How to Help MICE Colleagues
With the full extent of damage from the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires still being evaluated, many in the meetings and events industry are stepping up to find meaningful ways to support those impacted. The effects have rippled across the community, touching everyone from hotels, restaurants and event venues—and their hardworking staff—to families and individuals who have lost their homes and nearly everything they own. In response, a wave of new fundraisers and volunteer initiatives has emerged, aimed at providing much-needed financial assistance, essential supplies and a sense of hope to those facing this unimaginable hardship. Whether it’s donating to relief funds, organizing supply drives or rolling up sleeves to help rebuild, the industry is rallying together to make a difference during this challenging time.
MICE Industry Support Options:
- Destinations International’s LA Wildfire Recovery Fund
- The MPI Foundation’s Natural Disaster and Hardship Relief Fund
- SEARCH (Special Event Assistance, Relief and Crisis Help) Foundation is raising funds to assist those in the industry who have been affected.
- Los Angeles Tourism has established a dedicated landing page for the American Red Cross, where they’ll be matching all donations dollar for dollar up to $25,000. Their Los Angeles Regional office has been on the ground since day one, providing safe shelter, food, emotional support and other critical services.
- Restaurants Care has established a fundraising page to assist restaurants and F&B workers impacted by the fires.
- The SITE Foundation’s Moira Hearn Fund is providing financial support for SITE members who have been impacted by the fires.
- Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) offers resources for members impacted by disaster through their chapter network.
- ASAE Research Foundation is raising funds to support the California Fire Foundation and the Red Cross to provide relief efforts and help those in need. Contributions can be made directly on the Foundation’s donation page.
Postponed Events:
- ACE Eddie Awards
- Mammoth Film Festival
- Critics Choice Awards (moved to Jan. 26)
On-Schedule Events:
- National Association of Music Merchants (Jan. 21-25)
- The Grammys
- LA Mart Winter Market Gift + Home 2025 (Jan. 20-23)
- The Society of Thoracic Surgeons – STS Annual Meeting (Jan. 24-26)
- TheFitExpo Los Angeles 2025 (Jan. 25-26)
- Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) 2025 (Jan. 28-30)
- CMC LA Market Week (Jan. 13-15)
Hotels Supporting Wildfire Evacuees:
Sunset Tower Hotel
Location: 8358 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Offers: Accommodations for evacuees, including pet-friendly rooms.
Château Marmont
Location: 8221 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
Offers: Free two-night stays for firefighters and union members in the creative industries.
The Pierside Santa Monica
Location: 120 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Offers: Free accommodations for firefighters and discounted rates for evacuees.
The Shay
Location: 8801 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Offers: Discounts for displaced residents and first responders; waived pet fees.
Andaz West Hollywood (Hyatt)
Location: 8401 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Offers: 20% off for displaced individuals and first responders.
Shore Hotel
Location: 1515 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Offers: Emergency wildfire discounts for evacuees.
The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood
Location: 1400 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Offers: Discounted rates for evacuees and first responders.
1 Hotel West Hollywood
Location: 8490 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Offers: Discounted rates, complimentary valet and waived amenity fees.
Conrad Los Angeles
Location: 100 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Offers: Disaster relief rate of 25% off (available Jan. 9–20, 2025).
Hotel Association of Los Angeles also maintains a list of hotels offering support to evacuees.
Public Statements:
“The wildfire situation remains dynamic, and our focus continues to be on the safety and well-being of residents, visitors and first responders across our city. We urge everyone to stay informed and follow all warnings and evacuation orders from first responders. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this unprecedented event, and we are so grateful to the first responders and organizations working tirelessly to protect and help our City of Angels. Stay informed and stay safe. We love you, Los Angeles.” – Discover Los Angeles
“At this time, the Center is fully operational and the events on our events page will move forward as scheduled unless otherwise stated. For attendees or participants with questions about specific event scheduling, we encourage you to contact the respective event organizers directly for updates.
Our thoughts are with those affected, and we extend our gratitude to the first responders and emergency personnel working tirelessly to protect our city.” – Los Angeles Convention Center
“In just the last 48 hours, LA relief efforts have received over $75,000 in support from industry partners, including ASAE, Destination Greater Victoria, Destinations International and its foundation, IMEX, Longwoods International, Meet Boston, PCMA, Visit Baltimore, Visit Greater Palm Springs and Visit Seattle…These contributions reflect the unity and generosity of our industry, coming together to provide immediate relief and begin the long journey toward recovery. Together, we are demonstrating the power of collective action and true California Love.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our local partners for their support of their communities. As we navigate this crisis together, let us remember to be safe, be kind and be helpful to one another. Thank you for all you do.” – Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California
“The devastating wildfires in Southern California have impacted countless lives, leaving families and communities to face unimaginable loss and hardship. At MPI, we are deeply committed to supporting those affected during this challenging time… As we stand together to support our Southern California colleagues, we encourage you to get involved if you feel compelled to help. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a meaningful difference in rebuilding lives and communities.” – Paul M. Van Deventer, president and CEO of Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
“Southern California is currently facing the impact of wildfires, including the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County, about 50 miles from Anaheim. While Anaheim is not directly threatened, the fire has already scorched thousands of acres and forced the evacuation of many families.
At Visit Anaheim, we are committed to supporting our community during this challenging time by offering resources and assistance for accommodations to those affected by the wildfires.” – Visit Anaheim
“Our hearts go out to the first responders and communities in Los Angeles County affected by the devastating wildfires. We are grateful that San Diego and our tourism community are able to offer a safe place to stay for those affected by the wildfires, with special accommodation rates and offers.
San Diego, located 120 miles south, has been unaffected by the ongoing wildfires, and air quality here remains good. The San Diego Tourism Authority works closely with local authorities to stay updated on local fire conditions and shares any potential impacts to travelers via social media and on this website.” – San Diego Tourism Authority
Read More: Multiple Wildfires Tear Through Los Angeles
