California Meetings + Events Fall 2023

Old Town Trolley Tours at Balboa Park in San Diego

Temecula Creek Inn’s Executive Chef Matt Steffen

Embracing Autumn

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» AFTER A RECENT TRIP to North Lake Tahoe in July, one thing about California as a place for both leisure and business became clear: It’s a yearround destination. On the third day of my visit, I was speaking with Julie Barber—sales and marketing manager for the North Tahoe Community Alliance—over lunch about how the Fourth of July festivities around the lake looked a bit different this year. She told me that after the record volume of snowfall this past winter, people around the Lake Tahoe area went skiing in the mountains in the morning, followed by waterskiing on the lake in the afternoon—all because the snow remained on the peaks later in the year than normal while still having warm July temperatures. How fun is that?

I got to thinking about how truly endless the opportunities are for hosting an event in California when you have a natural landscape that lends itself so well to diverse venue options and team-building activities any time of the year—even when the weather gets a bit wacky. This fall, cities around the Golden State are flourishing with a multitude of new hotels, exciting outdoor activities—from strolling along the coastline of San Diego to wine tasting in Sonoma County— and bold sustainability initiatives that give planners exciting options when arranging a gathering.

With weather that hovers around 60 to 70 degrees on average across the state in the fall months, getting outside remains an easy feat for planners looking to add group activities to their itineraries. And, speaking from personal experience, it can be a reprieve in autumn to get a break from the hot SoCal summer sun. With autumn comes harvesting season for wine grapes—and since the state produces over 80% of all wine in the U.S., adding a vineyard visit to an event in California is almost a no-brainer.

Regardless of which city you choose for your event and which activities are offered to attendees in between meetings or as team-building options, planners are sure to strike gold in the Golden State this season. How will you put an autumnal twist on your event?

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BALLROOM RANCHO MIRAGE

THE STEAKHOUSE PALM SPRINGS

Adventure-Infused Meetings

Excite your group with an action-packed itinerary in between events

BY REED PHINISEY

» WELLNESS IS AN IMPORTAN T part of any meeting or event, and it has become even more pertinent as the meeting industry continues to rebound. Not only does a wellness-inspired function help lower stress levels and foster a caring environment, but it also encourages event-goers to try something new and outside of the box.

These adventure-infused wellness activities help attendees get outside and enjoy fresh air while allowing them to further explore a destination. The excitement of adventurous group activities also helps attendees build bonds and enhance creative thinking and problem-solving skills. I have included my top tips for hosting an unforgettable and adventurepacked meeting itinerary while keeping attendee preferences in mind.

The most important part of planning a successful outdoor adventure is to gauge attendee preferences. For example, while some guests might opt for highintensity activities, many guests might prefer more relaxed ways to get outside and enjoy time with their peers. Bonding occurs when everyone feels safe, comfortable, and can participate, so it is imperative for planners to find an activity that fits the interests of their specific team.

Some of the most successful meetings I’ve seen incorporate multiple activities that attendees can select based on these preferences. Recently, I worked with a planner who arranged a group bike ride and a low-impact nature walk around the property, but then added the option of a more intensive Pedal Paddle tour where meeting-goers could bike to the lake to partake in stand-up paddleboarding. This combination of outing types helped ensure all attendees found desirable options in the itinerary of activities.

Here at my home base of Everline Resort & Spa in Olympic Valley, California, near Lake Tahoe, we offer several types of activities that can be tailored based on group preferences with everything from kayak excursions on Lake Tahoe to archery and guided hikes. I highly recommend that planners have conversations with their venue, tour operator, or excursion outfitter to ensure they understand the exact skills and physical fitness level required for an

activity—and, most importantly, ensure that those align with the preferences and abilities of attendees.

Most companies tailor an experience to fit the needs of a group and find ways for the entire team to be involved. It is very important to have those conversations upfront to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Shared experiences involving collaboration can help build rapport and communication between attendees. I’ve seen several successful events where groups take a traditional hike and turn it into a nature-infused scavenger hunt where the winning team receives a prize, or turn a kayak excursion into an on-the-water relay race. Encouraging friendly competition helps to further break the ice between event-goers through shared problem solving and experiential learning.

When selecting a meeting destination, it is helpful to consider the climate and weather for your preferred time frame to visit. I encourage planners to opt for a destination that will have ample outdoor adventures available for groups regardless of the season. Here, in North Lake Tahoe—the region that encompasses Olympic Valley and other cities near the lake—we are lucky to offer world-class outdoor experiences yearround. From water activities and excursions on the lake throughout the summer and fall to premier ski conditions and snow-themed activities available in the winter, groups have endless possibilities available right outside our front doorstep.

Reed Phinisey is the recreation manager at Everline Resort & Spa in Olympic Valley, California. He works with groups and travelers to curate oneof-a-kind and unforgettable experiences exploring the Tahoe outdoors.

Biking is a popular group add-on at Everline Resort & Spa.

ask in the sunshine of San Diego and enjoy the coastal canyon lifestyle. Fairmont Grand Del Mar is surrounded by 400 acres of lush landscapes, creating a sublime backdrop for one-of-a-kind meetings and events. With more than 20,000 square feet of flexible indoor event space, natural lighting, gas-burning fireplaces, and 39,000 square feet of outdoor space, this is the ideal location to reconnect friends, clients, and colleagues.

From intimate board meetings and indulgent incentive trips to branded golf tournaments and holistic well-being retreats, the Fairmont showcases exclusive offerings, including guided group hikes, archery, equine exploration, bocce, and pickle ball. Challenge the team on the Tom Fazio-designed golf course, find balance at the renowned spa, take a dip in the heated palmlined pools, and dine on locally inspired culinary offerings, including in San Diego’s only Michelin Three-Star restaurant, Addison.

HYATT REGENCY HUNTINGTON BEACH RESORT & SPA

PLANT FOOD + WINE OPENS AT FOUR SEASONS LA

The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills welcomed Matthew Kenney’s renowned Plant Food + Wine vegan restaurant in late July, replacing the previous poolside, fourth-floor cafe. The space serves as a year-round venue covered in lush plants and white marble. The menu spans from breakfast to dinner with items like vegan French toast, breakfast taquitos, a vegan cheese plate, heirloom tomato and zucchini lasagna, and more.

