you could stick to a more traditional method and keep regifting the same candle set every year!

Hopefully, our holiday planning checklist has helped alleviate some of the stress associated with actually planning one of these events.  And don’t worry, if you are still losing sleep over it, we are always here to help you plan the best holiday extravaganza you could ever dream of. If we put our heads together, your company may be able to lay claim to the best dang holiday party of 2018.

Planning a holiday celebration? Contact a member of our Conference Services team today.

Delaware’s Premium Beach Retreat Center is Even Better

Delaware’s Premium Beach Retreat Center is Even Better

by | Jul 2, 2018 | Beach Retreats

Delaware’s Premium Beach Retreat Center is Even Better

Situated on the University of Delaware’s Hugh R. Sharp campus in Lewes, the Virden Center is a truly unique venue and an exceptional site for retreats, weddings, reunions, and conferences. Our layout is comfortable and our capabilities are complete. The Virden Center is a welcome change of pace, made even better since the renovation of our overnight accommodations.

Are you looking for peace and quiet? We have it. Maybe you need a space to clear your mind so you can harness your creativity. Not a problem. Would your business benefit from a distraction-free brainstorming session? Perfect. Virden is just the place.

Over the years, the Virden Center has been visited by a myriad of groups and individuals, many of whom return again and again. Despite the fact that our accommodations became dated, we continued to receive rave reviews from our guests. This is a testament to our commitment to our clientele and our extreme attention to quality customer service. Our 23 guest rooms, which are capable of accommodating over 46 guests, are fresh and new. Each room features a private bath, air conditioning, a refrigerator, a microwave, a TV, full housekeeping services, and a screened in porch. Best of all, you will experience a rare serenity as you overlook the surrounding wetlands.

Come for business and experience our full-service conference center or escape to a truly peaceful place as an overnight guest.  Either way, you will be treated to a beach breeze and plenty of sunshine. Whether your intention is to gather for a creative and productive meeting or to simply get away alone or with friends and family, you will leave with a sense of accomplishment and ease.

To reserve your newly renovated room or to book our conference venue, contact us or call 302-645-4100.

Find Out More About The Virden Center

Retreats at the Beach: Come for the Business, Stay for the Beach

Retreats at the Beach: Come for the Business, Stay for the Beach

by | May 15, 2018 | Beach Retreats

Retreats at the Beach: Come for the Business, Stay for the Beach

After what always seems like an eternity, winter appears to be at an end and the spring weather looks to finally be here to stay.  With the suns and guns (biceps that is) at long last coming out for good, it is difficult for anyone in this area to not think about the Delaware beaches, in all of their splendor.  And, in case you were wondering, it just so happens that University of Delaware’s Conference Services has a wonderful venue downstate that can scratch all of your shore related itches.

Our Virden Retreat Center is located on the University of Delaware’s coastal campus in Lewes, Delaware.  This venue is fantastic for social events, retreats, weddings, and small meetings, all while offering relaxed and isolated meeting and event spaces with an open oceanside style and layout.  There, you will find six meeting rooms, a tented patio, video conferencing, full registration and planning services, and catering that just about covers any scenario.  We also offer newly renovated lodging for overnight events or for those who want to stay and enjoy the surrounding locale. And what a historic and beautiful location it is.

 

Rich history

Lewes was initially founded as a whaling and trading settlement by Dutch explorers in 1631 and holds the distinction of being the first European settlement founded in Delaware, which is proudly expressed in the town’s motto, “The First Town In The First State”.  The town has gone through a lot of change since then and has gathered a rich colonial history that can still be seen today. Lewes is home to a lively community with its main streets and surrounding suburbs littered with shops, restaurants, parks and historical venues, such as the Zwaanendael Museum.  Named after the settlements original title, the museum was created to honor the 300th anniversary with exhibits showing the history of Sussex County and its people over the centuries.

 

Protected lands

In addition to the rich history of Lewes, the beautiful Cape Henlopen State Park rests in the backyard of the Virden Center.  Cape Henlopen is home to some of Delaware’s best beaches, with no shortage of outdoor activities and soft sand to relax in. The park and the university campus are also connected to some of the region’s most beautiful wetlands.  The Great Marsh Preserve is an expansive and tranquil plot of protected wetlands with vibrant wildlife that can add an opportunity for amazing bird-watching, canoeing or kayaking to any trip to the area.

 

All and all, the Virden Retreat Center has so much to offer from an event standpoint, but when paired with the sights of the surrounding area, it becomes a must visit for anyone looking to have some fun with their next warm weather event.

Want to learn more about hosting a retreat at the beach? Check out UD’s Virden Center or contact a member of our Conference Services team.