Testimonials

“After Chamber President Bryan Stephens reminded us it was WINDSday and before Mayor Rick West spoke, the nearly full house at the Chesapeake Conference Center enjoyed a sumptuous lunch. According to a printed menu, it featured “layers of roma tomatoes with sliced buffalo mozzarella,” “crafted breads with chef’s wildflower honey butter,” “white wine and butter poached local shrimp with caramelized lemon wheels,” “slow roasted beef tenderloin drizzled with Virginia Rye Hunters sauce,” and ‘’chocolate tre vele with amaretto mouse and Chantilly cream.” All the venues that host States of the City “put on the dog” for these annual events… We’ll be watching to see if, like Chesapeake, they serve cusabi salad dressing and fresh haricots vert. Kudos to the cooks at the Conference Center for setting a high bar.”

April 2023

Joel RubinRubin Communications Group

Hi, Donna- just a quick note to tell you that I believe that was the best banquet lunch I’ve ever had. The shrimp were tender and beautiful, the steak was like butter (and I don’t even usually like steak) and I felt healthier the moment I bit into the carrot, which was NOT overcooked! And the Caprese salad was perfect (as was the dessert).
I’m no connoisseur, but I’ve eaten a lot of banquet meals in my long and rather safe life….this one is going to be memorable.
Many kudos to the Chef for feeding so many people so elegantly,
warm regards.

March 2023

Jean Carideo

I recently attended a Rotary conference with about 400 attendees at top-tier hotel in Chantilly, VA. While the staff there was friendly and diligent, the food was significantly sub-par. Every meal, I said to myself and other members of Chesapeake Rotary, “This food sure makes me appreciate the food at the Chesapeake Conference Center even more.” Beyond the food, which I have noticed marked improvement in over the past few years, the staff is always friendly, willing to go out of their way to accommodate our club’s needs, and striving to continually improve. I would say they are a great example of what I call “Chesapeake Friendly.”

March 2023

Chuck WilsonChesapeake Rotary Club

Hi Donna,

I would like to complement you and your staff for the great job you did with our event.

As the club’s coordinator for our VIP reception I had the chance to deal first hand with many of your staff and I can say that each one I dealt with were very professional and willing to do what ever was needed to make the event a success.

The food was simply delicious and the wait staff were outstanding. The evening was a great success in large part because of you and your staff. Please pass on to all of them a hearty thank you.

We look forwarded to many future events at your facility.

Thank you again.

March 2023

Ron AskewTreasurerChesapeake Sports Club

From what I saw of the conference center, it was beautiful! My child in middle school had to take a beginning of the year assessment test for school. I was able to walk around a bit and see how well the center is cared for. Also the cushioned benches are comfortable. I had an issue with my back while waiting and had to lie down on one of the benches. There were several kind people who passed by and all asked if I was alright or needed anything. So it’s a beautiful center with beautiful people and I can’t wait to see it again.

October 2022

Kathy Blanchard - Google Review

I have to brag on the Chesapeake Conference Center’s Head Chef Mario Wiggins and his staff! Our Chesapeake First Citizen event committee just finished our 2 hour tasting and selection luncheon with Chef in which he presented us with four incredible salads, four delicious entrees, and several decadent desserts from which to build our menu for the evening. I have never been this full in my life because it was all so good! Rest assured our dinner on September 15 will be incredible! If you have a large (or small) event in your future, you must put the CCC on your list!

David HansonChesapeake First Citizen Banquet

From what I saw of the conference center, it was beautiful! My child in middle school had to take a beginning of the year assessment test for school. I was able to walk around a bit and see how well the center is cared for. Also the cushioned benches are comfortable. I had an issue with my back while waiting and had to lie down on one of the benches. There were several kind people who passed by and all asked if I was alright or needed anything. So it’s a beautiful center with beautiful people and I can’t wait to see it again.

September 2022

Kathy Blanchard

Hey Donna!

Thank you for helping us host one of the best events the Chamber has had to date! We had a blast and everyone loved how flawless everything was. You and your team contributed to that success in more ways than I could ever go into.

Your entire staff is always open to helping us in any capacity even if it means simply breaking down our monster steps and repeats. It is working with people like you all that make my job so enjoyable and fun so THANK YOU!!”

May 2022

LIANNA(LEE-ANNA) ARBITTERHampton Roads Chamber Coordinator, Events & Lead 757Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce

What a wonderful event, we received so many compliments on the event banquet staff, look of the venue and overall – it was a hit. As a Foundation staff, we were blown away by the customer service of each of the banquet staffers – please extend our thanks to them for a job well done. To each of you and Pinkie, wow! We cannot thank you enough for the attention to detail, last minute “help me” moments and feeling of teamwork to pull off a treasured Chesapeake staple event. Tiffani – I appreciate your willingness to walk me through how to get my laptop talking to the projection screens (it goes without saying I was on the verge of losing it). All worked so well – thank you.

April 2022

Erin GearyDevelopment CoordinatorChesapeake Regional Healthcare Foundation Island Bash Gala

“Donna and her team are excellent. We plan to return several times this year and have added other VenuWorks facilities for 2022. Pinky was very helpful and had a great attitude. She helped make our entire staff feel extremely welcome. The Executive Director, Donna Cannatella is one of the best in the business. We hold 2 to 3 events every weekend nationwide, so we have been to hundreds of facilities. Donna is a great addition to Chesapeake and has created a great culture with the team at the facility.”

January 2022

Casey MurraySignature Productions Hot Tub & Spa Show

Definitely a great place for a large event!
In an easy good location in greenbrier. Lots of parking.
Bathrooms on both sides. Good size and clean.
I noticed other rooms that were being used for a party. It was nice we didn’t even run into that group. And parking was still not an issue.
We were in the large main room. It had lots of room for space and chairs. They had a stage upfront with rows and rows of chairs with still room to move and walk around. With some good lighting as well.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the food they provided.
Overall it was a perfect place for a ceremony that we attend with at least 200 people.

December 2021

Shelby K.

Unfortunately, last week I had to cancel my event that was scheduled at your venue for April 3rd of this year. Covid 19, and Virginia’s restrictions were not working in favor of my celebration.

I did however, want to take a moment to express my gratitude to your Staff Event Coordinator, Serteria Carter. From the beginning, Serteria was so helpful with scheduling my walk thru on a day when she had other events booked since it was the only time that worked with my planner’s schedule. With me calling virtually and my planner there in person, Serteria did a thorough tour of the facility, answered countless questions and really took her time with us. She immediately “wowed” me when she referred to my event by its name (50 is the New Black), since I had only spoken to her very briefly prior to the walk thru and didn’t even realize I had mentioned the name as I rambled on through my vision on our initial call. Moving forward, she was quick to send information and quick to respond to any of my questions or concerns. I also attended my tasting virtually with my planners there in person. Again, Serteria was friendly, yet professional. She offered valuable tips and suggestions which allowed me to make great decisions regarding my menu.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank her again and to make you aware of how her personable demeanor, attention to detail and professionalism are not only an asset to your business, but also are the reason I will choose to rebook my event with you once the restrictions have been lifted.

-FEBRUARY 10, 2021

Teresa Gibson

Serteria,

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Our special day was beautiful and successful largely because of you. In several ways, you went above and beyond what was required and made things work the way we wanted. Even when we were not sure what we wanted, you came through for us! It was a pleasure dealing with, and we both feel like we’ve made a new friend. May all your days be filled with happiness and blessings. And may all your endeavors be fruitful.

November 24, 2020

Dale and Deannna