June 24-July 7, 2014 Section B

Page 1

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:02 PM Page 1

Focus On The Hospitality And Tourism Industry AND THE SEMI-ANNUAL

Steve Goodling, left, is the president/CEO of the Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), while William Rouse, right, general manager of Long Beach Yellow Cab, serves as the CVB’s board chair. (Photograph aboard the Queen Mary by the Business Journal’s Thomas McConville)

MEETING SITES GUIDE

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:02 PM Page 2

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:02 PM Page 3

HOPSITALITY AND TOURISM INDUSTRY June 24-July 7, 2014

Long Beach Business Journal 3-B

(Photograph by the Business Journal’s Thomas McConville)

Regional Tourism, Convention Industries See Record Growth ■ By SAMANTHA MEHLINGER Staff Writer he Los Angeles County tourism industry is steadily growing as the Great Recession begins to fade. In 2013, visitors to L.A. County injected an unprecedented $18.4 billion into the local economy – a spending increase of 5.5 percent over 2012, according to the L.A. Tourism and Convention Board. Last year, 42.2 million visitors came to L.A. County, an increase of 2 percent from the previous year, according to the tourism board’s research. Kimberly RitterMartinez, an economist with the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, said 43.2 million people are projected to visit the county this year. She attributed the growing visitor figures to increasing private profits. “In response to rising incomes and healthy corporate profits, we are seeing both leisure and business travelers take to the road in increasing numbers,” she said. About 28.5 million visitors stayed overnight in L.A. County in 2013, a 2.3 percent increase from 2012. Last year, the revenue per available room (revPAR) was $104.84, a 6.8 percent increase from 2012. Average daily room rates for hotel lodgings increased by 4.9 percent to $136.52, and the occupancy rate of hotels increased by 1.9 percent. In Long Beach, revPAR has increased by 2 percent from June of last year to the same month this year, according to Steve Goodling, president and CEO of the Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). “In our industry, any time you get a 2 to 4 percent growth [in revPAR], that is

T

[considered] a nice growth year over year,” Goodling said. The CVB is a nonprofit organization that promotes Long Beach as a tourism and convention destination to grow the local economy. Overnight visitors contribute to city governments’ coffers by staying in hotels and paying a transient occupancy tax, also known as a hotel bed tax. The funds generated by this tax have steadily increased in Long Beach since 2010. From September 2012 to the same month in 2013, the city collected $18,783,717.39 from the bed tax – a figure that beats out the pre-recession high of about $18.3 million. The total hotel bed tax money collected during the recession low was about $14.6 million in 2009. “The growth in transient occupancy tax over the last five years has been phenomenal,” Goodling observed. An estimated six million individual visitors are coming to Long Beach in 2014 for

conventions, fairs, festivals and local attractions, Goodling estimated. Contributing to that figure are 102 groups visiting Long Beach for conventions and meetings this year, which translates to 84,000 room nights in local hotels, said Jarrod Finley, CVB vice president of sales. These figures lead the CVB to believe the revenue per available hotel room should grow 4.7 percent by the end of the year. Finley highlighted some of the larger groups coming to Long Beach this year. Nerium International, a multi-level marketing and skin care company, originally booked a convention for 5,000 people. In the CVB’s most recent meetings with the company, however, the estimated attendance jumped to 20,000. “With all of the attendees in town, that is going to be about a $20 million estimated economic impact to our area,” Finley said. Another multi-level marketing firm,

INSIDE HOSPITALITY & TOURISM INDUSTRY • Introduction – Regional Tourism, Convention Industries See Record Growth • Long Beach Hotel Sector Has ‘Stabilized’ Following Gains Last Year • Attracting Conventions To Long Beach – The Process Often Requires Years Of Relationship Building • Several Million People Visit Queen Mary, Aquarium And Other Local Attractions • CVB Membership Director Baldemor Helps Connect Local Businesses • Aquarium Introduces New Exhibits, Events During Summer Of Wonder • Event Planning Essential And Meeting Sites Guide (Produced June 2014 by the Long Beach Business Journal – 562/988-1222)

Shaklee Corporation, scheduled a convention in Long Beach this year. Shaklee is bringing 7,500 people and an estimated economic impact of $5.8 million to the city. Next year is shaping up nicely, too, Finely said. With the number of groups booked for 2015 so far, the CVB is estimating a 28 percent increase in hotel room night stays over 2013. Remaining competitive in an oversaturated convention center market is a challenge, Goodling pointed out. To stand out among the competition – Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Diego and other convention cities in the Southern California region – the CVB focuses on providing excellent customer service and promoting the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center’s multi-million dollar facility upgrades. “With our reinvestment in the Pacific Ballroom at the [Long Beach] Arena and a lot of what we have done with the Pine Avenue [improvement] project and renovations at our hotels, that has really allowed us to position ourselves well for 2015,” he said. Last year, the convention center’s arena was upgraded with new technology – a complex state-of-the-art staging and rigging system now allows the space to transform from a sports arena to a ballroom and includes built-in lighting. Economic indicators suggest the Los Angeles County tourism and convention industries are going to see continued growth next year, Ritter-Martinez said. However, now that the industries have reached record highs in visitor growth and spending, she said growth might not be as significant as it has been in the past few years.

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:02 PM Page 4

HOPSITALITY AND TOURISM INDUSTRY 4-B Long Beach Business Journal

June 24-July 7, 2014

Long Beach Hotel Sector Has ‘Stabilized’ Following Gains Last Year ■ By BRANDON FERGUSON Staff Writer ong Beach hotel managers are reporting modest gains in occupancy rates over last year, with increased business coming from individual travelers rather than large group events. Bruce Baltin, senior vice president for the consulting firm PKF, which tracks hotel trends and produces industry forecasts, told the Business Journal the market is likely to remain flat following 2013 gains.

L

“What we’re seeing is the Long Beach market appears to be relatively stabilized,” said Baltin, who explained that 2013 ended with a 74.6 percent occupancy rate – a 3.7 percent increase over 2012. He added that 2014 is expected to remain flat with last year’s numbers, but predicted a 3 percent increase in the average daily room rate by year’s end – down from the five percent originally predicted at the beginning of this year. “We’re kind of at a ceiling of occupancy. We can’t really grow much more in terms of occupancy percentages. The

growth is really going to have to come in terms of average daily room rates.” Matthew Kovac, director of sales and marketing for the Hyatt Regency Long Beach and Hyatt the Pike, told the Business Journal that management has been happy with this year’s numbers so far. “Occupancy’s been very strong; we’ve been very pleased with the demand that we’ve seen coming into the city both on the business and on the leisure side of things. Rates have been strong as well, definitely comparable to last year,” Kovac said.

