Chesapeake Hampton Newport News Norfolk N. Carolina Peninsula Portsmouth Suffolk Va. Keep the focus narrow, built around themes from pirates to crabs. Countless events may sport unique names and themes but are actually cookie-cutter copies of each other, said Libby O Malley, executive director of Hampton EventMakers since October.
People get bored with the sameness of it all.
O Malley spoke Tuesday at the official unveiling of Hampton EventMakers, a nonprofit event management organization that combines the efforts of several previous groups. The purpose was to provide consistent event quality, avoid scheduling conflicts and pool resources. Planners promise that this upcoming festival season will restore the integrity of special events, by not necessarily offering arts and crafts, volleyball tournaments, beer and music every time around. We re staying true to our themes, O Malley said. Guests will mingle with pirate actors at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern.