Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1544721
B M & T ••• May/June 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 65 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA GUIDES SAN JOSE: Innovation Meets Heritage San Jose operates as a sophisticated cultural crossroads where the rapid-fire ambition of Silicon Valley is anchored by a deeply rooted community. Often over- shadowed by its northern neighbor, this city offers a refined blend of tech-forward innovation and a soulful spirit, defining it as a center for entrepreneurial energy where the cold grit of fast-paced industry is softened by a warm, welcoming and deeply authentic atmosphere. For meet- ing planners seeking retreats on a budget, the region offers versatile, manageable spaces that feel more like a home than a boardroom. The Green Mountain Retreat in nearby Los Gatos provides a mountain escape with affordable venue rentals and large meeting rooms surrounded by nature to recharge away from the digital noise. Within the city, the Vallombrosa Center in nearby Menlo Park serves as a tranquil, historic site offering quiet meet- ing grounds for leadership reflection and spiritual growth. The food scene here is a testament to the city's diversity, providing soulful options for group dining and network- ing. You'll find the aromatic pull of incredible Afro-Caribbean flavors and Southern-inspired kitchens that bring warmth to the city's industrious heart. Jackie's Place is a standout, serving Texas-style BBQ and soul food like smoked beef brisket and fried catfish; it also offers a full bar and event space for private gatherings. For creative inspira- tion, the SoFA District is the city's core, where you can find Nirvana Soul, a community landmark that fosters con- nection through both caffeine and con- versation. San Jose invites guests to pause, connect with local innovators, and experience this unique intersection where timeless heritage meets modern ingenuity. In this city, you aren't just vis- iting a tech hub; you're joining a com- munity that deeply values both the pro- fessional hustle and the cultural her- itage that sustains it. This balance offers a powerful setting where profes- sional goals and cultural inspiration naturally align. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit San Jose – (88) SAN-JOSE www.sanjose.org ANAHEIM: Beyond the Theme Parks Anaheim operates as a bright, expan- sive stage where world-class venues meet a profound and soulful cultural depth. At the center, the Anaheim Convention Center—the largest on the West Coast— is balanced by intimate, creative spaces that foster pivotal connections. Planners seeking affordable, modern ease can find a home at Orange Workspaces, a co- working sanctuary offering private rooms just minutes away. Additionally, Hotel Lulu provides a reimagined boutique environ- ment with flexible ballroom spaces and a focus on the region's relaxed coastal Anaheim Convention Center photo credit: Anaheim C.C. Black Family Day Silicon Valley Celebration