Greg Keebler is general manager of the Hilton Long Beach & Executive Meeting Center in Downtown Long Beach. He says the hotel market is coming back strong. A top-to-bottom renovation of the hotel is planned for December. The 397-room hotel, part of the World Trade Center Complex on Ocean Boulevard, includes a 24/7 executive meeting center. (Photographs by the Business Journal’s Thomas McConville)

Located at 4700 Airport Plaza Dr. adjacent to the 405 freeway and the Long Beach Airport, the Long Beach Marriott welcomed new General Manager Imran Ahmed to the 311-room property. Ahmed said the hotel recently underwent a $13.5 million rennovation. (Photograph by the Business Journal’s Thomas McConville)

Though he said there appears to be slightly less business from conventions, Kovac added that sagging numbers have been buttressed by leisure travel. “Individual travel has been strong which has been helping to minimize any impact of maybe having a few less conventions,” Kovac said, adding that Long Beach’s proximity to the ocean and relative affordability makes it a prime spot for local “drive in” customers. “I think Long Beach is a great central location for people to come to on the coast, and it’s still an affordable option for people, a little less expensive than Santa Monica would be and definitely a little less expensive than Newport Beach or Huntington Beach,” he said. Imran Ahmed, who took over as general manager of the Long Beach Marriott in January, said the Marriott recently underwent a $13.5 million renovation bringing upgrades to rooms, the restaurant and lobby. He explained that while business was up compared to last year, the growth hasn’t been as robust as he would like. “There are some citywides and there are some conventions that have really, really helped us in Downtown Long Beach, like the Grand Prix. All in all, business is north,” he said, adding that he expects the average daily room rate to remain flat with last year. “The rate is always the last thing that any hotel wants to increase,” he said. Greg Keebler is one of the city’s newest GMs, having taken the reigns of the Hilton Long Beach & Executive Meeting Center in February. He said that while 2014 hasn’t been a stellar year for convention business, national associations are booking events as far as six years in advance, and the future looks promising. “[The] booking cycle that far out looks to be getting stronger,” Keebler said. “And with the many changes the Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau has done with the arena and the renovation of the center, we’re really being positioned in our feeder markets as a destination they don’t want to ignore.” As for current occupancy rates, Keebler said that business is good. “The market has definitely shown life and has come back strong. We are in the upscale class and tracking our occupancy right to the market which is running in the 80 percent range,” Keebler said. A top-to-bottom renovation of the Hilton’s guest rooms, meeting spaces and lobby is planned for December and is expected to be completed within 10 months. “We’re really excited that the owners are putting a lot of money into this asset which has done well over the years and now is going to be even stronger,” Keebler said. John Jenkins, who manages the Queen Mary and oversees the hotel, told the Business Journal that there’s been an uptick in overnight stays on the ship. “Business is up a little bit from last year. We seem to be enjoying stronger transient occupancy with the number of citywides being down for the year,” Jenkins said. Following upgrades to 32 of the Queen Mary’s hotel rooms in 2013, no new renovations are currently being planned, Jenkins said. ■

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:02 PM Page 5

How Ho w about a CRUISE CR UISE next for yyour our ne xt event? event? Dinner Cruise Cruisess Pr ivate PPar arties Private Parties CCocktail ocktail Cruises Cruises CComplete omplete W edding ding PPack ackages Wedding Packages aily Sightseeing Cruise DDaily Cruisess Watching (seasonal) asonal) Whale W atching (se Dolphin Seaa Life Cruise Cruisess Dolp hin & Se Serving Serving Los Los Angeles/Long Angeles/Long Beach Beach Harbors Harbors Located beautiful Rainbow Harbor, Beach Located in be autiful Rainbo w Har bor, LLong ong Be ach next next to the Aquarium Aquarium of the Pacific Pacific

562/983-6880 562/432-4900 562/ /432-4900 www.longbeachcruises.com www.longbeachcruises.com

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:02 PM Page 6

HOPSITALITY AND TOURISM INDUSTRY 6-B Long Beach Business Journal

June 24-July 7, 2014

Attracting Conventions To Long Beach – The Process Often Requires Years Of Relationship Building ■ By BRANDON FERGUSON Staff Writer hen thousands of conventiongoing members of a national association descend on Long Beach, hotel occupancy swells, while restaurants and bars hum with activity. Busy wait staffs, convention center employees and hospitality workers serve as a visible, citywide testament to the hard work associated with these events. Easy to overlook, however, are the teams

W

of workers at the Long Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (CVB) downtown offices and those at its satellite offices across the country, who operate behind the scenes to bring conventions to town – a process that involves sales directors, hotel managers and even city officials. “People will say, ‘How hard is it?’” Steve Goodling, president and CEO of the CVB, told the Business Journal. “You’re on the Pacific Ocean, you have sunshine, you have palm trees. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be here?”

As it turns out, the effort required to convince organizations to hold conventions in Long Beach involves years of effort. Ivan Simic, director of sales and marketing for SAVOR, said he initially thought anyone interested in organizing a convention in Long Beach would simply reach out with a phone call. Seeing the process up close gave him a different perspective. SAVOR manages food and beverage for SMG, the firm that oversees the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center.

“Long Beach is actually making the calls. Hundreds of calls. Hundreds of meeting requests, emails and follow ups,” said Simic, who went on the CVB’s recent sales mission to Washington, D.C. “I actually got to meet one of the clients out there. It took three years, three years for the CVB to get to their office and make the official introduction.” “These customers really do get calls all the time,” Goodling said. “Even for them to see us in Washington, D.C., is a big deal because if they let everyone come in to see them, they’d never get their work done.” Terry Head, president of the International Association of Movers (IAM) in Washington, D.C., explained that his relationship with the CVB stretches back seven years. “We’re in our probably third year of discussions. A lot of that was delayed by the demands of my travel schedule to actually get out to Long Beach,” said Head, who further explained that he begins looking for convention venues as many as five years down the road. According to Jarrod Finley, vice president of sales for the CVB, the process involves a lot of relationship building. In the case of Head and IAM, one of the CVB’s D.C.-based sales directors found out that Head liked to bowl. So the sales director joined a league with him. “It really starts, like in any business, with relationships,” said Finley, who added, “When you go to Washington, D.C., or you go to Virginia, half these people think you’re talking about Long Beach, New York. So you really have to start from square one in building up knowledge about the city and what we have to offer.” An itinerary of the recent Washington, D.C., sales mission shows four days of sales presentations, luncheons and evening receptions, all to woo potential clients to make the westward trek to Long Beach. Missions are conducted annually at key markets throughout the country, but D.C. is the biggest mission due to the high concentration of national associations there. “When we go back to D.C. for our annual sales mission . . . we break into four teams every year,” Goodling said. “We have hotel general managers who go with us, convention center staff go with us, the directors of marketing and sales, their sales directors go with us. So we have quite a delegation.” With a little luck and a lot of persistence, the CVB delegates see to it that meeting planners, association directors or other decision makers take the next step and come to tour Long Beach. “Once they’re here, thats showtime for us,” Goodling said. “Everything’s got to hit solid. It took us so long just to get them here; it has to flow perfectly.” A recent visit from a meeting planner representing an aviation summit began on the Long Beach Airport tarmac where CVB delegates rolled out a red carpet that stretched from the plane’s steps to a waiting 1927 Packard. The airport director led the

