Meet the VWS Team: Joey Burdette
Joey Burdette serves on the Visit Winston-Salem team as a National Sales Manager, focusing on promoting Forsyth County to meeting planners across the national stage. Keep reading to learn more!
Tell us more about your background!
I graduated from West Virginia State University with a degree in Communications and more recently earned my Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications in 2023. Over the years, I’ve been something of a serial entrepreneur here in Winston-Salem—founding a Segway tour company, a coffee shop, and an award-winning chocolate business.
No matter the venture, my work has always been deeply rooted in and inspired by the Twin City community. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me biking on Winston-Salem’s greenways—my favorite ride is along the Salem Creek Greenway out to Salem Lake. I also seem to have a knack for home renovation. Even though I don’t plan on taking on a new project, I’ve ended up renovating three homes, and I’ll be diving into another one this fall.
What makes working with the Visit Winston-Salem team a unique experience for meeting planners?
Working with the Visit Winston-Salem team is special because we’re not just selling a city, because we live it every day. We know the neighborhoods, the hidden gems, and the people who make things happen. Meeting planners can count on us to be true partners, connecting them with the right spaces, the right resources, and those extra touches that make an event stand out. At the end of the day, we want planners to feel like Winston-Salem isn’t just a backdrop for their event, because it’s part of the story.
How does Winston-Salem stack up against other major players in the national CVB space?
Winston-Salem can hold its own with bigger cities, but what sets us apart is authenticity and ease. We’ve got the venues and amenities planners expect, without the stress of navigating a massive destination. Here, events feel personal, welcoming, and memorable.
As a former chocolatier, I have to say Winston-Salem is lucky to have one of the best bean-to-bar makers in the country. Rom and Barbara at Brasstown Chocolate are true artisans who source cocoa beans directly from growers around the world and then roast and craft each bar to bring out the unique flavors of the beans. It’s a must-try treat that really showcases the craft and creativity you’ll find in our city.
What’s your favorite piece of Winston-Salem trivia?
Believe it or not, there’s a hidden waterfall right on the edge of downtown! It surprises a lot of people, and I love that Winston-Salem has these little unexpected gems tucked into the city.