Because of the time difference, I woke up at 3:00 am. It was too early for me to go running so I worked on the blog. At 4:30 am my phone rang and it was Lorena apologizing for being late. Late for what I didn’t know!
I asked her if she knew what time it was and when I told her she was so apologetic – she was on Pittsburgh time and thought she was missing our meeting!
We’re getting started at 8:00 with a walk back to the convention center. It’s time to break out the stilettos!
Upon our return to the convention center, we started “walking” the route the attendees would take from the point the shuttle drops you off to where you enter the building, go through registration and decide if you’re going to the exhibits or education sessions. This way we’ll have signage directing you to make it clear. Actually, the exhibits are next to registration which is the same level as the welcome reception and the general session.
Education is up one flight and you either go to the left or right depending on if you’re going to technical type classes or business type classes. Even I didn’t get lost!
I began assigning specific rooms to specific meetings while I was there and had an opportunity to meet with the head engineer to discuss electrical needs, our designated convention services manager and the food/beverage manager.
They have a great system that we’re going to take advantage of. Rather than us giving you tickets for your exhibit hall lunches, we’re giving you a debit card. During lunch, the concession stands in the hall will be open and you can use your debit card to get whatever you want rather than me selecting 3-4 different types of boxed lunches. I think you’ll enjoy this more – how I wish all convention centers did this.
We made another visit to the North Plaza where the outdoor exhibits would be to get with the head engineer to find out where the electrical and water sources are located as well as the drainage situation.
Although the outdoor exhibitors know they need to capture their water, there is always run-off and we need to make sure that it is not directed into the storm sewers. We would then have to get environmental control involved since there may be some paint chips and chemicals involved.
I then had to go back to meet with my CSM at the Westin Bonaventure to make sure the rooms designated for the SSPC Training Programs were conducive to what we need them for. As a result of this meeting, we’ve come up with a new idea.
The rooms were not all next to one another and because of the makeup of them, we decided to move them all to the exhibit hall level and build the SSPC Training Center.
It will be set up with classrooms and a central lounge area for refreshment breaks. By the time it happens, who knows, maybe we’ll have computers and printers and all sorts of other stuff!
Next, it was off to the Wilshire Grand to meet with the convention services manager, Karl. What a character! He had me in stitches the entire time I was there but boy, does he know his stuff!
I’ll be meeting with him on Wednesday afternoon as well, as I am taking a local PDCA representative there to look at space for a possible reception.
After about a l5 minute period where I had no meetings – I really needed to catch up on emails – we went to the rooftop of the Standard Hotel. There were vibrating water beds and an eclectic group of people gathered around the fireplaces and pool. Very different from living in Delaware!
The hotel is pure modern luxury and excess at its finest. Located approximately two blocks from the Westin Bonaventure, this is a must see when you get to Los Angeles.
Then we were exploring parts of the city via Metro.
The Los Angeles Metro, like most cities, consists of trains and buses. We were going to take the train to Hollywood Highlands.
Since I’m originally from NYC and also lived in Washington, DC, I’m use to taking subways and trains and paying before I enter and either putting the fare card in a scanner or using a token.
In LA, you purchase a fare card but there’s no one there to collect it – it’s an honor system. I found that to be pretty interesting.
The system was fast, efficient and clean. Lots of people were using it and there were maps for you to figure out where it went. I felt very safe.
Hollywood Highlands is an entertainment mecca, a tourist’s delight. When you come up from the metro, you’re standing on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. We saw stars for Al Pacino (my favorite older actor), Johnny Depp (my favorite younger actor), John Travolta (loved him in Saturday Night Fever and Welcome Back Kotter) and even one for me! Okay it said Annette Benning but I covered her last name.
The Walk of Fame takes you to Hollywood's Grauman's Chinese Theater ...an amazing movie venue on for a number of reasons.
Historically, it was one of the first grand movie palaces built in Hollywood, California.
