“The enhanced experiences we’re seeing in California have never been better,” announced Caroline Beteta, President and CEO of Visit California at the 2024 PCMA Convening Leaders conference in January. “In 2023, 78 new hotels opened and [2024] will see 88 new hotels and resorts. The diversity is abundant, from the Thompson hotel in the heart of downtown Palm Springs with 8,000 sf of meeting space to Long Beach’s first luxury boutique hotel, the Fairmont Breakers. No other destination can match California, with more convention centers and more commercial airports than any other state.”
She adds, “There are four key differentiators for California: 1) outdoor climate; 2) inclusivity; 3) sustainability; and 4) tech+innovation. And when we talk outdoor climate, look at San Diego; that translates to year-round opportunities for outdoor meetings.” She continued, “Inclusivity is core to our operating DNA; we’re the most diverse state in all of the U.S. Our destinations are eager to showcase their unique blend of diversity for groups. Take our new Visit Native California coalition and initiative. We have more federally recognized tribal nations than any other state in the nation.” Beteta sited Greater Palm Springs as an example, which works closely with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and recently opened the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum to add to the California portfolio of venues for meeting planners to take advantage of.
On sustainability and green movement, Beteta commented, “We’re proud of our unparalleled commitment to this. In fact, our state has eight LEED-certified convention centers. Our destinations have [committed] to sourcing products locally.”
In Capay Valley, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation holds sustainable practices close to their heart, offering, among other activities, the Séka Hills Olive Mill & Tasting Room. Attendees will get an insider’s view of how the tribe’s olives are grown, milled and finished into extra virgin olive oils and they’ll and they’ll be treated to scenic views of the surrounding orchard and rolling hills.
Lastly, Beteta noted, “Tech+innovation has been critically important [to us]. [Look at] the leading-edge technology in Silicon Valley and San Francisco and the bio and life sciences in San Diego.”
I recently traveled to California and explored two areas that showcase the state’s diversity for the MICE market. In the southern tip of the state, you’ll find San Diego, with its sustainable-forward convention center and exciting group venues like Petco Park and The Rady Shell, and in northern California, there’s culinary- and nature-rich Healdsburg and its surrounding wine country.
On the following pages, are my two on locations: San Diego and Healdsburg.
visitcalifornia.com/meetings