Event Spaces
SoFi Stadium
You don’t get to host a Super Bowl without having a super stadium. The new SoFi stadium in Inglewood is an architectural marvel and considered the world’s most technologically advanced stadium. The centerpiece of the stadium is a double-sided 4K LED screen, even larger than the field itself. The building materials allow the stadium to let light in and dissipate heat and withstand earthquakes.
Innovative Meetings
The pandemic changed the nature of meetings and the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina reacted to the shift with newly reimagined meeting spaces developed as part of an $88 million renovation. The hotel boasts 97,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, with a host of technology to facilitate both onsite and virtual attendees. All meeting areas also have enhanced health and sanitation features.
Eco-Meet
Sustainability is a huge factor in today’s meetings. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa offers its Eco-Meet program designed to minimize the carbon footprint of large meetings. The comprehensive program can be customized in four areas, eco-accommodations, eco-cuisine, eco-service and eco-programming.
Tech Boom
Southern Cali Tech Hub
Northern California has Silicon Valley, Southern California has Santa Monica, or Silicon Beach. The beach town’s lifestyle has attracted many tech-based entrepreneurs and businesses including Microsoft, Hulu, YouTube and PlayStation. The popular video games Guitar Hero and Call of Duty were all dreamt up in the city. There’s no doubt about it, the beach and ocean waves are creativity muses.
Unsung Hero
Northern California’s Tri-Valley is the hottest innovation center flying under the radar. Home to over 450 tech companies and two national research laboratories, the area is host to scientists, innovators and creators reshaping our world. Whether it’s solving pressing world problems, improving viticulture, or supporting sustainability, the Tri-Valley is home to some of the top innovative minds in the Golden State.
No SLO-ing Down
For over a decade the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship has helped launch and scale start-ups and boost small business growth in San Luis Obispo. Recently, it established four incubators in the areas of agtech, renewable energy and cleantech, aerospace and defense, and precision manufacturing – sparking even more innovation along the central coast.
Night Vision
Who hasn’t stared up at the night sky and been filled with wonder? Visitors to the world-class Rancho Mirage Observatory in Greater Palm Springs can learn more about the night sky through group stargazing, onsite tours and state-of-the-art telescope viewing.
Wildlife Conservation
Advancing Nature
Located near the entrance to the pristine Yosemite National Park, the Yosemite Field Station is doing trailblazing research in the areas of climate change, wildlife conservation, ecology and biodiversity. Additionally, there are educational programs offered for high school and university students.
Deep Dive
In addition to being recognized as the home of creatives John Steinbeck and Salvador Dali, Monterey is also known for its world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. In April 2022, the aquarium will debut “Into the Deep.” This exhibit is the center’s most ambitious project to date, giving visitors a peek into the rarely seen life in the deepest parts of the ocean and additional inspiration for conservation efforts.
Beach Time
Many visitors are familiar with the fun and sun to be had on popular Laguna Beach, but the Laguna Ocean Foundation is also doing groundbreaking work in understanding the ecosystems of intertidal populations to protect them and our coasts for generations to come.
Ocean Exploration
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is one of the world’s top centers for earth science research. Visitors can get a glimpse into the cutting-edge research through the center’s Birch Aquarium. The interactive exhibits bring the underwater world to life through glimpses of Leopard sharks, Loggerhead Sea Turtles, Giant Pacific Octopus’ and more.
The Face of Innovation in California
Silicon Valley may be California’s poster area for innovation, but throughout the Golden State, creativity and creation thrive. California is fourth in the nation for entrepreneurial activity, the leader in venture capital and second for patent applications. No matter where you travel in the state, the American spirit of ingenuity is alive and well.
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