Culturally, it serves as a museum of Hollywood's film history, hosting dozens of foot prints, hand prints...and even hoof prints...of actors and actresses, both past and present.
Economically, this theater is a major powerhouse in bringing tourist revenue onto Hollywood Boulevard from the four corners of the globe---and not just because it shows films! Many tourists base their Hollywood visit with Grauman's Chinese Theater as a starting point because of the lively atmosphere here. Costumed characters greet tourists, shaking hands and snapping photos.
From there we walked across the street to the famed Hotel Roosevelt. The Hotel Roosevelt is a historic Spanish style, named for Theodore Roosevelt and financed by a group including Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Mary Pickford and Louis B. Mayer.
The banquet and presentation of the 1st Academy Awards in 1929 was held at the hotel, although it was moved in subsequent years. A recent renovation has made the hotel and its Tropicana poolside bar and club called Teddy's a Hollywood hotspot, where the latest young stars go to party.
We stopped there for a diet coke but we didn’t see anyone famous.
By then, it was time for dinner and we went to a wonderful little place called Vert. It’s a little Italian bistro with outdoor seating. The food was fabulous and the people watching was great. In the center courtyard there was jazz music playing and a wine and cheese party taking place. We stopped to talk to some people and then decided to take a taxi back to the Westin – by then, it was time for the heels to come off!
On Wednesday, I have a few more meetings and then it's a red-eye back to Philly.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Westin Bonaventure Hotel
As we begin our walk back to the Westin, Amy keeps asking if I want to take the Dash – she’s amazed that I would want to walk – apparently none of her clients want to walk. They want to be driven. Well she doesn’t know Lorena and I very well – we’ll keep walking until we can’t walk anymore!
We get to the hotel and with a few minutes to spare before our meeting with Nancy so we decide to go to the lobby bar.
Attendees will love the coziness of it and the plasma screens to watch sports or news. I have my diet coke and have an opportunity to speak with Josh about his perception of the convention center. Everyone is in total agreement – this is by far the nicest and best laid out floorplan we’ve had. It really will be an easy move-in for exhibitors and convenient for attendees.
Nancy, the CSM at the Westin, comes over to us – although we’ve never met before, it’s like seeing and old friend. The main purpose for our meeting this afternoon is to look at the space for the PDCA Board of Directors Meeting and the ballroom for the PACE banquet, now called Club4.
If you’ve never attended a PDCA Board Meeting you can’t appreciate the set-up. It’s a U-shape for 35 people with a head table for 8 and schoolroom seating for 25. All those sitting at the U need to have access to microphones for two reasons. Since the set-up is so big, we want to be sure that everyone hears one another and because we record the meeting.
As soon as we walk into the room, I looked at Ryan and we both shook our heads, the room is not going to work. First of all there are large columns in the room which means the set up must be within the space of the columns. Yuck! It will be uncomfortable and will elongate the U.
Nancy works some magic and finds us another room where, although there are a couple of columns, we’ll be able to have them behind the set-up so it won’t be a distraction. We’ve averted one problem – now onto the next...
The California Ballroom is a fabulous space for Club4. If you haven’t seen the program preview, Club4 will bring a new level of entertainment to our banquet. It’s is geared towards making it more interactive and attracting more of the attendees. No more rubber chicken dinner – it’s going to be a dining experience with different types of seating and two stages. The Benjamin Moore sponsored event will feature the silent auction with really fun and unique items.
I tell Josh and Ryan what I would like to see happen in that room and they’re excited to say that it will work. We’ll combine illusion, comedy, a deejay and dancers into an action packed event that is similar in vibe to the Welcome Reception.
Josh suggests bringing in some couches and chaise lounges to make the scene complete. This is going to be some event! I hope you all stay for it – you’ll be talking about it for a long time to come.
Well, it’s 5:30 pm but in my mind it’s really 8:30 and I’ve had a full day. Time to go back to my room and answer emails and make calls home to check on my little girl, Zydeco. Okay, she’s a cat but she’s still my little girl.
