< Previousvenue that was extremely comfortable for their size group. The affordability of Colorado Springs and the resort were also huge factors in their decision.” Eight indoor function rooms pro- vide nearly 7,500 sf of meeting and event space. An added 10,000 sf of out- door event space for up to 200 guests comes with views of the Audubon-cer- tified Tom Weiskopf golf course against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountain Front Range. Floor-to-ceiling windows inside two large conference rooms feature natural light, with the added amenity of fireplaces, while the more intimate executive boardroom also fea- tures natural light and an 84-inch built- in presentation monitor. The lodge offers 96 luxurious guest accommodations ranging from 580 sf to 1,000 sf, and features oversized show- ers, large work/study desk stations and 55-inch flat-screen TVs. Private balco- nies provide stunning views of the Rocky Mountain Front Range. Accommoda- tions also include four separate 1,600-sf two-bedroom Villas, with a 600-sf great room separating the two bedrooms, plus private terraces, fireplaces, free-stand- ing tubs and walk-in closets. In addition to four golf course eat- eries, world-class dining options at the property feature The Steakhouse & The Bar/Lounge, serving dinner and small bites. Located within The Club at Flying Horse are the Fortezza Din- ing Room and Lobby Bar in the East Lodge building, and The Athletic Grill, serving health-conscious salads, flat breads and sandwiches, as well as bev- erages and smoothies. State-of-the-art athletic equipment and a robust schedule of fitness classes, including Yoga, Pilates, Zumba and high-intensity cardio set the stage for healthy lifestyle offerings on the prop- erty. Added amenities feature a heated 25-yard lap pool, seasonal adult activi- ties, splash pools, indoor basketball, volleyball and clay tennis courts. “Based upon my client’s feedback,” McCormack says, “I think the attendees loved the location, beauty and service of the resort. My client indicated that if they return to the area, The Lodge at Flying Horse would be at the top of their list.” Denver There’s a lot to love in Colorado’s “Mile-High City,” from food, whis- key and walking history tours, to exploring unique neighborhoods, museums and more. A focus on sustainable meetings starts with the centrally located LEED Gold-Certified Colorado Convention Center, easily accessible via light-rail service from Denver International Air- port and within walking distance of more than 13,000 hotel rooms. Ame- nities feature three covered drop-off points, 600+ parking spaces, 48 cov- ered loading docks and easy-to-read signage throughout the building. Visitors need only look for the 40-foot, 10,000-pound Blue Bear peer- ing into the windows of the convention center to find one’s bearings. Bountiful public art projects, such as a series of 10 massive murals depicting the Denver Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, A Dolce Resort offered the perfect venue for Leybold employees. The Lodge at Flying Horse offers nearly 7,500 sf of indoor meeting and event space and 10,000 sf of outdoor event space. Photo by Jack Goras 40 February 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comlandscape transformation over 500,000 years also grace the interior. At a glance, planners have access to 577,000 sf of exhibit space on one level and 63 meeting rooms and 100,000 sf of meeting space. Two ballrooms provide a total of 85,000 sf of flexible meeting space, including the 35,000-sf Four Seasons Ballroom and 50,000-sf Mile High Ballroom. In addition, the Bellco Theatre features state-of-the- art A/V capabilities and seats up to 5,000 attendees. Scheduled for opening late this year, a new convention center expansion will feature 80,000 sf of versatile col- umn-free meeting and ballroom space with 35,000 sf of pre-function space offering spectacular Rocky Mountain views, plus a 20,000-sf outdoor terrace on the roof of the existing building. For accommodations, the adjacent Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center offers easy accessi- bility to desirable downtown locations beyond the convention center, such as the 16th Street Mall and Denver Cen- ter for the Performing Arts. The Hyatt Regency’s 1,100 newly refreshed guest rooms include 59 suites with views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, downtown Denver and the state’s Capitol building. The hotel’s more than 60,000 sf of versatile event space features pre- function space and 35 hybrid-capable meeting rooms. The 30,000-sf Centen- nial Ballroom, with 30-foot ceilings, can accommodate up to 3,000 attend- ees, while the Capitol Ballroom spans 14,000 sf and has a spacious foyer on either side of the ballroom for an addi- tional 8,000 sf. Special features include the Centennial Ballroom’s glass lighting in the shape of mountain peaks and the Capitol Ballroom’s hand-blown Italian light fixtures. Planners can also reserve the 2,250-sf, 27th-floor Peaks Lounge for daytime events that accommodates up to 200 attendees or the 3,500-sf ter- race for up to 300 attendees. Find grab-and-go food options or a quick bite and glass of wine at the new lobby Assembly Hall