2025 Tourism Day at the Legislature
Each year, tourism industry representatives gather at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston for Tourism Day at the Legislature—an entire day dedicated to raising awareness about the vital economic and social impact of tourism in West Virginia.
This year, we are excited to kick off the event on the very first day of the legislative session, February 12, showcasing our hospitality skills by welcoming lawmakers to the Capitol in Charleston, WV! Register for all things Tourism Day by January 31, 2025, to attend Tourism Day at the Legislature.
NEW THIS YEAR:
👨🏫 Leveling Up: Organizational Capacity Building Masterclass on the day prior to Tourism Day
🗺️ Regional Displays: The opportunity to create shared regional displays rather than standalone tables
🎓 Career Fair: An emphasis on tourism jobs, internships, and educational opportunities
Leveling Up: Organizational Capacity Building Masterclass
February 11 – 12 noon to 4 p.m. – Building 3 – Capitol Complex
As the tourism industry in Almost Heaven continues to grow, all of our organizations have opportunities to grow as well. The acclaimed Coraggio Group, a nationally recognized leader in the industry, will lead this hands-on workshop focused on increasing organizational capacity. Coraggio Group leads training with organizations like US Travel and others across the globe.
The workshop will include examining case studies and organizational scenarios, engaging participants in group conversations and idea sharing throughout and creating custom roadmap tools that can help guide your organization on the pathway for strategic growth. You will leave this training with tactical next steps to increasing your organization’s efficiency, capacity and profitability.
Attend for the Chance to Win $5,000 in Advertising Media
Coming out of the workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to submit their completed roadmaps for growth for review. The top five most promising roadmaps, as evaluated by members of the Tourism Advisory Council, will receive $5,000 each in Cooperative Advertising media to be added to their advertising portfolio.
We hope you’ll mark your calendars and register below for this important day!
SCHEDULE
We are working on putting together a comprehensive schedule for our partners. The schedule includes:
Tuesday, February 11th – Capacity Building Workshop and Optional Early-Bird Set-Up
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION |
| 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Leveling Up: Organizational Capacity Building Masterclass | Capitol Complex, Building 3 |
| 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Early Set-up for Partners | Capitol Complex, Upper & Lower Rotundas |
| 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Fun activity with Charleston CVB | Details TBD 🎉 |
Wednesday, February 12th – Tourism Day
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION | |
| 8:00 a.m. | Set-up for Partners Begins | Capitol Complex, Upper & Lower Rotundas | |
| 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Tourism Day Tabling | Capitol Complex, Upper & Lower Rotundas | |
| T.B.D. | Senate Gavels In | Senate Gallery | |
| T.B.D. | House Gavels In | House Gallery | |
| 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Open time for appointments with legislators | Capitol Complex *Must be scheduled in advance, see details in FAQ |
Please note: The schedule is subject to change, so keep checking back!
Tourism Day FAQ
Have a question about participating in Tourism Day at the Legislature? Check out the answers to this list of frequently asked questions:
Can I set up my table or shared display on Tuesday?
Yes, registered partners will be permitted to access the Capitol Building for early set-up from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11.
Beginning at 4:00 p.m., Department of Tourism staff members will be on hand to help partners check in and locate their tables.
Read ‘Where Should I Park?’ below for more information about parking.
On Tuesday, make your way through security and check in with Department of Tourism staff, who will be located in the Lower Rotunda.
Will I be allowed to leave items overnight on Tuesday?
Materials on tables may be left overnight at your discretion. The building will be closed to the public after 5:30 p.m. and security personnel will be present on Tuesday afternoon until the time of closure.
The building will reopen to the public at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
While the building will be monitored by Capitol Police at all times when it is open, no high-value items should be left out on tables unattended.
When do I need to be there on February 12th?
If you are tabling, we encourage you to be in the Capitol by 8:30 a.m. and at your assigned table by 9:00 a.m. to ensure enough time to complete your set-up by 10:00 a.m.
Tabling for registered partners is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday February 12th, and at least one person should be staffing your table or shared regional display during this timeframe.
The time you need to arrive will depend on how long it will take you to check-in and set up your display materials. You will have the opportunity to set-up the day before, as noted above, and you can access the Capitol Building and go through security starting at 8:00 a.m. on February 12th.
Beginning at 8:00 a.m., partners are invited to drop off materials for their table at the bus turnaround lane located off of Greenbrier Street beside the Culture Center before parking at metered spaces or at Laidley Field. Maps will be circulated to those who register in advance, and Dept. of Tourism staff will be on-hand to help.
Read ‘Where Should I Park?’ below for more information on parking.
If you are not tabling, the event begins at 10:00 a.m. on the 12th.
What do I need to bring?
The Department of Tourism will provide more details on this soon. Keep checking back for updates!
Please note: Power access is limited. If you need access, please let us know in advance. This will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Where should I park?
Industry partners may park at Laidley Field or in metered parking on the Capitol grounds. If parking at Laidley, shuttle service will be available throughout the day and runs approximately every 10-15 minutes during the morning run and every 30 minutes during mid-day and afternoon runs.
The shuttle schedule is as follows:
- Morning: 6:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
- Mid-Day: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Afternoon: 3:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
The shuttle route is as follows:
Laidley Field – Elizabeth Street
Laidley Field – Piedmont Road
Sydney/McClung St. Parking – 3-way stop at Piedmont Rd.
Capitol Parking Garage
Building 3 – Parking lot side MID-DAY & AFTERNOON RUN BEGINS HERE
Building 5 – Piedmont Road
Building 6 – California Avenue
Capitol Building – East Wing, California Avenue
Cultural Center/Bus Turnaround
Back to Laidley Field
For more information regarding the shuttle schedule, please call the Parking
Section at (304) 558-9093 or Piedmont Guard House at (304) 558-0248.
How do I schedule time with my legislators?
- Find the legislative districts you are located in here, if needed.
- Contact your legislators’ offices by email or phone to let them know that you will be attending Tourism Day on February 12, 2025, and would like to schedule time to meet with them.
- Having trouble finding their contact information? Call the toll-free number of West Virginia’s Legislative Information Office at 1-877-565-3447 for the officials’ Charleston telephone numbers.
QUESTIONS? WE CAN HELP!
For questions on the day of the event, call or text (681) 459-0211.
If you have any questions about this year’s Tourism Day or the Capacity Building Workshop, please email Kara Gillenwater, Outreach Coordinator, at Kara.m.Gillenwater@wv.gov.
Thank you in advance for your participation and support!