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Discover Fresh Event Possibilities in Wilmington, N.C., and Island Beaches

Memorable meetings start with the Carolina Coastal Experience

There are many destinations for hosting meetings in the Carolinas but only one offers the quintessential Carolina Coastal Experience – Wilmington, N.C., and Island Beaches. 

Wilmington beach
Beautiful coastal backdrops add relaxing ambience to Wilmington events.

Encounter an award-winning destination that offers the perfect combination of city and beach experiences. From the intuitive layout of our Convention District, with walkable access to shops, restaurants and vibrant nightlife to memorable coastal activities just minutes away, Wilmington and Beaches offers planners fresh possibilities. Attendees and their families will be compelled to arrive early or stay late

Everything you Need to Host a Memorable Meeting or Event – All in One Place

• Inspiring: Burgeoning River District and award-winning riverfront with entertainment, shops and cafes 
• Authentic: Rich arts and culture and historic charm live alongside a downtown that offers all the modern amenities of a big city
• Refreshing: Three island beaches — Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville — located minutes away
• Energizing: Plenty to see and do before or after your event
• Rewarding: Only convention center on NC’s coast, ideally suited for small- to medium-sized meetings; plus, many groups max out registration at events held here

The Wilmington Convention Center anchors the city's full-service convention district.
The Wilmington Convention Center anchors the city's full-service convention district.

A Convention District Connected by a Scenic Riverwalk

Our multiuse Convention District is located riverfront and within Wilmington’s downtown River District, all connected by a nearly two-mile Riverwalk that makes it easy for attendees to get around. We cater to small businesses, associations, corporations, family reunions and more. From state-of-the-art wireless exhibit halls and elegant ballrooms to the charm of a historic home as a special event venue, our variety of venues is unmatched and always appealing. 

For something a little more traditional but still far from the ordinary convention center, the 107,000-square-foot Wilmington Convention Center maintains an intimate feel and is the only convention center on NC’s coast. Located downtown, it offers sweeping riverfront views and plenty of natural light that help bring the outdoors in. Adjacent to the convention center is the Port City Marina and event pier and Riverfront Park, all of which come together to create a campus-like environment with hotels, restaurants and retail nearby. 

Other downtown meeting facilities located riverfront include the Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center, in which the center retains the charm of its red brick railroad depot days while offering modern amenities. The Hotel Ballast Tapestry Collection by Hilton offers 20,000 square-feet of meeting space, plus an indoor/outdoor restaurant. The full-service Embassy Suites Wilmington Riverfront Hotel, located adjacent to the convention center, provides convenient accommodations for visitors and events held at the convention center. Additional accommodations with meeting space and lodging perfect for overflow include the Best Western Plus Coastline Inn, Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington Downtown/Historic District and Hampton Inn by Hilton Wilmington Downtown.

Wilmington hotels
Plentiful accommodations keep attendees situated near the action.

A Variety of Unique Off-Site Venues

Wilmington offers a multitude of indoor and outdoor venues and natural settings, as well as an exceptional range of attractions, personalized and professional service, and all the right elements for increasing your meeting attendance. Venues like historic house museums, breweries, a waterfront park and amphitheater, event pier, saltwater aquarium and more provide unexpected choices for meeting and event attendees.

Wilmington Riverfront park
Wilmington's Riverfront Park is a unique waterfront venue and a place to relax between meetings.

To start planning your Carolina Coastal event, contact:
John Sneed, CSHP, Vice President of Sales and Services
Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau 
(800) 650–9064
JSneed@wilmingtonandbeaches.com
NCCoastalMeetings.com