Bar + Market. A variety of downtown restaurants and bars support the city’s food and craft beer culture within easy walking dis- tance. Catering menus for attendees highlight Colorado food fare while being mindful of lifestyle preferences, whether vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian or nut- or dairy-free. A reimagined AAA Four-Diamond Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel on the popular 16th Street Pedestrian Mall invites guests to connect and converse at the hotel’s Community Tables in the lobby. Modern phone booths for video or audio calls and collaborative meet- ing studios in high-tech, light-filled spaces are among the special features. A massive $80 million transformation highlights a vibrant lobby atmosphere, world-class culinary experiences, more than 133,000 sf of flexible meeting space and 1,238 redesigned guest rooms. The event space includes 52 meet- ing rooms and stunning event venues with the largest capacity space at 2,100 TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February 2023 41 Colorado Springs has everything you need to create a memorable experience for your attendees at the base of Pikes Peak. With our award-winning staff assisting to make your planning a success and our breathtaking scenery as your backdrop, you’ll awaken a new energy to innovate, inspire and connect. Learn more at VisitCOS.com/meet. elevaion Take your meetings to a newattendees. High-speed internet and state-of-the-art A/V equipment serviced by on-site technicians is designed to accommodate attendee needs. The 28,000-sf Plaza Ballroom features 20,000 sf of dedicated exhibit space. Dining options start with the stylish new BEZEL Bar serv- ing innovative craft cocktails and mocktails along with small plates, such as the Bezel Bison Sliders and Colorado Lamb Lili Pops. Guests can cozy up at the classy bar in an intimate indoor setting or gather around the outdoor fire pit while an on-site DJ spins tunes, adding to the chic, sophisticated ambiance. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., the 16th Street Commons Coffee Bar in the hotel’s renovated lobby offers a welcome transitional space serving coffee to help attendees ease into the day and wind down in the evening with a beer or glass of wine. The adjacent 16th Street Commons Café fea- tures sweet and savory flavors and fresh, locally sourced cui- sine in a casual setting. Or, attendees can stop by the hotel’s nearby Yard House for steak and seafood specialities. Aspen Clean mountain air, bountiful sunshine and year-round outdoor activities invite attendees to Aspen, which offers renowned arts and culture, exceptional cuisine, world-class accommodations and countless outdoor pursuits. Conven- tion venues include Aspen Meadows Resort, where beauty, art and nature thrive on 40 pristine acres with panoramic mountain views. The environmentally friendly resort is currently undergoing a renovation — expected to wrap up in the spring — of all 98 guest suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary decor, suitable for business and leisure travelers with families. For meetings and events, 22,000 sf of space provides 16 meeting rooms in six differ- ent buildings, each with state-of-the-art A/V equipment and business center. Other meeting and convention venues in Aspen include Hotel Jerome, An Auberge Resort, which offers 7,500 sf of event space that includes the 3,450-sf Grand Ballroom; and The Gant Aspen, which offers the Molly Campbell Confer- ence Center, with the 1,380-sf Conundrum Room and the 1,820-sf Maroon Room. Vail From hiking in the summer to skiing in the winter, Vail offers some of the best alpine resorts in the world with a friendly, small-town feel. Upscale, luxurious convention hotels in Vail include Grand Hyatt Vail, located at the base of Vail Mountain. The hotel features plentiful outdoor rec- reational opportunities, 40,000 sf of versatile meeting and event space and 285 guest rooms, many with balconies to take in the sweeping mountain views and fireplaces for warming up after a brisk walk or play day on the slopes. Other meeting and convention hotels include The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail, which offers nearly 29,000 sf of meeting and event space that includes the 8,296-sf Grand Ballroom and the 4,400-sf, Colorado Ballroom; and Four Seasons Resort And Residences Vail, which offers 8,480 sf of meeting space that includes the Bighorn Ball- room, at 3,550 sf. Breckenridge This mountain town at the base of the Rocky Moun- tains’ Tenmile Range is a 90-minute drive west of Denver. Known for its ski resort, year-round alpine activities and Gold Rush history, visitors are encouraged to leave behind their cars and explore on foot. Its popular Breckenridge National Historic District runs primarily along Main Street and features colorfully painted buildings from the 1880s and as well as housing shops, galleries and restaurants. The town offers 100,000+ sf of meeting space, more than 100 res- taurants and bars and more than 200 shops. Convention hotels include the Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center, which offers 40,000 sf of meeting space that includes the 5,400-sf Breckenridge Ballroom and