< PreviousI S P I R E D LONG ON STAGE AT THE TERRACE THEATRETHREE AMAZING “TURNKEY” EVENT SPACES WITH SAVINGS OF OVER $1 MILLION Soft, shimmering lights. Bright electric nights. This city chic, walkable beach town rocks from sun up to past sun down with a dynamic downtown brimming with a vibrant nightlife and oceanfront eateries. Create transformative experiences with our ready-to-go meeting solutions — sophisticated spaces to forge lasting connections, decorative chandeliers and built-in, programmable lights, a cool collection of décor and stylish furniture with any type of seating you can imagine and save up to $1,000,000 . A meeting in Long Beach changes everything. Let’s meet now. meetlb.com@VisitLB BEACHdialogues, enlightening workshops and interactive engi- neering sessions. “San Jose is the ideal location for a vari- ety of reasons,” Van Slyke says. “First of all, the region is home to the majority of the leading global organizations in the IT ecosystem, and especially in the field of data cen- ters. Second, it is an international travel hub making it easy to travel to from virtually anywhere in the world, as many of our attendees come from Europe and Asia-Pacific.” The ‘small town feel’ within a major region makes it a comfortable and easy destination, offering a wide variety of world-class dining, arts, culture and entertainment in a very accessible footprint. The year-round sunny weather doesn’t hurt either.” The OCP Global Summit was held at the San Jose McEn- ery Convention Center (SJCC), which enabled OCP to effortlessly grow within a singular location from hundreds of attendees to several thousand, and they still have plenty of room to grow. The facility itself offers the quality and flexibility to host keynotes, breakout sessions, entertain- ment, meetings and an exhibit hall full of hun- dreds of sponsors, with world-class food that can meet any desire or dietary restriction. “The entire SJCC team have truly been our partners for this annual event for a decade now, working with us to make sure budgets are met while delivering an industry- setting service experience,” Van Slyke says. “We look forward to hosting our event there for years to come.” Located an hour between San Francisco and Monterey, San Jose features stunning natural beauty, including parks and hiking trails for attendees to enjoy. The San Jose Meetings Campus, which covers 520,000 sf of meetings and event space including the SJCC and four performing arts venues (San Jose Theaters), is located downtown just 10 minutes from the airport and walkable to an abundance of local restaurants and bars. Across the street from Plaza de César Chávez Park and within walking distance of the San Jose Convention Center, the reimagined Signia by Hilton San Jose is surrounded by museums, theaters, nightlife and culture. The hotel offers panoramic views of the Santa Cruz mountains or down- town San Jose, along with 65,000 sf of meeting and func- tion space, an outdoor rooftop pool, live entertainment and extensive fitness facilities. Anaheim Anaheim has also proven to be a favorite option for cor- porate meetings and events. Conveniently located near four major airports, Anaheim celebrates more than 280 days of sunshine annually and is home to the largest convention center on the West Coast, spanning 53 acres and offering 1.8 million sf of function space. In addition, the Anaheim Con- vention Center (ACC) recently underwent a $190 million expansion, adding to its already impressive venue options. Orange County’s largest hotel, Hilton Anaheim, is located across from the ACC and offers 150,000 sf of indoor/outdoor function space for up to 3,000 attendees including twin 28,000 sf ballrooms, two outdoor 19,000 sf event decks, seven small meeting rooms, 17 Mezzanine level meeting rooms and a 1,400 sf executive boardroom. Los Angeles & Pasadena Opened last summer, Conrad Los Angeles marks Con- rad Hotels & Resorts’ first California hotel and features 13,000 sf of indoor/outdoor meeting space, the best views of downtown Los Angeles, two original dining concepts from José Andrés, including a rooftop oasis for cocktails and team dinners with 360-degree views of innovative Los Angeles history and close proximity to downtown hotpots like Gloria Molina Grand Park, Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Broad Museum. In addition to 5,600 sf of event space, signature rooftop deck and private group dining experiences with in-suite musical entertainment, the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills just-launched Wine and Chocolate Tasting Room, an ideal spot for teams and corporate meeting attendees to gather. Small groups can reserve the new tasting room and enjoy French wines perfectly paired with sweet treats freshly prepared by the hotel’s world-class pastry team. Terranea Resort, located 20 miles from Los Angeles Inter- national and Long Beach Airports, is considered to be