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Meetings and Events in California

After several pandemic years, business travel is finally rebounding in 2023. As companies return to planning conferences, trade shows and events, cities throughout California are excited to share what is new for business travelers this year.

Standout Meeting Facilities

Tuolumne County
Just two and a half hours out of the Bay Area, Tuolumne County invites professionals to enjoy Yosemite country, Gold Rush history and boutique wineries in its picturesque High Sierra location. In spring 2024, Chicken Ranch Casino will open, affording meeting planners a facility with nearly 200 rooms, multiple restaurants and live entertainment all on-site. 

Wine & Roses
Nestled in the heart of Lodi’s Zinfandel wine country, Wine & Roses is a locally owned boutique property with 7,000 square feet of meeting space for groups of 10 to 350 people. Unparalleled service, exquisitely appointed rooms and the natural beauty of the area make it an ideal location for meetings, events and conferences. 

Half Moon Bay
Boasting over 35,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, including the largest ballroom on the northern California coast, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a luxurious spot for everything from executive retreats to corporate galas. For a totally unique meeting amenity, the resort launched TableMation, a multi-sensory dining experience. Throughout the two-hour dinner, meeting or event attendees will enjoy a curated four-course menu designed by Executive Chef Roberto Riveros-Leyton, coinciding with innovative visual technology that takes diners on a whimsical culinary odyssey which includes animated ingredients and characters interacting across each plate.

Signia in San Jose
Set in the tech capital of the world, Signia San Jose by Hilton recently completed a renovation resulting in the largest suites in the city, perfect for small meetings or breakout sessions. The hotel also has more than 65,000 square feet of meeting space and signature culinary experiences to make your next meeting in Silicon Valley memorable. 

North Lake Tahoe
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe sits on the shores of iconic Lake Tahoe. The stunning location boasts over 65,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space designed to take advantage of the Instagram-worthy mountain and water views. 

Temecula Valley
Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula Valley is one of the largest resorts/casinos in the country. For meeting planners, this means meeting spaces of all sizes, numerous on-site restaurants, and entertainment options including the casino, a 25,000 square feet spa and The Cove, a swimming complex the size of five football fields. Meeting planners also have access to holding events at Journey’s End, the resort’s championship golf course and clubhouse. 

Palm Springs 
For meeting planners looking for an unusual venue, the new Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs is it. Home to the local Coachella Valley Firebirds American Hockey League team, the state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facility can be rented for private events and meetings. Or plan a team-building event to enjoy the hockey game from one of 20 luxury suites in the stadium. 

Redondo Beach
Nestled along a serene peninsula and directly on the marina, the Portofino Hotel & Marina recently launched the El Rey Catamaran. This 62-foot vessel includes a fully equipped kitchen, versatile indoor-outdoor spaces, multiple levels with viewing decks, and the capacity to host up to 50 guests. The hotel is the only one in South Bay Los Angeles with a boat large enough to allow corporate meeting guests the chance to get out on the water and enjoy a classic California sunset. 

Terranea Resort
Set on 102 tranquil acres on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea Resort offers meeting guests the chance to soak up nature, enjoy its renowned spa, and drink in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. With ample outdoor and indoor space – including more than 75,000 square feet of outdoor and 60,000 square feet of indoor event space, two expansive ballrooms, 33 meeting rooms, executive boardrooms, and hospitality suites, the resort can accommodate all types of events and meetings. 

The O.C.
Located just 100 steps from the Anaheim Convention Center, the Hilton Anaheim has developed a reputation as one of the top business and meeting facilities in Orange County. The hotel boasts two large ballrooms, two nearly 20,000 square feet decks, and several smaller meeting rooms to give meeting planners a wide range of spaces to fit their needs. To cater to convention center guests, the hotel has day-use rooms designed as private offices. The 25,000 square feet health club is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of meetings. 

Destinations

Morgan Hill
Located near San Francisco, Morgan Hill offers an affordable Bay Area meeting location spot. The area is especially conducive for hosting sports-related events. The Morgan Hill Aquatic Center, with its “fast” pool, is a favorite for swimming events, while The Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center, with its many turf and grass fields, is great for concerts, festivals and fitness competitions. 

Sausalito
Sausalito, with its small-town charm, picturesque location and many restaurants, is ideal for smaller meetings and events. The Sausalito Conference Campus offers hourly, daily and multi-day event rental of its 4,600 square feet space. Other popular meeting locations are available at local restaurants and Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa. 

Napa Valley
With its stunning landscape and world-class wineries, Napa Valley is a destination that invites innovation, inspiration and collaboration. With over 130 hotels and more than half a million square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, the area is the ideal solution for small meetings, incentive travel, team building events and executive retreats. Many of Napa Valley’s more than 400 wineries can accommodate groups in their tasting rooms and wine caves. 

Monterey 
Meetings in Monterey County offer endless possibilities, from beachside brainstorms and wellness-themed team building to wine tastings. Some of the area’s favorite meeting hotels include Carmel Valley Ranch, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, and the InterContinental The Clement Monterey in the heart of iconic Cannery Row. 

Santa Barbara
Known for its Spanish architecture, upscale art galleries and beautiful beaches, Santa Barbara is a decidedly grown-up beach town. For meeting guests, the city serves up 15 Michelin-recommended restaurants, a world-class wine region and a cute town that invites exploration on foot. The top hotels in the area for meetings include The Ritz-Carlton Bacara and the recently renovated boutique hotel Steward. The Channel Cat, the largest luxury sailing vessel on the West Coast, was just renovated and can accommodate groups of up to 140 people. 

Santa Monica
A world-class beachfront destination with abundant meeting space, Santa Monica is close to West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, with the bonus of sweeping ocean views as an unforgettable backdrop. The pedestrian-friendly city is known for its iconic pier, world-class shopping, and gourmet dining. With over 40 hotels ranging from luxury resorts to boutique properties, it’s easy to plan an event near LAX, but a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Carlsbad
With its stunning coastal location, world-class amenities, and a range of unique experiences, Carlsbad provides an ideal setting for productive gatherings and memorable experiences. The redesigned Champions Golf Course at Omni La Costa offers the ideal venue for corporate golf outings, team-building events or a round before or after the workday. To help meeting guests relax, the Park Hyatt Aviara recently renovated its spa and partnered with Miraval to launch Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara. The spa, from the leaders in holistic wellness, is a perfect place for business travelers to unwind after a long day of meetings and events. 

San Diego
This is the year to make San Diego the spot for your event, as many of the city’s famous hotels are newly renovated and ready to shine. La Jolla’s oldest original hotel, The Grande Colonial, rejuvenated its timeless allure. The Rancho Bernardo Inn celebrated its 60th birthday with a room refresh that blends Spanish Revival with modern tech upgrades. The Fairmont Grand Del Mar debuts an outdoor lounge, Grand Social, with 23,000 square feet of outdoor lawn space for gatherings of up to 300 guests. The Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina completed a multimillion-dollar refresh of its 1,366 rooms, emphasizing its connection to the waterfront. In the city’s famous Gaslamp Quarter, The Margaritaville Hotel underwent a $31 million transformation, and the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter completed a $22 million renovation, giving it a 1970s Southern California vibe and updating its 265 guest rooms, 30 suites and 16,000 square feet of event space.

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