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:02 PM Page 7

HOPSITALITY AND TOURISM INDUSTRY June 24-July 7, 2014 aviation rep on a full airport tour before taking him downtown to the convention center. There, a police escort led the representative onto the promenade where the convention center general manager, director of security and the CVB executive committee were waiting to give him a personal tour of the complex. Looking out to the ocean, the rep wondered if seaplanes could be incorporated into the event. CVB contacted the director of parks, recreation and marine who, along with Mayor Bob Foster, joined the group the following morning for breakfast. “[The meeting planner is] used to going to a city and having them say, ‘Okay, yeah, we can’t do seaplanes. Here’s a phone number you can call to do your own hard work,’” Finley said. “Here [the rep] mentions one thing, brainstorming an idea to grow his business, [and] the very next day he’s at breakfast with the person that can make decisions on him getting seaplanes – who [his organization] needs to go through, what regulations they need to go through with FAA.” This cohesiveness between the CVB and various groups, including hotel managers and city officials, is one of the CVB’s competitive advantages, Goodling said. Staying competitive is a necessity in a saturated market where Long Beach frequently finds itself pitted against the likes of San Diego, Anaheim, San Jose, Las Vegas, Phoenix and even San Antonio. “In the last decade there’s been a 30 percent growth in exhibit space [around the country] and attendance has been flat,”

Long Beach Business Journal 7-B

The Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) promotes Long Beach as a destination at trade shows and other events throughout the country. At left, a CVB representative talks with meeting planners at a recent event in Orlando. Above is a May trade show in Las Vegas. (CVB photos)

Goodling said. “So we’re all dancing on top of each other’s shoes.” According to IAM’s Head, the CVB’s ability to work with various groups including hoteliers is something that sets it apart from other cities. “The hotels are competing with each other. Don’t be mis-

led,” Head said. “The CVB’s role is to bring all those people together in a combined, teamwork effort to bring the meeting there . . . I have to take my hat off to Long Beach because they’ve done a good job of that.” Head said that the International

Association of Movers is in the process of finalizing an agreement with the CVB to hold its annual convention here in 2017. Said Finley, it was a process “built from marketing eight years ago.” He added, “Still, it’s going to be three years from today when they’ll be showing up.” ■

Please join the Long Beach Petroleum Club a full-service banquet facility in planning your next event:

*][QVM[[ ,QVVMZ[ IVL *IVY]M\[ +WUXIVa WZ +WZXWZI\M 5MM\QVO[ .QTUQVO 4WKI\QWV .]VLZIQ[QVO -^MV\[ /ITI[ 6M\_WZSQVO /I\PMZQVO[ :MKMX\QWV[ ;INM\a <ZIQVQVO 5MM\QVO[ ;MUQVIZ[ ;UITT <ZILM[PW_[ ;WKQIT -^MV\[ )TT ?MLLQVO[ ?WZS[PWX[ Mention this ad for your

Special Discount

Long Beach Petroleum Club (562) 427-7966 3636 Linden Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90807

catering@lbpetroleumclub.com | www.lbpetroleumclub.com

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:02 PM Page 8

HOPSITALITY AND TOURISM INDUSTRY 8-B Long Beach Business Journal

June 24-July 7, 2014

Several Million People Visit Queen Mary, Aquarium And Other Local Attractions ■ By SAMANTHA MEHLINGER Staff Writer he Long Beach tourism industry seems to be stable and perhaps even improving as the city’s waterfront attractions are reporting increased revenues and are expecting a busy summer season. The historic Queen Mary, permanently moored in the Long Beach harbor, had about a 15 percent increase in visitors last year, according to General Manager John Jenkins. In total, about 1.35 million people came to the Queen Mary last year to dine, stay or participate in events. Revenues mirrored the growth in visitors, increasing by about 14 to 15 percent. “Last year was a good year for us,” he said. “We had a great improvement in special events attendance,” Jenkins noted. Last year’s Dark Harbor, a series of spooky mazes and entertainment running every weekend in October, “was the largest Dark Harbor we’ve had on record,” he said. In 2012, the event drew 70,000 people, while in 2013 it attracted 100,000. CHILL, a holiday attraction of giant, colorful ice sculptures in the dome adjacent to the Queen Mary, was also “by far one of the most successful” CHILL events so far, Jenkins said. About 180,000 people visited the icescape in 2013. Evolution Hospitality, the Queen Mary’s property management firm, runs both Dark Harbor and CHILL.

T

New events and a diverse offering of shops and restaurants have helped Shoreline Village, above, see a steady increase in visitors. (Photograph by the Business Journal’s Thomas McConville)

Another success for the ship has been Diana: Legacy of a Princess, an exhibit detailing the lives of Princess Diana and her royal family with more than 2,000 items. The exhibit has just been extended for another three years. “It really has a mar-

ket of its own and has attracted people who may not have normally come [to the Queen Mary],” Jenkins said. The exhibit “has been extremely important” in attracting visitors, he added. Drawing the most visitors among Long

Beach’s attractions is the Aquarium of the Pacific. Last year, about 1.5 million people came to the Aquarium, and CEO and President Jerry Schubel expected about the same attendance this year. Currently, about 100,000 people are Aquarium members,

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:03 PM Page 9

HOPSITALITY AND TOURISM INDUSTRY June 24-July 7, 2014

Long Beach Business Journal 9-B

With the Downtown Long Beach skyline as a backdrop, Queensway Bay is a water enthusiast’s paradise (Photograph by the Business Journal’s Thomas McConville)

which translates to about 35,000 households. “Last year was the best year financially in our history except opening year, and opening year is always the biggest,” Schubel said. The Aquarium took in $36 million in 2013. He attributed the increase to new exhibits and events. “Every year we have added new programs and exhibits and have given people more reasons to come and come back,” he said. This summer, the Aquarium introduced four new exhibits, including a pair of endangered Guam Kingfisher birds, an exhibit illustrating the life cycle of the Southern Californian steelhead trout, a horseshoe crab touch tank, and a sea sponge and coral aquarium. Additionally, the touch pool by Shark Lagoon has been revamped and features new bonnethead sharks and cownose rays. So far this year, the Aquarium has been meeting revenue expectations, although attendance has not been as robust as usual. Schubel isn’t sure why. “I wish I did know, because then we could correct it . . . It

must be part of the overall uncertainty in the economy,” he said. Attendance should pick up during the summer, which is typically one of the busiest times of the year for the Aquarium, Schubel said. “We expect though by the end of the year we will have had another strong year.” He also sees potential to boost tourism to the Aquarium and the city through a closer relationship with the Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). “This year, more than any year I have been here, we have a good collaboration with the visitors bureau,” he said. The Aquarium is participating in the CVB’s new Beach With Benefits contest for a travel package to Long Beach, which includes JetBlue airfare, tickets to the Aquarium, a stay on the Queen Mary and more. Shoreline Village, a seaside collection of shops and restaurants, is just a short walk from the Aquarium and convention center. Debra Fixen, Shoreline’s property man-

ager, said so far this year “everyone’s sales are up” at the village. “It feels busier,” she said, noting that every morning the retail center seems full of people having break-

fast and enjoying the waterfront scenery. Fixen attributed rising visitor numbers and sales to Shoreline Village’s increased (Please Continue To Page 12)

Epic meets Intimate. Where else do extravagant and intimate coexist?

