The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center boasts over 25,000 square feet of premier, flexible meeting and event space.
When combined with quality catering and other wrap-around services, these spaces allowed the IALR Conference Center to serve as Southern Virginia’s premier venue for small to large meetings, classroom training, corporate retreats, multi-day conferences and more in 2025.
From national conferences and community celebrations to professional trainings and completion ceremonies, organizations from across Virginia, North Carolina and beyond trusted the IALR Conference Center to deliver outstanding events with exceptional service.
2025 By the numbers
- Total Event Attendees: 32,417
- Total Events, Programs and Meetings: 580
CEA Summit East
In the fall of 2025, 240+ growers, researchers and industry leaders convened for the fourth annual Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East, co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con and the Virginia Tech-IALR CEA Innovation Center. The one-and-a-half-day event leveraged the building’s flexible spaces — keynote addresses in the Great Hall, tabletop exhibits in the Atrium and breakout sessions in the Auditorium and classrooms — to create an integrated experience that combined networking, learning and collaboration.
“The IALR Conference Center has been essential to the success of the CEA Summit East. The Center’s flexible meeting and gathering spaces, solid A/V and tech support, and great food help us create a welcoming environment for growers, researchers and industry leaders — but it’s the people who make the biggest difference. The IALR team is incredibly supportive, adaptable and committed to making every detail shine.” — Suzanne Pruitt, Indoor Ag-Con
God’s Pit Crew Benefit Banquet
God’s Pit Crew and the IALR Conference Center worked together to serve 490+ people two nights in a row. On March 21 and 22, the Danville-based disaster relief organization hosted its 2025 Benefit Banquet at IALR, welcoming nearly 1,000 volunteers and attendees across both nights. The event showcased the flexibility of the Great Hall and Atrium, exceptional catering and technology support, and the power of a community coming together.
“It’s almost a week’s worth of setup on our part,” said Randy Johnson, founder of God’s Pit Crew. “We are so thankful that the IALR Conference Center is so gracious and helps in any way that they can to make this an incredible event for us. It just wouldn’t be possible for us if it weren’t for the conference center here.”
God’s Pit Crew hosts multiple large events at IALR throughout the year, utilizing the Conference Center’s versatile spaces and full-service support to create memorable experiences for their volunteers and the community.
ATDM/AM CoE Summit
Leaders from across the defense and manufacturing sectors came together at IALR for the fourth annual summit hosted by the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program and the U.S. Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE). With the theme ‘All Hands on Deck,’ the summit focused on addressing workforce and manufacturing shortfalls in Navy shipbuilding and repair.
More than 450 participants attended keynote sessions, technical panels and networking events, while enjoying meals and receptions that showcased the Conference Center’s catering capabilities.
“Working with the IALR Conference Center to plan the ATDM & AM CoE Summit was an exceptional experience,” said Dr. Sherlina Thomas, Assistant Director, Community Engagement & Student Success, who coordinated the event. “Their team demonstrated outstanding professionalism, responsiveness and attention to detail from the earliest planning stages through event execution.”
Thomas added: “The Conference Center staff are rockstars! They always responded with great customer service, a smile and a genuine attitude to help. Their commitment to excellence and genuine partnership significantly contributed to the success of the ATDM Summit.”
One Dream One Team
Nearly 500 guests filled the Great Hall and Atrium for the annual One Dream 1 Team event, organized by the foundation launched by brothers Tremaine, Terrell and Trey Edmunds, local students turned NFL players. The evening honored outstanding students from across the Dan River region and featured scholarship presentations, entertainment and excellent catering.
“IALR is a staple in our community,” said event organizer Felecia “Cookie” Edmunds. “It has all of the glam and glitz to enhance any event, and it is a place where folks can comfortably gather to socialize and converse. The staff is engaged and cooperative and is there to serve.”
ATDM completion ceremonies and career fairs
ATDM Completion Ceremonies
The IALR Conference Center hosted eight ATDM completion ceremonies in 2025, celebrating graduates of the 16-week accelerated training program. Each ceremony allowed family and industry partners to recognize the achievements of these skilled professionals. These events showcased the Conference Center’s ability to create a polished, celebratory atmosphere for milestone moments.
“The IALR Conference Center staff takes an entire layer of stress off our team by expertly preparing the space and ensuring every event runs smoothly. They consistently check in with us for updates, confirming guest counts and setup details so everything remains accurate and seamless. We truly appreciate the thoughtful planning and the effort they put into creating a memorable experience for all guests at each ceremony.” – Kevin Gatewood, Assistant Director, ATDM Student Services
ATDM Career Fairs
In addition to graduations, six ATDM career fairs were held at the IALR Conference Center throughout the year. These events connected graduates with employers in defense and advanced manufacturing, bringing together major shipbuilders, suppliers and industry leaders. The flexible spaces accommodated exhibitor booths, networking areas and breakout spaces for interviews, ensuring a seamless experience for both job seekers and employers.
“The IALR Conference Center does an incredible job in collaborating with us for our bimonthly career fairs. I coordinate our vision with the team & the rest is magic from there. The Conference Center does an excellent job in staying in constant contact with me to ensure that every detail is to our expectation, from food delivery to layout of the room. Our career fairs wouldn’t be a success without them!” – Corey A. Williams, Ed.D., Manager, ATDM Career Services
Industrial Black Belt Training
From August to November, the IALR Conference Center served as the venue for Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Training, hosted by the Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism in partnership with GENEDGE. Seven professionals, including three IALR staff members, graduated from the course, which equipped participants with advanced tools and leadership skills to drive efficiency and quality improvements across operations.
Sessions were held in IALR’s modern classrooms, equipped with A/V technology and flexible layouts that facilitated collaboration and hands-on learning. The training covered topics such as advanced statistical analysis, process mapping, root cause analysis and project management for continuous improvement.
“Each week ran smoothly, with positive feedback from attendees about the comfortable classroom, dynamic seating for lectures and group activities, and outstanding meals. I never had to worry about logistics! The IALR team handled everything, allowing me to focus on the content. I highly recommend IALR for anyone seeking a worry-free, well-supported event experience.” – Katie Kultgen
Senior Secretary, Danville Office of Economic Development and Tourism
Event center ready for your event
For those in need of a venue to host an upcoming business event, company retreat, banquet or other gathering, the IALR Conference Center stands ready to provide a premier location with excellent service and amenities. With impressive conference room rentals, a dynamic reception hall and other unique spaces, IALR has the capacity to host just about any event — and a team committed to making every detail shine.
Plan your next event
Contact the IALR Conference Center team to learn more about spaces, services and availability in 2026.
