Smart Meetings

Two For One

Author: By Marin Bright
September 2006

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You may be very surprised by the figure of Yoda gracing the cover of this issue. We thought it appropriate because the sculpture highlights one of the most exciting new additions to San Francisco, the Letterman Digital Arts Center, George Lucas’ 850,000-square-foot campus in The Presidio of San Francisco.

We are thrilled this month to be featuring two of California’s major cities, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Both of these cities are undergoing major changes and upgrades, and if you haven’t held a meeting in either for some time, take note: you are missing out.

San Francisco bills itself as “everyone’s favorite city,” always a leader in culinary delights and the latest spa trends, as well as being home to a staggering list of the nation’s top hotels. With so much going for the city, there continues to be interesting news and ideas to share with you. What you may not know about are the newest unusual venues available to you, like The Presidio, the fabulous San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace, and the stunning new home of the famed de Young Museum, all guaranteed to make your next meeting in the city extra special.

Downtown Los Angeles has taken many verbal punches over the years, and we are proud to say in this issue NO MORE! If you are not aware of the renaissance going on in L.A., you will be after reading our story. The Ritz-Carlton is moving in with both a hotel and private residences, as well as the 876-room Marriott Marquis Hotel. Renovations and revitalization abound: the Wilshire Grand is springing for a major renovation and the Standard Hotel will wow any attendee. If you truly do want to be a star (and you’ll probably rub elbows with some, as well), take your next meeting to downtown L.A.—tell them you read all about it in Smart Meetings!