Transforming your next event into an unforgettable experience is easy — with the right people and right venue. We are uniquely equipped to exceed your needs with flexible meeting space, state-of-the-art AV capabilities and scenic harbor views—all accompanied by delectable fare from our exclusive Savor Catering. After all, we deliver the epic experience.

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:03 PM Page 10

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:03 PM Page 11

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:03 PM Page 12

HOPSITALITY AND TOURISM INDUSTRY 12-B Long Beach Business Journal

The Queen Mary experienced about a 15 percent increase in visitors last year, and has been doing well so far this year. Below, the Carnival Inspiration is a 2,052-passenger ship operated by Carnival Cruise Lines out of Long Beach. The vessel offers three- and four-day cruises to Ensenada and Catalina Island. (Photograph by the Business Journal’s Thomas McConville)

June 24-July 7, 2014

Local Attractions (Continued From Page 9)

web presence and its relationship with the CVB. To attract more business, she has added new events and activities for visitors, such as a Mardi Gras festival and a music series during Grand Prix weekend in the center’s parking lot. “Through Labor Day we have two bands every Saturday and one band on Sunday,” she added. New events are “added all the time” to the center’s website at www.shorelinevillage.com, she said. No businesses have closed since the start of the year, Fixen said. Three tenants are expanding, two prospective tenants are close to moving in, and a new soap and candle store recently opened, she said. There is one vacant retail space left. Another Long Beach attraction with panoramic views of the waterfront is the Long Beach Museum of Art (LBMA), an art gallery and event venue which also features Claire’s, the museum’s restaurant. Last year, close to 100,000 people visited the LBMA campus, according to Executive Director Ron Nelson. “From the year before we are up about 20,000 [visitors], which is great,” he said. Event bookings at the museum are “off the charts – it’s amazing,” Nelson said. “We entered the year being rather conservative on the number of events we would have, because I am conservative with our budgeting,” he said. However, bookings have already exceeded expectations. “We have three weddings every weekend until September. It is pretty amazing to me,” he reflected. “We have been awarded a lot of attention and press from different wedding venues and magazines that named us one of the top spots to get married, so we’re trying to live up to that. And we’re doing it.” Nelson acknowledged funding cuts to the arts have been hard on the museum in recent years, but said LBMA is now “in a much better place.” He explained, “We have presented a balanced budget and are on goal with that.”

On The Water Long Beach is a hub for water travel, whether it’s quick trips along the shoreline, excursions to Catalina Island or even cruises across the Pacific. In January, Carnival Cruise Lines introduced the Carnival Imagination to its Long Beach operations, making it the third of its ships based in the International City. The 2,052-passenger cruise liner offers threeand four-day cruises to Ensenada and Catalina Island. “These short cruises are very popular with folks who are seeking a convenient, affordable getaway and [they]

attract a significant number of guests from the West Coast and Southwestern U.S.,” Vance Gulliksen, Carnival spokesperson, wrote in an e-mail. Carnival also offers these cruises from Long Beach on its ship, Inspiration, which has a similar capacity. The Carnival Miracle, with a capacity for 2,124 passengers, offers options for longer cruises, such as seven-day trips to the Mexican Riviera or 15-day voyages to Hawaii. “Together these three ships will carry roughly 600,000 passengers annually from Long Beach – the most of any cruise operator,” Gulliksen said. More than 250,000 passengers have departed on Carnival cruises from Long Beach so far this year, he noted. “The West Coast is an important market for Carnival, and Long Beach provides a convenient, centrally-located homeport for guests to embark on ‘Fun Ship’ cruises,” Gulliksen said. “We’ve been operating from Long Beach for more than a decade, and the facility receives very high marks from our guests.” For shorter trips by sea, Catalina Express offers daily round-trip service to Catalina Island, located an hour from shore. Elaine Vaughan, vice president of marketing and sales for Catalina Express, said ridership is “up and very strong” by about 8 to 9 percent on its boat trips to the island so far this year. She attributed the boost in riders to consistently sunny weather since the start of the year. With the “good running start” the company has had this year, she anticipates revenues to increase by year’s end. Summer is a busy time for Catalina Express, Vaughan said, and she expects this summer to be no different. “Projections are good,” she said, adding that developments on the island, such as a new spa and restaurant, are helping to grow business. The company decided to extend its “ride free on your birthday” promotion this year due to its “tremendous success” and is planning to offer other special packages in late fall. During the summer, Long Beach Transit (LBT) offers travel across the city’s waterfront via its water taxi service, which includes AquaLink and AquaBus. The service began Memorial Day weekend, and LBT spokesperson Kevin Lee told the Business Journal ridership on opening weekend “outperformed last year.” From 2010 to 2013, ridership on the water taxis has doubled, he noted. The city transit company made some changes to its water taxi routes this year by eliminating the “express route” from the Aquarium to Alamitos Bay, Lee said. Now, all water taxis take the same route with stops at the Aquarium, the Queen Mary, Belmont Pier and Alamitos Bay Landing. “The idea is to make it easier to understand and more convenient for both locals and tourists who aren’t familiar with our water taxi service,” Lee explained. The boats arrive every hour, and a schedule is available on Long Beach Transit’s website. For the first time ever, this year Transit is extending its water taxi services through October 26 – typically, the service ends after Labor Day. “Long Beach is beautiful through October,” Lee said. While in the summer water taxis run seven days a week, in October the service is only being offered on weekends. ■

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:03 PM Page 13

HOPSITALITY AND TOURISM INDUSTRY June 24-July 7, 2014

Long Beach Business Journal 13-B

Claudette Baldemor is the membership director of the Long Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. She said one of her favorite things is being able to “connect our members with each other.” (Photograph by the Business Journal’s Thomas McConville)