the 7,200-sf Colorado Ballroom; and the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Breckenridge, which offers 9,207 sf of space that includes the 6,351-sf Columbine and Mt. Elbert rooms. Aurora Aurora is located between the Rocky Mountains and East- ern Plains, giving every visitor the opportunity to explore all sides of Colorado. Aurora offers more than 65 hotel proper- ties with 13,000+ guest rooms, and more than 1 million sf of meeting space. Convention venues include the state’s larg- est and newest resort, Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. The resort offers nearly 518,000 sf of meeting space, which includes the 59,467-sf Aurora Ballroom, 34,467-sf Adams Ballroom and 34,463-sf Colorado Ballroom. Another convention hotel is the 249-guest room Hyatt Regency Aurora/Denver Conference Center, which offers 36,000 sf of meeting and event space that includes the 11,800-sf Aurora Ballroom and a 4,000-sf outdoor terrace. C&IT Beaver Run Resort & Conference Cen- ter offers 40,000 sf of meeting space that includes the 5,400-sf Breck- enridge Ballroom and the 7,200-sf Colorado Ballroom. Courtesy photo 42 February 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com GRAND ENOUGH FOR YOUR BEST PEOPLE AND THEIR BIGGEST IDEAS.GRAND ENOUGH FOR YOUR BEST PEOPLE AND THEIR BIGGEST IDEAS.CALIFORNIA F or meeting planners looking west, the biggest challenge in selecting a site in California might be winnowing all the options down to the perfect choice. From the entertainment hub and cultural scene of buzzy Los Angeles and Hollywood, to the idyllic forest settings of Lake Tahoe, there is no shortage of backdrops from which to choose. And, from the sophisticated environs of intimate Monterey to Anaheim, home of the largest convention center on the West Coast, any size meeting can be accommodated. The 889-room InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown offers spectacular views from its 70th-floor lobby and 94,000 sf of event space. Los Angeles offers a variety of venues to suit any event. 44 February 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com DESTINATION REPORT A Wide Variety of Venue Options Attracts Attendees BY DAVID SWANSONFor Jennifer Manley, group account director at experien- tial marketing agency MAS, California was the ideal fit for a human resources tech conference held in October. “Our client’s criteria for where to host the conference included states with a great climate and easy access for national and international travelers,” says Manley, who adds that the cli- ent wanted judicious COVID-19 policies and a location that embraced diversity, equity and inclusion. Also important: “A state that supports business from all sectors and sizes, from large, multinational corporations to small businesses and entrepreneurs. California fit the bill on all fronts.” In selecting Los Angeles for the event, Manley explains: “To celebrate the return to [face-to-face] meetings after two-plus years, our client wanted a culturally relevant and high-energy city that is an iconic destination. We flipped the script on traditional conferences to create a campus setting that encouraged exploration and curiosity, keeping attendees on their toes and wondering what they might find around the corner. Downtown Los Angeles and L.A. LIVE, specifically, brought that vision to life.” L.A. LIVE is at the western edge of downtown Los Ange- les, and includes multiple venues, such as the Crypto.com Arena — formerly the Staples Center — a multipurpose indoor arena; Microsoft Theater, an indoor venue that can accommodate up to 2,400 guests; the Event Deck, a 90,000-sf rooftop deck suited for large-scale tents and platforms; Xbox Plaza, a 40,000-sf outdoor venue; and a 14-screen Regal Cin- emas multiplex. Next door is the 5G-equipped Los Angeles Convention Center with 720,000 sf of exhibit hall space. “It’s difficult to find a venue for 1,800 attendees that offers outdoor space, infrastructure to support keynotes and breakout sessions, broadcast capabilities and spaces for social gatherings,” Manley says. “The combo of Microsoft Theater, Regal Cinemas, Xbox Plaza and the Event Deck gave us the flexible space we needed, plus the technology and preferred vendors to produce an event of this scale. Con- sidering security, technology, vendors and F&B, at times it was challenging to manage multiple venues, but that’s what had to happen to ensure a seamless guest experience.” Man- ley suggests that the video boards on Xbox Plaza would have been ideal for a brand takeover, but buying space entailed a significant media budget. The 878-room JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE and 889-room InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown served as the event’s main hotels, due to their proximity to L.A. LIVE, and they matched attendee expectations. The JW Marriott is located almost next door to L.A. LIVE, while Manley says the InterContinental, four blocks away, offers spectacular views from its 70th-floor lobby. One off-site event was scheduled, a closing party at Para- mount Studios. “The events team was fantastic to work with and was a well-oiled machine,” Manley says. “They have premium partners, including Schaffer Catering, who thor- oughly understood our expectations of quality and service. We had fun using Paramount’s New York City soundstage to announce next year’s location, New York City; it was a very L.A.