San Diego Offers Everything Under the California Sun

January 26, 2022
San Diego

Sponsored by San Diego Tourism Authority

San Diego Offers Everything Under the California Sun

San Diego captures the essence of what makes California such a popular destination for business and leisure travelers. This classic beach city has it all — beautiful shores, outdoor adventure, and a vibrant city center. While it’s known for its mild temps, you might be surprised to learn that it’s a hotbed of innovation, education, and cultural exploration. So, if you’re looking to make a splash with your attendees, there are many reasons to choose San Diego for your next event.

A Wellspring of Wellness

San Diego is an outdoor oasis where wellness is a way of life. Just being around the water has a powerful calming influence that inspires, invigorates, and provides endless opportunities for socializing and fun. Bring your group together to surf, kayak, or simply bask in the beauty of this diverse coastal region. Looking to recharge in between sessions? Enjoy a stroll around iconic Balboa Park. Or take in the stunning harbor views from San Diego Waterfront Park. San Diego’s passion for wellness extends to your health and safety as well. The city leads the industry in safety protocols and health standards while still providing the warm hospitality you’ve come to expect from America’s Finest City.

A City of Convenience

Few cities are better suited for group gatherings than San Diego. The San Diego Convention Center is just a minutes’ drive from the San Diego International Airport and within walking distance of hotels and the heart of downtown. You don’t have to venture far to discover the Downtown Gaslamp Quarter -- 16 historic blocks packed with landmarks, dining, shopping, and sight-seeing opportunities around every corner.

San Diego

An Epicenter of Inspiration

The newest corner to San Diego’s bustling downtown is the UC San Diego @ Park & Market. This networking hub provides access to leading-edge ideas by creating a direct link to the extensive resources of UC San Diego. Equally inspiring is the space itself. A gleaming glass tower houses a state-of-the art business complex that includes a 225-seat black box theater, 66-seat movie theater, four executive conference rooms, and an expansive terrace overlooking the city skyline.

A Celebration of Cultures

While the UC San Diego @ Park & Market offers access to leading-edge ideas, The Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park celebrates the history of human ingenuity. Its collection is full of centuries-old folk art, craft, and artifacts from around the world. The Mingei’s new amphitheater and two unique dining experiences form a lively gathering space within this creatively rich atmosphere. Whether it’s the Mingei or the 16 neighboring museums, Balboa Park offers a culturally enriching experience that’s bound to leave your attendees feeling inspired long after they leave.  

Looking to add some Southern California-flair to your next meeting or event? San Diego’s legendary weather, diverse venues and innovative spirit are sure to draw a big crowd. Visit SanDiego.org/meetings or call 877-973-6338 to start planning today.

Funded in part with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds.

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Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact