From radiant rays to pretty poppies, the glow that emanates from California creates a vibe that’s hard to resist. Native Americans, Spanish explorers, gold prospectors, sun seekers, adventurers, eccentrics and everyone in between have been drawn to the Golden State, and nowadays, the destination’s pull is stronger than ever.

In our first MEETINGS CALIFORNIA supplement, contributing writer and native Californian Jeff Heilman, who was born in Pasadena and has roots in San Diego and San Francisco, among other places, follows the trail of discovery to everything hip, happening and historic throughout the state.

Star chefs bringing bold new flavors to the organic farm-to-table movement, thrills of lifetime, cultural classics and ultra-mod newcomers are all on the agenda, not to mention ambitious new hotels and resorts, including mountain getaways nestled in the wilderness, chic urban hot spots and renewed retro resorts in the heart of the desert.

Don’t forget to check out the state-wide CVB contacts and the Advertisers’ Expanded Listings section, and for additional information, resources and tools to plan a Golden State gathering, our newly revamped MeetingsFocus.com website is the place to go.

True to its nickname, California is worth its weight in gold when it comes to new experiences. Here’s to uncovering some of the best of them.