CVB Membership Director Baldemor Helps Connect Local Businesses ■ By BRANDON FERGUSON Staff Writer or more than a decade, the hospitality industry has exerted a strong pull on Claudette Baldemor, ever since she landed her first hotel job in Sacramento in 2000. When she moved to Los Angeles a short time later and earned her bartender’s license, she thought she might be in for a career change. “I’m thinking I’m going to end up working at a night club or something, but I ended up bartending at a hotel bar,” Baldemor told the Business Journal with a laugh. In 2004 Baldemor found herself working for a hotel that was a member of the Long Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), a non-profit organization with a mission to promote Long Beach tourism and conventions. Baldemor learned that the CVB had an opening in its convention services department and applied for the position. She explained that while the hotel’s director of sales was sorry to see her go to the CVB, she knew it was for the best. “She said, ‘I hate to lose you, but this is such a good opportunity for you and it’s perfect for your personality,’” Baldemor recalled. Her early career with the CVB included helping small groups plan events such as weddings, anniversaries, and family reunions. “[The convention services department] handles everything [clients] need from pre-planning up until the time they get [to the event],” Baldemor said. “They’re the ones that are providing the site visits, maps and restaurant referrals.” In early 2013, Baldemor switched her focus from small groups to the city’s business community when she was promoted to membership director of the CVB. “Our CEO [Steve Goodling] thought it would be a good move for me since I already had really good relationships with a lot of our members from being in convention services and referring them to our clients,” Baldemor said. She’s now charged with providing services to the CVB’s approxi-

F

mately 400 members – a group of city businesses that includes hotels, restaurants, bars and attractions. Her duties include seeking out new members, retaining current ones and keeping tabs on what’s going on in the city’s business community. She’s also responsible for the planning and coordination of networking meetings. Explaining the benefits of membership, Baldemor said that participating businesses have their information displayed on the website visitlongbeach.com as well as in the official guide to Long Beach. Every year 150,000 guides, filled with city maps and business listings, are printed and distributed throughout hotels, as well as the convention center and airport. The CVB also holds monthly mixers to bring businesses together for networking opportunities. “Probably one of my favorite things being at this position is that I get to connect our members with each other,” Baldemor said. “A week later I find out they’re working together. I love that,” she said. Baldemor said she frequently contacts members to learn the new promotions or menu items they may be offering. “I reach out to let them know what’s going on with the CVB and how they can be a part of whatever it is we’re doing . . . how they can get more exposure for their businesses,” Baldemor said. As for businesses that don’t necessarily fit into the hospitality-tourism mold, Baldemor explained CVB membership still affords them opportunities. “For example printing companies: you don’t consider that a tourism type of business, but we do have members that are printers. Other [CVB] members use them to print their brochures, to print their menus,” Baldemor said, adding that other CVB businesses like hotels also use Internet providers and picture framers. Baldemor said she enjoys her work with the CVB in large part because of the diversity of her daily experiences. “Every day is different. There’s not one day that’s the same as the other. That’s what makes it fun. It’s far from boring,” she said. ■

$ m million i l li o n transformed t ra n s f o r m e d R Renewed, enewed, renovated, renovated, rreinvented... einvented... W Welcome to tthe he new new Hyatt Hyat t Re Regency gency L Long ong B Beach, each, tthe he result result o off a sstunning t u nning elcome to illion renovation renovation aand nd complete complete ttransformation. million ransfor mation. T This h is m magnifi agnificcent ent w waterfront aterfront d destination meeting estination and and m eeting vvenue enue $ m b oa s t s boasts lu x urious new new d écor iin no ur ttotally otally rreconfi econfigured gured guestrooms, guestrooms, plus décor our rre-imagined e-imagined sspecialty pecialt y ssuites, uites, p lus luxurious Make yyour our reservation new look, Regency our beautiful dining options, Re genc y Lounge Lounge aand nd llobby. obby. Make reser vation ttoday oday tto o eenjoy njoy o ur b eauttiful new look, eexciting xciting d ining o ptions, Long Beach. eextensive x tensive aamenities menities aand nd tthe he world-class world- class service ser v ice yyou’ve ou’ve come come to to eexpect x pect ffrom rom the the premier premier hotel hotel in in L ong B each. To plan next orr ffor more ore iinformation, T op lan yyour our n ex t meeting meeting o or m nfor mation, ccall orr vvisit o isit llongbeach.hyatt.com. ongbeach.hyat t.com. all

HYATT and Hyatt Regency® names, designs and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2014 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:03 PM Page 14

HOPSITALITY AND TOURISM INDUSTRY 14-B Long Beach Business Journal

June 24-July 7, 2014

Aquarium Introduces New Exhibits, Events During Summer Of Wonder ■ By SAMANTHA MEHLINGER Staff Writer he Aquarium of the Pacific’s 2014 Summer of Wonder kicked off in May, introducing new exhibits and experiences for visitors of all ages.

T

New Exhibits Feature Endangered Species Two new exhibits focus on endangered species. Jerry Schubel, CEO and president of the Aquarium of the Pacific, hopes by educating the public about this threatened wildlife, the animals may eventually be removed from the endangered species list. One new exhibit displays a mating pair of Guam Kingfishers, birds now extinct in the wild. “All 131 birds that are left are in aquariums and zoos and are part of a captive breeding program,” Schubel explained. The birds were pushed out of their natural habitat in Guam by the brown tree snake, an invasive species. The Aquarium acquired its brightly colored blue and orange Kingfishers through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ breeding program. “We are hoping the Kingfishers are going to mate and have some offspring,” Schubel said. “They are going through the getting-acquainted stage. They didn’t like each other very much to begin with,” he said. “Now they will actually share the same tree in that exhibit, so they are making progress,” he added with a laugh. The exhibit was built with funds raised almost entirely by Aquarium staff. The hope is to eventually reintroduce Kingfishers to the wild. “The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is looking for another island that has a similar climate and vegetation [to Guam] where these animals could thrive,” Schubel explained. Another new outdoor Aquarium exhibit, The Southern California Steelhead Story, highlights the Southern California steelhead trout, a species native to the Los Angeles area that was put on the endangered species list in 1997. “The San

Jerry Schubel, CEO and president of the Aquarium of the Pacific, visits one of the newest exhibits highlighting the life cycle of steelhead trout, an endangered local species. (Photograph by the Business Journal’s Thomas McConville)

Gabriel River used to be one of the most popular fishing areas for steelhead in the entire United States. No longer, because we have cut off about 75 to 80 percent of their natural habitat with dams on our Southern California rivers,” Schubel said. The dams prevented the fish from reaching their spawning grounds, which caused their population to shrink. “Some of these dams are no longer functional and they could actually be removed,” Schubel said, adding that another way to help the fish reach their spawning grounds is by building fish ladders, which are essentially steps fish use to swim over dams. “The [fish’s] instinct to get to its spawning ground is very strong, so if you give fish half a chance they will make it and they will succeed.”

Currently, the fish in the exhibit are actually rainbow trout – both steelhead and rainbow trout are born as the same type of fish, but some develop different physical characteristics and migrate to the ocean, becoming steelheads. Scientists have yet to discover why this change occurs in some trout and not in others. “We hope to stimulate the change in our trout by altering factors like temperature and salinity,” Claire Atkinson, the Aquarium’s communications manager, told the Business Journal. “This will help scientists and the public learn more about this species and the transformation process.” The steelhead exhibit is meant to educate locals about the fish and what may be done to help take it, too, off the endangered species list.

“When you hear all of these stories about how fragile nature is, don’t believe them,” Schubel stressed. “Nature is quite resilient . . . if you give nature a chance, she will do very well.”

