RICHMOND, Va. – The 4th Annual Virginia National Guard Conference is scheduled from Sept. 16-19, 2021, at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. This is an in-person event and registration is open.

This year represents the 4th year of a joint conference between the Virginia National Guard Association, the Virginia Army & Air National Guard Enlisted Association and the Virginia National Guard Historical Foundation. The conference is administratively supported by the Virginia National Guard Management Group, Inc.

The consolidated conference theme is ENGAGE21.

The highly anticipated annual conference brings together over 400 leaders of the Virginia Army and Air National Guard to gather and vote on top legislative priorities, share information and celebrate the camaraderie of being members of the oldest Military Force in the United States: the Virginia National Guard!

The conference is a four-day event packed with keynote speakers, special events and access to one of the largest defense industry trade shows in Virginia.

The annual conference will begin on Thursday with associations’ board meetings and an exclusive VIP dinner between the Platinum and Gold Access exhibitors and senior leaders of the Virginia National Guard. Friday’s action-packed schedule includes a golf tournament, motorcycle rally, exhibition hall ribbon-cutting and concludes with an evening cruise on the Spirit of Norfolk.

The opening ceremony begins on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and is followed by a series of Professional Development Sessions, which range from keynote presentations from National Guard leaders, multiple social and networking events and caucus meetings.

Saturday evening is capped off  with the 4th Annual Virginia National Guard & Department of Military Affairs Military Ball.  The ball begins at 6:00 p.m. and is followed by live music, dancing, games and refreshments. Registration for the Military Ball is included in the conference registration fee. Non-conference attendees, members of the Virginia Defense Force and state employees may register at this webpage for customized registration.

Exhibitor booths and sponsorships are still available, for more information contact Jake Croker at executive.director@vngmg.org or visit the exhibitor and sponsor webpages.

For additional conference information, please visit the conference website or email contact@vngmg.org.