-meets-NYC moment.” Manley adds that it was a “daunting” process to work with more than 10 different sales teams, from hotels to event venues. “But ... the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board helped us every step of the way,” Manley says. “The possibilities to curate a unique experience in downtown L.A. are endless. Just give yourself some extra time to plan and coordinate with multiple venues, hotels and vendors.” While L.A.’s revitalization is focused on the downtown convention core, the 400-room Fairmont Century Plaza recently reopened following a $2.5 billion renovation that modernized the iconic property while maintaining touches of its history, including 24,000 sf of indoor meeting space. The 305-room Conrad Los Angeles opened last summer, a new downtown centerpiece designed by Frank Gehry — the first Conrad property on the West Coast — and offers 8,800 sf of indoor event space. Upcoming openings include the Moxy Downtown Los Angeles and the AC Downtown Los Angeles. The $14 billion modernization program at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) includes major renovations to the terminals and a monorail that will connect all terminals to public transportation, allowing greater ease of travel to and from the city. It is expected to open this year. Marina del Rey Planners seeking an airport-close destination in the Los Angeles area might consider Marina del Rey, a beach community located just 5 miles from LAX. During the pandemic, Marriott International Inc. opened a pair of side- by-side waterfront hotels, the Courtyard Marina del Rey Courtesy Photo The Marina del Rey Hotel recently completed a nearly $1 million renovation, and offers more than 10,000 sf of flexible indoor and outdoor venues, each with waterfront views. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February 2023 45and Residence Inn Marina del Rey, with 159 and 129 rooms, respectively. The hotels offer 2,200 sf of event space and flexible indoor/outdoor capacity for up to 300 people. Options include a private waterfront room dining space and a large outdoor rooftop event space with breathtaking marina views. Meanwhile, the Marina del Rey Marriott on Mother’s Beach has completed a nearly $20 million renovation of all 370 spa- cious guest rooms and suites. All rooms offer panoramic views that overlook the Pacific coastline, city and mountain views in the Los Angeles area. The property features 20,000 sf of flex- ible meeting space, including a rooftop ballroom with views of the marina and Pacific Ocean. Also overlooking the sails, the Marina del Rey Hotel completed a nearly $1 million renova- tion project, including a full redesign of the indoor and outdoor dining spaces of its on-site restaurant, SALT; and the pool deck and bar area. The hotel offers more than 10,000 sf of flexible indoor and outdoor venues, each with waterfront views. Anaheim In nearby Anaheim, the development of land surround- ing the Disneyland Resort continues, which includes the 618- room The Westin Anaheim Resort across the street from the Disney parks. With design hinting at Anaheim’s citrus his- tory, the hotel is equipped with 47,542 sf of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space. The 23 event rooms and 18 breakout rooms are named after original Anaheim orange brand labels, and all offer state-of-the-art technology, including color- changing LED ceiling lights, remote-control lighting and sound panels, large TVs in breakout rooms with videoconfer- encing capabilities and on-site Encore Global A/V services. Located at the Anaheim GardenWalk, a short stroll from both the Anaheim Convention Center and Disneyland Resort, sits the 446-room JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort. The hotel is infused with modern décor and augmented reality tech- nology, with subtle design touches also inspired by Orange County’s agricultural history. The hotel features 43,000 sf of indoor and outdoor function space, along with pre-function areas offering floor-to-ceiling windows. The Grand Ballroom measures at 13,440 sf, suitable for up to 1,400 guests, as well as 15 meeting rooms and breakout spaces. Looking forward, a new Anaheim development anchored by the Honda Center will open in phases starting next year. Known as ocV!BE, the 115-acre project will include a 5,700-capacity concert venue, more than 30 restaurant con- cepts, four public plazas, office space and two new hotels with a planned 550 total rooms. Greater Palm Springs Carrie Jennissen, associate director, special projects for the BARR Center, says many of her Midwest- and East Coast- based clients look forward to meetings in California — for the state’s weather and unique scenery. For its first event after COVID restrictions were lifted, the BARR Center selected Greater Palm Springs for a 700-attendee national confer- ence held last April, drawing school administrators, funders and policy makers. The event was held at the 512-room The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa. With 129,000 