BRING BRIGHT MINDS TOGETHER AT EXCEPTIONAL UNIVERSITY VENUES
Elevation. There’s Something in the Air Up Here.
It’s a higher level of inspiration. A deeper sense of motivation. The feeling that a meeting here can generate ideas, marshal momentum and inspire action in a way that other places can’t match. And after the meeting, there’s an entire natural playground and vibrant mountain entertainment to explore.
Elevate your meetings in a place where endless luxury abounds.
BY KAMALA KIRK
Meet four top meeting pros who exude passion and dedication
6 Meeting Notes
Reinforce your planner toolkit with inspiring ideas, pro tips, and handy products
10 Destination
Meet in California’s capital city, where cultural diversity, farm-to-table cuisine, and luxury converge
14 Venue Report
Spark innovation amid stunning architecture and top-notch tech at university venues statewide
22 Industry Update
Get the inside scoop on meetings and events industry news in California
26 Snapshots
SITE Southern California celebrates its new board and charity partners—old Hollywood-style
28 People Profile
Visit Tuolumne County’s leader champions her home region, with its mountainous glory and bountiful group adventures
» LAST NOVEMBER, I spent several days touring meeting spaces, attractions, and hotels with other journalists in Monterey County, immersed in the area’s temperate, seaside splendor. Besides the many fascinating sea lion and otter sightings (I came to find the sea lions’ rowdy nighttime chatter almost relaxing, if you can believe it), what stuck with me most after my inaugural visit to the county was how tight-knit, locked-in, and almost familial its hospitality community was, and I was impressed to learn that things had been that way for decades. Like old friends, general managers, chefs, and convention and visitors bureau staff bantered and jested, spinning tales of events past and county history as we hopped around the region.
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One property I toured also made a deep impression—Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds near Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove. The painstaking attention to detail given to preserve the former summer camp’s historic buildings, right down to the last windowpane, was awe-inspiring. It felt as if the property was a living, breathing entity, a place our group was part of, if only briefly.
Although it seemed Monterey County held tightly to its roots, nothing there felt outdated. Every venue I visited was a thriving, modern facility, and staff who were newer to the area were treated as integral parts of the community. Witnessing this careful balancing act posed an interesting question I think we can all ask ourselves: How do we move forward intentionally without losing who we are?
In a field like event planning, which involves almost constant reinvention—with new tech and expectations surfacing each year—preservation might feel like a radical act or even something to avoid. But for organizations that want to make an impression and continue to thrive, I would suggest it is essential. Remembering what makes your organization great and treating those aspects with care produces a sense of authenticity that is difficult to achieve any other way. This might look like intentionally preserving long-standing values after leadership changes, actively maintaining positive attendee and venue relationships, or pouring your heart into work on a beloved annual company event, among myriad other strategies.
What I felt in Monterey County was more than just nostalgia or an old-school mentality; it was stewardship. Its hospitality community has chosen, collectively, to protect its welcoming atmosphere and identity for the benefit of all. So, as you plan out the rest of your year and consider what needs a little spice or innovation, don’t forget to also ask yourself, “What deserves safekeeping?”
LINDEN M. BAYLISS Managing Editor lbayliss@greenspring.com
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Seaside beauty, delectable eats, and seasoned venues make Monterey County a classic meetings choice
What do writer John Steinbeck and sardines have in common? They both have strong ties to Monterey County, a dreamy, mild-weathered region nestled along the Central Coast. One of its most notable hubs is Cannery Row, Monterey’s waterfront district that saw its heyday in the early 20th century as immigrants settled to fish the waters and package the area’s famous salty tinned seafood. Today, Monterey County thrives as a dynamic meeting destination, boasting natural beauty and a welcoming hospitality community.
VIBE: “Monterey County is the quintessential California experience, bringing it all together in one inspiring destination,” says Rob O’Keefe, president and CEO of See Monterey. “Actually, inspiration is Monterey’s superpower. It’s driven by the blend of versatile, world-class meeting venues and incredible outdoor experiences, all set against some of California’s most iconic scenery.”
TRANSPORTATION: Monterey
County is two hours from San Francisco International Airport and 1 1/2 hours from San Jose Mineta International Airport. Monterey Regional Airport offers direct service from several major cities (with Chicago coming in late May), making most U.S. markets just one stop away. In Monterey, many popular attractions are within walking distance of each other, and the Monterey-Salinas Transit system runs the free Monterey Trolley.
BY LINDEN M. BAYLISS
HOTELS: Groups meeting at the Monterey Conference Center might appreciate the ultraconvenience of two connected hotels: the LEED-certified Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay and the Monterey Marriott. In Carmel Valley, Bernardus Lodge & Spa and Carmel Valley Ranch appeal with their relaxing, pastoral atmospheres, while InterContinental The Clement Monterey and Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa offer the utmost luxury in lively Monterey. For a touch of history, Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove is a former early-1900s summer camp steps away from Asilomar State Beach.
