In a quest to better understand what is really happening in Southern California after the well-publicized fires last month, we asked Los Angeles Tourism President and CEO Adam Burke what meeting professionals can expect when they arrive. He described a city physically intact, but mourning emotional losses and eager to return to work and life.
How has the Los Angeles hospitality industry fared during the fires?
This is an extremely difficult time for Angelenos. Many are facing unimaginable loss, while others are trying to foster a sense of stability. It’s important that we recognize both the heartbreak and the resilience that define our community in this moment.
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While it’s still too early to have a full picture of the impact of hotel occupancy and transient visits, apart from the Getty Villa in the Pacific Palisades, all of our convention venues, meeting spaces, 259+ member hotels and supporting infrastructure remain open and unaffected. Los Angeles is well-equipped to host events of all sizes, with a proven ability to adapt and ensure a seamless experience for planners and attendees alike.
As anticipated, the Los Angeles City Council is expected to hear a formal recommendation on the Los Angeles Convention Center expansion project by the end of March. We are excited about the possibility of adding additional contiguous space to our already world-class meeting and convention package.
Any stories of going above and beyond?
We’re really grateful for our incredible meetings and events community who understand that the single best way to support Los Angeles right now, and keep businesses open, is by hosting their meetings and events here in LA.
Read More: How Event Production Prepared Me for Leading Disaster Relief During LA Fires
Major conventions that have hosted meetings in Los Angeles since the wildfires began have also prioritized giving back. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, which recently held its Annual Meeting in LA, contributed to relief efforts through the Thoracic Surgery Foundation by launching the STS Los Angeles Wildfire Response Fund, which raised over $250,000.
In addition, the recent Americas Lodging Investment Summit took place from January 28 to 30, at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE. Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Northstar Travel Group, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association joined forces at ALIS with delegate volunteers and LA Works to assemble 500 support kits for emergency responders involved in the Los Angeles wildfires.
Read More: Los Angeles, a Planner’s Paradise
What should meeting professionals know?
LA continues to be open for business and remains a global stage for major sporting events. Planners and attendees can experience the host venues including the new Intuit Dome (host of NBA All-Star 26) and SoFi Stadium (host of the FIFA World Cup 26, Super Bowl LXI in 2027, and the opening ceremony of the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games).
What’s more is the development across our destination, including the multi-billion modernization of Los Angeles International Airport, an expanded public transit system, and new state-of-the-art venues like the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, slated to open next year.
We are proud that Los Angeles remains one of the world’s most diverse and inclusive destinations, where visitors and meetings & events feel not only welcomed but embraced by our community.
What can planners do to help?
Hosting an event in Los Angeles is the best way for meeting planners to support the city’s recovery. Events fuel the local economy, keep businesses open, and support the livelihoods of over 540,000 Angelenos who work in the tourism and hospitality industry.
How to Help: Search Foundation Wildfire Relief Resources
