The May 2024 edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
- IALR Supports EMS Apprenticeships
- Registration Opens for Summer STEM Camps
- ICC Hosts 1,000+ at God’s Pit Crew Banquet
- Much more!
The May 2024 edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center recently welcomed over 1,000 guests for God’s Pit Crew’s annual benefit banquet. Spanning three nights, the event highlighted the impactful work of the organization and showcased the IALR Conference Center as Southern Virginia’s premier event venue.
God’s Pit Crew, a Danville-based nonprofit dedicated to providing relief to those affected by natural disasters and crises, chose the IALR Conference Center for its spacious and versatile facilities. This is the 13th year God’s Pit Crew has chosen the IALR Conference Center for its annual benefit banquet.
“It’s always a joy and a pleasure to work with the IALR Conference Center. There’s no other place where we would want to be to do our event. Everyone here works with us so well. It’s such a wonderful facility. The food is amazing. It is just a magnificent facility, and we are so thankful to have this in our community.” – Randy Johnson, God’s Pit Crew Founder
The main banquet took place in the Great Hall, a spacious 8,400 square-foot event venue capable of accommodating large gatherings. God’s Pit Crew brought in many of their own decorations, making the space their own.
The Conference Center staff filled the room with 42 60-inch round tables that could seat eight each, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy their dinners and participate in the evening’s activities.
In addition to the Great Hall, God’s Pit Crew utilized the Atrium to welcome guests and sell merchandise. The Atrium provided a welcoming entrance for attendees and a convenient space for fundraising efforts, adding to the event’s overall success.
“Hosting events like the God’s Pit Crew banquet is truly an honor for us. With top-notch customer service, quality catering and flexible spaces, the IALR Conference Center is the ideal venue for memorable events of all types and sizes.” – Tracy Fink, Vice President, IALR Conference Center
Whether you’re planning a corporate conference, a community fundraiser or a special celebration, the ICC offers the ideal setting to bring your vision to life. Dynamic spaces like the Great Hall, Atrium, business conference rooms and Auditorium combine with exceptional service and amenities to ensure that every event hosted at the ICC is a success.
Contact us today to request a quote and discover how we can make your next event unforgettable.
We welcome Tracy Fink, IALR’s new Vice President of the Institute Conference Center (ICC), to the team. Tracy explains how her background and experience have prepared her for this role, what grabbed her attention about this opportunity to work with the ICC and outlines her overarching vision for Southern Virginia’s premier event venue. She also highlights the ICC’s different spaces and capabilities, along with its full-service amenities.
The April 2024 edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
The March 2024 edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Fink as the Vice President of the Institute Conference Center (ICC) and Operations, effective March 1. With over 20 years of experience in strategic event management, Fink brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tracy Fink as the new Vice President of the Institute Conference Center and Operations. Her proven and diverse event management experience, strategic vision and commitment to delivering exceptional events and experiences will undoubtedly drive the continued success of the ICC and further our mission of economic transformation in our region.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President
Fink is an experienced marketing, sales and event leader known for her strategic leadership and dynamic approach to event management. Her track record includes planning corporate and social events with guest counts exceeding 1,000. Her time working in numerous event-oriented roles has left her with a deep knowledge of the planning and logistics that go into creating successful experiences and events.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the Institute Conference Center – one of the premier venues in all of Virginia,” said Fink. “I look forward to leveraging my experience and passion for event management and commitment to excellence to deliver unparalleled service to our clients and guests.”
Fink most recently served as Director of Events and Marketing for Mayfair Hospitality, which oversees several hotels and venues in Winston Salem, N.C. Fink has also worked as a public affairs officer for the U.S. Air Force auxiliary and as an on-air morning show host and sales manager for a Baltimore radio station. Fink has experience in sales, events and marketing across several industries and in different roles. Fink holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Mass Communications from Towson University and a Master of Business Administration from Columbus University. Her commitment to the community includes board positions and membership with such groups as the Forsyth County Hospitality Alliance, the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership and Junior League.
“Tracy Fink’s extensive experience, community engagement and proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue to elevate the ICC as a leading destination for conferences, meetings and events. We look forward to working together to continue providing exceptional experiences for our clients and guests.” – Dr. John Hughes, Executive Vice President, Operations, IALR
Fink is filling this role after the recent retirement of Leslie Dobbins, who worked with the ICC for more than 20 years.
Located in Southern Virginia, the Institute Conference Center (ICC) is a preeminent destination for conferences, meetings and events. Boasting state-of-the-art facilities and unrivaled services and amenities like catering, technology support and event planning, the ICC offers a versatile and customizable space to accommodate gatherings of all sizes. From intimate board meetings to large-scale conferences, the ICC provides a dynamic environment designed to inspire collaboration, innovation and success. The ICC also oversees IALR’s on-site cafe, Megabytes.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, advanced manufacturing, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax, and Mecklenburg, as well as the cities of Martinsville and Danville.