sf of meeting space, including a 17,325-sf ballroom, Jennissen says the resort’s outdoor spaces, pools and walking paths provided a fun environment to a working conference. “The resort-style The Lodge at Torrey Pines overlooks the renowned 36-hole Torrey Pines Golf Course, pictured, and offers more than 13,000 sf of meeting space. Courtesy Torrey Pines Golf Course 46 February 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Funded in part with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds. Meet in a Place Where the Coast is as Open as the Community. San Diego’s warm and welcoming nature foster an inclusive environment where anything’s possible and everyone’s free to shine. Looking to bring out the brightest in your a endees? Plan your next event in America’s Brightest City. Visit SanDiego.org/meetings or call 877-973-6338 to start planning today. Hillcrest Awarded Top Score on the HRC’s Equality Index DATE JOB TITLE PUB/DATE JOB TYPE COLOR ACTUAL SIZE LIVE TRIM BLEED OUTPUT % FILE NAME 09/28/22 Meetings & Groups Print Meetings Magazine "CA Destination Report" Print 4CP SDT_Welcoming_MeetingsMagazine_CADestinationReport.indd 8.125" x 10.875" 7.125" x 9.875" 8.125" x 10.875" 8.375" x 11.125" 100% AD CW AE P EP APPROVAL/DATE _______ ______ _______ ______ _______ ______ _______ ______ _______ ______ Michael Karap Schuyler VandenBurgh Karle'e Gleghorn Carol Knaeps Mark Rylander SDT_Welcoming_MeetingsMagazine_CADestinationReport.indd 19/28/22 3:52 PM They were excellent partners, working in the best interest of the client to do what was needed in order to proceed with the business meeting. SUZANNE MARKARIAN Director of Planning & Purchasing, Landmark Incentive MarketingFunded in part with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds. Meet in a Place Where the Coast is as Open as the Community. San Diego’s warm and welcoming nature foster an inclusive environment where anything’s possible and everyone’s free to shine. Looking to bring out the brightest in your a endees? Plan your next event in America’s Brightest City. Visit SanDiego.org/meetings or call 877-973-6338 to start planning today. Hillcrest Awarded Top Score on the HRC’s Equality Indexlayout offered so many outdoors spaces for breakfast, lunch, dinners and receptions,” Jennissen says. “There is a variety of outdoor seating areas, fire pits and walking paths to support all our networking opportunities. We also liked being right on a golf course and able to host an event which we had never offered before.” Jennissen says the resort’s general manager and staff were very accommodating, supportive and creative during the prep time and week of event. “So many of our attendees noted the fantastic staff,” Jennissen says. “Many of our team members shared stories about how helpful the A/V, food service and managers were. Having confidence in the hotel staff alleviated so much stress — someone was always there to problem solve.” Jennissen continues: “All the food was great, and staff were helpful in making recommendations for budgets and themes. A/V offered creative lighting ideas for our general session so it would stand out and be different from our other spaces. We noted that you didn’t need to add as many visuals in the networking space, because the venue itself is pretty and the large win- dows brought the outside in. The large conference spaces provided enough space for us to host theater-style or round table meetings.” Jennissen notes that Palm Springs Airport is not a hub for any carrier, meaning Midwest- and East Coast-based attendees had trickier flight itineraries. “And we couldn’t offer weekend extensions to our guests due to Coachella and Stagecoach events in Palm Springs during the month of April,” Jennissen says. “But the Greater Palm Springs Visi- tor Bureau was fantastic to work with. Their responses were timely and the connections so helpful.” San Diego For a 250-attendee business meeting for professionals in the food distribution industry, Suzanne Markarian, director of planning & purchasing at Landmark Incentive Marketing, says her client sought favorable winter weather and a change of venue from their traditional Florida locations. They still wanted a city that could be accessed from across the U.S. and also desired a location where they could hold their annual golf tournament — factors that led them to San Diego and one of the top golf courses in the country. “San Diego has an airport offering accessibility from most cities and the hotel was close enough for an easy transfer,” Markarian says. “There was a wide assortment of choices when it came to selecting a top-end resort with quality golf. Ultimately, The Lodge at Torrey Pines was selected for its inti- macy, the superb golf and the proximity to other activities.” The program was set for the 170-room lodge, with an additional room block at the 394-room Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines next door. But the pandemic forced the event to be postponed, and the lodge worked with Markarian and the client to accommodate the evolving circumstances. “The client wanted a complete property buy-out, but not at a premium surcharge,” Markarian says. “The Lodge at Torrey Pines sales team made that happen, and