“We are thrilled to open Plant Food + Wine restaurant with Matthew Kenney,” says Ana Cruz, director of marketing for the hotel. “It completes our dedicated Wellness Floor in such a beautiful way, further positioning Four Seasons LA as the leader in wellness. We’re excited to provide a delicious and healthy culinary option for hotel guests, local Angelenos, [and] for group events on the upper pool deck.”

Alongside three additional dining options, including the Culina Cafe and Culina Ristorante, the hotel features over 16,000 square feet of event space. The largest ballroom offers 4,080 square feet for up to 500 attendees reception-style.

fourseasons.com

–Amanda Christensen

A SWEET STANDOUT

» MICHELLE LEE, sous-chef of the C restaurant + bar at InterContintental The Clement Monterey, was featured on the Food Network’s “California Live” in June. The pastry connoisseur made her classic Milk and Honey Toast dish, inspired by a Japanese dessert called Shibuya Toast. “It’s literally half a loaf of Japanese milk bread that’s hollowed out and toasted, buttered, and topped with ice cream and doused in honey,” Lee says, calling the recipe ridiculously simple. “My version at the C restaurant includes milk ice cream, strawberry-guava jam, and honeycomb candy.”

Lee, who trained at the New England Culinary Institute, has worked at The Clement since 2015. She says the C restaurant + bar sets the hotel apart from other venues with its unparalleled views of Monterey Bay. “I love sitting outside on the C restaurant + bar’s patio, because you can take in the ocean air and hear waves crash below your feet. The restaurant has an open kitchen, and the cooks literally work with an ocean view,” Lee says. After what Lee deemed a fun experience on “California Live,” the chef plans on making another appearance on the show in late October. The C restaurant + bar also features private dining for groups of eight to 24. –Madeline Fuerstenberg

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PHOTOS (LEFT TO RIGHT) InterContinental The Clement Monterey, Flickr/Matthew Kenney, Ferry Building

Historic Ferry Building Marks 125th Birthday

In mid-July, San Francisco’s iconic Ferry Building celebrated its 125th anniversary. First opened in 1898, the Ferry Building is a waterfront landmark along the Embarcadero, having its first ferry boat dock at its pier on the day it opened.

“In honor of the occasion, [San Francisco] Mayor London Breed proclaimed July 13 [as] Ferry Building Day in San Francisco,” says Lillian Brauner, head of programming and marketing at the Ferry Building.

Along with the building’s role as a central transportation hub for over a century, it has also served as a community gathering space with on-site venues available for event buyouts. Host an event for up to 650 in the stunning Grand Hall, which features a soaring ceiling and illuminating skylights above 6,500 square feet of tiled mosaic flooring. For smaller groups, and for a memorable view of the Golden Gate Bridge, meet with colleagues in the Port Hearing Room, offering 2,000 square feet of space for up to 120 guests. Encourage attendees to also explore the building’s on-site marketplace— home to more than 40 merchants and artisans featuring chef-made goods.

“The Ferry Building is a one-of-a-kind venue,” adds Brauner. “The site boasts … a world-class culinary marketplace renowned for local flavor and international influence.” –Amanda Christensen ferrybuildingmarketplace.com

Sunny San Diego

The Southern California city thrives with things to do, venues galore, and a vibrant culture

BY AMANDA CHRISTENSEN

» SAN DIEGO is the eighth-largest city in the U.S. and home to 70 miles of sandy beaches, biodiverse landscapes, and many neighborhoods to explore. The oceanfront city offers planners and attendees alike a canvas of venues and activities to try— allowing them to see for themselves why San Diego is such a sought-after destination for meetings and events.

“What makes San Diego unique is the ability to get outside year-round, to enjoy the weather [and] fresh air, [and] to take your thoughts from a ballroom to the outdoors,” says Kavin Schieferdecker, chief sales officer for the San Diego Tourism Authority. “The ability to be near water [is] so invigorating. [And] when [people] do come and meet here, they want to know what they can do outside.” With a fall season keeping the temperatures around 60 to 70 degrees alongside an average number of 263 days with sun per year, visitors can do just about anything or go anywhere.

The city is a 10-minute drive from San Diego International Airport, currently undergoing a major expansion of its Terminal 1, Schieferdecker explains. “It’s adding 30 gates—19 of the new gates will open in 2025, and the 11 remaining gates will open in 2028, so it’ll give us 62 total gates—it’s a 94% increase in gate availability, which is pretty impressive.”

The renovation will include local food and beverage concessions alongside an outdoor dining terrace overlooking one of the runways.

VENUE REVAMPS

Located at Petco Park, home of MLB’s San Diego Padres, just outside its outfield wall but still inside the ballpark’s gates, Gallagher Square is undergoing $20 million in enhancements and upgrades slated to finish next spring. “It’s one of the biggest … outdoor event venues that our customers like to utilize in San Diego,” Schieferdecker says. The 2.7-acre venue is adding

a playground and play area; a fenced, offleash dog park; the Tony Gwynn Terrace viewing deck and picnic space; and more. The square can accommodate up to 5,000 for seated dinners and 10,000 for concerts.

Freedom Park on Navy Pier, which was announced earlier this year, will be located adjacent to the USS Midway Museum (the world’s most-visited ship museum, honoring San Diego’s rich military history and featuring more than 30 restored aircraft), and will feature 5 acres of pedestrian walkways, landscaping, and large private event space rentals. “A lot of our groups will have private parties on the Midway—and now we’ll have, right next door, [the] beautiful Freedom Park [as] another option for them as well,” Schieferdecker says.

HOT HOTELS

The San Diego cityscape is seeing hotels flourish this year. Slated to open in 2027, The Fairmont Manchester Hotel will feature 1,060 guest rooms, 69 suites,

Sailboats docked in San Diego Bay

The Brighter Side of Meetings Happens in Pasadena

626-795-9311 | meetpasadena.com

alifornia has many meeting destinations, but Pasadena gives attendees the opportunity to experience the West Coast without the hustle and bustle. Gathering here takes events from ordinary to extraordinary, and groups will feel it as soon as they arrive.