We’re getting started at 8:00 with a walk back to the convention center. It’s time to break out the stilettos!
We get to the hotel and with a few minutes to spare before our meeting with Nancy so we decide to go to the lobby bar.
Attendees will love the coziness of it and the plasma screens to watch sports or news. I have my diet coke and have an opportunity to speak with Josh about his perception of the convention center. Everyone is in total agreement – this is by far the nicest and best laid out floorplan we’ve had. It really will be an easy move-in for exhibitors and convenient for attendees.
Nancy, the CSM at the Westin, comes over to us – although we’ve never met before, it’s like seeing and old friend. The main purpose for our meeting this afternoon is to look at the space for the PDCA Board of Directors Meeting and the ballroom for the PACE banquet, now called Club4.
If you’ve never attended a PDCA Board Meeting you can’t appreciate the set-up. It’s a U-shape for 35 people with a head table for 8 and schoolroom seating for 25. All those sitting at the U need to have access to microphones for two reasons. Since the set-up is so big, we want to be sure that everyone hears one another and because we record the meeting.
As soon as we walk into the room, I looked at Ryan and we both shook our heads, the room is not going to work. First of all there are large columns in the room which means the set up must be within the space of the columns. Yuck! It will be uncomfortable and will elongate the U.
Nancy works some magic and finds us another room where, although there are a couple of columns, we’ll be able to have them behind the set-up so it won’t be a distraction. We’ve averted one problem – now onto the next...
The California Ballroom is a fabulous space for Club4. If you haven’t seen the program preview, Club4 will bring a new level of entertainment to our banquet. It’s is geared towards making it more interactive and attracting more of the attendees. No more rubber chicken dinner – it’s going to be a dining experience with different types of seating and two stages. The Benjamin Moore sponsored event will feature the silent auction with really fun and unique items.
I tell Josh and Ryan what I would like to see happen in that room and they’re excited to say that it will work. We’ll combine illusion, comedy, a deejay and dancers into an action packed event that is similar in vibe to the Welcome Reception.
Josh suggests bringing in some couches and chaise lounges to make the scene complete. This is going to be some event! I hope you all stay for it – you’ll be talking about it for a long time to come.
Well, it’s 5:30 pm but in my mind it’s really 8:30 and I’ve had a full day. Time to go back to my room and answer emails and make calls home to check on my little girl, Zydeco. Okay, she’s a cat but she’s still my little girl.
We’re getting started at 8:00 with a walk back to the convention center. It’s time to break out the stilettos!
A Look Inside the Convention Center
Meeting Rooms
Everything is on one level. All the education breakouts are clustered together – the technical rooms are all next to each other and the business breakouts are next to each other.
I know last year someone promised that from now on meeting rooms will have windows. I don’t know who said that but it is not true. Convention Centers rarely have windows in meeting rooms for a number of reasons. Most importantly it’s to control lighting. Anyway I don’t want you to be disappointed when you get there and don’t see windows.
When we were in Dallas, we tried to make the right selection of a meeting room for the SSPC Annual Meeting and I think we succeeded. Although the room we’ll be using in Los Angeles doesn’t give us such a unique space, we’ll take what we learned and do the same set-up. Ryan, our A/V guru is going to use plasma screens again rather than projection screens to give it a more intimate feeling.
We won’t be using the general session room (Petree Hall) for the PDCA Awards Luncheon or Annual Business Meeting. Again, we’re trying to make it more intimate rather than cavernous and I think the room selection will be just right.
I’ll be going back to the Center first thing in the morning and I’ll be able to go through every meeting we have scheduled and assign a space. I’ll also be meeting with Deanna who is the convention service manager assigned to PACE. She wasn’t available on Monday so Estella took us around.
We also met Henry, our contact at Smart City. Smart City provides the electric, phones and internet connectivity at the center. We’re looking into providing WiFi as well as our cybercafé thanks to our sponsor, Vulcan Painters.