Highlighting The Connection Between Sea Life And Medicine New exhibits at the Molina Animal Care Center, the Aquarium’s animal hospital, highlight marine life’s impact on science and human health. A new touch tank allows visitors to get up close and personal with horseshoe crabs, which aren’t actually crabs – they are more closely related to spiders and scorpions and their physiology has not changed in about 400 million years. They were placed in the animal care center because of their importance in fighting human illness.

A family reaches out to touch bonnethead sharks and cownose rays at the Aquarium’s touch pool, located by its Shark Lagoon exhibit. At the Aquarium’s Molina Animal Care Center, a new touch pool with horseshoe crabs has been added to educate visitors about the crabs’ importance to human health. The animals’ blood contains a substance used to test for A new exhibit at the Aquarium of the Pacific houses a mating pair of Guam Kingfishers, birds no longer existent in the wild after they contagions in mediwere wiped out by an invasive species. (Photographs by the Business Journal’s Thomas McConville) cines. (Photographs by the Business Journal’s Thomas McConville)

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:04 PM Page 15

HOPSITALITY AND TOURISM INDUSTRY June 24-July 7, 2014

Long Beach Business Journal 15-B

In the 1970s, scientists identified a substance in horseshoe crabs’ blood called limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL), which caused the crabs’ injuries to immediately crust over, blocking bacteria from entering wounds. Scientists realized LAL could be used to test for contamination because it clumps in the presence of bacteria. The use of horseshoe crab blood to test for contamination in drugs such as flu shots eventually replaced tests on live rabbits, which would catch fever if given tainted drugs. “In spite of 30 years of trying to synthesize this compound called LAL . . . we haven’t succeeded,� Schubel said. As a result, scientists are still reliant upon harvesting the crabs’ blood to conduct tests. The crabs are typically sourced from East Coast fisheries and are released after about one-third of their blood is extracted. “The survival rate is very high,� Schubel noted. Another new exhibit at the Molina Animal Care Center is a coral and sponge aquarium. “We have a partnership with City of Hope, and we are raising corals and sponges, which are sources of biologically active compounds used in fighting cancer in humans,� Schubel said. The Aquarium sends coral and sponge samples to City of Hope, a cancer research hospital where researchers test them for cancer-fighting properties. “[The researchers previously] relied on capturing sponges from the wild, which is not a very good way to do it,� he explained. “It is a wonderful opportunity, and I think it will lead to other things,� he said of the Aquarium’s relationship with the hospital.

4th of Julyy Headquarters Headquarters! d t !

Special Events In addition to its lecture series and annual events such as the Festival of Human Abilities, which highlights the artistic talents of people with disabilities, the Aquarium is adding new experiences and events this year. “There is almost always something new going on at the Aquarium,â€? Schubel remarked. At the Veranda, a rooftop dining area, the Aquarium is hosting a monthly musical performance series called Voices on the Veranda. Visit the Aquarium’s website for updates on the series’ schedule. The Aquarium is also delving into another branch of the arts – theater. “On November 8 we will have a one-person play called Dr. Keeling’s Curve. The Keeling Curve is the curve of the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere,â€? Schubel said. Dr. Keeling is one of the first scientists to introduce the concept of climate change. The performance takes place at the Center Theater, an 825-seat venue at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. In addition to special events, the Aquarium is also hosting discounted late nights throughout the summer. “That is an opportunity for people to come to the Aquarium for $14.95 after 5 p.m.,â€? Atkinson said. “It is a wonderful chance to come visit for a discounted price when it’s cooler and less crowded. We’ll have dates throughout the summer posted on our website for that.â€? Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific online for event postings and other information at www.aquariumofpacific.org. â–

Open at 10AM f Take-out; T k t for 4 for Dine-in 4PM

‡ $OVR )HDWXULQ LQJ 6WHDNV 7UL 7LS &KLFFNHQ 3ULPH 5LEE )UHVK )LVVK 6DQGZLFFKHV 6DO ‡ )DPLOO\ 2ZQHG 2SHUDWHG ‡ .LGœV 0HQXV ‡ &RFNWDDLOO /RXQJH ZLWK 7 9 œV ‡ 7DEOHVLGGH 0DJLFF 6XQGD\ 1LJJKWV ‡ :DUP &RPIRUWDEOHH %RRWKV ‡ 5HVHUYDWLRRQV $FFHSWHG ‡ 'LQQH ,Q 2SHQ DW SP 0RQ )UL ‡ 2SHQ DW 1RRQ 6DW DQG 6XQ ‡ 7DNH 2XW $YDLODEOH 'DLOO\ DW DP ‡ %XFNHWV 3DUW\ 3DNV DQG 7UD\V ‡ +DSS\ +RXU 0 7+ 30 6DW 6XQ 30

Coupon p

Expires 07 /08/ 2014

$5 off off a any ny y order of $25 5 or o more* more* *Cannot be combined with any other offerr, coupon or discount.

LBBJ

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:04 PM Page 16

MEETING SITES GUIDE 16-B Long Beach Business Journal

Be Creative It’s usually most effective and enjoyable to start with creative brainstorming. Discussing the big picture, like vision and theme, with your event team will give team members the motivation and framework they need to carry through with important details. Make your event memorable: Events that people remember fondly tend to have at least one distinctive quality to them. Whether it’s grandiose, such as a costume theme party; small, like using sculptures for centerpieces; or personal, like having your niece sing at your wedding, creative touches are greatly appreciated by event-goers. Even serious business meetings can incorporate creativity by hiring engaging speakers, begin-

June 24-July 7, 2014

Event Planning Essentials Events of any sort, from grand affairs to intimate gatherings, are a great opportunity to entertain friends or colleagues while showcasing unique aspects of your organization. While wearing your event-planning hat, be sure to think big . . . and then get working on those details that tie it all together. ning a meeting with an element of humor or serving adventurous food and drinks. Consider a unique location: Choosing to hold your event at a museum, art gallery or historic building gives your event cultural flavor and ambiance from the get-go. Give back: Demonstrate your commitment to a charitable cause by incorporating an element of giving into your event. You might consider donating all proceeds to charity, arranging for leftover food to be

Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach 90802 More than 50,000 sq ft of event space. Events from 25 to 2,500 people. Meetings, picnics and special events. Unique locations available throughout The Aquarium Contact: Sales Department Ph: 562/951-1663 Fax: 562/951-3144 www.aquariumofpacific.org e-mail: info@savorsmglb.com

Buono’s Authentic Pizzeria 250 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach 90802 Celebrating 41 years Can accommodate up to 300 people Amenities: Outdoor meeting facilities; off-site catering; on-site meeting facilitator Contact: Frank Buono, Owner Ph: 562/427-8665 Fax: 562/427-4049 www.buonospizza.com

Carson Center 801 E. Carson Street, Carson 90745 Adjacent to the 225-Room DoubleTree Hotel 20 meeting rooms; 40,000 sq ft Max seating: 800 banquet; 1,200 theater; 700 classroom Amenities: Outdoor meeting facilities; free parking; on-site audio visual equipment; on-site meeting facilitator, on-site catering by Choura Events Contact: Sales Coordinators Ph: 310/835-0212 • Fax: 310/835-0160 www.carsoncenter.com e-mail: carsonctr@carson.ca.us

Catalina Express For your next meeting or event, look no further than Catalina Island. Just an hour away on a sleek Catalina Express high speed catamaran. Catalina Express offers year round service and up to 30 daily departures from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. Group prices are available as are private charters. Reservations: 1-800/914-4562 Group Reservations: (Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.) 1-800/914-4562 ext. 4 • www.catalinaexpress.com e-mail: mail@CatalinaExpress.com

donated to a food bank or holding your event at a cultural institution that you want to support – or all of the above. Publicize this in your promotional materials, for both your sake and the charity’s.

