One of the largest exhibit facilities on the West Coast, the Anaheim Convention Center underwent a $190 million expansion. Courtesy Photo

Association events in California run the gamut, from high-profile summits in Silicon Valley to expansive conventions in Los Angeles to thought leadership retreats in Napa Valley. The state also offers a variety of landscapes and settings – from beachfront resorts and urban rooftop venues to state-of-the-art convention centers, world-class wineries and desert retreats. Los Angeles, in particular, is home to some of the most iconic event spaces, from luxury hotels to creative warehouses that can be transformed into immersive experiences. Plus, California offers a stunning background for any event. With unique venues surrounded by gorgeous scenery, attendees often turn their trip into a mini-vacation, making them more likely to attend and experience everything that California has to offer.

According to Vivienne Errington-Barnes, CEO, founder of Shift + Alt Events, California is a powerhouse for events, as planners can tap into futuristic venues or collaborative co-working spaces to create buzzworthy experiences.

“Associations and nonprofits are usually wanting to lean into a more natural vibe, with eco-conscious food, etc.,” Errington-Barnes says. “San Francisco in particular is a city with a lot of natural beauty, which holds up globally.”

Darryl Diamond, CMP, is the owner and chief experience officer at Big White Dog Events. He’s also former associate director of association meetings and events at Talley, where he worked extensively with associations on their programs. He has hosted large annual scientific and medical education meetings in California, as well as smaller retreats for a variety of professional associations, aimed at early-career doctors and residents. The venues have ranged from convention centers to big-box hotels to smaller boutique hotels and conference centers.

“California works well for the sheer variety of destinations and venues within the state,” Diamond says. “I also appreciate how that variety can work for groups of almost any budget size and event goals. Plus, with many locales having warm weather year-round, associations have the potential to draw higher numbers to their events.”

For association event planners considering California as the destination for a conference, convention or meeting, Diamond recommends that you know your budget and your audience well.

“The state tends to have higher taxes than others,” Diamond says. “Also, it is a long trip from the East Coast and some international destinations, so have a good idea of what your audience will tolerate. Lastly, get the CVB for your destination involved during the site search process. There is no cost, and they can provide the insight that you won’t get by just looking at a hotel listing online.”

Also, depending on the venue and scale, some events require permits, especially for outdoor spaces or large public activations. It’s always good to work with the local CVB, which knows the ins and outs of permitting in specific regions of the state.

Disneyland in Anaheim. Courtesy Photo

Anaheim & Disneyland

When it comes to hosting events in California, association event planners pay close attention to Anaheim and nearby Disneyland. They are considered by many to be the ultimate destination for family travel, so attendees can bring their loved ones along when attending events.

The Anaheim Convention Center (ACC) reigns as one of the largest exhibit facilities on the West Coast, boasting more than 1.8 million sf of functional space. Recently, the facility underwent a $190 million expansion, providing additional exhibit, ballroom and meeting space, which enables it to accommodate a wider range of events. For associations looking to host an outdoor meeting, so attendees can enjoy California’s beautiful weather, the convention center’s expansive balcony offers much-needed space for either larger gatherings or more intimate affairs.

Looking ahead, event planners are excited for ocV!BE, a mixed-use community and entertainment district that will feature plenty of options for association event attendees. This will include more than 30 restaurants, a massive concert venue, public plazas, parks and open spaces, as well as two new hotels that will offer additional meeting and event spaces for associations to consider.

Of course, for families coming to Anaheim as part of a convention, no visit would be complete without a trip to Disneyland with all of its attractions. At the same time, event attendees will enjoy the 170,000 sf of flexible meeting and event space at the Disneyland Resort. In addition to three onsite hotels, visitors wil love exploring the Downtown Disney District and two adjacent theme parks.

Disney also offers “event architects” who can help association planners make the most of their event, meeting, convention or conference.  

Monterey

Megan Hemming, chief professional development officer for the California Special Districts Association, helps plan approximately eight conferences a year for her association. At least one of those is held in Monterey.