It’s almost 4 o’clock and it’s time to make our way back to the Westin Bonaventure for a meeting with our Convention Service Manager, Nancy. I want to bring Josh and Ryan to a couple of the key meeting rooms we’ll be using there to get their expert opinions on the set-up.
Amy asked if we wanted to take Dash – the shuttle that takes you from the Convention Center to the Hotel for a quarter. Of course since I have my walking shoes on, I choose to walk so everyone else follows!
Everything is on one level. All the education breakouts are clustered together – the technical rooms are all next to each other and the business breakouts are next to each other.
I know last year someone promised that from now on meeting rooms will have windows. I don’t know who said that but it is not true. Convention Centers rarely have windows in meeting rooms for a number of reasons. Most importantly it’s to control lighting. Anyway I don’t want you to be disappointed when you get there and don’t see windows.
When we were in Dallas, we tried to make the right selection of a meeting room for the SSPC Annual Meeting and I think we succeeded. Although the room we’ll be using in Los Angeles doesn’t give us such a unique space, we’ll take what we learned and do the same set-up. Ryan, our A/V guru is going to use plasma screens again rather than projection screens to give it a more intimate feeling.
We won’t be using the general session room (Petree Hall) for the PDCA Awards Luncheon or Annual Business Meeting. Again, we’re trying to make it more intimate rather than cavernous and I think the room selection will be just right.
I’ll be going back to the Center first thing in the morning and I’ll be able to go through every meeting we have scheduled and assign a space. I’ll also be meeting with Deanna who is the convention service manager assigned to PACE. She wasn’t available on Monday so Estella took us around.
We also met Henry, our contact at Smart City. Smart City provides the electric, phones and internet connectivity at the center. We’re looking into providing WiFi as well as our cybercafé thanks to our sponsor, Vulcan Painters.
It’s almost 4 o’clock and it’s time to make our way back to the Westin Bonaventure for a meeting with our Convention Service Manager, Nancy. I want to bring Josh and Ryan to a couple of the key meeting rooms we’ll be using there to get their expert opinions on the set-up.
Amy asked if we wanted to take Dash – the shuttle that takes you from the Convention Center to the Hotel for a quarter. Of course since I have my walking shoes on, I choose to walk so everyone else follows!
Monday, August 27, 2007
A Behind the Scenes Look at PACE 2008
Monday, August 27
Believe it or not, PACE 2008 is right around the corner and it’s time to get into the nitty gritty of planning. I’m leaving for my first “site” with the PACE entourage (everyone in LA has an entourage so why shouldn’t I?). My flight is at 6:30 am out of Philly which means I should leave no later than 4:30 am so I can drive myself from Delaware and find a place to park.
Yeow, 4:30 am is even early for me but I can sleep on the plane (yeah, right).
I’ll hit the ground running at 10:30 am so I better not wear stilettos. I’ll wear comfortable, 3” heels instead!
Meet the Entourage
Lorena, the first person in my entourage, is meeting me at the airport. Lorena is the PACE exhibits manager and she’s coming with me to make sure she knows where every column, drain, fire alarm and restroom is in the exhibit hall. This helps her walk each exhibitor through the process and gives them a sense of relief knowing that they’re in good hands. Lorena makes her home in Pittsburgh.
We’ll check into the Westin Bonaventure Hotel which is one of the host hotels, drop off our stuff and then walk to the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Center is approximately 8 blocks from the hotel. During PACE 2008 we’ll provide shuttle but I’m sure a lot of people will walk...especially those from the East Coast. After all, it will be the middle of winter in January back home and we easterners will be so happy to be where it’s warm and sunny! That’s reason enough to attend PACE 2008 in my book!
Once we’re at the Center, we’ll meet with Amy, Director of Convention Services for LA Inc., the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau. I’ve not met her yet as we’ve been working together for the last 5 months but only over the phone and through emails. She’s going to be taking us around so she gets to know our convention to help us provide better service to the attendees.