Located 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena has all the advantages of a large metropolitan area without the high costs associated with larger host cities. And getting to Pasadena is easy. This sunny destination is easily accessible via nearby freeways, and is located near four major airports, including Los Angeles International Airport.

Once in Pasadena, getting groups to one of the versatile meeting venues is simple. Convenient local transportation services can get everyone where they need to be in

time for the gathering. There are a variety of event spaces to choose from with the flexibility to accommodate gatherings of various sizes, like the 130,000-squarefoot Pasadena Convention Center and the revered Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

The city’s cultural attractions and iconic institutions allow creation of meaningful experiences for attendees. Whether the event is planned around a group’s industry or field—like government, education, or research—or around societal impacts and interests like legacy or corporate social responsibility, the area’s speakers, thought leaders, and institutions span the landscape of innovation and entertainment, and likely introduce new perspectives to your gathering.

Some places to explore include the Norton Simon Museum, the Pasadena

Playhouse, and the Rose Bowl Stadium. Meeting-goers can also shop at Pasadena’s selection of shops and boutiques, explore hiking and biking trails, take in architecture and building designs, and attend a sporting, music, or cultural event

Want to try new cuisine? Pasadena is home to more than 650 restaurants serving all manner of delicious food. From ritzy steakhouses and charming cafes to mom-and-pop eateries and crowd-favorite food trucks, there’s a delectable place for everyone to try.

In addition, Pasadena boasts many hotels, from connected and contemporary to chic and thoughtfully budgeted, that provide attendees with the comforts of a getaway experience. Many properties double as meeting spaces, so you can easily plan a successful event where your group will be staying.

Pasadena has a captivating atmosphere that ensures groups will never have dull moments. From arrival to departure, your attendees will be impressed with how much the destination has around every corner.

36 floors, and 120,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space highlighted by two 28,000-square-foot ballrooms. The Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina finished a multimillion-dollar refresh of its 1,366 guest rooms and introduced the M Club Lounge alongside two new culinary destinations. Also, the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter completed a $22 million renovation. “It has kind of given it a 1970s California vibe to all 265 guest rooms, 30 suites, and their 16,000 square feet of event space,” says Schieferdecker.

In the northern part of the city, the Rancho Bernardo Inn celebrated its 60th birthday this year with a complete renovation of 286 guest rooms that feature “Spanish Revival elements with modern tech upgrades,” Schieferdecker adds. And getting accolade after accolade is the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego’s Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five Diamond property. Its on-site restaurant, Addison, recently became San Diego’s first Michelin 3-Star eatery, and its spa also recently won a Five-Star rating from Forbes, giving the property a total “15-star rating,” as Schieferdecker says. The Del Mar hotel also opened an outdoor lounge in mid-June called Grand Social, featuring 23,000 square feet of lawn space for groups up to 300.

STAYING ACTIVE & NOURISHED

Fall in San Diego is perfect to get out and explore the city streets and natural landscapes. One of the top spots to visit is Balboa Park, the country’s largest urban cultural park and home to the San Diego Zoo, a 100-acre wildlife park with 14,000 rare and endangered animals representing more than 700 species and subspecies. Explore the park’s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, stunning gardens, 17 museums, and outdoor recreation.

Groups can visit the Mingei International Museum’s “25 Million Stitches: One Stitch, One Refugee” exhibit through Oct. 15. The exhibit raises awareness of the number of refugees displaced around the world by county and acknowledges each displaced person with a handsewn stitch. The museum also offers several

options for private event spaces, from balconies overlooking Balboa Park to a courtyard for smaller groups. If attendees are looking to get up and moving, head out to the shoreline for miles of walking paths in the Embarcadero area, or try out mountain biking, rock climbing, paragliding, and more. There are also more than 70 golf courses in the area for the golfers in your group.

Several new restaurants have opened in the Seaport Village area of San Diego, including Los Angeles-based chain Gladstone’s, which features fresh seafood and classic cocktails, and Zytoun, which serves Mediterranean cuisine. Also coming to the area this year is Cork & Batter, a baseballthemed restaurant serving sliders, sandwiches, pasta, and more. In total, the city boasts nearly 9,000 eateries alongside 150 independent craft breweries/brewpubs and 100 vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms within a one-hour drive. “We have a ton of rooftop bars that are open 10, 11 months out of the year for the most part,” Schieferdecker says, making an outdoor cocktail and dining experience easy to arrange for planners.

Planners have many flexible options when arranging event itineraries for San Diego. You can’t go wrong when there are warm fall temperatures, an oceanside location, and a plethora of opportunities for venues, lodging, dining, and activities that will keep attendees happy and engaged.

Mingei International Museum in San Diego; Below: Group at Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Mingei International Museum, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Coronado Island

619-319-5174 | DiscoverCoronado.com

hen someone says the word “island,” ears perk up. It conjures up memories of sandy beaches, toes in cool water, and warm tropical breezes. That’s why we call our destination Coronado Island.

Technically, it’s a peninsula, but Coronado Island is known for its world-class beaches, coastal waves, and warm, reliable temperatures year-round.

For those who have never visited, an island might sound like a faraway place that’s hard to reach or a place miles and

miles from the nearest airport. Thankfully, Coronado Island is just 8 miles from San Diego International Airport, across a 2-mile bridge that connects Coronado Island to the mainland. It’s 15 minutes from where you land to touching sand!

Coronado Island is easy to reach but impossible to forget. Besides the perfect beaches and amazing scenery, it delivers what meeting planners truly need: exceptional spaces, one-of-a kind team experiences, and coastal resorts.

There’s wonder all around Coronado Island. Amenities that matter to

you are short walks from your meeting space—locally owned shops and galleries, vibrant art, rich history, and a cuisine for every appetite.

Of course, what matters most to you is follow up and follow through. Listening, responding, adapting, and delivering is the Coronado Island brand. It’s good, old-fashioned attention to detail, which is something Danielle Rossetto does very well.