“In 2023, I held two meetings in Monterey. One was our larger annual conference with about 1,000 attendees and about 85 exhibitors, and one was a smaller conference for board secretaries and clerks and had about 350 attendees and about 15 tabletop exhibits,” Hemming says.

One of Monterey’s biggest draws for association meetings and events is the area’s variety of venues and price points. For example, Henning has been able to turn to the town for large and small meetings and everything in between.

“I’ve found a variety in pricing and accommodations for my attendees. I could host a small retreat here or a 1,000-person conference,” Henning says.

In addition, the walkability of downtown Monterey is a big enticement for attendees who are eager to take a break from the meeting space and experience the destination. As Henning points out, there are a variety of local restaurants and shops within easy walking distance of the Monterey Conference Center, so there’s no need for attendees to use transportation to enjoy the downtown area.

“Of course, it’s the ultimate to host an event at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and I have done this in the past with great success,” Henning says. “Even if you can’t hold an event at the Aquarium, I find it is still a draw for my attendees, and they go before or after our conferences.”

For one of the conferences, Henning has hosted a small golf tournament in Monterey to benefit that association’s scholarship fund, and she has also orchestrated whale watching and kayaking with great success.

“I also have much of the food and beverage for my meetings locally sourced. I’ve worked with my conference services manager to have award-winning local clam chowder,” Henning says. “I’ve even saved money by featuring local ingredients like artichokes in appetizers at my receptions. And I’ve brought in beer from a local brewery.”

She also points out that Monterey provides some terrific resources for her events. In addition to the sourcing and site tours, Henning has been able to use temporary staffing at meetings to help on those busy registration days.

“The CVB rep will also bring a table of Monterey guides and information to help my attendees get the most out of their visit,” Henning says. “Monterey CVB can also create a microsite for your event that you can include on your event website and/or mobile app. It’s full of helpful destination information for attendees to utilize both in advance and during your event. Work with the CVB. They are the local experts and can help point you in the right direction.”

According to See Monterey, the destination marketing organization for Monterey County, the city is only a three-hour flight from most major U.S. destinations, with easy transit throughout the breathtaking region.

Monterey boasts expansive convention centers for large events and intimate boutique meeting spaces for smaller association gatherings. Attendees can also experience the stunning landscape with a team-building kayaking mission that includes watching sea otters, or at a reception with sweeping views of the Santa Lucia Mountains.

San Francisco

According to Emily Catanzaro, managing director of the American Thoracic Society (ATS), San Francisco has proven to be the perfect setting for the ATS 2025 International Conference because it seamlessly combines world-class infrastructure with a vibrant, diverse culture.

“The city’s iconic landmarks, top-tier hotels and cutting-edge venues create an inspiring backdrop, while its global accessibility and rich history of innovation make it an ideal location for networking, collaboration and unforgettable experiences,” Catanzaro says. “ATS is thankful for our continued partnership with San Francisco Travel, Moscone Center, Marriott Marquis and the surrounding hotels.”

Over the years San Francisco has been considered the ideal locale in California for meetings and events – thanks in particular to its hotel availability and rates. In fact, the city is a beacon for gatherings of all sizes, from self-contained association meetings based at one hotel to citywide association conventions using multiple properties and The Moscone Center.

According to the San Francisco Travel Association, the area boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, with over 19,000 rooms within walking distance of The Moscone Center. There are more than 250 hotels, including nine properties with over 500 guestrooms and four properties with over 1,000, plus there are new incentives for meeting at The Moscone Center.

For association attendees eager to experience the environs of San Francisco before or after an event, the city’s mild year-round weather, unique natural surroundings and focus on the environment all mean that there are plenty of opportunities to explore nature there – or even host an event at one of its many outdoor facilities.

For example, the Presidio, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, has multiple historic venues that offer stunning views of the bay and ocean beyond. In addition, Golden Gate Park features a series of popular event spaces. Plus, with San Francisco’s close proximity to some of the most breathtaking locations in Northern California, attendees can explore the region’s wine country, Monterey and Yosemite.