There we’ll hook up with Josh from Freeman Decorating. Without Josh, our exhibitors wouldn’t know what to do. He makes sure everyone’s freight is delivered to their booth, provides the workforce for those who need assistance in setting up their booths, organizes the marking of the floor for the exhibits, lounges and demonstration area and makes sure all our signage is delivered.
Frankly, I’d be lost without him. He also provides the staging for our general session and many of the special events as well as the counters for registration, cybercafé and just about everything else we do. He’s been with us since day one of PACE and he’s just an extension of our PACE family, coming out of Northern Virginia.
The last person in our group is Ryan, from Las Vegas. Ryan works for AVW/TelAv. They provide all the production and audiovisual services we require for our education sessions, general session and special events.
It’s quite a large undertaking. At any given time, we may have 10 rooms using A/V concurrently. He needs to make sure everything’s been delivered, set-up and in working order. He also preloads all our speaker’s presentations onto laptops in each education session.
Well, that’s the traveling group. I’ll check back later.
Philadelphia Airport
Anyone that travels knows that Philly has one of the worst reputations for its lack of efficiency but how bad can it be on a Monday morning for a 6:30 am flight?
I got to the airport at 5:15 am – plenty of time to park, take the shuttle and check in.
I actually printed my own boarding passes last night but unfortunately I haven’t learned how to pack lightly enough so that I can carry my bag on board. Now that I run, I need to take my running shoes (don’t call them sneakers because serious runners are insulted by that word), clothes for 2 days and of course, my traveling office.
Got to the ticket counter and there wasn’t a line so I breezed right up to the counter and checked my bag – this is looking good. I’ll have enough time to stop and get my newspapers – haven’t lived in New York in a long time but am faithful to the NY Daily News and Post every day!
As I head towards the D gate security I’m thinking that Mayor Street finally worked out the problems at the airport – next he needs to work on the crime in the city. Oops I spoke to soon. The security line is a mile long – I could probably walk to LA faster in my high heels!
I don’t let this get me down, I still have time and the faces on line look friendly enough. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not the type of person that will talk your ear off on a plane but in a line, everyone is fair game..
I met some very nice folks traveling for their jobs as well. One guy leaves Philly every Monday morning and returns on Thursdays or Fridays. He wanted to know if I took my earrings off before I went to sleep each night. I guess he thought I had a lot (at last count there were 20 or so). He was hoping he wouldn’t have a problem getting through security with some sort of swimming apparatus in his bag. Apparently his form of exercise is kicking in the pool and this device preventing you from actually moving. I asked why he doesn’t like to actually just swim from one end to the other but apparently he doesn’t know how to. He just likes to kick.
This helped pass the time until I was able to get to security, kick off my shoes, pull out my laptop and then run to my gate. I had five minutes to spare.
Flying is my least favorite form of transportation but it gets me to where I want to be fast, safe and relatively hassle free. As long as you build in some wiggle room into your schedule and keep a positive attitude, traveling can be fun. It’s a great way to meet people, gain different perspectives and once you settle into your seat, you can read, think, sleep, talk or even work. I like to do a little of all of the above.
We're boarding the plane, on time. Things are looking good.
I have a middle seat but that's okay, I plan on sleeping and then doing work.
We've taken off on time - no complaints from me. Sit back, relax and let the pilot do the driving.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Five hours later, we arrive in LA with a few minutes to spare. Lorena called to say she just arrived so we’ll meet at the airport and go to the hotel together. My bag arrives in LA the same time I do and on the same plane – how often does that happen?
Twenty minutes later, we’re checking into the hotel and as far as we’re concerned, all is right with the world.
I’ve heard from Josh and Ryan and we’re all meeting in the hotel lobby to walk over to the convention center. There’s a lot of construction going on in the area and much of it will be completed by the time we come in January. New restaurants and clubs will open in Downtown LA and will serve as great sources of entertainment for our attendees.
