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B M & T ••• May/June 2019 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 60 AREA GUIDES S O U T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OFFERS TOP LEVEL HOSPITALITY & WORLD CLASS ATTRACTIONS BY CLETUS RAMSEY Whether you are a meeting planner looking for the next great place to book a conference for a client or if you are a leisure traveler planning a fun filled family vacation, the Southern California region holds some of the country's largest meet- ing venues as well as some of the most exciting attractions and activities. Conference attendees have a plethora of options when it comes to hotel accom- modations. With airports like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and San Diego International Airport, transportation throughout the Southern California Area is easy. For those leisure travelers wanting to explore SOCAL and visit the most promi- nent landmarks, a beautiful scenic drive is suggested. Follow one of the world's most celebrated routes on this coast- hugging drive. You can start this trip at either end. You can begin in San Diego, at the southern end of the state, then travel north to beach towns, the bustle and excitement of Los Angeles, through ele- gant Santa Barbara and surrounding wine country. • • LOS ANGELES • • When planning meetings and events in the City of Angels, discover L.A.'s vibrant regions, incredible diversity of cultures, attractions, hotels, restaurants, muse- ums, and activities, not to mention the area's stunning beaches, picturesque mountains and year-round warm weather. A collection of distinct neighborhoods filled with unique experiences, Los Angeles has everything you need to host your next perfect event while keeping attendees entertained and inspired. Located in the heart of Downtown, the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) is the premier venue for conventions, trade shows and exhibitions. The LACC is one of the most technologically advanced convention and exhibition cen- ters in the world. The venue is equipped with 720,000 sq. ft. of exhibit hall space, 147,000 sq. ft. of meeting room space, and 64 column-free meeting rooms. There is a newly renovated 299-seat presentation theatre and the venue is LEED® Gold level certified. From intimate events of 100 to recep- tions for up to 20,000, find classic style and glamour throughout the 45 unique event venues at Universal Studios Hollywood. Its unique meeting facilities include spectacular attractions like Terminator 2 3D, the Special Effects Stage and WaterWorld. Universal Studios Hollywood has the largest solar array of any theme park or studio, which generates enough power to sustain near- ly 1,400 homes a day. Be sure to take in the Leimert Park area, the African-American cultural heart of Los Angeles, with its many boutiques, book stores, craft vendors, restaurants and annual festivals. Need more reasons to meet in LA? Reach out to Ernest Wooden and his team at the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board. They will provide you with all of the information and support you need to make your event in Los Angeles a truly memorable and successful experience. The California African American Museum is a wonderful place to see. And it's also a fabulous place to meet. The museum is recently renovated and ready to host your next meeting or event. The venue offers 13,000-sq. ft. spacious, glass-ceiling Sculpture Court that is per- fect for banquets, receptions or meetings for groups up to 600 seated auditorium style and 400 seated banquet style,. The museum also boasts a multi-functional 3,000-sq. ft. Conference Center with full • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites 1,358 Hilton Los Angeles Airport 1,234 Millennium Biltmore Hotel 740 JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE 878 InterContinental Los Angeles 889 Ritz Carlton LA Live 123 Sheraton Gateway LAX 802 EXHIBITION FACILITIES The Los Angeles Convention Center Exhibit Space 720,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 64 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Discover Los Angeles – (888) 733-6952 www.discoverlosangeles.com Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce – (323) 292-1297 Private reception at LA LIVE photo credit: Los Angeless C.C.