This article was written for our sponsor, Rocky Mount Event Center
At the Rocky Mount Event Center, excellence shows up in every detail—from the way guests are greeted to the precision of an event setup and the care behind each plated meal and tournament schedule. That level of care has once again earned the venue national recognition, this time as a 2025 Northstar Meetings Group Stella Award Winner Globally and finalist for Best Conference Center.
For David Joyner, the Event Center's General Manager, the honor reflects the vision behind the facility's growth and its impact on the region.
"This recognition as a Stella Award winner and finalist is an incredible testament to the fact that, beyond being a premier sports tourism venue, our facility has truly become a recognized destination in North Carolina for conventions, conferences, and catered events," Joyner says. "It is a particular point of pride for me that our state-of-the-art venue—located right here in Eastern North Carolina, in the heart of Downtown Rocky Mount—is being honored alongside facilities in major destination cities."
Located in Edgecombe County, the Event Center continues to stand out among regional convention venues. The Stella Award adds to a growing list of honors, including its fourth consecutive ConventionSouth Reader's Choice Award and SportsEvents Magazine's recognition as a top national volleyball venue.
The people behind the success
Joyner is quick to emphasize that the award reflects the people behind the scenes who bring each event to life.
"I am immensely proud of the loyal, dedicated, and mission-focused hospitality professionals whom I have the honor and privilege of leading each day," he says. "It is primarily through their passion and hard work that special moments like this are made possible—moments that honor their unwavering commitment to service and our shared standards of excellence."
That dedication translates into strong bookings. Thanks to their efforts, the Event Center regularly hosts statewide conferences and corporate meetings. Several organizations have chosen to move their events from larger metropolitan areas to the Rocky Mount venue.
"They do this not because it's less expensive or lower in quality, but because we deliver an exceptional, full-service event experience rooted in genuine hospitality," Joyner notes. "We take pride in offering top-tier service while staying true to our Eastern North Carolina roots—where guests are welcomed warmly, their needs are anticipated, and, when it's time to say goodbye, it often comes with hugs and heartfelt farewells. Many arrive as guests, but they leave as family."
A hands-on approach
For Cali Green, catering and conventions manager, the award highlights the Event Center's evolution into a leading space for corporate and community gatherings.
"It's both validation and motivation," Green says. "We're a hands-on team, from the first site visit to the last tray leaving the ballroom, and this recognition tells us that the little things we obsess over truly matter."
Her department manages everything from statewide trade shows to intimate weddings, with an emphasis on service that feels both professional and personal. "Our goal is to deliver a seamless, in-house experience that truly distinguishes us," Green says.
Green points to the comprehensive nature of that service. "What sets us apart in delivering a five-star experience is the unwavering dedication of our entire team. We go above and beyond to ensure that every need and requirement for each event is met to the fullest."
“On behalf of Woodgrain, we would like to thank the Rocky Mount Event Center for a job well done hosting our event. Our Customers truly enjoyed the facility, food, and staff. I want to personally thank you for making sure all our needs were met. From the classroom, to the banquet room, superb!” Tina M. Lynch, Office Manager, Distribution.
Raising the bar
The recognition comes during another strong year for the venue, which continues to grow its reputation both as a sports tourism hub and as a premier conference destination.
"Our beautiful venue, combined with our Rocky Mount Event Center team's culture of excellence and commitment to providing a personalized, first-class experience, are the key ingredients that have fueled our booking momentum and strengthened the growing catering and conventions side of our business," Joyner says.
For Green, the recognition reflects the community they serve. "It also reflects our community: many of our guests are neighbors, partners, and returning clients. When we're recognized, it means we've made Rocky Mount proud, and that fuels us to set the bar even higher."
Joyner sees the award as both celebration and commitment. "Earning this recognition is both a celebration of our team's efforts and a motivating reminder of our ongoing mission: to continually raise the bar and position the Rocky Mount Event Center and the City of Rocky Mount as one of the most sought-after destinations for conventions and conferences in North Carolina and beyond."
Experience award-winning service for your next conference or corporate event. Visit rockymountevents.com to learn more. To book a corporate meeting or special event with the Rocky Mount Event Center contact Cali Green, Catering and Conventions Manager at 252-366-8512 or cgreen@rockymountevents.com.
This article was written for our sponsor, Rocky Mount Event Center