WITHONEOFTHEGREENESTCONVENTIONCENTERSIN North America, a vibrant culinary scene, renowned muse- ums, chic shopping, and dazzling entertainment, it’s no won- der Pasadena is one of Southern California’s most popular meeting destinations. Because of its rigorous environmentally friendly initiatives,
the expanded Pasadena Con- vention Center isnowLEED Gold–certified. The facility’s flexible meeting space includes a 55,000-square-foot exhibit hall (expandable to 80,000 square feet), a 25,000- square-foot ballroom, a 3,000-seat Civic Auditorium, a 22,000-square-foot outdoor plaza, and 29 meeting rooms. On-site, innovative California cuisine,AVand electrical pro- duction services, and conve- nient parking complete the package. The Pasadena Convention Center is just one jewel in the
city’s sparkling crown. Known for its pedestrian-friendly design, Pasadena gives convention attendees easy access to 1,200 hotel rooms as well as Old Pasadena, a 22-block dis- trict filled with hundreds of boutiques, high-end shops, art galleries, restaurants, and nightlife. And directly across from the convention center, Paseo Colorado offers 60-plus shops, six restaurants, and an upscale movie theater.
84 pcma convene February 2012 Nomatter the budget, there are accommodations at every
price point in Pasadena, with 2,500 hotel rooms spread over five full-service hotels and 10 motels. Favorites include the Hilton Pasadena, Old Pasadena Courtyard by Marriott, the Langham Huntington, Sheraton Pasadena, and theWestin Pasadena. Planners seeking unique venue options can choose between spectacular gar- dens, renowned educational institutions, museums, and theaters. Built in 1922, the Rose Bowl Stadium can accommodate outdoor events in the inspiring Court ofChampions Courtyard or actually on the field, while the press box can hold smaller indoor events. The California Institute of Technology and majestic Pasadena Museum of History also offer space for meetings and events.
As the birthplace ofJulia Child, and home to one ofonly
15Le CordonBleu culinary schools in theU.S., it’s no surprise that Pasadena is chock full of unique dining experiences— more than 500 restaurants, to be exact. Art and history buffs will find plenty to explore, frommasterpieces byVanGogh
BE OUR GUEST: Pasadena offers 2,500 hotels rooms — 1,200 of which are within walking distance ofthe Pasadena Convention Center. The Metro Gold Line light-rail station is also just two blocks away from the center.