VENUES: The Monterey Conference Center’s 40,000-plus square feet of modern gathering space includes three ballrooms and several smaller meeting rooms—when combined with the adjoining hotels, over 80,000 square feet of space is available. For a standalone venue with a rustic vibe, The Barns at Cooper Molera is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown Monterey with full-service catering, event-coordination services, and elevated decor rental options.
RESTAURANTS: For a classic Monterey dining experience, The Fish Hopper on Fisherman’s Wharf (with buyouts for 300)is a must-try, with fresh seafood dishes such as macadamia-crusted halibut. Stokes Adobe is set in a twostory historic home, serving up inventive craft cocktails and upscale French- and
Italian-inspired fare. Farm-to-table cuisine is king at Bernardus Lodge & Spa’s Lucia Restaurant & Bar—its dishes are often made using ingredients harvested from the property’s well-tended, organic herb and vegetable garden.
MUST-SEES & -DOS: During downtime, enjoy a tour of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where attendees can get up close to jellyfish, giant Pacific octopuses, and other sea creatures. Learn about John Steinbeck’s legacy at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, or take your group to play a round on the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links. One of the area’s quintessential attractions, scenic state Route 1 through Big Sur, has now fully reopened—attendees should take some time during their stay to make the iconic trip. seemonterey.com
Andrea Driessen is a keynote speaker; author of the award-winning “The Non-Obvious Guide to Event Planning” and the forthcoming “Messages of Mattering: The Gracenote Method for Living, Leading, and Leaving a Legacy;” and the founder of the global Gracenotes movement.
How Gracenotes help meeting and event professionals reclaim their ‘why’
BY ANDREA DRIESSEN
» AS A MEETINGS AND EVENTS professional, you hold the emotional, logistical, and experiential architecture of entire gatherings in your hands. You anticipate needs before they’re requested, create conditions for connection and transformation, and keep countless moving parts in harmony—all while managing budgets, stakeholders, and surprises.
It’s meaningful, complex work. Yet while attendees enjoy seamless experiences, executives celebrate outcomes, and speakers bask in applause, you’re packing up the registration desk and already planning the next event. Your contributions unfold behind the scenes, often unnoticed. Over time, that invisibility can erode energy, clarity, and confidence. But there’s a simple, powerful antidote: what I call “Gracenotes.”
While similar to thank-you notes, Gracenotes are distinct in an important way. A thank-you note recognizes a task. For example, it might read: “Thank you for coordinating that flawless conference.” A Gracenote, in contrast, acknowledges the person behind a task, including their strengths, impacts, and ripple effects.
Spring is prime rooftop season in California—add the wow factor to your next pre-event social hour at these sky-high bars with panoramic views and rental opportunities.
Starlite is a fully enclosed rooftop lounge on the 21st floor of the Beacon Grand hotel in San Francisco’s Union Square, where attendees can enjoy splashy cocktails inspired by iconic city symbols, bites from acclaimed Chef Johnny Spero, and a refined ambience paired with stunning city views. In Los Angeles, two alfresco options stand out—Cara Cara at Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel has lush greenery and inviting fire pits, while The Rooftop Beverly Hills at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, which recently reopened after a transformation, features panoramic vistas of Beverly Hills and Hollywood in a stylish garden setting. Orange County boasts Hive and Honey Rooftop Bar, the only rooftop bar in Irvine, and RISE Rooftop Lounge within The Westin Anaheim Resort, where attendees might view sunsets descend over Disney California Adventure Park while nibbling on Neapolitan-style pizzas, sushi, and more. – Linden M. Bayliss
beacongrand.com/starlite hhrooftopbar.com hilton.com
properhotel.com rise-rooftop.com
Writing a Gracenote is simple: Notice how someone shows up as their highest self; translate that into clear, specific words; and connect contributions to larger impacts. A Gracenote might read: “You bring a calm presence to chaos. When you’re present, more pos sibilities arise, and there is less panic.”
Research shows that employees who believe they matter are more satisfied, more likely to lead, and less likely to quit. Being seen also calms nervous systems, while being ignored does the opposite.
Importantly, Gracenotes aren’t another task for your long to-do list. They are a mindset shift—one that nourishes both givers and receivers. Sharing them doesn’t require a robust budget, prominent plat form, or bright spotlight. It simply requires presence and the willingness to put into words what’s true, good, and distinctive in others.
You and your team deserve to feel as significant as the moments of truth you work so hard to produce in your event experiences, and Gracenotes can help you and your staff reclaim that feeling.
Convenience, farm-to-fork fare, and an abundance of group activities— Sacramento has it all BY KAYLA
» NESTLED WITHIN Northern California, the city of Sacramento celebrates culture, culinary arts, and diversity, also boasting temperate weather and plentiful entertainment and leisure activities.
