We had an incredible time celebrating the Richmond Region’s best athletes, teams, coaches and sports moments with more than 400 attendees at the third annual RVA Sports Awards earlier this month. Congratulations to all our award winners, and thank you to our sponsors for their continued support.

If you missed the event, check out the replay. If you attended the event, see if you made it in our photo album. 

Keep reading to learn more about our latest happenings, events and national news!

SAVE THE DATE: The Richmond Region Tourism Awards and Annual Meeting will be held on May 7 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Every year, Richmond Region Tourism recognizes outstanding individuals who have made a significant contribution to tourism in our region. Check out last year's award winners, and make sure to send in your nominations for this year, for the Customer Service, and Tourism Leadership Awards by March 22. 

I AM TOURISM: Learn about the Richmond Region’s best attractions and become an official I Am Tourism Ambassador on March 26 in the “Center of the Universe” at The Town of Ashland Town Hall. The session includes an in-class presentation, followed by a 90-minute guided bus tour of the Richmond Region, led by Bill Martin, Executive Director of The Valentine. Get the inside scoop on the class in this Virginia This Morning segment.

GALACTIC GATHERING: GalaxyCon returns to the Richmond Region on March 15-17 bringing more than 15,000 cosplayers, celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors and others.

CELEBRATING CERAMICS: Ceramic artists, teachers and enthusiasts gather at the Greater Richmond Convention Center for NCECA’s 58th Annual Conference on March 20-23.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The National Wheelchair Basketball Association Championships are coming to the Henrico Sports & Events Center during the first two weekends in April. Sign up to volunteer to ensure these athletes have an unforgettable experience.

Photo Credit: GalaxyCon

TOP TID: Civitas named the Richmond Region as the East Coast District of the Year, citing its impressive success bringing six jurisdictions together to form a regional TID. A special thanks to everyone who helped advocate for the TID.

MARCH MADNESS: The A-10 Women’s Basketball Tournament will take place in the new Henrico Sports & Events Center on March 6-10 and serve as the first collegiate tournament in action at the new facility.

BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS GROWTH: Axios Richmond spotlighted news that the Richmond Region saw the second highest increase in Black-owned business openings in the nation in 2023, growing 66% last year compared to 2022. Looking to show support to some Black-owned businesses in the Richmond Region? Enjoy cuisine from some of the region's growing Black culinary scene at the Richmond Black Restaurant Experience March 10-17.

DRIVING RICHMOND FORWARD: Congratulations to Richmond Region Tourism's Executive Vice-President, Katherine O'Donnell, and Richmond Region Tourism Board Chair, Lisa Sims, of Venture Richmond, for being named winners of Richmond Times-Dispatch's Women Who Drive Richmond awards.

HONORING A HISTORIC HORSE: Celebrate one of the greatest horses of the 20th century on March 30 in Ashland at the unveiling of the new Secretariat statue. The event will include food trucks, history lessons and a free showing of the Secretariat film. 

HISTORY IN HANOVER: Learn the incredible stories of the women who helped shape Hanover’s history by exploring the “Leaders and Legacy: Women of Hanover County" exhibit at the Hanover County Museum of History and Culture.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR, FOODIES: Chesterfield County is celebrating its first annual Chesterfield Restaurant Week from March 29-April 7. The week-long event features 39 restaurants offering select food and drink specials. 

Photo Credit, in order: Richmond Black Restaurant Experience, VisitAshland, Hanover County, Chesterfield Chamber

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