Rossetto is Coronado Island’s destination sales director. She makes sure your request for proposal doesn’t fall through the cracks. She has been a leader in hospitality sales for two decades; she’s definitely not someone who’s just learning what attrition or concession means. Rossetto represents four resorts on Coronado Island. She’s the one to contact when your team needs an island retreat, to be rewarded with an incentive program or a perfectly executed corporate meeting.

Between sessions, your team members are steps from the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay, and Glorietta Bay. They are so close that our resorts use bay or island in their names: Coronado Island Marriott Resort, Glorietta Bay Inn, and Loews Coronado Bay Resort. (Ironically, the Hotel del Coronado doesn’t use island, bay, or ocean in its name, but holds the honor of being the only seaside resort in San Diego.)

Now you know why we call ourselves Coronado Island. And we’re ready to be called into action when you need available dates, flexible spaces, and quick answers.

California Wineries Make a Splash

and-pop producers set the area apart. That’s Sonoma’s “signature feeling,” according to Kurt Shaver, group business development executive for Sonoma County Tourism. “You can visit brandnew or 100-plus-year-old vines planted by Italian immigrants,” he says.

Meeting planners will impress groups at Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards’ perfectly manicured, internationally sanctioned croquet lawns, which set the stage for a stimulating afternoon of friendly competition. After the game, attendees can indulge in a culinary journey featuring wine and food pairings that showcase the winery’s award-winning vintages alongside carefully crafted seasonal dishes.

A bit more inland in Napa Valley, V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena blends European glamour with Napa’s inimitable style. Hosting events for up to 500 people, the winery offers an extensive menu of options—from traditional tastings to bespoke team-building activities like blending classes and grape stomps. Stefano Masanti, the in-house Michelinstarred chef at V. Sattui, delivers divine dining to guests, whether the meal is pizza served under the oak trees or a multicourse, sit-down dinner in the cellar.

Ignite thoughtful conversation among attendees with events at vineyards across the state

» CALIFORNIA is the world’s fourthlargest wine producer behind only Italy, Spain, and France. From the vineyards of Sonoma County to Temecula’s wine country in SoCal, planners have an almost endless array of venues to choose from and vino-centered activities to add to the event itinerary.

So, how do you choose which ones for hosting events? As tastes evolve, it becomes about more than just the quality of the wine—it is also about the overall ambience and experiences that are paired with the flights. These wineries deliver delicious sips and swirls along with elevated teambuilding opportunities.

BY NATALIE COMPAGNO

VINO UP NORTH

Gather attendees at Pennyroyal Farm in Mendocino County for a private tour of the farm and farm animals and to chat with the cheesemaker, followed by an alfresco reception and tasting overlooking the vineyard. Event-goers can sample delicious cheeses paired with award-winning sauvignon blanc. The cheeses are named using the local language Boontling, the delightfully strange jargon invented in Boonville in the 1890s and spoken by only about 100 people today.

Sonoma County is Northern California’s largest wine producer, yet its varied terroir, old vines, and intimate mom-

Just outside the state’s capital of Sacramento in Clarksburg, Bogle Family Vineyards is more than just a household name for wonderful wine. Jody Bogle, vice president of consumer relations, notes: “We use our wine to enhance our group experiences, finding ways that dovetail our core family values with the organizations we partner with.” Bogle Adventures vary from wine cruises abroad to oyster farm field trips to essential oil making on a flower farm, all with themes around education and sustainability. Back at the ranch, the Home Ranch in Clarksburg has newly renovated outdoor spaces to host seminars, movie nights, and more.

El Dorado County, stretching east from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe, is one of the oldest wine regions in the state. The Boeger Winery estate was homesteaded as far back as the Gold Rush of 1849.

Continued on page 16

Home Ranch event at Bogle Family Vineyards in Clarksburg

888-999-1995 | aguacalientecasinos.com

FIND THE PERFECT SETTING for your gathering at Agua Caliente Casinos. No ma er which of the three premier properties you choose—Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, or Cathedral City—your event is sure to exceed expectations.

Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage has a variety of venues for your next event, including a 13,000-square-foot conference center that’s perfect for larger groups, and a scenic outdoor event lawn, complete with dramatic views of the San Jacinto Mountains. For a more intimate venue, book the private Wine Room at The Steakhouse. Awarded four stars by Forbes Travel Guide, the renowned restaurant o ers gourmet steaks and seafood alongside fine wines.

Agua Caliente Palm Springs, in the heart of downtown, is where luxury meets laid-back. The Cascade Lounge is a swanky venue complete with a stage, dance floor, central bar, and elegant booth seating. The Steakhouse is also available for booking premier group dining.

Agua Caliente Cathedral City is the newest property in Agua Caliente’s collection. The 12,000-square-foot Agave Caliente Terraza is an outdoor entertainment space nestled among stunning skies and picturesque mountain views. Hosting your next corporate or private event there guarantees a unique experience.

Constructed in 1872 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the cellar is a cozy spot that can accommodate up to 20 guests. Gold Hill Winery has indoor and outdoor facilities to meet the needs of large groups. Its banquet hall has a 1,500-square-foot deck overlooking American River Canyon and Mount Murphy for indoor and outdoor experiences.

To the south and highlighting the global appeal of Monterey County music, Folktale Winery & Vineyards offers customizable options to enjoy live music with a backdrop of the lush Carmel Valley. Smaller groups can book out a block of seats or tables during Folktale’s “Live In The Vines” summer series, featuring various artists. Larger groups and C-suite celebrations can reserve its private stage to book a local or national act with full access to the property.

S O C AL SIPS

Down in Paso Robles, Cass Winery rolls out the wine-colored carpet for groups. Enroll in memorable offerings to enrich your team’s experience, such as paintand-sip classes, world winemaking, and even sensory sommelier studies. Also at Cass Winery, Geneseo Inn is an onproperty luxury boutique hotel created from upcycled shipping containers.

Groups can take a motorcycle sidecar tour around the vineyards or relax with private yoga or massage services.

With some 10 million inhabitants, Los Angeles County is the most populous in the country. Yet high above Malibu on Mulholland Highway, groups can truly get away from it all at notably scenic wineries. Cielo Farms hosts up to 200 guests for private events, while smaller groups can go on a picnic at The Trail Tasting with live music, five distinct tastings, and perhaps LA’s most sought-after amenity: complimentary valet parking.