The convention center couldn’t be more perfect. The shuttle will drop everyone off at the foot of the steps leading to our registration area sponsored by The Sherwin-Williams Company. It will be right outside the exhibit hall entrance as well as Petree Hall which is the room our Welcome Reception will be held in sponsored by Carboline.
The General Session, sponsored by ICI Paints will also be held in Petree Hall and will feature John Powers (see program listing).
Once inside the exhibit hall you’ll be able to visit the vast array of exhibitors serving your every need. Go through the side doors and you’ll be right in the outdoor exhibits. There is no better set up for out door exhibitors than Los Angeles.
Believe it or not, PACE 2008 is right around the corner and it’s time to get into the nitty gritty of planning. I’m leaving for my first “site” with the PACE entourage (everyone in LA has an entourage so why shouldn’t I?). My flight is at 6:30 am out of Philly which means I should leave no later than 4:30 am so I can drive myself from Delaware and find a place to park.
Yeow, 4:30 am is even early for me but I can sleep on the plane (yeah, right).
I’ll hit the ground running at 10:30 am so I better not wear stilettos. I’ll wear comfortable, 3” heels instead!
Meet the Entourage
Lorena, the first person in my entourage, is meeting me at the airport. Lorena is the PACE exhibits manager and she’s coming with me to make sure she knows where every column, drain, fire alarm and restroom is in the exhibit hall. This helps her walk each exhibitor through the process and gives them a sense of relief knowing that they’re in good hands. Lorena makes her home in Pittsburgh.
We’ll check into the Westin Bonaventure Hotel which is one of the host hotels, drop off our stuff and then walk to the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Center is approximately 8 blocks from the hotel. During PACE 2008 we’ll provide shuttle but I’m sure a lot of people will walk...especially those from the East Coast. After all, it will be the middle of winter in January back home and we easterners will be so happy to be where it’s warm and sunny! That’s reason enough to attend PACE 2008 in my book!
Once we’re at the Center, we’ll meet with Amy, Director of Convention Services for LA Inc., the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau. I’ve not met her yet as we’ve been working together for the last 5 months but only over the phone and through emails. She’s going to be taking us around so she gets to know our convention to help us provide better service to the attendees.
There we’ll hook up with Josh from Freeman Decorating. Without Josh, our exhibitors wouldn’t know what to do. He makes sure everyone’s freight is delivered to their booth, provides the workforce for those who need assistance in setting up their booths, organizes the marking of the floor for the exhibits, lounges and demonstration area and makes sure all our signage is delivered.
Frankly, I’d be lost without him. He also provides the staging for our general session and many of the special events as well as the counters for registration, cybercafé and just about everything else we do. He’s been with us since day one of PACE and he’s just an extension of our PACE family, coming out of Northern Virginia.
The last person in our group is Ryan, from Las Vegas. Ryan works for AVW/TelAv. They provide all the production and audiovisual services we require for our education sessions, general session and special events.
It’s quite a large undertaking. At any given time, we may have 10 rooms using A/V concurrently. He needs to make sure everything’s been delivered, set-up and in working order. He also preloads all our speaker’s presentations onto laptops in each education session.
Well, that’s the traveling group. I’ll check back later.
Philadelphia Airport
Anyone that travels knows that Philly has one of the worst reputations for its lack of efficiency but how bad can it be on a Monday morning for a 6:30 am flight?
I got to the airport at 5:15 am – plenty of time to park, take the shuttle and check in.
I actually printed my own boarding passes last night but unfortunately I haven’t learned how to pack lightly enough so that I can carry my bag on board. Now that I run, I need to take my running shoes (don’t call them sneakers because serious runners are insulted by that word), clothes for 2 days and of course, my traveling office.
Got to the ticket counter and there wasn’t a line so I breezed right up to the counter and checked my bag – this is looking good. I’ll have enough time to stop and get my newspapers – haven’t lived in New York in a long time but am faithful to the NY Daily News and Post every day!