‘Green’ Your Event Unfortunately, events can create a lot of waste and harm to our environment. This is due, in part, to the sheer volume of supplies and materials needed. Luckily, there are easy and cost-neutral ways to incorporate environmental care into your event, while

setting a good example. Following are a few ideas: • Think ‘green’ from the get-go. Bring all vendors, sponsors and presenters on board at the beginning to help make the event as sustainable as possible; • Hire a caterer who buys seasonal, organic produce from local farmers and sustainable meat; • Limit car commuting by holding your event close to public transportation, offering shuttle service, and providing a bike valet through the BikeStation; • Print materials on environmentally sound paper, such as 100 percent recycled. Most major paper companies offer affordable options; • Create less waste by making sure

Digital Installers 1530 E. Wardlow Road, Long Beach 90807 Fully Integrated Audio-Video Showroom with Full-Service Executive Boardroom Max seating: 60 Amenities: lobby, workstations, boardroom, kitchen and patio area with all audio video integration for use with presentations and comparable services as well as entertainment. Multiple areas to watch, listen and enjoy. Ph: 562/426-5538 e-mail: james@digitalinstallers.com • distudios.com

Harbor Breeze Cruises 100 Aquarium Way, Dock 2, Long Beach 90802 Double-deck vessels complete with seating, lavatories, salon, and plenty of outside viewing room. Great for parties, tours and cruises, whale watching trips, weddings and other private events. Seats up to 149. Accommodations vary by vessel. Contact: Ph: 562/983-6880 www.harborbreezecruises.com harborbreezecruises@gmail.com

Hilton Long Beach & Executive Meeting Center 701 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach 90802 397 Guest Rooms • 32 meeting rooms largest meeting room: 2,205 sq ft largest ballroom: 9,730 sq ft Max seating: 850 banquet; 1,200 theater; 600 classroom Amenities: 24/7 on-site executive business center, high-speed Internet access, hi-tech AV equipment rental and on-site support Contact: Ph: 562/983-3400 ext 3700 e-mail: lgblh-salesadm@hilton.com

Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport Hotel & Conference Center 2640 N. Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach 90815 222 Guest Rooms 6 separated/9 combined meeting rooms; largest: 5,000 sq ft Max seating: 300 banquet; 360 theater; 240 classroom Amenities: Outdoor meeting facilities; free parking; on-site business center; on-site meeting facilitator Contact: Essie Boyd, Director of Catering Ph: 562/498-5410 • Fax: 562/498-1010 www.hilongbeach.com e-mail: sales@hilongbeach.com

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:04 PM Page 17

MEETING SITES GUIDE June 24-July 7, 2014

Long Beach Business Journal 17-B

all recyclables are indeed recycled, asking guests to leave nametag holders at the door on their way out and using large containers for beverages and food instead of individual cans and bottles. Post speakers’ notes and slides on your Web site instead of distributing print copies; and • Make sure you announce your sustainability efforts to event attendees during your speakers’ program and in your print materials. This conveys your environmental commitment while planting a seed in their heads as to how they can duplicate your efforts. Remember, even small steps can make a big difference.

The Devil Is In The Details Whether you find details delightful or nerve-racking, a successful event

depends on their successful implementation. The key is to plan early and stay organized. Create a checklist: Planning an event involves more than deciding on a date and menu. Some things to consider include parking, check-in, seating, audiovisual needs, permits, lighting, decorations and the program agenda. Stay organized by keeping event details together in one place, such as a threering binder, for easy and quick access. Don’t forget to keep a copy of important paperwork, from check copies to the menu. Know your budget: Come up with a dollar figure for your event, and have an idea of how it should be allocated. This gets tricky with such factors as fluctuating attendee counts and an

Hotel Maya Doubletree By Hilton 700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach 90802 199 Guest Rooms 15 meeting rooms; largest: 3,687 sq ft Max seating: 400 banquet, 400 theater style, 230 classroom style Amenities: Outdoor meeting facilities; on-site business center; on-site meeting facilitator Contact: Ph: 562/481-3922 • Fax: 562/435-3788 e-mail: sheila.malekzadeh@hilton.com www.hotelmayalongbeach.com

Hyatt Regency Long Beach 200 S. Pine Avenue, Long Beach 90802 528 Newly Renovated Guest Rooms 18 meeting rooms; largest: 10,050 sq ft Max seating: 1,000 banquet; 1,400 theater; 600 classroom Amenities: Off-site catering; on-site business center; on-site audio visual equipment; on-site meeting facilitator Contact: Matt Kovac, Director of Sales & Marketing Ph: 562/624-6100 • Fax: 562/624-6115 www.longbeach.hyatt.com e-mail: saleslgbrl@hyatt.com

Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center 300 E. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach 90802 34 meeting rooms; largest: 224,000 sq ft Max seating: 13,700 banquets; 15,000 theater; 8,000 classroom Amenities: Outdoor meeting facilities; on-site catering; on-site audio-visual equipment; on-site meeting facilitator Contact: Kandy Grzebyk, Director of Sales Ph: 562/499-7574 • Fax: 562/436-9491 www.longbeachcc.com e-mail: kgrzebyk@longbeachcc.com

Long Beach Petroleum Club 3636 Linden Avenue, Long Beach 90807 4 meeting rooms; largest: 4,400 sq ft Max seating: 350 banquet; 500 theater; 300 classroom Amenities: free parking; free WiFi; on-site A/V equipment; on-site meeting facilitator; large permanent dance floor Contact: Manager, Event Sales Ph: 562/427-7966 • Fax: 562/427-0726 www.lbpetroleumclub.com e-mail: catering@lbpetroleumclub.com

open bar, so leave room in your budget for surprises. Choose a date: Come up with a date that doesn’t conflict with a holiday or local or industry events. Keep in mind that some seasons and days are more affordable than others. For example, Saturday night weddings in June are the most popular and therefore usually the most expensive. Pick a location: Event venues, especially popular ones, fill up quickly, so it’s important to reserve them early. After narrowing down your top choices, visit the facilities, and pay close attention to how you are treated – from the receptionist to the banquet manager. Don’t hesitate to ask for references. It’s helpful to visit the location during the same time of day your event

will take place to gauge the noise level, parking situation and lighting. You may find that a beautiful room during the day features mood-detracting florescent lights at night, or that the sun glares through the shades during the morning or sundown hours. Hire vendors with a proven track record: When hiring vendors, choose companies that come highly recommended for their quality and reliability. Contact them early and ask for references. Make sure you sample the catering, preview the entertainment (via a video recording or demo tape) and receive a graphic rendering of the planned décor. Do a walkthrough: Ask all vendors to meet you for one walkthrough at (Please Continue To Page 18)