Enjoy the same spectacular views just down the street with Malibu Wine Hikes at Saddlerock Ranch. The wide range of group experiences runs from learning about the local fauna and visiting ancient Chumash cave paintings on the nature tour, to adventure rides in 4x4 vehicles, to feeling Zen with a trip down to the beach in a vintage Volkswagen bus.

Old Town Ranch is located on the De Portola Wine Trail in Temecula’s wine county near dozens of wineries, hot air balloon rides, and more. Groups can “glamp” (camp with upscale, modern amenities) in one of six handcrafted Conestoga wagons for a pioneer experience without sacrificing the comforts of home. The property also features a fire pit, bocce ball court,

and options for catering. For that 1850s feel, attendees can go for a horseback ride followed by a wine tasting. Neighboring CRC Ranch saddles the horses, and Robert Renzoni Vineyards pours the wine.

As Brandie Newman, co-owner of Old Town Ranch and co-founder of Newman Hospitality Group (of which the ranch is a part of) points out, “Old Town Ranch provides guests with an unforgettable experience. Located right in the heart of wine country, guests are able to bring their own horses or take guided horseback tours to the wineries. After a long day out, guests can relax under the stars and enjoy wine around the large fire pit.” That’s the lure of the wild, wild West!

boegerwinery.com

boglewinery.com

californiaranchcompany.com

casswines.com

folktalewinery.com

goldhillvineyard.com

newmanhospitalitygroup.net

oldtownranch.com

pennyroyalfarm.com

robertrenzonivineyards.com

saddlerock-ranch.com

sonomacounty.com

sonomacutrer.com

woodstockmalibu.com

vsattui.com

VENUE R EPO R T Wineries & Vineyards

Cheese plate and wine at Pennyroyal Farm in Mendocino County

PHOTO Pennyroyal Farm

CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT ELEVATES ITS LAS VEGAS PROPERTIES

Caesars Entertainment is home to 50 first-class properties across 20 destinations. With iconic brands well-loved by meeting-goers and planners, Caesars continues to elevate its offerings at each of its destinations with new conference spaces, celebrity restaurants, exclusive entertainment options, and more.

Catch up with everything Caesars has already debuted in 2023 and get a sneak peek at what’s to come for the rest of the year and beyond.

A Classic Revival

A stalwart icon of the Las Vegas Strip, Harrah’s Las Vegas has undergone a more than $200 million makeover featuring 2,442 redesigned guest rooms, a complete lobby and casino floor remodel, new restaurant additions, and more.

The refreshed guest rooms—which include those in Valley and Mountain towers—feature bold purple and blue hues that complement the cream-colored decor, dark wood accents, and mod fixtures. This same contemporary color palette is carried through into the redesign of the lobby, as well. Exclusive to the refreshed suites are separate living and dining areas with wet bars and entertainment spaces, as well as oversized soaking tubs for guests to fully relax in luxury.

In addition to the aesthetic enhancements, Harrah’s has upgraded its restaurant offerings with the debut of Ramsay’s

Kitchen, a new culinary concept from the legendary Chef Gordon Ramsay. Inspired by his travels abroad, Chef Ramsay developed Ramsay’s Kitchen with a stunning bi-level design, featuring a theater kitchen, a seven-seat seafood counter, and a raw bar anchoring the lower dining area. The menu features a selection of his signature dishes, such as pan-seared scallops, beef Wellington, and crispy salmon, as well as exclusive new dishes like beef carpaccio, onion soup, and roasted chicken breast.

Meet the Future

The latest addition to the Caesars Entertainment empire, CAESARS FORUM, offers 550,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, the two largest pillarless

ballrooms in the world, a central Las Vegas Strip location connected to—and within walking distance of—20,000 hotel rooms, LEED Silver certification, and more.

Having opened only three years ago, the conference center’s biophilic design and plentiful natural light create a welcoming environment, while its tech-forward amenities such as video walls in the foyer and “intelligent” glass in boardrooms allow for personalization as well as unique branding opportunities. The conference center is built on one level with a large in-house culinary facility capable of offering restaurant-quality food. 702-306-2354

GOING GREEN

Hosting eco-friendly events promotes sustainability and contributes to a healthier planet

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Mission Pacific Hotel, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, Pechanga Resort Casino

KAMALA KIRK by

Clockwise from above left: Mission Pacific Hotel in Oceanside focuses on water conservation during group events; Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program for sustainable seafood sourcing; The RitzCarlton, Half Moon Bay, replaced traditional grass on-site with drought-tolerant alternatives; Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula recycles fruit rinds.

Sustainable meetings and events are becoming increasingly popular as more meeting planners and venues are aiming to reduce the negative impacts of events and gatherings on the environment. Many hotels and convention centers are partnering with sustainability programs and earning certifications that demonstrate their commitment to leaving a positive environmental impact on both their community and the planet.

Meeting planners are incorporating innovative strategies to minimize waste, maximize resources, and help attendees make eco-conscious decisions. By focusing on more sustainable events and practices, groups and organizations together can decrease their environmental footprint and transform the future of the industry.

SUSTAINABILITY ON THE SHORELINE

In the Bay Area, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, has implemented several sustainable initiatives throughout its property. It replaced 4,800 square feet of traditional grass with drought-tolerant, low-maintenance alternatives. To minimize its water usage, the resort obtains its water from the Half Moon Bay Golf Links for irrigation purposes. And the culinary team implemented the Leanpath system, a food waste-prevention technology that enables hotel and commercial kitchens to operate more sustainably. “Meetings and events at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, are designed to exceed our guests’ expectations while still protecting our natural resources,” says Clodagh Larkin, director of meetings and special events for the resort. “We have tools in place to empower our corporate guests to reduce the environmental impact with us through programs like our Ritz-Carlton Environmental Action Conservation Team and Impact experiences.”

