On Jan. 24, the temperature in downtown Los Angeles was 72 degrees and the 61st Annual Meeting of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) had gathered at the Los Angeles Convention Center which, like 98 percent of Los Angeles County, was not impacted by the fires that raged on televisions around the country and in the hills of Palisades and Altadena. By Jan. 25, the weather report called for welcome rain. On Jan. 30, Cal Fire had contained two of the biggest blazes that burned more than 16,000 homes and buildings, caused an estimated $30 billion in damage and had taken the lives of 29 people.
The price of the tragic disaster is even greater when calculating the loss of tourism and meetings revenue that is so important to the region. Visit California President and CEO Caroline Beteta today issued a statement that emphasized Los Angeles is open for business. “With 98% of the county not directly impacted by the fires, the iconic event venues, world-class hotels, thrilling attractions and diverse neighborhoods the world knows and loves are ready to welcome groups of all sizes,” she said.
How to Support Southern California After the Fires
The resiliency of the hospitality industry is legendary and many hotels opened their doors for evacuated residents at discounted rates. But many more watching from home are asking what they can do to help. Beteta said going ahead with a planned event as STS did or planning a new one is a meaningful way to show that the area is still an attractive destination for attendees and avert an economic crisis. “Hosting a meeting, conference or event in the region supports thousands of local businesses and the more than half a million Angelenos whose livelihoods depend on them,” she said.
“One out of five California tourism-related jobs are in Los Angeles County, highlighting just how vital the tourism industry is to the region’s economy and recovery efforts. The meetings and events industry can help support the city’s recovery by continuing to bring business to the City of Angels,” Beteta continued.
Read More: LA Fires Update: What Meeting Profs Need to Know
To amplify the philanthropic impact, STS raised money for a Los Angeles Wildfire Response Fund. Smart Meetings, too, announced it would be donating to the Search Foundation Wildfire Relief Resources when meeting with top event professionals three hours away in San Diego for our Elevate Experience.
“Now is the time to host your event, support our communities and help show the world the enduring spirit of Los Angeles,” Beteta concluded.
Update on Southern California Destinations
- Santa Monica: The Los Angeles tech hub merges tech-forward culture with inspiring coastal settings. The Annenberg Community Beach House offers cutting-edge A/V capabilities with a beachside view, while the new Regent Santa Monica Beach boasts luxurious, smart meeting spaces with panoramic ocean views. For more intimate meeting spaces, the Santa Monica Proper Hotel combines state-of-the-art A/V equipment with the warmth of natural beach elements throughout their welcoming venues.
- Marina del Rey: Located just 15 minutes from LAX and adjacent to Venice Beach and Santa Monica, the Marina offers convenience alongside California’s relaxed luxury. Recent hotel enhancements at Hilton Garden Inn and Jamaica Bay Inn feature upgraded rooms with ocean-inspired designs and coastal charm. The Ritz-Carlton’s Sisley Spa now includes expanded relaxation areas, perfect for pre- and post-event wellness. For more casual gatherings, Marina del Rey Hotel’s new Mojo Café provides a trendy, grab ‘n go setting. For memorable team-building, Killer Ocean Adventures provides e-boat rentals and coastal excursions.
- Pasadena: The innovative entrepreneur has easy access to four major airports, with the 130,000-square-foot GBAC STAR accredited Pasadena Convention Center centrally located, and more than 1,200 hotel rooms within walking distance, plus another 1,300 rooms a short drive away. For one-of-a-kind experience, check out the historic Caltech Antheneum, iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, or NASA/JPL, just to name a few.
- Los Angeles: Events in LA mean access to world-class museums, venues, hotels, theaters, restaurants and more. From one of the most technologically advanced convention centers, the LA Convention Center, to the brand new Intuit Dome, downtown LA has something for everyone. The city encompasses 841 galleries and museums, more per capita than any other city, 3,000 new hotel rooms added, and 13 unique districts offering unique experiences.
- Beverly Hills: This luxury destination boasts 16 prestigious hotels with 2,500 guest rooms and 100,000 square feet of event space making it a versatile destination for meetings and events of all sizes. The Maybourne Beverly Hills offers chic conference rooms and sun-drenched terraces that can accommodate any professional gathering. The Peninsula Beverly Hills’ elegant Boardroom features mahogany wood-paneling, ideal for exclusive meetings and conferences. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills’ Astor Ballroom offers an open and dynamic space that can be customized to suit any meeting needs.
(Update list comes courtesy of Visit California)