The capital of California, Sacramento is home base for the governor, legislators, and numerous state agencies. Business gets done in this city—either at plush hotels like the Hyatt Centric Downtown Sacramento and AC Hotel Sacramento or at major event venues like Golden 1 Center, the California Exhibition & State Fair (also known as Cal Expo), and SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, which features 240,000 square feet of gathering space.
The Downtown Commons (DOCO) mixed-use district is home to Golden 1 Center, where the NBA’s Sacramento Kings play, and much more. Dozens of restaurants, ranging from fine dining to casual, also are sprinkled around DOCO.
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Nicknamed “America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital,” Sacramento is a popular place to host dine-arounds, during which meetings groups might enjoy craft cocktails at one place and a delectable Instaworthy dessert a block or two down.
Sacramento doesn’t end at DOCO— it also is home to the Old Sacramento Waterfront area, Sutter’s Fort Historic State Park, and the California State Capitol Museum. The Old Sacramento Waterfront sits along the Sacramento River and is lined with shops, museums, music venues, and art galleries, also offering opportunities to get out on the water aboard the Delta King paddlewheel riverboat.
One of Sacramento’s signature event spaces is the 350-acre indoor/outdoor Cal Expo, known for hosting the 172-yearold California State Fair each year. “The great thing about our location is we’re in the centralized hub of Sacramento,”
says Cal Expo’s Director of Marketing and Business Development Alex Alcantar. “We have a mall across the street, you can go downtown, and there is food everywhere.” Cal Expo hosts hundreds of events each year, regularly hosting larger functions like the annual Sacramento International Sportsmen’s Expo.
Cal Expo is spacious enough for four to five events to happen at the same time within one or a few of its expo buildings, mezzanine areas, and other gathering spaces. “[Meeting planners] can find plenty of space here for whatever they need,” Alcantar adds. “Our goal is to provide diversity, showing what Sacramento really is. We provide a blank canvas to make every event successful.”
Originally from Southern California, Mariles Krok, Visit Sacramento’s chief
convention sales and services officer, says she had no idea about the abundance of recreational opportunities and amazing restaurants in Sacramento until she moved there. “We have whitewater rafting 45 minutes away [on the American River],” Krok says. “And 75% of all the sushi rice and caviar in the country comes from Sacramento.” To enjoy some of this bounty in an interactive class, planners might book sushi-rolling experiences at places like Lucid Winery, which offers its “Make Sushi Rolls With Chef Birdie” session for up to 25 participants.
Rich in agriculture and with two Michelin-starred restaurants, the Sacramento area holds its own when it comes to dining. In 2023, Visit Sacramento won the contract to host the biennial Terra Madre Americas festival, which highlights the best in sustainable food practices; two years later, the city hosted The Michelin Guide California 2025 ceremony.
“I come from big destinations, but coming here, we’re at the center of everything,” Krok says. “There’s amazing food, great weather, and you can walk around downtown or Midtown. [Attendees] can
shop at farmers markets with a chef or take part in a mozzarella-pulling workshop together.” Midtown Sacramento restaurant Mulvaney’s B&L periodically offers a “Chef’s Market Tour and Cooking Class” experience, where participants walk to the Midtown Farmers Market with Chef Patrick Mulvaney to source seasonal ingredients before heading back to the restaurant for a hands-on class and lunch. For dairy aficionados, Mulvaney’s and other area restaurants also occasionally offer private group cheesemaking classes depending on the season.
Opened in 2021, Hyatt Centric Downtown Sacramento is quite literally in the center of Sacramento’s activity, as its name implies. Being three blocks away from the state Capitol, it also is a popular place for government officials to stay when the legislature is in session. The 172-room boutique lifestyle hotel offers groups a 30-person private dining room; the 3,000-square-foot Clayton Club Rooftop Lounge, popular for networking, that can be split into breakout rooms; and the
150-person Baby Grand meeting room that features its own foyer and private restrooms for extra exclusivity.
“The larger events with 100-plus people are usually held in the Clayton Club,” says Director of Sales and Marketing Nancy Wagner. “The space has a speakeasy feel to begin with, and groups often will expand on that decor and bring in their own activations.” She adds, “The hotel celebrates the hot jazz scene with nuances of jazz music throughout the building. The [original] Clayton Club had Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday play there in the 1940s.” While its location has changed from ground floor to rooftop, the Clayton Club retains the moody vibe of its storied past, often hosting themed events ripe with the flapper dresses and wingtip shoes of Jazz Age culture.
Another bonus of booking meetings and events at the Hyatt Centric is the hotel provides top-notch cuisine across all its food and beverage services. “We have an award-winning chef; all guest rooms are serviced by our main kitchen and culinary team, so meeting groups are not eating the same thing every day,” Wagner says.
The AC Hotel Sacramento has two small media salons that cater to the business transient crowd, allowing people to have a last-minute brainstorming session before going about their day, whether they’re heading on the 1 1/2-minute walk to the Golden 1 Center or the 10-minute walk to the Capitol. The hotel shares a parking lot with The Urban Hive, a coworking space that also can host 300-person conferences.
