Discovering Long Beach
One meeting planner's experience in a new city.
When was the last time you were truly surprised by a destination? Working as a meeting and event planning professional, you’re probably well-read, well-traveled and in-the-know about most meeting destinations throughout the country. You do your research, stay on top of trends and read your meeting trade magazines on a regular basis. It’s probably safe to say that it would take “a lot” for a destination to genuinely “surprise” you.
“I never knew” is a common theme we hear echoed by meeting planners after their first trip to Long Beach, California. We seem to have that effect on planners and their very happy meeting attendees. Washington, DC area planner (and extensive world traveler) Ildikó Rozembersky recently sat down with MeetinLongBeach to share her impressions of the city after her first visit in April.
Ildikó’s experience is a common one voiced by many meeting professionals after their first experience with Long Beach. They fall in love with the community- not just the local Long Beach residents but also with our hotel and convention center partners. It’s clear that the entire hospitality community works together to make sure every meeting and event feels valued and appreciated in Long Beach - because they truly are.
“The people are really awesome and ... friendly. Everyone just wants to make sure you are having a good time.”
Everyone from the hotel bellman and concierge to the restaurant waiters and taxi drivers knows and understands that meetings mean business to Long Beach. They whole-heartedly want your attendees’ convention experience to be productive, educational, and fun.
Even if you’ve visited Long Beach in the past, you may be surprised to see all of the extensive renovations, upgrades and improvements throughout the city. With over $40 million in enhancements to the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, including the state-of-art new Pacific Room, $121 million in hotel renovations and upgrades, and new commercial and residential developments, the city has experienced a remarkable transformation.
“I was so surprised to see it was so walkable…”
After arriving into Downtown Long Beach, it’s easy to get around the city without a car. Attendees can wake up and simply walk out of their hotels to find a great little spot for crepes, a bar for an after-conference cocktail or take a stroll and enjoy the warm Southern California sunshine. The free Passport Shuttle offers service from Pine Avenue to waterfront attractions, like the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary and Shoreline Village.
“I went with no expectations, and honestly, I came away with this amazing impression of this city that I had no idea really existed.”
We love hearing first hand from planners like Ildikó about their wonderful personal experiences in our city. If you’re interested in experiencing Long Beach for the first time (or the second or third…), please let us know. We’d love to have the opportunity to surprise you, in the very best way.
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