To support sustainable energy practices, Hyatt Regency San Francisco prioritizes green energy sources. Throughout the property are energy-efficient LED lights with motion sensors to optimize energy

usage, and appliances and office equipment are Energy Star-rated to ensure they meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines. Its climate control is managed by modular steam boilers with low-emission burners, providing effective temperature regulation while minimizing environmental impact. “Our sustainability programs are designed to make a meaningful impact,” says Stuart Evans, director of sales and marketing for the hotel. “Through regular technology updates and efficient operational procedures, we strive for continuous reductions in energy and water consumption. We actively seek out opportunities to improve efficiency and aim for yearover-year progress.”

To the south in Monterey, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa was named a Blue Zones Certified Property and offers paper guest room key cards instead of plastic, substitutes plastic straws with paper, and provides compostable to-go cups and utensils. The hotel is also part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program for sustainable seafood sourcing, and 98% of ingredients it uses are grown within 100 miles. “For over 20 years, Blue Zones has been on the ground in hundreds of American cities co-creating and implementing evidence-informed Community

Well-Being programs to create sustainable, system-level solutions that improve population health and economic vitality,” says Will Elkington, director of sales and marketing for the property. “They partner with public and private sector leaders to increase the well-being of cities leading to greater stability, improved health equity, and increased resilience.”

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay is experienced in executing conferences with reduced waste and meetings for groups up to 500 through a program offered by the property for planners to use eco-friendly meeting space and event amenities. The hotel produces hot water with cogeneration, which simultaneously generates electricity on-site, and installed energyefficient lighting across the property through the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments’ Energy Watch Program. The hotel also offers environmentally friendly vendor suggestions that include biodegradable badges shared with event hosts, as well as participates in the Monterey Regional Food Scrap/Composting Program to reduce local landfill waste. “We recently ‘turned a room’ for a large group proceeding from their plated breakfast and converting to general session,” says Terri D’Ayon Joyce, director of sales and catering for Portola. “It was disheartening to see the amount of orange juice, breakfast meat, waffles, syrup, and eggs being disposed of in just one meal. Each of us walked away moved from that experience and knew we had to do more to reignite our Reduced Waste Conferences at Portola. ... Good intention is not enough when thinking how we can make a difference— taking action is something we are doing to make a difference.”

With a focus on water conservation and reduction of bottles, Oceanside’s The Seabird Resort and Mission Pacific Hotel provide filtered alkaline stations on each guest room floor courtesy of its partnership with Urbn Water Co. “In Oceanside, our sustainability efforts are focused on

delivering authentic experiences for groups supporting our local businesses and backyard—the beach,” says Ben Fairchild, area director of sales and marketing for both properties. “Guests arriving at The Seabird Resort for the first time with their fellow attendees are greeted by 350 individually handcrafted ceramic corals, sponges, and anemones. The sculptural wall celebrates the immense biodiversity of coral reefs while raising the specter of climate change.”

And at the southern tail of the Golden State, San Diego Mission Bay Resort recently hosted an event with the primary goal of reducing conferencegenerated waste. The property supported the host group in implementing several practices by providing reusable utensils and lunch bags with meals assembled by guests, offering no individually wrapped items, and swapping plastic bottles for glass. The group worked with the city on compost and waste management, saving 3 tons of waste and repurposing cooking oil for fuel. Collectively, the group’s efforts doubled total recycling and halved trash pickup for the week and saved 3,070 plastic water bottles by using 81 water jugs. The group also donated leftover food from the event that was turned into more than 300 meals in Chefs to End Hunger food donations—a nonprofit organization based in Santa Fe Springs, California, that allows chefs to repackage and donate leftover food.

Through numerous sustainability efforts, Fairmont Grand Del Mar is driving changes toward positive hospitality. The irrigation system on the property’s golf course uses reclaimed water sent through a treatment process. Wireless sensors were installed at each hole of the course to measure moisture and

From above: Sheraton San Diego uses all-recycled meeting paper products; Chef Daly Cruz of Ontario Convention Center picks food grown in an on-site garden; The Seabird Resort’s coral sculpture hangs behind the reception desk in Oceanside.

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, Ontario Convention Center, The Seabird Resort

“We want our guests to enjoy the resort ... for years to come— and to do so, we must be mindful in how we care for the property and its surroundings.”

–Brendan

Carlin,

general manager,

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

salinity levels to ensure watering only when needed. A bottle-crushing machine repurposes glass into ultrafine grains of sand to replace the sand in the bunkers of the golf course. The resort has also rescued more than 120,000 bees, which produce raw honey that is used in its restaurants. “We are proud as a resort to take a proactive approach to reducing waste and supporting conservation,” says General Manager Brendan Carlin. “We want our guests to enjoy the resort, situated on 400 acres of pristine coastal canyon and just minutes from the ocean, for years to come—and to do so, we must be mindful in how we care for the property and its surroundings.”

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina’s Meet and Green initiative extends an environmental focus to meeting, event, and catering activities, and the hotel has received a Gold Level Environmental Standard for Lodging Properties from Green Seal. Kitchen food waste from preparing meals is dehydrated to less than 20% of its original weight, and the processed material is then composed. All meeting paper products are made of a minimum 30% postconsumer recycled content for attendees including paper handouts, printed signage, notepads, and paper napkins. “We are committed to finding innovative solutions to help minimize our environmental footprint,” says Sean Clancy, vice president and general manager. “Our Meet and Green events program helps guide our approach to meetings, events, and catering, allowing us to provide guests with the best experience possible while reducing waste and supporting conservation.”

INLAND ENVIRONMENTALISM

Alexis Green, director of event sales at Anaheim Hills Golf Course, says about 90% of the events she handles have some type of sustainability component, ranging from eco-friendly menus to digital

invitations. Event hosts frequently resell nonpersonalized used decor, such as table numbers and welcome signs, that can be reused by other groups. “I find that edible favors are a huge concept to incorporate into events because how many times do you leave the favor on the table or throw it out?” says Green. “This allows the guests to eat the item right then and there without waste.”

