Important Reminders for the 39th Annual Virginia EMS Symposium

Dear 2018 Symposium Participant,

We’re only a few days away from the 39th Annual Virginia EMS Symposium, one of the largest five-day EMS training events available in the nation! As you’re packing, please remember to bring clothes that you can layer because the temperature in the classrooms can vary. Here are some important updates and reminders, please read through them carefully. Safe travels and see you in Norfolk next week!

1. On-site Registration Check-in Times:

  • Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

After you check in at the registration area on the 3rd floor of the Marriott, please review your class confirmation letter and locate each of your classes in the On-Site Guide or via the “VA EMS Symposium” mobile app available through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.*You should identify where your classes are located each day, in advance, because you may have classes that are held in the Marriott and the Sheraton. Both facilities will host various classes throughout this five-day event, so you will need to preplan and locate your classes to assure that you take advantage of the breaks and can get to your next class on time. Be sure to check the registration area on the 3rd floor of the Marriott or the “VA EMS Symposium” mobile app for course cancellations, room changes and other important announcements. As a reminder, it is your responsibility to make sure you are scanned as you leave each class and that your certification number, at a minimum, appears on the scanner screen.

*To download the mobile app, visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and search for “VA EMS Symposium.” Click links for download instructions for the “VA EMS Symposium”app on your Apple iPhone or Android smartphone. Please note: If you are having trouble downloading the app, you can access the mobile web app via the following URL:
https://vdhems.vdh.virginia.gov/emsapps/symposiummobile.html

2. Free parking is available for Sympo­sium registrants at Harbor Park baseball stadium. If you park at Harbor Park you must get a permit from the parking permit table on the 3rd floor in the Marriott. Parking at Harbor Park during Symposium will be available in Lot D during the shuttle times below. A Symposium marked shuttle bus will make stops at Harbor Park, the Marriott and the Sheraton.

Symposium Shuttle Schedule:

  • Wednesday, Nov. 7, 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 8, 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 9, 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 10, 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 11, 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

3. Special Events:

  • Spirit Night Dinner Cruise – The Spirit of Norfolk will offer on-site ticket purchases at the special $60/person symposium dinner cruise rate, but it is subject to availability. Tickets may be purchased at the booth beside the Spirit of Norfolk. The dinner cruise is Wednesday, Nov. 7, 7 – 9 p.m. Boarding begins at 6:30 p.m. Click here to see event flyer.
  • Free Flu Shot Clinic – Thursday, Nov. 8, 8 – 11 a.m. on the 4th floor of the Marriott (foyer area, near escalators.) This event is open to everyone. Vaccines are limited so be sure to arrive early.
  • Vendor Hall Exhibit Hours – Thursday, Nov. 8, 2 – 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. & 5:45 – 7:45 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m. – Noon. *There will be a special vendor reception, which is open to everyone, Friday at 5:45 p.m. in the Vendor Exhibit Hall, 1st floor, Marriott. Heavy hors d’œuvres will be served.
  • Thursday Night Band and DJ Dance – Thursday, Nov. 8, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m., enjoy live music from “That’s What She Said,” one of Harrisburg’s top classic rock bands. During the band breaks, enjoy dancing and music from DJ entertainment. Dance the night away in the Hampton Ballroom, 3rd floor, Marriott.
  • Casino Monte Carlo – Friday, Nov. 9, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. in the Hampton Ballroom, 3rd floor, Marriott. New this year – There will be lots more exciting entertainment options at this event with the addition of RC race cars, pool tables and slot machines! There’s plenty of fun for everyone! Be sure to check out this family-friendly event.
  • Governor’s EMS Awards Ceremony – Join us as we honor the 2018 Governor’s EMS Award nominees on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 6:45 p.m., Norfolk Ballroom, 1st floor, Marriott. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. A buffet-style dinner will be served at tables located on each side of the banquet hall. Please note: all serving tables will have the same food options, so please go to the tables at the front of the ballroom in order to prevent congestion as people enter the hall. Once you get your food, please find a seat promptly so that the awards ceremony can begin on time. After the awards ceremony, join us for the annual DJ Dance in the Hampton Ballroom, 3rd floor, Marriott.

4. Save time and money with quick lunch options from the Marriott and the Sheraton. Quick lunches at the Marriott will be available Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the piano lounge, 2nd floor, Norfolk Waterside Marriott. Cash only. Exact change is appreciated.

Norfolk Waterside Marriott
Thursday

  • Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich with Sweet & Tangy coleslaw $6.00
  • Grilled Chicken Wrap with lettuce tomato, Jack and Cheddar cheeses $6.00
  • Garden Salad $5.00
  • Chips, Cookie, Soft Drinks $2.00

Friday

  • Chicken Parmesan Sandwich $6.00
  • Meatball Marinara Sub $6.00
  • Caesar Salad $5.00
  • Chips, Cookie, Soft Drinks $2.00

Saturday

  • Hot Ham and Swiss on a Croissant bun $6.00
  • Roast Beef Grilled Onion and Cheddar on Sub roll $6.00
  • Chicken Caesar Salad $6.00
  • Chips, Cookie, Soft Drinks $2.00

Sheraton Norfolk Waterside, Monday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
All sandwiches served with choice of one side and iced tea or lemonade for $11.95

  • Chicken Salad on Croissant with lettuce and tomato
  • Tuna Salad on Croissant with lettuce and tomato
  • Turkey Sandwich served with Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato
  • Chicken Caesar Wrap (wheat wrap), served with romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese and grilled chicken with Caesar dressing
  • Vegetable Wrap (spinach wrap) served with mixed greens, tomato, red onions and portabella mushrooms and balsamic glaze.
  • Sides: Cup soup of the day, Side Garden Salad, Side Caesar Salad, House Chips, Cole Slaw, Mediterranean Pasta Salad, Fruit Cup

The Waterside District will also be serving lunch and dinner options, as well as special pricing when you “show your symposium badge.” Please note: Schlotzsky’s Deli across from the Marriott remains closed, but there are many other lunch and dinner options in the surrounding area, including D’egg Diner, which is open across the street from the Marriott. For additional dining options, please see the Norfolk dining guide, which will be enclosed in your registration packet or click here for Norfolk restaurant options.

Don’t forget to download the “VA EMS Symposium” app to stay updated while at the Virginia EMS Symposium. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates and use the hashtag #VaEMS2018 to share your “Education for Life.”

Sincerely,

EMS Symposium Staff