As I head towards the D gate security I’m thinking that Mayor Street finally worked out the problems at the airport – next he needs to work on the crime in the city. Oops I spoke to soon. The security line is a mile long – I could probably walk to LA faster in my high heels!
I don’t let this get me down, I still have time and the faces on line look friendly enough. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not the type of person that will talk your ear off on a plane but in a line, everyone is fair game..
I met some very nice folks traveling for their jobs as well. One guy leaves Philly every Monday morning and returns on Thursdays or Fridays. He wanted to know if I took my earrings off before I went to sleep each night. I guess he thought I had a lot (at last count there were 20 or so). He was hoping he wouldn’t have a problem getting through security with some sort of swimming apparatus in his bag. Apparently his form of exercise is kicking in the pool and this device preventing you from actually moving. I asked why he doesn’t like to actually just swim from one end to the other but apparently he doesn’t know how to. He just likes to kick.
This helped pass the time until I was able to get to security, kick off my shoes, pull out my laptop and then run to my gate. I had five minutes to spare.
Flying is my least favorite form of transportation but it gets me to where I want to be fast, safe and relatively hassle free. As long as you build in some wiggle room into your schedule and keep a positive attitude, traveling can be fun. It’s a great way to meet people, gain different perspectives and once you settle into your seat, you can read, think, sleep, talk or even work. I like to do a little of all of the above.
We're boarding the plane, on time. Things are looking good.
I have a middle seat but that's okay, I plan on sleeping and then doing work.
We've taken off on time - no complaints from me. Sit back, relax and let the pilot do the driving.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Five hours later, we arrive in LA with a few minutes to spare. Lorena called to say she just arrived so we’ll meet at the airport and go to the hotel together. My bag arrives in LA the same time I do and on the same plane – how often does that happen?
Twenty minutes later, we’re checking into the hotel and as far as we’re concerned, all is right with the world.
I’ve heard from Josh and Ryan and we’re all meeting in the hotel lobby to walk over to the convention center. There’s a lot of construction going on in the area and much of it will be completed by the time we come in January. New restaurants and clubs will open in Downtown LA and will serve as great sources of entertainment for our attendees.
The convention center couldn’t be more perfect. The shuttle will drop everyone off at the foot of the steps leading to our registration area sponsored by The Sherwin-Williams Company. It will be right outside the exhibit hall entrance as well as Petree Hall which is the room our Welcome Reception will be held in sponsored by Carboline.
The General Session, sponsored by ICI Paints will also be held in Petree Hall and will feature John Powers (see program listing).
Once inside the exhibit hall you’ll be able to visit the vast array of exhibitors serving your every need. Go through the side doors and you’ll be right in the outdoor exhibits. There is no better set up for out door exhibitors than Los Angeles.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Watch for New Website and Site Inspection Details
On Monday, August 27, I'll be providing detailed information on the preparations for PACE 2008 in Los Angeles. I'll be doing a site inspection with members of our team in an effort to provide you with the most comprehensive and exciting PACE Expo ever.
We're excited about going to the West Coast for PACE 2008 - the education is outstanding and the faciity is fabulous. Plus, for those of us on the East Coast, getting out of the cold in January will be something to look forward to.
In the meantime, registration is open and our new website will be launched Friday, August 31. It will have a lot of bells and whistles that we didn't have in the past. I think you'll like it.
Well, I need to start packing. I'm catching a 6:30 am flight to LAX with a full day of scheduled meetings once we touch down.
See you in LA!
Annette
We're excited about going to the West Coast for PACE 2008 - the education is outstanding and the faciity is fabulous. Plus, for those of us on the East Coast, getting out of the cold in January will be something to look forward to.
In the meantime, registration is open and our new website will be launched Friday, August 31. It will have a lot of bells and whistles that we didn't have in the past. I think you'll like it.