To the northeast, the Ontario Convention Center became the first U.S. professional hockey arena to make ice from recycled water and switch cooling towers over to recycled water—collectively saving about 5 million gallons of potable water every year. It installed more efficient tankless water heaters to reduce the amount of energy used to create hot water by 50% and participates in the City of Ontario composting program, which transforms organic waste into mulch. The convention center’s Executive Chef Daly Cruz is very active in its sustainabilty efforts. His chef jacket is made from recycled plastic and his on-site garden produces vegetables, fruits, and herbs that are used in preparing the fresh culinary menus, and unused food is donated to the Salvation Army.

South of Los Angeles, Temecula’s Pechanga Resort Casino partners with Terracycle to collect and recycle cigarette butts in disposal bins located around outdoor walkways, which are then recycled into plastic park benches, chairs, and other hard-molded plastic items. More than 100,000 gallons of water are collected annually from condensation created by internal turbines, and Pechanga’s golf course saves millions of gallons of rain and runoff water each year to irrigate the course instead of emptying into storm drains. The resort also collects food scraps such as rinds, peels, and shells and transports them to CR&R recycling facilities— a collection of waste and recycling companies servicing Southern California— to be turned into biofuels.

Temecula Creek Inn turned 8,000 square feet of land into natural habitat for monarch butterflies, which are on the red category of the endangered species list. The habitat includes local wildflowers and milkweed plants, which serve as the single food source for the insects before they enter metamorphosis. All guests receive two bottles of complimentary Path alkaline water, which can be refilled at stations throughout the property. The chefs at the property are master composters, taking food scraps from the restaurant, blending them, and then putting them back into the 4-acre Chef’s Garden—all while excess scraps are given to area pig farms.

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pechanga.com

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Temecula Creek Inn’s monarch butterfly habitat

PHOTO Temecula Creek Inn

SAN JOSE VINEYARD HONORED

» ALAMITOS VINEYARDS, San Jose’s only vineyard, was voted No. 1 in the 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards for Best New Winery Experience in the country. Alamitos was nominated for the accolade, along with other wineries across the U.S., by a panel of travel writers. The vineyard offers memorable event spaces for groups to experience its serene property with views of the Almaden Reservoir, including a large lawn and private event space for 25 to 250 attendees. Host corporate parties, picnics, fundraising events, holiday gatherings, and more.

–Amanda Christensen

alamitosvineyards.com

Desolation Hotel Opens Hope Valley Location

After its first site opened last year in South Lake Tahoe, planners now have a second option to gather at Desolation Hotel in Hope Valley. The family-owned and eco-conscious mountain resort brand offers shuttle services between both properties (a 40-minute drive), and the Hope Valley property features 28 cabins, seven luxury yurts, a wood-fired sauna, telescopes for stargazing, on-site dining at Sorensen’s Cafe, and more for groups to enjoy.

And if planners are interested in a location rich in history, the site of Desolation Hotel in Hope Valley goes back centuries. The hotel sits on 165 acres of lush meadow in the Sierra Nevada foothills, originally cared for by the Washoe Tribe, later colonized by Mormons, purchased at the turn of the 20th century, and eventually turned into the resort it is today—best suited for the outdoor adventurers in your group.

Events for 25 to 150 attendees can enjoy a variety of meeting accommodations, including Aspen Grove, the primary half-acre outdoor event space on-site. The cabins can also be transformed into meeting rooms for smaller, private gatherings.

–Amanda Christensen

desolationhotel.com

CANOPY BY HILTON SAN FRANCISCO SOMA DEBUTS

San Francisco welcomed a 12-story property three blocks away from Moscone Center in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood, adding a convenient lodging option for planners hosting an event at the convention center. The hotel features 194 guest rooms—and two penthouse suites—Shelby’s Rooftop for cocktails and downtown views, and 8,000 square feet of function space across 10 meeting rooms. There are also private dining options in Shelby’s alongside The Velvet Room, for up to 34 attendees, and the Mezzanine Bar & Lounge, for up to 80.

–Amanda Christensen hilton.com

(CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Alamitos Vineyards, Brad Scott, Adobe/4kclips, Canopy by Hilton San Francisco SoMa

Cooling With a Cause

In an effort to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, the iconic Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and The Beverly Hilton have partnered with Nostromo Energy in launching the company’s sustainable energy storage system at the adjacent hotels. The system is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enable the hotels to reach sustainability goals while saving on energy costs.

Air conditioning in commercial and industrial buildings accounts for about half of California’s energy demands during peak hours, according to Nostromo. Now, these two hotels have the potential to reduce demand from the electric grid during those peak times. “We are proud to partner with Nostromo to bring cuttingedge green technology to The Beverly Hilton,” says David Ecija, general manager of the hotel, in a prepared statement. “This partnership is an extension of our history as [a] forward-thinking property, focused on the future and what is good for our community.” –Madeline

Fuerstenberg

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VISIT TUOLUMNE COUNTY

209-533-4420 | visittuolumne.com

Raise the bar for any meetup in breathtaking Tuolumne County, where there are great places to stay and all of Yosemite National Park to explore, Gold Country to discover, and the High Sierra to conquer. The county is also home to several wineries, picturesque golf courses, and even a historic train. Tuolumne County is very close—just 2 1/2 hours—from the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, and yet groups will feel worlds away. Tuolumne is an exciting place to gather and is remarkably affordable as well. Meeting incentives are available through Visit Tuolumne County.

HOTEL FOUNDATION AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS

The California Hotel & Lodging Association Hospitality Foundation (CHLAHF) announced in mid-July

$164,000 in scholarships to 53 students to pursue hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts degrees at 12 California colleges. The winners will be celebrated at the Hospitality Foundation’s annual gala this November. Recipients include students from San Diego State University, University of San Francisco, Monterey Peninsula College, Cal Poly Paloma, and more. –Amanda Christensen

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Airlines + Airports Making Moves

Airlines and airports around California have upgrades and updates to keep in mind as you plan meetings and events in the state.

Frontier Airlines began nonstop service in June from Detroit, Michigan, to San Francisco and from Cleveland, Ohio, to San Diego and San Francisco. Spirit Airlines also launched nonstop service from San José Mineta International Airport in San Jose, California, to San Diego.