“We get a lot of folks who come into our hotel and go to the [on-site restaurant] AC Kitchen for breakfast,” says AC Hotel Sacramento’s Director of Sales Noelle Ghiorso. “And we’re near the legislative office, so lawyers and congressional members head to work and come back, maybe go to a bar. Or, they spend their day working in the lobby because it’s very walkable to where they need to be.”
Proximity to attractions is a key draw at Hyatt Centric Downtown Sacramento— Wagner notes West Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park is nearby, the temporary home of MLB’s Athletics and the permanent home of the Sacramento River Cats minor league baseball team, a Triple-A affiliate of MLB’s San Francisco Giants. It’s less than a mile away from the hotel, so planners often get suites for their groups during their stay. And since the Hyatt Centric shares a wall with Golden 1 Center, event organizers also might get suites for Kings games and do pregame events at the hotel.
Over at Golden 1 Center, 15 distinctive event spaces are available. The arena hosts up to 50 special events per year, ranging from nonprofit galas and corporate fundraisers to multiday conferences and large-scale summits. The venue’s flexibility allows it to accommodate events of all sizes—from intimate gatherings to full-arena productions. It also was the first indoor sports venue in the nation to achieve LEED-Platinum certification and one of the first indoor professional sports venues in the world to be powered entirely by solar energy.
The Golden 1 Center even offers a “Royal Court Experience,” during which the arena floor transforms into an exclusive setting for events. Designed for up to 100 people, this one-of-a-kind experience allows attendees to dine directly on the Kings’ home court. The evening includes a high-energy welcome from the Sacramento Kings Dancers and feline mascot Slamson; custom lighting design; and a four-course, curated farm-to-fork dining experience.
calexpo.com capitolmuseum.ca.gov deltaking.com golden1center.com hyatt.com marriott.com safecreditunionconventioncenter.com sutterhealthpark.com theurbanhive.com visitsacramento.com
The Golden State’s stunning university venues deliver architectural character, state-of-the-art technology, and the unmistakable prestige of an academic setting BY
» CALIFORNIA IS HOME to many universities, renowned for containing some of the top higher-education institutions in the country. These facilities are no strangers to hosting gatherings— universities not only provide venues with built-in audiovisual equipment, but also easy access to subject-matter experts to round out educational seminars and other corporate functions.
University venues are smart choices for area nonprofits that want to hold events in community spaces, and also for groups who simply like the idea of hosting meetings amid top academic environments. From energetic city campuses to picturesque beachside schools, California’s universities offer diverse settings and venues to set your group up for success.
These campuses are home to many iconic heritage venues known for bringing together great minds. For small- to mediumsize meetings in Northern California, consider The Faculty Club, a significant venue at the University of California, Berkeley, that has hosted memorable events since 1902—it was recognized
LIZZY SHERMAN
on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. American architect Bernard Maybeck designed The Faculty Club’s original one-room structure, and over the years it has expanded to include many indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, along with 23 hotel rooms. The Great Hall at The Faculty Club accommodates 120 attendees seated and up to 200 attendees reception-style. More intimate meeting rooms—like the Popper Room and Louderback Room—supply cozy settings for eight to 12 people.
If you are eyeing Los Angeles for your event, the University of Southern California (USC) presents impressive venues at its University Park Campus near downtown Los Angeles. One venue rich in history is Town & Gown, which has served as a meeting place since 1935. This elegant destination is primed for lavish galas of up to 400. “Ten Schonbek chandeliers cast a warm glow over the expansive space, providing a versatile canvas for myriad occasions,” says Lera Van Straatum, director of private events and restaurants at the university.
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The USC Hotel Grand Ballroom, the crown jewel of USC event spaces, is a 6,880-square-foot venue at the university’s on-site hotel that can be tailored for receptions, banquets, and breakout sessions. The second-floor space holds up to 700 attendees reception-style and can be partitioned into five smaller rooms.
For the client dreaming of a Southern California beach experience, Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus provides another Los Angeles County option. “Pepperdine pairs an unforgettable coastal setting with a team that genuinely values partnership,” says Valerie Vollmer, the school’s senior director of university events. “The variety of distinctive spaces across the campus allows planners to design truly customized experiences.” Pepperdine’s largest meeting venue, Elkins Auditorium, seats up to 399 attendees, while the school’s Villa Graziadio Executive Center offers 32 guest rooms, an executive dining room, two boardrooms, and five meeting rooms.
Northwest along the coast, the University of California, Santa Barbara, offers a beachy setting and comfortable climate, making it another prime event host. For summer conferences, planners have the opportunity to arrange for event attendees to stay in university residence halls and apartments, as well as eat at the dining commons and via on-campus catering.