Museum of Latin American Art 628 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach 90802 6 meeting rooms; largest: 8,800 sq ft Max seating: 370 banquets; 540 theater Amenities: Outdoor meeting facilities; free parking; on-site audio visual equipment Contact: Christina Cruz, Rentals Coordinator Ph: 562/216-4112 Fax: 562/216-4190 www.molaa.org e-mail: rentals@molaa.org

Naples Rib Co. 5800 E. 2nd Street, Long Beach 90802 1 meeting room; largest: 480 sq ft Max seating: 50 banquet, theater or classroom style Amenities: Free parking; off-site catering; on-site audio visual equipment; Contact: Dave Ursini, Proprietor Ph: 562/439-7427 Fax: 562/433-2758 www.ribcompany.com e-mail: owners@ribcompany.com

Old Ranch Country Club 3901 Lampson Avenue, Seal Beach 90740 7 meeting rooms; largest: 6,700 sq ft Max seating: 430 banquet; 700 theater; 360 classroom Amenities: Outdoor meeting facilities; free parking; on-site audio visual equipment; on-site meeting facilitator Contact: Kathleen Mesinas, Director of Catering Ph: 562/596-4425 ext 137 • Fax: 562/594-0414 www.oldranch.com e-mail: kmesinas@oldranch.com

The Queen Mary 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach 90802 Art Deco Rooms and Suites 14 meeting rooms; largest: 9,000 sq ft Max seating: 800 banquet; 500 theater; 250 classroom Amenities: Outdoor event space; on-site audio visual equipment; on-site business center; on-site meeting facilitator Contact: Kelly Fogarty, Director of Sales Ph: 562/499-1751 • Fax: 562/435-3511 www.queenmary.com e-mail: kelly.fogarty@queenmary.com

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:04 PM Page 18

MEETING SITES GUIDE 18-B Long Beach Business Journal

June 24-July 7, 2014 (Continued From Page 17)

the event site. This gets everyone on the same page in terms of room setup and logistics. It also lets you take care of several event details in one fell swoop, like choosing linens that match the room. Ask questions: Never hesitate to ask questions. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to assume that your vendors know what you want. They’re professionals, but they’re not mind readers. Ensure an easy commute: Think about the route your guests will take to get to your event. Make sure that transit and driving directions are clear, parking is accessible and safe and the event is easy to find. In some instances, greeters may be needed to direct guests. Design appropriate publicity pieces: Your publicity materials should convey the formality of the event so attendees know what to wear and what to expect. For example, a Hawaiian theme party should have a colorful and casual invitation, whereas a black tie gala requires one that is formal. Sweat the small stuff: Did you order pens and notepads for the conference settings? Flowers for the bar? Candles for the dining tables? Small touches make a big difference. Plan for the worst: No matter how well prepared you are, it’s impossible to control the unexpected – whether it’s a keynote speaker canceling, last-minute RSVPs or inclement weather. Having back-up plans will ensure a smooth event and give you peace of mind.

Hiring An Event Planner If you don’t have the time or desire to plan your event in-house, you may consider hiring an event planner. Sometimes this is the best way to ensure your event receives sufficient attention and expertise. Choose a planner by doing a little research and asking colleagues for recommendations. Interview potential candidates and check references. Double-check that the planner handles permit and license acquisition, including site permits, food permits, liquor licensing and lighting and sound licenses. Upon hiring someone, create a detailed contract.

Contract Tips No matter how trustworthy a vendor or event planner may seem, it’s crucial to sign a comprehensive contract. Here are some of the points a contract should include: • The vendor’s specific responsibilities; • The scope of the event (for contracts with event planners); • An itemized list of what will be provided and the agreed-upon costs; • Any extra charges, such as taxes, tips, parking and audiovisual equipment; • All dates, times and other important details; • That your money can be refunded if you have to cancel in a timely fashion; and • Contingency plans for crisis situations, such as emergencies, rain or natural disasters. Review everything in the contract, and make sure everyone understands the terms. Ask questions until you receive satisfactory answers. It’s useful to find out what kind of insurance your event planner and your own company carry in case of unforeseen damages. When working with an event planner, you have a right to know who the subcontractors are and get answers to anything you may have questions about. Do they buy sustainable seafood? Do they have complaints against them through the Better Business Bureau? After all, you are the one paying them to provide a product or service. Written agreements with caterers include a “final guarantee,” which is your finalized guest count. This tells them how much food, beverages and place settings to order. A typical guarantee date is two or three days before the event.

Relax If you feel yourself ‘going bridal,’ take a break and remind yourself of the big picture – the vision, the creativity and the purpose. If you get an early start on event organizing and recruit helpers, you’ll be able to enjoy the process and the event itself. Happy planning! ■

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:04 PM Page 19

" '# ) " # ) " $ # ) ( "$ # ) % # & $# ) $ # ) !% $#

the

CARSON Center

* 7 0 *,01 &++,3 1&3" +.2"1 +! ,+#"/"+ " "+1"/ 7 0.2 /" #""1 ,# #)"5& )" *""1&+$ 0- " &+ )2!&+$ 0.2 /" #,,1 ))/,,* 7 "+1/ ))6 ), 1"! *&+21"0 #/,* +! ,+$ " % &/-,/10 " 06 !/&3" #/,* / +$" ,2+16 +! 1%" "010&!" 7 #)"5& )" 0- "0 $2"010

,**,! 1&+$

7 1 1" ,# 1%" /1 2!&, 3&02 ) ".2&-*"+1 01 $" +! 1%" 1/& ) )&$%1&+$ 7 /,#"00&,+ ) "3"+1 ,,/!&+ 1,/ ,+ 0&1" 7 + ,*- / )" #,,! 0"/3& " 4&1% "1%+& *"+20 3 &) )" 7 /"" - /(&+$ 7 !' "+1 1, 1%" /,,* ,2 )"1/"" %,1")

110

E University Dr

405

Links At Victoria

Avalon Blvd

Harbor Fwy Figueroa St

W 190th St Normandie Ave

E Victoria St

Cal State Univ-Dominguez Hills

S Wilmington Ave

91

E Del Amo Blvd

E Carson St E 223rd St

the

CARSON Center 01 /0,+ 1/""1 7 /0,+ 7 444 /0,+ "+1"/ ,*

1_LBBJ_June24_SectionB_LBBJ MASTER LAYOUT 6/21/14 3:04 PM Page 20

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.