Ontario International Airport adopted the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program in June as a tool for travelers with disabilities who may need assistance and extra time when moving through the airport. Travelers can request a Sunflower lanyard in either of the airport’s terminals to notify airport employees of a disability. –Amanda Christensen

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PHOTO (FROM ABOVE) Visit Tuolumne (2), Adobe/Thiago Trevisan

PHOTOS Visit Tuolumne

Santa Anita Park

626-574-6400 | santaanita.com/sales

ome to some of the most prominent horse racing events in the United States, Santa Anita Park is a historic and storied venue—most known for its thoroughbred racetrack—in Arcadia, California. The massive 320-acre property showcases stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains and is within convenient driving distance of all major Los Angeles area airports. With many venue options, classic art deco architecture, and a responsive and dedicated event staff, Santa Anita Park is the perfect place for events of all varieties. The track boasts 1 million square feet of flexible indoor-outdoor space for meetings, social events, corporate events, filming, and special events—capable of accommodating groups of up to 10,000. Three options for on-site dining add to the limitless convenience Santa Anita Park has to offer. The FrontRunner, a full-service restaurant, overlooks the racetrack. Silks combines formal with casual, allowing guests to watch the races from a reserved table. Lastly, Clockers’ Corner lies on the far western side of the grandstand, acting as the perfect place to enjoy dining. The numerous venue, entertainment, and dining options make Santa Anita Park the prime location for hosting events in Southern California.

PHOTOS Kelly Serfoss, Santa Anita Park

A ‘Shellebration’ in Sacramento

The Meeting Professional International Sacramento Sierra Nevada (MPISSN) Chapter gathered in early June at the Capitol Event Center in the capital city. Some 135 event professionals attended an evening of dinner, networking, bidding, and a captivating mermaid-themed “Shellebration,” marking the commencement of another successful year.

1. Lauren Siring and Laura Bohannon

2. Lauren Goff 3. Bob Zimmerman and Deb Parsons 4. Ashley Carraquillo, Marques Davison, and Kelly Schmidt

5. April Chambers, Bridy McBee, and Jennifer Mann

To have your meeting or event photos featured, contact achristensen@greenspring.com

InterContinental The Clement Monterey provides the ideal setting for successful and inspirational meetings and events. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the sparkling waters of the Monterey Bay serve as the perfect backdrop for your conference, making it memorable for all attendees. The high-energy location in the heart of historic Cannery Row is contrasted by the serene interiors, with colors and textures reflecting the natural environment.

LEFT) Dave Soto Productions (5), InterContinental The Clement Monterey (3)

SNAPSHOTS MPI Sacramento Sierra Nevada Chapter ‘Shellebration’

VISIT HUNTINGTON BEACH

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untington Beach, California , offers 10 miles of coastline, year-round ideal weather, the Huntington Beach Pier, and a historic downtown. The destination has convenient air access for attendees from major airports including John Wayne Airport, Long Beach Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport. At the heart of the city is The HB Collection, a collection of four oceanfront properties, restaurants, and entertainment districts within a walkable footprint along the coast. The HB Collection properties include the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa; The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel; Paséa Hotel & Spa; and the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort.

Citywide conventions, known as “beachwides” in Huntington Beach, give destinations the opportunity to show off their best offerings and build relationships among local partners. With the beach acting as a blank canvas, beachwides highlight Huntington Beach’s natural outdoor footprint. From bike and kayak rentals, yoga on the beach, and private boat charters to beach bonfires, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding lessons, opportunities abound to enjoy the host city’s landscape and connect with nature.

PHOTOS

Visit Huntington Beach

A World of Expertise

Terranea Resort’s Troy Wood has traveled the globe garnering extensive hospitality experience and a passport full of travel stamps to match

Troy Wood’s passion for the hotel industry began in his hometown of Perth, Australia, where he first worked as a room service waiter at the Hyatt Regency Perth. From there, he hopped on a flight to Switzerland, where he attended Cesar Ritz Colleges, a hospitality school, and “really learned the art of how to be a hotelier and how to appreciate the world and its cultures,” he adds. “It just became addicting after that.”

Wood’s considerable background in the industry continued when he came to the U.S. shortly after his schooling in Switzerland, graduating from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in hotel management. Wood has worked at 14 hotels across three continents, holding positions in food and beverage, catering, and sales. He has now been in the U.S. for 28 years. “It’s just a fantastic business to be a part of—you get to experience so many cultures and so many people,” he says. “It can’t be beat.”

Since December 2022, he has been the director of sales for the 580-room Terranea Resort on the Rancho Palos Verdes peninsula just south of Los Angeles. Wood exudes a steadfast appreciation for the work he does in leisure and group sales with

BY AMANDA CHRISTENSEN

his team at Terranea. “I think the thing I’m most proud of is really helping so many people on my teams throughout the years advance their careers and seeing team members who began their career as a junior-level catering or sales manager develop into very strong, respected directors and industry leaders.”

And he has the passport stamps to show just how many team members he has worked with over the years, all around the world. This time spent moving from place to place had a personal impact on Wood as well. “Raising a family, not in the traditional sense like everyone else, but having spent many [years] moving all around the country and all around the world was very tough on [my] family and kids,” he says. “But seeing them now that they’re adults and seeing them be so much stronger from that [experience] and not afraid to go after something no matter what it is or where it is, is really pretty powerful.” And when asked if he had a favorite destination, his answer was swift. “It’s really hard to pick one. Every single place you go to is very special in its own right—it’s a special time, a special moment in history.”

PHOTO Terranea Resort

MEET PASADENA

No Rose-Colored Glasses Needed

10 Miles from Downtown Los Angeles

Walkable, Beautiful Streets

Iconic & Cultural Architecture

Global Cuisine

Plenty of Sunshine Unique Activities

Get A Feel For The Brighter Side Of Meetings

Words aren’t enough to express how wonderful Pasadena is as a meeting destination. Come experience what makes our beautiful city that quintessential destination for your meeting or convention.

With seamless access via Ontario International Airport, your conferences and events flourish in Southern California’s vibrant Inland landscape, with nearby theme parks and beaches at your fingertips. Embrace connections that transcend imagination. Experience more in GOCAL today!

We prefer to call it our connection center.