If you’re looking for a flexible venue at the school, the Loma Pelona Center, on the west side of the main campus, offers two auditoriums (each holding up to 120), sliding partitions for customizable layouts, and an outdoor patio with views of the campus lagoon. The Club & Guest House is a gathering place in the heart of the university, complete with full-service catering packages,
integrated audiovisual services, and room blocks for overnight accommodations. With expansive ocean views, its spaces include the main dining room, two private meeting areas, a 1,300-squarefoot enclosed pavilion, and an outdoor terrace.
For a seaside soiree farther south in La Jolla, the University of California San Diego’s vibrant Theatre District Living and Learning Neighborhood is one of the campus’ newest destinations for events. “We have a new college that just opened about eight months ago called our Eighth College, and within that we have the Survivance Building with its 11th-floor conference center,” says Pamela Johnsen, reservation and event process manager for the University of California San Diego Hospitality and Conference Services. Meeting planners can host larger events of up to 450 in the main area of the conference center. “It offers beautiful views of La Jolla and the ocean, and has an attached patio where you can watch the sunset,” says Johnsen. Smaller meeting rooms provide space for breakout sessions, and the center’s prefunction lobby is ideal for a cocktail or networking hour.
Across the campus, University of California San Diego’s North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood is home to a modern, architecturally striking auditorium dubbed The Jeannie, which offers seating for up to 600 people. The Jeannie boasts stateof-the-art, in-house audiovisual equipment, as well as convenient access to dining and parking areas.
conferences.ucsb.edu conference.ucsd.edu eventservices.berkeley.edu
pepperdine.edu uscprivateevents.com
BY KAMALA KIRK
There’s never a dull moment working in the event-planning industry. From juggling multiple tasks at any given time to working long hours and dealing with constant client demands, it’s a profession that is incredibly exciting, rewarding, and challenging—but it’s not something everyone excels at.
To achieve success as a meetings and events professional, one must possess a combination of essential skills, including in-depth knowledge and experience, creativity, industry connections and relationships, the ability to multitask and solve problems, and an aptitude for connecting with clients to help them bring their visions to life.
California Meetings + Events is shining the spotlight on four industry trailblazers who demonstrate expertise and passion for their work, have earned numerous accolades and awards, and continue to set the bar high while paving the way for others. They share their journeys through the industry, tips for success, most memorable events, and much more.
A major source of childhood inspiration for Teneo Hospitality Group Vice President of Global Sales and Industry Relations Gary Murakami was his mother, who worked in hospitality as a linelevel employee. “Through her, I saw the connections, pride, and opportunities this industry creates,” says Murakami. “That early exposure shaped my belief that meetings are not just singular and static events—they’re pathways to growth, belonging, and the possibilities that these experiences create.”
For the past five years, San Francisco-based Murakami has worked in his current role at Teneo Hospitality Group—a global sales organization based in Minnetonka, Minnesota—assisting in leading worldwide sales strategy and industry engagement while serving as a bridge between the company and its meeting-planner clients, thoughtfully aligning their objectives with the destinations and hotels across the company’s portfolio that best support their visions. Over the years, he has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Professional Convention Management Association’s Groundbreaker Award in 2023 and the Events Industry Council’s 2024 Social Impact Award.
One of Murakami’s favorite events to assist with is Teneo Hospitality Group’s annual Teneo Summit, which takes place in late fall. “It brings together our hotel partners and top clients in an environment built for collaboration and discovery,” he explains.
“We use the gathering intentionally as a conference incubator— showcasing new ideas, current industry trends, experiences, and design strategies that can influence our clients’ individual meetings and events across the industry.”
Murakami points out that innovation starts with intentionality. “It’s about creating experiences that are highly personalized, authentic, and foster inclusion,” says Murakami. “I see my role as a conduit between our clients and hotel partners, strategically identifying locations that amplify these experiences while meeting each client’s individual vision and goals. This industry has the power to bring people together in moments that inspire change, and being part of that transformation—both professionally and personally—is what drives me every day.”
After graduating from Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles with a degree in finance, event sales pro Nicholas Morales worked in orthopedic medical sales prior to landing his first job in the events industry, a sales role with the Los Angeles-based Anschutz Entertainment Group. Here, he generated revenue through event sales for venues like L.A. Live and Crypto.com Arena.
“From selling premium [Los Angeles] Lakers experiences to supporting marquee moments like the Grammy Awards and NBA All-Star weekend, I was immediately drawn to the energy and scale of live events,” says Morales. He joined the inaugural SoFi Stadium sales team in 2020, where he played a key role in building the Hollywood Park venue’s private events business from the ground up. He recently
transitioned into the role of regional director of event sales for the West region with New York City-based Legends Global, leading private event sales strategy at venues within Hollywood Park (which partners with Legends Global for sales and other services) while supporting other venues throughout the region. To help bolster his work and stay active in the industry, Morales attends key conferences, partner meetings, and networking functions, also collaborating with the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board on sales initiatives, client introductions, and events.
Morales has worked on many memorable gatherings over the years, including LMU’s 109th Commencement Exercises in 2021 and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board’s Market Outlook Forum in 2024, both held at SoFi Stadium. “As a proud LMU alum, it was especially rewarding to help welcome more than 3,200 graduates and 33,000 guests for one of the first major events at SoFi Stadium,” says Morales.
