Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/572452
SUNNY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COMBINES GLAMOUR & HOSPITALITY FOR BEST MEETING EVER! BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II The glamour of Hollywood extends well beyond the borders of Los Angeles, infecting the entire state of California with celebrities, iconic landscapes, and trendy metropolitan wonder. From the balmy beaches of southern California to the soupy fog of San Francisco and north- wards into the wild redwood forests and dramatic Pacific coastline, this state real- ly does have it all. Unless you've got a month to spare, you won't be able to cover all of this lengthy state. So pick a region or two, and after your meetings are done (or before they begin), rent a car, and get lost in magical California. Surf the casual breaks along Orange Beach, hike the Sierras, or gawk at the wood and granite cathedrals of Yosemite National Park. California is a nature lover's paradise. But unlike some other scenic American states, California also oozes culture, style, and sophistication. The state has its own genre of cuisine, the nation's top wine region, and a very long list of cool, relaxed beaches and hideaways that war- rant a lingering visit. ••• LONG BEACH ••• Alongside a picturesque harbor on the beautiful Pacific Ocean, Long Beach is a dream for both conference planners and attendees alike. Small enough to call your own for any number of days, yet offering the experience, diversity and variety of a much larger city, Long Beach truly has it all — the best of Southern California din- ing, entertainment and culture all within an easily accessible area. Long Beach's urban sophistication, with the atmosphere of a beach resort, offers big city amenities alongside the vis- itor friendly charm of a small town. Visitors will find first-class accommoda- tions, shopping, dining, attractions, sea- side sightseeing along picturesque bays and 5 ½ miles of sandy beachfront. Behind-the-scenes, you'll find an out- standing level of teamwork and experi- ence between hotels and facilities. Long Beach simply knows what it takes to host some of the world's most prestigious organizations, such as the Olympic Swim Trials, and win accolades and awards from meeting planners and associations across the globe for hosting record- breaking conferences and events year after year. The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center offers more than 400,000 sq. ft. of meeting and exhibit space, with new wiring for the latest technology as well as wireless capabili- ty. There are two VIP lounges, a full- service concierge/restaurant reserva- tion desk, hospitality catering and an on- site audio/visual supplier. With 34 Meeting Rooms and A Grand Ballroom, three dynamic Exhibition Halls, Long Beach Arena and the Terrace Theater, the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center is ideal for all types of special events, conventions and tradeshows and is within walking distance to everything. For planners wanting to choose a more unique venue to hold an event con- sider The Aquarium Of The Pacific. Conference attendees can take a jour- ney of discovery through the world's largest ocean, meeting more than 11,000 animals in over 50 exhibits as they explore sunny Southern California and Baja, the frigid waters of the Northern Pacific and the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. Explore Summer of Wonder! Delve into wonder with new interactive exhibits, animals and pro- grams. Touch new shark and ray species. Get up-close with a penguin and the many other species of ocean life The Aquarium has to Offer. The Long Beach Airport is making use of solar technology with six new solar trees that track the movement of the sun to produce electricity. Considered to be one of the most advanced solar systems in the region, the light-collecting system is expected to create 15,000 kilowatt hours annual- ly, save at least $5,000 a year. B M & T ••• May/June 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 40 !2%! '5)$%3 S O U T H E R N C A L I F • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS The Hilton Long Beach & Executive Meeting Center 398 Courtyard by Marriott 216 EXHIBITION FACILITIES The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center Total Exhibit Space 400,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 34 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Long Beach Area CVB (800) 452-7829 www.visitlongbeach.com Long Beach Convention Center with Queen Mary in background Photo Credit: Long Beach Area CVB