Of course, any association hosting an event in a large urban area such as San Francisco will want to ensure easy accessibility for attendees. Luckily, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers nonstop flights to more than 130 international and domestic destinations on more than 50 carriers. And attendees can easily access downtown from the airport thanks to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) systems. Once attendees arrive at the event or hotel venue, they can further explore the city via the region’s Muni transit system, or they can go on foot, as San Francisco is considered one of the best walking cities in the U.S.

Errington-Barnes adds that associations tend to host events in California, especially in places like San Francisco, because it’s home to the people they want to connect with. Many of the globally recognized leaders in the fields associations focus on also call California home, making it easier to get top-notch speakers.

“Simply put, they’re more likely to attract the right crowd if they make it convenient for them to attend,” Errington-Barnes says.

Pasadena

Located a mere 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena provides a relaxing environment, scenic beauty, unique charm and impressive innovation, with beautiful meeting and conference venues that offer the perfect mix for associations considering where to host their next event. After the devastating fire that ravaged the area, the city’s major venues, attractions and accommodations are open and fully operational, providing safe and vibrant experiences for attendees.

When it’s time to unwind and relax after a full day of association event activity, attendees can enjoy Pasadena’s many cultural and recreational offerings. From the Botanical Gardens to The Rose Bowl Stadium to the charming streets of Old Pasadena, visitors can explore the area’s eateries and shops, with plenty of opportunities for team-building activities.

Recently, Diane Niggli, senior director of global accounts and procurement for meetings and conferences at HelmsBriscoe, orchestrated an annual conference and expo in Pasadena for a California association with 700 attendees from across the state, using the convention center and five nearby hotels.

“Pasadena was selected due to its walkable downtown area, active nightlife and convenient access from various parts of California, whether by driving or flying into LAX or Burbank,” Niggli says. “Attendance increased during registration, indicating a positive trend and strong interest in the destination. In the evenings, attendees socialized in smaller groups downtown, enjoying its manageable size for networking.”

She adds that the Pasadena Convention Center – complete with its 130,000 sf of event space and easy walking distance to over 1,200 hotel rooms – was easy to navigate and its location is ideal for attendees to enjoy a bit of fresh air and explore the extremely walkable area between breakouts and general sessions.

“Event planners should consider Pasadena for events that have outgrown most hotels but still want to a ‘own’ the space and socialize outside meeting walls,” Niggli says. “It’s also a great way to support Los Angeles after the devastating fires.”

Marina Del Rey

Imagine hosting an association event at the ocean’s edge, at a postcard-perfect venue with everything the California coast has to offer. Hosting a meeting or event in Marina Del Rey, which is just minutes from Los Angeles’ main attractions, means attendees can delight in a coastal gathering while also reveling in the big-city amenities that L.A. has to offer.

The coastal community boasts over 100,000 sf of private meeting space and 1,300 guestrooms. It also offers access to unique team-building experiences and group events, including private yacht charters, bike tours, parasailing, wine tastings and kayaking, to name just a few.

When it’s time to get down to business, associations will enjoy hosting small board meetings or large-scale conventions within the city’s many seaside venues. In fact, the Marina Del Rey Marriott Hotel recently completed an expansive renovation that included a rooftop ballroom, offering exquisite views of the coast, with refreshed guestrooms and suites. The Ritz Carlton, Marina Del Rey also underwent a renovation and provides a private ballroom experience, ideal for association groups of up to 900 attendees.

After completing a $30 million renovation, the Marina Del Rey Hotel is a favorite among planners, thanks to its event space’s awe-inspiring waterfront view.

Ontario

About 40 miles east of L.A. is Ontario, another California gem for association meetings and events. The city features the much-celebrated Ontario Convention Center, and with more than 225,000 sf of meeting, exhibit and function space, it has proven to be the “go to” venue for event planners seeking a quiet, leisure-filled California experience for attendees, but with all of the state-of-the-art amenities.

Best of all, Ontario boasts its own international airport, making it easy for attendees to attend an association’s event from any location, near or far. Plus, with a small handful of vineyards and wineries in the region, they can experience California’s distinguished wine industry firsthand.

It’s just another reason they call California “The Golden State” – because it is a place attendees will always want to visit, where events truly shine above all the rest. | AC&F |