Smithfield Center — Attraction in Smithfield

This venue declined accommodating my event, which I completely accept. However, this review is constructed solely on my personal communication experience with the staff.

I’m a local step aerobics instructor and submitted a request to host a fitness event at this facility. The response I received back was, and I quote, “Thanks so much for reaching out.  We are an event venue, not a recreation center, so we would not be the best fit for your classes.” Of course, prior to reaching out to inquire about the event I was aware this facility was not a “recreation center". I found the response to be very sarcastic, condensing and passive aggressive.

I’ve hosted and have been a part of many local fitness events (group exercise combined with local vendors/health conscious activities) throughout Hampton roads at various types of venues including event centers and hotels. Fitness events are not exclusive to recreation centers and I feel that the staffs reference to this assumption is completely condensing.

The intent of this review is not to bash or condemn the venue itself for its response. But to provide insight for the venue, for future potentially similar requests, whether they decide to accept or decline. When communicating with anyone, especially professionally, we should always be mindful of the tone and expression...

Since May 2000, the Smithfield Center has offered plenty of space, modern amenities, and courteous professional hospitality consistently for each of our Annual TRIAD Senior Citizen Crime Prevention Conferences. The “genuine” charm of Smithfield and the staffs’ welcoming kindness and attention to detail has earned consistent positive comments from seniors attending the events. This is a quote from a senior that has attended 14 of our annual conferences. “Each year my friends and I look forward to attending the TRIAD Conference here at the Smithfield Center. It is beautiful community center, very comfortable, and accommodating”. The SALT Council of Isle of Wight TRIAD could not without the Smithfield Center and their wonderful staff, consistently meet the needs of our community and this annual event. The Smithfield Center makes the charm and attraction come alive. We rate it 5 STAR. If you’re an event planner or not, this is the venue to plan...

we were actually at plant. waiting on pick up for delivery, was disorganized. we sat almost 36 hours to get live loaded. even though we had an appointment and we were actually about 11 hours early, we had to sit and wait 3 shifts later i asked about our load and that gentlemen said it was not even pulled yet, 12 hours later finally loaded. when our wheels are not turning we are not making any money, they get hourly so they have no sense of urgency i will avoid taking a run there again i don't have 36 hours to wait again. the employees should get paid by percentage of load maybe they will...