Gala FAQ - VWC Employees

VWC Centennial Gala FAQs

Q: What is the name and address for the event hotel? A: The event hotel is the Richmond Marriott and the address is 500 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. The gala will be held in the Grand Ballroom on Monday, October 28 th .

Q: Where and what time should guests report to check-in? A: Check-in will be on the Lobby Level of the hotel (look for directional signage). Check-in starts at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m.

Q: Am I allowed to leave work early to prepare for the Gala? A: Employees attending the gala will be allowed early dismissal at 2pm on October 28 th to prepare for the event.

Q: What is the price and location for event parking? A: Self-parking is $8 after 5:00 p.m. per vehicle and you can access the self-parking garage at the corner of N. 5th and East Marshall Streets. Self-parking is also located at N. 5 th and East Broad Street for $12 after 5:00 p.m. Valet parking is available at the hotel’s main entrance for the cost of $27 if you are coming for the Gala only. Employees can also park in VWC’s parking lots for free. The Commission will not be able to pay for employee parking for this event.

Q: What is the attire? A: The event attire is semi-formal (black-tie recommended). Semi-formal attire includes tuxedos, suits, long formal dresses or cocktail dresses.

Q: Do I need a physical ticket for the Gala? A: No paper tickets, all employees and their one adult guest will be confirmed through the online registration survey closing on August 16 th . All employees and guests must check-in at the registration desk to receive a wristband prior to gaining access to the ballroom. Employees are prohibited from transferring their entry to another guest. Q: How do I pay for additional guests? A: Each additional employee guest will be charged $50 to attend. Employees should mail a check with the registration form , or fax the registration form and credit card authorization form to the International Workers’ Compensation Foundation at (386) 677-0155.

Q: If I arrive late for the event, what should I do? A: Check-in will be open until 8:00 p.m. If you arrive after 8:00 p.m., report directly to the Grand Ballroom and a Centennial Committee member will assist you.

Q: Is there a coat check, where is it located and what is the cost? A: The coat check is located on the lobby level across from the gala entrance. The cost is complimentary to all guests attending the Gala.

Q: What time does the program portion of the Gala start? A: Doors to the Marriott Ballroom will open at 6:45 p.m. and the program portion of the Gala will start promptly at 7:00 p.m. with opening remarks. Q: How do I reserve a room at the event hotel? A: Rooms can be reserved by clicking here . A block of discount rooms is available at a rate of $179/night. The Commission will be paying for hotel rooms for regional office Team Members attending the Educational Conference and Gala and Centennial Committee Member rooms only due to the work requirements.

Q: Is there a hashtag to join the social conversation around the VWC Centennial Gala? A: Yes, the hashtag for the Gala is #2019VWCGala.

Q: Will foods be labeled for people with dietary restrictions? A: Please note that due to the number of people attending the event, food options will be denoted with vegetarian or vegan on name tents.

Q: Can I bring a camera and/or video camera? A: We ask that you do not bring large cameras and/or video cameras to the event. Using the camera on your mobile device or small tablet is preferred and acceptable.

Q: I have RSVP’d to attend the Gala, but cannot attend now. What should I do? A: Registration will remain open until August 16 th . Once closed, please contact Charles Steepleton at Education- Outreach@workcomp.virginia.gov by October 21 st and let him know you will not be able to attend.

Q: If I have additional questions regarding the Gala, with whom can I speak with? A: All questions regarding the Gala can be directed to one of the Centennial Committee members. Members include: Aubrey Chigwada, Helen Conley, Ryan Duke, Vivian Lane, Andrea Lee, Brandi McAteer, Evelyn McGill, Amy Pearson, Brenda Staylor, Charles Steepleton, and Jim Szablewicz.