Los Angeles’ only oceanfront resort. Featuring 60,000 sf of indoor meeting and event space, Terranea Resort can accommodate a variety of different corporate groups. “Every year, Terranea continues to impress me with their execution of our program needs,” says Renee Shel- 62 March 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Courtesy Photo Terranea Resort is considered to be Los Angeles’ only oceanfront resort.ton, meeting planner who prefers her company remain unnamed. “We’ve been coming annually for over 10 years and can’t imagine going anywhere else. A social gathering, it runs like a conference for the adults and kids ages 2-20. Keeping everyone entertained and palates pleased, Terra- nea pulls it off flawlessly.” In addition to expansive meeting and event spaces, Ter- ranea’s dramatic setting with its south facing, panoramic 270-degree views of the Pacific, makes this one of the rare places where one can see the sun both rise and set over the ocean from a single vantage point during the months of December and January. Horizon views aside, meeting attendees will enjoy all the Terranea has to offer including an oceanfront golf course with stunning ocean views where groups of up to 60 players can hit the links. In addition, paddle boarding, tide pooling, guided bike tours, oceanfront hikes and even a falconry program will keep attend- ees engaged long after the meetings have concluded. Although it feels as though Pasadena is part of the Los Angeles sprawl, it is actually a distinct and separate city with state-of-the-art meeting facilities, a wealth of intellectual capi- tal in arts, technology and science, as well as global cuisine, iconic landmarks and ease of traveling via Burbank Airport. And along Pasadena’s historic Colorado Boulevard, (a.k.a Route 66), meeting planners will find a wealth of new and ren- ovated hotels, offering ideal options for meetings and events. Long Beach Within the shadow of Los Angeles, Long Beach is a wonderful option for companies looking for the urban amenities of a large city, but with a more relaxed vibe that many corporation attendees are seeking. A mere 30 minutes south of Santa Monica, Long Beach offers a vibrant lifestyle that can be experienced by attendees during their stay. This unique beach city offers associations and their attendees unique experiences surrounding art, food and culture, as well as beautiful beaches and outdoor recreation. One of the favorite venues within Long Beach is the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, which has quickly become a big draw among association planners who are looking for a high-tech environment for their next association convention. As a leading state-of-the-art facility, the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center fea- tures exhibit halls, meeting rooms and pavilions that have been designed to allow for the greatest amount of function- ality in an event space. In addition to the convention center, Long Beach offers dozens of other unique venues – from aquariums to cruises to classic ballrooms — where associa- tions can hold their meetings and events. Marina Del Rey Considered by many to be Los Angeles’ “marina,” Marina Del Rey is a unique waterfront locale that boasts harborside restaurants, meeting venues with spectacular food and festivities, and a wealth of unique meeting spaces that will keep meeting attendees wanting more. In fact, Marina Del Rey offers more than 100,000 sf of unique meeting spaces — all of which are ideal for meetings, receptions, conferences or events. From the Ritz-Carlton to the Marina del Rey Marriott, there are plenty of options available that will surprise and delight attendees. In addition, Marina Del Rey’s culinary corridor can play host to group gather- ings of all sizes — from intimate soirees to more expansive company celebrations. One of Marina Del Rey’s unique offerings can be found in the ever- popular yacht charters, which pro- vide the memorable opportunity of hosting a coast meeting aboard a majestic vessel. Monterey Monterey is a scenic city where thousands of visitors come each year to mingle with otters and other sea crea- tures at the infamous Monterey Bay Aquarium. But for meeting planners, Monterey offers a sanctuary of sorts for attendees coming from near and far. In fact, Monterey’s biggest draw can be found in its breathtaking coastal back- drop, stunning accommodations, and rich historical and cultural gems. Groups can enjoy beach-side meetings and corporate events or take a field trip to one of the region’s many vineyards. Of course, Monterey’s biggest draw is its expansive shoreline, unique lodging facilities and memorable golf courses. Meeting attendees can also explore the region’s plethora of art galleries and museums, before exploring the 19 state parks that dot the region. And 2024 brings plenty of new attractions, culinary experiences, and new places to host a corporate