Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/3108
Black Meetings & Tourism April/May 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 124 improvements and upgrades that have been made to the property include the kitchen areas, premium soft goods such as flat panel TVs and deluxe mattresses and pillows added to the guest rooms. The extensive kitchen upgrades included the installation of top industry products and equipment throughout the restau- rant and banquet kitchens. Downtown Long Beach has an excit- ing new look thanks to 9,000 LED lights that aim to bring buildings to life while encouraging pedestrian traffic to notable downtown locations. Each light fixture is navigated by a light control system that will produce a colorful spectrum of more than 16 million different colors. Other additions to the downtown area include a striking water feature at the Long Beach Terrace Theatre Fountain, multi- colored lighting to illuminate the Long Beach Convention Center lobby's glass atrium and glass palm trees at the steps of the Pine Avenue entrance, rich hues to enlighten the palm trees at the Pine Avenue Circle, waterfront 'bird cage' near Shoreline Village to glow up Promenade walkway with vivid rays, lively lighting displays added to several buildings on Pine Avenue between Ocean Boulevard and Third Street. The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center can handle all of your meeting needs. It is equipped with over 300,000 sq. ft. of space divided between an arena with 13,500 seats and 46,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, three exhib- it halls totaling 224,000 sq. ft. of space, two theaters, and many meeting rooms. But the city of Long Beach also provides plenty of opportunity for fun. Downtown's Pine Avenue is bursting with wonderful restaurants, eclectic shops, and bars. Explore the Pike at Rainbow Harbor for dining, retail, and entertainment all in one convenient loca- tion. The Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific allows visitors to discover a plethora of fish, birds, and mammals just steps away from the city's other attrac- tions. And the best part is everything is in walking distance, making the city accessi- ble for conference attendees. Air travel into the area is through Long Beach Airport, one of the most convenient in the region. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Long Beach CVB - (800) 452-7829 www.visitlongbeach.com PaSaDEna Pasadena is just nine miles away from downtown Los Angeles, but it has a dis- tinct feel that makes it seem worlds away. The city is known for its luxurious shop- ping, breathtaking architecture, and fab- ulous restaurants. The charming urban enclave of Old Town Pasadena, with its brick buildings and sidewalk cafes, is a wonderful place to stroll on a beautiful SoCal afternoon. The big news in Pasadena is the recent completion of the $150 million Pasadena Convention Center expansion. The expanded center, which includes 55,000 sq. ft. of new exhibit space and a 25,000-sq. ft. ball- room, opened in March 2009 ahead of schedule and adds an excellent new option to the Los Angeles area's already impressive meetings package. Keeping in line with the times, the expanded facility has many environmentally friendly fea- tures such as water conserving rest- rooms, high efficiency lighting, and an automated energy control system. The expanded center completes the Pasadena Convention Center complex that includes the historic Pasadena Civic Center Auditorium and the refurbished Conference Building. Pasadena has more than 2,500 hotel rooms at five major hotels and 10 small- er inns and motels. The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa is the place to stay for unrivaled elegance and luxury. This historic Pasadena landmark evokes the early 20th century through its 392 guestrooms, eight cottages, and sprawling grounds and gardens. If you crave cultur- al grandeur, unparalleled service, gour- met dining and first class accommoda- tions, the Langham is your choice in Pasadena. The newly redesigned Westin Pasadena is right in the heart of it all. Fresh off its $11 million renovation, the Westin now features the signature Heavenly Beds, flat screen televisions, and a new business center. The Hilton Pasadena is located near the Pasadena Civic Center making it a good choice for business travelers. After a $5 million transformation, the 296-room hotel is now distinctly modern with a chic decor. 28,000 sq. ft. of meeting space are now available as well with the addition of a new meeting room. The Sheraton Pasadena Hotel sits directly adjacent to the Convention Center and offers 317 rooms, as well as 14 meeting and banquet rooms offering more than 12,000 sq. ft. of space. Since it is just mere steps away AREA GUIDES Pasadena Civic Auditorium Photo Credit: Pasadena CVB