Orange County/Anaheim
Sizzlin' SoCal

by HELENE GOUPIL

· Orange County has really made a name for itself in the last few years. Basking in the popularity of two TV shows—The OC, a teen drama, and The Real Housewives of Orange County, a reality program—the sunny destination is now known nationally as the place to have the ultimate Southern California experience.

“We’ve seen more spouses come along for meetings since these shows have aired,” says Tom Smalley, president of the Costa Mesa Conference and Visitor Bureau and general manager of the Wyndham Orange County. “The area has been raised to such a level that if it’s not sunshiny and everyone isn’t gorgeous, people are disappointed.”

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Sponsor

Hyatt Regency Orange County

For your next meeting or event, select from Hyatt Regency Orange County’s wide array of meeting venues spanning 65,000 square feet, ranging from breathtaking ballrooms to exquisite outdoor space. Choose from among our 40 distinctive meeting rooms, including our 17,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom that exudes contemporary flair and drama. Whether you plan to host an event for ten or 2,000, our versatile and functional meeting space is limited only by your imagination.

For more information, visit www.orangecounty.hyatt.com.

Happenings

Anaheim

· Anaheim GardenWalk (www.anaheimgardenwalk.com), an outdoor shopping and dining development, unveiled its first phase of restaurants in November. The 440,000-square-foot center will hold its grand opening this month.

· A $20 million renovation at the Anaheim Marriott (714.750.8000; www.marriott.com) is scheduled for completion in October. The project includes upgrades to all guest rooms and suites, guest corridors and the lounge.

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Sponsor

Anaheim/Orange County VCB

There’s a certain level of excitement that comes with planning a meeting or event in Anaheim/OC. Perhaps it’s the location of our Convention Center, just steps from the fun of the Disneyland Resort. Or it could be the gorgeous Mediterranean climate that gets attendees talking. Whatever it is, you’ll find your attendees will be happy, plenty of flexible meeting space at your disposal and the resources you need to plan a successful event.

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Planner's Perspective

Jessica Quesada
Client Account Manager and Marketing Director,
Data Fusion Technologies, Anaheim Hills, Calif.

Describe your event.
DFTECHEXPO is our annual training event for users of the Thomson Elite Billing System as well as our own user community of our flagship product, IntelliStat. We have about 120 attendees each year.

Why did you decide to host the meeting in Orange County?
Our event in April was our fourth year at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. We come back every year because their staff knows us and anticipates our needs. Clients like it because they’re now familiar with the area and can anticipate their visit.

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"Cost-Effective Planning" Webinar!

There are myriad ways to creatively cut costs on your meetings budgets while your attendees will never think you're cutting corners. Learn where to trim the fat and still come out looking like a million bucks.

Join Meetings Media Wednesday, May 28, for an hour of cost-saving ideas. There is no fee to register.

To register, go to www.MeetingsFocus.com/webinars.

Sponsored by: Greenville Convention & Visitors Bureau and Overland Park CVB.