meeting or event. So Cal Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center, currently under construction in Chula Vista, will offer the largest hotel ballroom and event space on the West Coast. The waterfront resort will feature its own convention center, as With multiple theme parks and attractions and beautiful outdoor spaces, California is an appealing destination for families. CHELSEA GILLEN Director of Event Operations, CureDuchenne TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | March 2024 63well as an additional 150,000 sf of outdoor lawns and pool space for events. Located only 10 miles south of San Diego International Airport, Gaylord Pacific Resort will offer the largest hotel ballroom space without pillars (47,000 sf) with 34’ high ceilings. When it comes time for attendees to relax and unwind, the resort’s amenities, including four swimming pool areas (a lazy river; a family pool; an adult pool and a wave pool) will offer the ideal respite. In La Quinta, CA, you will find the much-celebrated La Quinta Resort & Club. Here, you will find 190,000 sf of event space for up to 2,000 attendees. From intimate board meetings to full-size conferences, La Quinta Resort plays host to many different types of corporate events. Golfers will revel in the resort’s amazing golfing options. In addition, groups can experience nearby adven- tures including exploring the Coachella Valley Preserve, embarking on an ATV expe- rience, going on a wind- mill tour or having a BMW driving experience. San Diego is home to the mid-century modern Town & Country Resort & Conven- tion Center. This convention center hotel offers a unique experience for business events. Recently, the resort renovated its 671 guest rooms. In addition, the resort’s 295,000 sf offer state-of-the-art technology, and when it comes time to unwind, attendees can enjoy three pools, sand volleyball court, fire pits and a four-story water slide. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is north of San Diego, featuring 100,000 sf of indoor and outdoor space nestled amidst lush gardens. With an impressive award-winning spa, golf course, multiple pools and locally-sourced cuisine, attendees will enjoy the leisurely charm of this coastal gem. Another Southern California favorite is the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. Because incentive programs are their specialty, the resort partners with 360 Destination Group to creative memorable itineraries for all types of group incentive needs — from bike tours to pool parties, from sailing regattas to jeep tours. In addition to a wealth of meeting spaces, Ojai Valley Inn features The Farmhouse — an expansive 20,000 sf event center that is ideal for indoor and out- door gatherings. Sacramento As the state capitol, Sacramento has emerged as a key meetings and event destination for corporations and com- panies. Not only do attendees enjoy the region’s culture, food, and drink, but the national beauty of the Sacramento area is breathtaking. Downtown Sacramento is filled with venues aplenty, as well as resorts, hotels and outdoor spaces ideal for corporate gatherings. Recently, the downtown SAFE Credit Union Convention Center underwent an impressive renovation and expansion, resulting in 240,000 sf in meetings and event space. Greater California Everline Resort & Spa, formerly known as the Resort at Squaw Creek, features several immersive experiences that are designed to help groups enjoy the Tahoe outdoors. Corporate groups can take part in the Pedal Paddle Adven- ture, which begins with a seven-mile guided bike ride on the Truckee River Bike Trail to Lake Tahoe. Once at the lake, attendees will embark on a paddleboard tour of the west shore of the Lake Tahoe, followed by the seven-mile bike ride back to the resort. Groups also have access to customized hikes and bike excursions to fit the prefer- ences and experience level of attendees, with options ranging from adventurous day trips to stargazing hikes. When getting down to business, the resort offers sev- eral meeting options includ- ing 33,000 sf of indoor meet- ing space, as well as 14,750 sf of outdoor meeting spaces, which provide expansive views of the nearby mountain meadows, as well as several scenic locations at the Links at Everline. The course showcases the dramatic mountain set- ting with the front nine holes climbing along the mountain- side through trees and narrow fairways, and the back nine weaving through the wetlands of Olympic Valley with tall grass, marshes and wooden cart paths. Corporate groups can arrange one-of-a-kind fishing experiences at the resort’s on-site fly-fishing center, which features two mountain valley ponds stocked with Rainbow Trout. The fishing center also provides several fly-fishing classes for all experience levels, custom fishing classes, and half- and full-day fishing trips to the nearby Truckee River. Everline’s claim to