Morales’ approach to planning successful events is simple: Keep the gathering’s main purpose center stage while delivering a premium experience that exceeds the client’s expectations. “It starts with collaboration and understanding a client’s true objectives, not just their event format,” says Morales. “Inevitably, challenges arise in live events, but remaining calm, proactive, and solution-oriented builds trust. When clients feel supported, creativity and execution naturally follow.”
“The difference between a good event and a great one is often emotional, not operational.”
– SARA PARRELL SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER, TERRAMAR DMC
Anaheim-based planner Sara Parrell’s journey to the events industry began with her first professional role with The Walt Disney Co.—right out of high school, she was cast as Wendy in Disneyland Park’s live show “Fantasmic!” She also performed as a dancer in the theme park’s “Aladdin” and “The Lion King” parades and portrayed various characters, such as Snow White and Cinderella, at Tokyo Disneyland. When Parrell returned to Disneyland Park in Anaheim, she played the role of Sleeping Beauty before stepping into a lead position overseeing the park’s character-based entertainment.
“Disney taught me the art of crafting magical, immersive experiences and the discipline of honoring every detail of the attendee journey,” says Parrell. “To this day, I plan every event through the lens of magic—considering not just what attendees will see, but also what they will feel, hear, and remember. That philosophy continues to guide my work: creating environments so thoughtfully designed that, even if just for a moment, guests are transported into a world built just for them.”
Parrell’s first role in events was with Irvine’s JNR Inc., for which she planned and operated incentive programs, an experience that helped shape her confidence and leadership style. Two years ago, Parrell joined Terramar DMC, a destinationand event-management company based in San José del Cabo, Mexico—with offices across the U.S., Mexico, and Panama—that delivers everything from curated group activities to full-scale event design and production. As senior account manager, she oversees Terramar DMC’s sales efforts throughout Orange County. “I maintain strong partnerships with hotels, venues, transportation companies, entertainment providers, and specialty vendors to ensure we are always bringing forward the best Orange County has to offer,” she says.
One of the most memorable events Parrell worked on was an incentive program in Napa. “We curated extraordinary wine dinners, exclusive excursions, and late-night hospitality experiences that made our attendees feel like insiders to something special,” says Parrell. “One evening, we hosted a five-course wine-pairing dinner inside a spectacular wine cave, accompanied by a live string quartet. With the glow of candlelight against the stone, the music echoing softly, and the aroma of the wine and the earth—the event was completely immersive.”
Parrell also partners with area convention and visitors bureaus to reimagine how destinations are experienced and remembered. “If there’s a secret to success in this industry, it’s intentionality,” says Parrell. “The difference between a good event and a great one is often emotional, not operational. It’s in the moments that feel personal, intuitive, and genuinely considered.”
When Dominic Martin worked his first event, a citywide convention held more than a decade ago, he knew he had found his true calling. “I immediately fell in love with the controlled chaos of it all,” says Martin, director of sales for RMC, a company based in Basalt, Colorado, that specializes in full-service destination management with a focus on highend corporate and incentive events in luxury locales. For him, the constant flow of new projects was energizing. “That early experience really taught me that this industry was where I belonged and where I was going to thrive,” he says.
Martin gained extensive experience in a variety of eventsfocused roles beginning in 2012. These involved coordinating national conventions at a casino property, marketing and hotel sales, creating programs for social and corporate events at recently opened hotel and resort properties, handling event infrastructure equipment for gatherings at concert venues and PGA Tour golf courses, and even running his own business that focused on high-end weddings and events.
In 2024, he joined RMC’s Lake Tahoe/Reno office as senior sales and operations manager. After becoming director of sales last year, he moved to the company’s Napa office, where he now oversees event sales across Napa and Sonoma counties. Martin is responsible for developing client relationships and maintaining hotel partnerships, as well as identifying new business opportunities. “I studied psychology in college, and understanding behavior and motivation has really helped me connect with clients on a deeper level,” Martin says. “It goes back to understanding people, which is at the heart of what we do every day.” Last year, RMC named Martin “Rising Star” of the company.
Exceptional communication is key for Martin to create meaningful experiences for attendees. “I make sure that, from the first conversation we have through event execution, clients feel confident they have partnered with the right team to bring their vision to life,” he says. Martin also takes pride in his work. “It’s so rewarding to see an event come together,” he says. “It’s such an evolution from that first time you talk to [the client] to what pops up in front of you. I love being able to bring these visions to life to create memorable experiences.”
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After hosting the 2026 Super Bowl in February, the San Francisco Bay Area is preparing to play host yet again, this time on a global scale for the FIFA World Cup. Six World Cup matches will be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara in June and July, with half a million visitors expected to head to the Bay Area for the games. California Meetings + Events checked in with the San Francisco Travel Association’s Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer Nicole Rogers to find out what meeting planners should be aware of when bringing their groups out to San Francisco proper this summer.
