INTERCOM Designed and Edited by Alvalyn Lundgren | Alvalyn Creative
VOLUME 107 | January/February 2014
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Los Angeles…
Poised to Welcome the World
by Bryan Quinan, CMP | Milken Institute
O
n a gloriously sunny October day in Southern California, more than 180 meeting planner and supplier members, new members and prospects gathered on the Viennese Terrace at the historic Langham Hotel in Pasadena. (See photo gallery on page 8).
group meeting business in Los Angeles County, what the future holds for the downtown Convention Center and his goals to expand awareness of our industry through the LA Tourism bureau. The Bureau is engaged in several goals under Wooden’s guidance. With offices around the world in 10 cities including Shanghai, Beijing, London, Frankfurt, Brazil, Buenos Aires and Dubai, it is building towards a projected 50 million visitors annually by 2020. That represents $32 billion in revenue to the city & county, and over 300,000 jobs.
The networking reception featured several delectable bite-size food stations and a bar. Sponsorship support for the reception and lunch was also provided by Visit Sonoma County. Hilton Hotels, DoubleTree Santa Rosa and Vintner’s Inn provided raffle giveaways and had tabletop displays full of information about their unique destinations. The hotel even provided hand massages and a yoga demonstration courtesy of their amazing spa services.
Some of the other work at LA Tourism on behalf of their 1200 member organizations includes a partnership to fill the Convention Center with more citywide events. The Bureau represents over 170 hotel properties in the county.
When members and guests adjourned to the ballroom for lunch they were greeted by a stunning country chic theme provided by the Langham’s event and banquet services team. Long round tables alternated throughout the setting and made for intimate table discussions before the program began.
More than just a meeting or group business referral, the Bureau also works with Los Angeles World Airports developing non-stop direct international flight business for the newly renovated Tom Bradley Terminal at LAX. New direct flight routes on American Airlines from Buenos Aires, for example can bring up to $650 million in revenue to the city and county.
Once he took the stage, LA Tourism CEO, Ernest Wooden, Jr. gave a commanding presentation about the state of the
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