Well, I need to start packing. I'm catching a 6:30 am flight to LAX with a full day of scheduled meetings once we touch down.
See you in LA!
Annette
Friday, August 03, 2007
Ground Transportation
There are several ways of getting from LAX Airport to either of the PACE 2008 Host Hotels. Here are just two:
1. Taxis are available for $45.00 each way/flat-rate.
2. Xpress Shuttle provides direct transfers out of LAX for its customers, while our competitor(s) make two full circuits around LAX before leaving looking for “free calls”. Quite often, our customers will be approaching their hotel destination(s) before our Shared Ride competitor has left the Airport. Each LAX loop/circuit (LAX is a horseshoe shape) can take as much as 15 to 20 minutes, depending
on vehicular traffic density inside LAX at the time. PACE 2008 attendees will experience a superior level of Airport Transfer Service at a reduced ($14 p.p.) fare.
Advance reservations required. Be sure to mention PACE 2008 to receive your discount. Please call 1-800-427-7483 to reserve your seat. Once you arrive at the airport, collect your luggage and call 1-800-427-7483 for pick-up.
1. Taxis are available for $45.00 each way/flat-rate.
2. Xpress Shuttle provides direct transfers out of LAX for its customers, while our competitor(s) make two full circuits around LAX before leaving looking for “free calls”. Quite often, our customers will be approaching their hotel destination(s) before our Shared Ride competitor has left the Airport. Each LAX loop/circuit (LAX is a horseshoe shape) can take as much as 15 to 20 minutes, depending
on vehicular traffic density inside LAX at the time. PACE 2008 attendees will experience a superior level of Airport Transfer Service at a reduced ($14 p.p.) fare.
Advance reservations required. Be sure to mention PACE 2008 to receive your discount. Please call 1-800-427-7483 to reserve your seat. Once you arrive at the airport, collect your luggage and call 1-800-427-7483 for pick-up.
Amtrak® Offers Attendees Convenience and Comfort
Convention attendees arrive rested, focused and prepared for meetings and conventions when riding Amtrak. Trains conveniently arrive in Downtown's Union Station, minutes from the Los Angeles Convention Center. Downtown is the hub of transit in Los Angeles, so attendees have easy access to LA's popular dining, cultural attractions and nightlife options. The Pacific Surfliner® runs daily to LA from San Diego and Santa Barbara. Spacious seats with extra leg room allow riders to comfortably take care of business while traveling. When upgrading to Business Class, passengers receive complimentary continental breakfast, an afternoon snack and beverage.
Fare Code Number: X10Q-921
Valid For Travel: January 24, 2008 – February 2, 2008
Amtrak offers a 10% discount off the lowest available rail fare to Los Angeles, CA between the above dates. Includes travel up to three days prior to the convention start date and three days following the last day of the meeting. To book your reservation call Amtrak at 1 (800) 872-7245 or contact your local travel agent. Please refer to Convention Fare Code X10Q-921 when making your reservation a 10% discount has been approved. Conventions cannot be booked via Internet. This offer is not valid on the Auto Train. Offer valid with Sleepers, Business Class or First Class seats with payment of the full applicable accommodation charges. Fare is valid on Amtrak Regional and Acela service for all departures seven days a week, except for holiday blackouts.
Fare Code Number: X10Q-921
Valid For Travel: January 24, 2008 – February 2, 2008
Amtrak offers a 10% discount off the lowest available rail fare to Los Angeles, CA between the above dates. Includes travel up to three days prior to the convention start date and three days following the last day of the meeting. To book your reservation call Amtrak at 1 (800) 872-7245 or contact your local travel agent. Please refer to Convention Fare Code X10Q-921 when making your reservation a 10% discount has been approved. Conventions cannot be booked via Internet. This offer is not valid on the Auto Train. Offer valid with Sleepers, Business Class or First Class seats with payment of the full applicable accommodation charges. Fare is valid on Amtrak Regional and Acela service for all departures seven days a week, except for holiday blackouts.
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