M+E: Are there any new builds or renovations debuting around the time of the World Cup that might be of interest to planners?
NR: There’s so much happening in San Francisco. This spring, the historic Huntington Hotel on Nob Hill reopened after a redesign by [interior designer] Ken Fulk, including a revamped Nob Hill Spa and the reimagined Big Four restaurant with an updated dining space and new bar. The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square just welcomed two restaurants from Chef Michael Mina: Bourbon Steak San Francisco, a modern steakhouse, and
The Eighth Rule, a bourbon-driven bar developed [in partnership with the NBA’s Golden State Warriors star] Steph Curry. And for attendees who want to explore the waterfront, Mission Rock is the city’s newest neighborhood. Built on 28 acres next to Oracle Park, the development has waterfront parks and great restaurants, like the new Via Aurelia, an upscale Tuscan spot with private dining space and incredible views.
M+E: What else should meeting planners be aware of when hosting in the area this summer?
NR: It’s a busy, exciting time in San Francisco with the World Cup and major conferences scheduled throughout the year, so planning ahead is key. Use our team as a resource in your event organizing. We’re here to help planners every step of the way, from finding the perfect accommodations and venues to navigating the city’s distinctive offerings. Our team knows San Francisco inside and out and can provide personalized recommendations—whether it’s securing a unique location, coordinating local experiences, or booking the best hotel for your group [to relax in] before heading to watch a World Cup match. sftravel.com
» GREEN VALLEY RANCH CASINO, Resort & Spa in Henderson, Nevada, southeast of Las Vegas, debuted the renovation of its 199 West Tower guest rooms and suites in early December, and completed its meeting space revamp in March. The West Tower guest room redesign blends residential warmth with layered textures and European luxury, with each room now featuring LED-lit vanities, a fully stocked minibar, 65-inch smart TVs, Nespresso machines, a Conair garment steamer, an automated lighting system, plush robes, and vintage-inspired analog alarm clocks, among other amenities. The resort’s meeting and event spaces, which span 69,000 square feet, were upgraded to include warm, neutral tones and modern furnishings. Notable venues include the Estancia Ballroom, which hosts up to 900 attendees reception-style, and the scenic, open-air Garden Amphitheater, ideal for gatherings of up to 1,000. greenvalleyranch.com
There’s a lot to keep on your radar in the Los Angeles area this year. For one, the Los Angeles Convention Center, the epicenter of meetings, embarked on a $2.6 billion modernization project that will add 190,000 square feet of exhibit space to create one contiguous hall spanning over 750,000 square feet, as well as expand both meeting and multipurpose rooms. The convention center will remain operational throughout the comprehensive upgrade, which is expected to be completed by spring 2029. laconventioncenter.com
For waterfront action, bring groups to the West Harbor mixed-use development, partially open now and set to fully open this summer. The hub-to-be spans 42 acres at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro and will feature restaurants, retail,
Kristi Allen , executive vice president of hotels at Ensemble of Long Beach, became chair of the California Hotel & Lodging Association last December. In this role, she oversees a 33-member board, as well as statewide advocacy on issues facing the hotel industry, such as taxation, regulatory mandates, and legal challenges. Allen is a past board member of the Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, as well as the past chair of the Downtown Long Beach Alliance and the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
and a 6,200-seat amphitheater upon completion. A launch point for Harbor Breeze Cruises will be included along the shoreline, with private charters available. westharborla.com
The immersive Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, co-founded by “Star Wars” filmmaker George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, will debut this September and showcase the art of visual storytelling through paintings, photography, film, and sculpture. Designed by architect Ma Yansong and part of Exposition Park—a collection of museums, educational and sport facilities, and entertainment venues—the museum will showcase two state-of-the-art cinematic theaters, a dedicated private event space, classrooms and studio spaces, a research library, cafe, and restaurant. lucasmuseum.org
Caroline Beteta will retire from her current role as president and CEO of Visit California this September, after three decades of leadership. During her tenure, she led the development of California’s first statewide tourism-assessment program, built a globally recognized brand, and launched award-winning campaigns that drove record visitation and spending. The Visit California board of directors has launched a global search for her successor, and Beteta will remain fully engaged throughout the transition.
John Urdi began his role as Visit Huntington Beach’s president and CEO in January. Urdi brings more than three decades of leadership experience to the role, and he is now responsible for advancing the organization’s mission and long-term standing by leveraging major large-scale events, optimizing the funding structure, and positioning the Surf City USA brand for success. Urdi joins Visit Huntington Beach after serving as the president and CEO of Mammoth Lakes Tourism since 2010.
