Bright ideas polished
When heading to San Diego for a conference, whether you are one of the 150,000 who attended San Diego Comic-Con in July, 32,000 from 113 countries who traveled to The Brightest City for the 65th Annual Meeting & Exposition of American Society of Hematology in December, or 5,000 who attended PCMA Convening Leaders in January as I did, it would be wrong to not spend a couple of extra days in this sunny destination. I checked in early to see what is new and improved and the list was long.
Arrival
One of the most convenient and scenic airports will also soon be more functional. A $3.4 billion expansion underway at San Diego International Airport (SAN) will add 19 new gates by the summer of 2025 and another 11 gates when phase 2 debuts in 2028. Work to improve the first impression many have of San Diego will also add outdoor check-in pavilions, a parking structure and an outdoor dining terrace with runway views and a second taxiway to speed up arrivals and departures on the single runway serving the popular tourist and convention destination. An underground baggage area will help with efficiency and security. Look for 30-ft. tall, innovative no-glare curved “fritted” glass on the new Terminal 1 building that will let in the famous San Diego sunshine without baking travelers inside.
Where to Meet
Across the freeway, which will also see improvements as part of the Airport project, Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is putting the final touches on a $100 million renovation of its 1,053 guest rooms and 127,651 sq. ft. of meeting space. New restaurants such as Rumerosa feature the best of approachable, inventive local cuisine. With water and city views, the property’s role as a gathering place for the community will only be enhanced.
Read More: Southern California Luxury Hotels Redefined Splendor
Breathtaking San Diego Bay views are the order of the day from almost every venue, including San Diego Convention Center, which features one of the most unique expo floors around. The 90,000-square-foot Sails Pavilion is a column-free, sunny space with an indoor-outdoor vibe. In the back of the house, Executive Chef Sufi Karaien and the Sodexo Live! team have elevated the use of local ingredients and cut waste by employing reusable containers and partnering for charitable food donations. We love seeing that.
Across the tracks from San Diego Convention Center, Gaslamp Quarter glows with dining, shopping and meeting possibilities. Last year, the first West Coast urban Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter opened in the former Hotel Solamar after a $31 million renovation of the 235-room property that added a laid-back music and surfboard vibe. If you are looking for the giant flip-flop in the lobby, just keep your eye out for the oversized parrot on the outside of the building and let that guide you to the 7,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space on the rooftop pool deck.
What to Eat
Kitchen, photo by
pendry.com
Whatever you are hankering for, Pendry San Diego, the brand’s first and still-popular luxury escape, has you covered. From the European-style Provisional Kitchen and Nason’s Beer Hall to the upscale surf and turf of Lionfish or the speakeasy vibe of Oxford Social Club, your attendees will find something that satisfies.
Read More: San Diego: Nothing Finer
What to Do
After two decades. Petco Park, situated across the street from San Diego Convention Center, is more than a ballpark for the MLB San Diego Padres. It hosts concerts, rodeos and corporate events like a champ. The luxury boxes, local food outlets, playing field and even the locker rooms promise memorable experiences, such as a chance to surprise VIPs with jerseys inscribed with their names.
The same events team that orchestrates these quick changes also manages private bookings for more than 20 events spaces, including The Rady Shell and EVE, a new top-floor event space downtown with 7,800 sq. ft. of meeting space and a retractable airwall for up to 1,000 people.
This article appears in the March 2024 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
