Black Meetings and Tourism

Sept/Oct 2012

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ICI •pg_19-28__BMT_pg3-58 12/24/12 7:43 AM Page 26 SITE REVIEW #3 SHERATON FAIRPLEX HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER OF SOUTHERN CA BY VICTORIA HEAD E arlier this year, the Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center officially opened its doors. I was fortunate enough to see the beginnings of the construction efforts following the groundbreaking in 2010, but being invited back during the grand opening of this impressive, new eco-friendly Conference Center for a tour and dining reception was indeed a momentous opportunity. At the commencement of the grand opening ceremony, in a beautiful garden-like setting in front of the new Center, guests waited in anticipation for doors to open and to view this new modern facility. Knowing that it had been named the only Convention Center in the region boasting 85,000 sq. ft. of versatile space and a ballroom with the dining capacity for 1,000 guests, media note pads and cameras were at the ready. However, prior to entering the premises, one delightful surprise awaited – hundreds of beautiful butterflies were released into the air symbolically proclaiming that just as the flutter of a butterfly's wings can cause waves around the world, so too will the opening of this new Center make a notable and impressive impact in the community and beyond. Most Southern Californians know that the Fairplex Exposition Complex is home of the historic L.A. County Fair and other quality yearround multi-cultural and entertainment events for the enjoyment of youth, adults and families. Over the years, the fair grounds and the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel (with its own Conference Center of 11,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and a total of 244 Suites) have been popular in So. Cal as it's conveniently located with easy 26 BM&T ••September/ October • access to Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange Counties; is only nine miles from LA/Ontario International Airport; and is close to Angel Stadium, Disneyland Park and California Adventure, Dodger Stadium, Hollywood, Ontario Mills Mall and Raging Waters. With already such an impressive draw…what will the new Conference Center provide beyond its well-known past? This question was soon answered as the doors to the entrance grandly opened and guests stepped in to view this high-tech and modernly designed facility. Walking through the Center doors, the elegance and openness of this structure was delightfully personable as beautiful wall art graced the foyer and the modern décor emitted a most welcoming reception. As we followed our tour guide's lead, it was evident that the Center provided abundant functional space, offering a variety of configurations ranging from a sit-down banquet capacity to large conference rooms, small meeting rooms and breakout classrooms. Most of these spaces came complete with the latest technology for easy interactive teleconferences and business meetings. The spacious seminar rooms and breakout rooms were equipped with interactive digital white boards, video-conferencing and high-speed Wi-Fi, all serviced by their own expert team of meeting and event specialists. Adding a delicious dynamic to the Center is the fact that its in-house catering department offers fresh farm-to-table produce grown at the oncampus FairView Farms. We enjoyed some of that fresh produce during our reception dinner and found that there's a nice selection of wine available if desired. It was also pleasing to hear that the Conference Center is I.A.C.C. certified and Silver LEED engineered to enable it to make maximum impact in the community but minimal impact on the environment. At the Fairplex Exposition Complex in Pomona, guests can celebrate in a sophisticated, yet personable setting, sure to produce successful and memorable events of any size. To view the Sheraton Fairplex hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, CA, or talk to one of their meeting coordinators, you can telephone (909) 622-2220 or visit their website – www.fairplex.com. 201 ••w w w.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 2•

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