» THE FIRST CALIFORNIA hotel from Coloradobased hospitality company Aspen One, Limelight Mammoth in Mammoth Lakes opened its doors steps from The Village Gondola and Mammoth Mountain in early December. Just a short drive from the center of Mammoth Lakes, the resort welcomes planners and attendees with 149 guest rooms, 8,000 square feet of event space, and meetings packages that include activities like private charter flights, mountain biking, and group dinners under the stars. Sustainability is foundational to the hotel’s design—Limelight Mammoth runs on an all-electric system and provides electric vehicle charging stations, among other amenities. limelighthotels.com/mammoth
To officially install a new board of directors and reward its charity partners, the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence Southern California (SITE SoCal) held the 2026 SITE SoCal Installation Dinner + Incentive Experience on Jan. 20 and 21. The event was infused with the spirit of old Hollywood glitz and glam, and kicked off at Pendry Newport Beach with a reception, dinner, and board announcements, wrapping up the night Prohibition-style at Pendry’s speakeasy, The Cabaret at The Elwood Club. The incentive experience portion of the event brought attendees aboard Wild Goose, the late actor John Wayne’s onetime yacht. In addition to welcoming the board, checks were handed out to several of the association’s philanthropic partners using money given at SITE SoCal’s Holiday Event & Charity Gala in December. Check recipients included RAD Camp, Hoofbeats For Hope, and Keeping Every Girl Free, while Pendry Newport Beach, Visit Newport Beach, and Colorado-based destination management company RMC, among others, served as event sponsors.
1. Signature cocktail and stylish bar
2. Nicole Shirrel and Steve Shirrel
3. Andrew Vasquez and Lauren O’Sullivan 4. Chelsea Crowe, Patti Rivera, Lisa Tomaselli, and Kasey Kapitanek
5. John Ehlenfeldt, John Todora, and William Lynch 6. Meghan Clem and April Casillas 7. Angela Minardi, Kate Wigand, and Michelle Kyle 8. James Ash and Jackie Ash 9. 2026 SITE SoCal board
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A longtime resident and tourism champion, Lisa Mayo of Visit Tuolumne County takes pride in her home community
BY LINDEN M. BAYLISS
Lisa Mayo, Visit Tuolumne County’s president and CEO and the winner of last year’s prestigious F. Norman Clark Tourism Champion of the Year award from the California Travel Association, got her first taste of the tourism industry when she was just 15 years old. She worked at the Fallon House Ice Cream Parlor at Columbia State Historic Park in the Sierra Nevada foothills. “It sounds crazy, but we would have lines of people out the door in the summertime, and many of those people were international travelers,” recalls Mayo.
“I remember at the time being a little awestruck by how these people got here, how they found little Columbia on their travels, and what made them come here.”
Mayo’s family moved to Tuolumne County from San Jose when she was 8, and after graduating from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo with a bachelor’s degree in recreation administration, Mayo returned to her home county and began working for area wineries and golf courses. It was then that she met her mentor, who was on the board for the neighboring Calaveras County Visitors Bureau. “She pegged me for the job when that director left and asked me to interview,” says Mayo. “I really didn’t know exactly what I was getting into.”
Nonetheless, Mayo got the job, and she dove into tourism in Calaveras County, working alongside many area partners, including former Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau (now Visit Tuolumne County) Executive Director Nanci Sikes, who eventually offered Mayo a position in her home county. “Now, I’ve been doing this for almost 25 years, which is hard to believe,” Mayo says. “It’s the friendships and the people—peers, stakeholders, and visitors—that really make this work amazing.”
In her off hours, you can find Mayo, her husband, and their dogs exploring the Sierra Nevada on foot or via all-terrain vehicle, or enjoying a day in Yosemite National Park, both among Tuolumne County’s most well-known attractions. Her personal favorite hidden gem? Sonora Pass along state Route 108 in the High Sierra. It’s one of the steepest passes in the state. “There are some incredible vistas,” Mayo says. “You can take in many waterfalls if you’re looking for them.”
When it comes to planning events, Mayo loves blending in regional flair. For the 2024 American Loggers Council Annual Meeting held at Chicken Ranch Casino Resort in Jamestown, she facilitated a partnership between the council and Dying Breed Brewing in nearby Oakdale, which featured a beer called West Coast Logger with a red-and-black, plaid label, perfect for the group’s theme. Her team also is rolling out an online program that allows planners to send attendees gift cards for area businesses to use during free time, encouraging groups to spend money locally. “I think it will be helpful across the board,” she notes. “And it will help to show the impact groups have when they are in our destination.”
visittuolumne.com
Three extraordinary destinations. Endless possibilities. At Agua Caliente Casinos, every space is designed to command attention and fuel ideas, from sleek boardrooms to grand ballrooms. Our impressive 23,000-square-foot meeting space allows for ultimate adaptability. For more intimate gatherings, it can effortlessly transform into 12 distinct and private meeting rooms. At our Forbes-rated flagship in Rancho Mirage, our downtown Palm Springs property, and Cathedral City’s local gem, success doesn’t whisper—it roars.
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Lavon Minor | Director of Sales lminor@accmail.net | 760-202-2111