worked with the Hilton to handle the overflow, adjusting their F&B minimum so we could be accommodated. They also gave the client exclusive use of the property. The leadership and owners at the lodge made every possible accommodation to rebook the program and worked with the client to waive any penalty. They honored all pricing and original condi- tions of the booking. In short, they were excel- lent partners, working in the best interest of the client to do what was needed in order to proceed with the business meeting.” The Lodge at Torrey Pines overlooks the renowned 36-hole Torrey Pines Golf Course, situated on the coastal bluffs imme- diately north of La Jolla, and offers a full-service spa and fine- dining at A.R. Valentien restaurant. With more than 13,000 sf of meeting space, the lodge’s common areas are graced by out- door painting, glasswork and wood-burning fireplaces. “The resort is compact and very easy to maneuver for guests,” Markarian says. “The lodge does not have extra-large ballrooms, but they do have a collaborative relationship for guest room and function space overflow at the Hilton next door. The sales team was agreeable to everything — they flipped meeting and banquet rooms for us with very tight timelines in order to accommodate our itinerary. You’re not dealing with a huge brand and a lot of layers — the resort owners are proud longtime San Diego residents that put their name behind the quality that the hotel and its employees offer, including the exceptional sales and conference services.” Many of California’s venues offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean coastline. San Diego Tourism Authority 48 February 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comSan José San José is the gateway to Silicon Valley. Located an hour south of San Francisco, the destination specializes in diverse experiences amidst technological innovation and creativity. For planners seeking a “green” meeting destina- tion, the City of San José has developed a community-wide climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate Smart San José was one of the first plans aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement, promoting bold goals around energy efficiency, the electrification of buildings, transportation and water conservation. From partner hotels to the San José McEnery Convention Center to the Nor- man Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC), San José’s visitor industry is collectively putting its best carbon footprint forward. When meeting in San José, planners can enjoy a fully customizable approach, all under one roof, offering a com- bined 550,000 sf of meetings space within a two-block radius. Accommodation options are abundant, convenient and accessible. Downtown is just 10 minutes from Mineta International Airport and steps away from convenient public transportation, ride shares and scooters. The 805-room Signia by Hilton San José is Silicon Valley’s largest hotel. It was recently reimagined following an exten- sive renovation, including a makeover of the lobby and bar, upgrades to the main entrance foyer and the guest registra- tion areas. The property features 65,000 sf of meeting space, just two blocks from the convention center. For its seventh annual Putting Care at the Center confer- ence, the Camden Coalition of health care providers chose Sacramento’s SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. The event, held last September, drew 540 in-person attendees, with another 110 joining virtually. Alice Smart, COO at Horizon Meeting Management, which planned the event, says Sacramento’s convention center, which just completed a $180 million renovation and expansion, proved to be a great venue for the conference. “The space is beautiful,” Smart says. “It’s so updated, and the staff is really easy to work with — they’re friendly and communicative.” The convention center now has two ballrooms measur- ing up to 39,224 sf, along with 16 breakout rooms, plus the 159,500-sf exhibit hall. Two hotels are located within a block of the convention center, the 505-room Hyatt Regency Sacra- mento and the 503-room Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel. The hotels were central to a number of restaurants, which made networking over dinner easy. Smart particularly lauds the Hyatt Regency, and had accolades for the Visit Sacramento team. “They were super instrumental in helping understand when things were going on,” Smart says. “Use your CVB in planning. Sacra- mento’s really stood out, and they were very helpful with dinearound options. I meshed really well with my event manager. We were able to plan things out far in advance, and in the end, we felt like we were each working with the same person.” C&IT Alice Smart, COO at Horizon Meeting Management, right, says Sacramento’s SAFE Credit Union Convention Center was perfect for a client’s recent annual event. Courtesy Photo TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February 2023 49 A state that supports business from all sectors and sizes, from large, multinational corporations to small businesses and entrepreneurs. California fit the bill on all fronts. JENNIFER MANLEY Group Account Director, MAS AgencyNext >