fame is its idyllic skiing opportuni- ties. Situated at the base of Palisades Tahoe, the resort features a “resort chair” lift that takes guests to the slopes. Some of the property’s lower-level rooms provide patio access outfitted with ski racks that open directly to the ski lift for convenience. Ethelyn French’s song says it best, “California, Califor- nia — the pride of the golden West.” The meeting/event industry is lured back to California again and again, “where sweet scented breezes blow. To the land of fruit and flow- ers, where the golden poppies grow.” C&IT 64 March 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Marina Del Rey offers harborside restaurants and venues with more than 100,000 sf of meeting space. Courtesy PhotoElevate your next meeting in Marina del Rey, L.A.’s favorite seaside playground. Seven resort-style waterfront hotels and dozens of dockside restaurants strike the perfect balance between Los Angeles’s chic sophistication and SoCal’s coastal style – all just four miles from LAX. VisitMDR.comHOUDEESPINOZA HANLONIHARA GRANZOWDOMBROKSI CARROLLCOOPER ON THE MOVE // The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis welcomes Michael Cooper as director of sales and marketing. Cooper has worked with Marriott International since 2013. Before this posi- tion, he worked with JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, as well as Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek and the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Louisville Tourism announced that they have hired Andrew Carroll as their new national sales manager within their Convention Development Department. He most recently served as national sales manager at Omni Hotels and Resorts. He also has worked with White Lodging Sprin- gHill Suites and Fairfield by Marriott as director of sales. Rancho Bernardo Inn welcomes Pepper Dombroksi as their new director of sales. This industry veteran has more than 35 years of experience, most recently working as director of sales at The Broadmoor. She also has worked with Hotel Utah, Headquarters Plaza Hotel, Snake River Lodge & Spa and the Grand Wailea. Sofitel Chicago has announced that it hired Caryn Gran- zow as their new director of sales and marketing. Granzow has 28 years of experience under her belt, most recently at The Blackstone Hotel in Chicago in the same position. She also worked at Kokua Hospitality, Millennium Knicker- bocker Chicago, Conrad Chicago and elsewhere. Regent Santa Monica Beach has appointed two people into its sales department: Claudine Espinoza, as their new director of sales and marketing, and David Houde , as direc- tor of meetings and events. The property is slated to open this summer. Espinoza most recently worked as the direc- tor of sales and marketing for Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. She has more than 21 years of experience, having worked with such properties as The Four Seasons Hotel and Resort and Auberge Resorts Collection. Houde most recently worked for Proper Hospitality and at The Doyle Col- lection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and Loews Hotels. The Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau hired Laurie Ihara as senior director of sales, single property. She has more than 25 years of experience, most recently as direc- tor of sales & marketing at Coconut Waikiki and Shoreline Hotel Waikiki. She has worked with Marriott International, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts and Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. Velas Resorts has announced that it has appointed Susan Hanlon as their new northeast regional sales direc- tor. This industry veteran has more than 25 years of expe- rience in hospitality, including working with SEH Meetings, Events & Consulting; The Journeymasters; Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megapolis; Palace Resorts; Grand Wailea and Maritz McGettigan. 66 March 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com |TERRANEA COM|TERRANEA ON THE COAST OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Oceanfront CELEBRATIONS From festive coastal feasts, to happening holiday parties, to memorable merriment along the Pacific – with ample event space and dining venues, discover the perfect destination to make spirits bright.© 2023 New Orleans & Company All Rights Reserved. NewOrleans.com/meetings | @neworleansandco From grand banquets with colleagues to casual bites and intimate conversations with peers, the cuisine of New Orleans is what makes us Built To Host. Our food starts a conversation and creates lasting memories, delivering successful experiences no matter the size or scale of your event. Call the New Orleans & Company Convention Sales Team at 877.393.5836, email at cnvsales@neworleans.com or visit NewOrleans.com/meetings to make a lasting connection over a delicious meal. BOOK YOUR MEETING WITH NEW ORLEANSNext >