Smart Meetings

Imagine introducing your keynote speaker to an eager audience seated amidst old-growth grapevines. Or being cozily sequestered for a weekend of brainstorming with the fabled Pacific Crest Trail just steps away. Or choosing between many easy-to-access venues with acres of hassle-free parking. Point your GPS to the Inland Empire–also known as San Bernardino and Riverside counties–and imagine no more. Located 50 miles inland from the coast, and 60 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, the Inland Empire spans an area that includes the City of Industry in the west, closest to L.A., across to Riverside in the east. Temecula holds down the southernmost spot, towards San Diego, and the mountain resort of Lake Arrowhead is a highlight in the north. In the heartland are Pomona, Ontario and neighboring Rancho Cucamonga.

Temecula holds down the southernmost spot, towards San Diego, and the mountain resort of Lake Arrowhead is a highlight in the north. In the heartland are Pomona, Ontario and neighboring Rancho Cucamonga. Several of these cities were established at the turn of the 19th century. They were major agricultural centers, producing wine, citrus fruit, nuts and dairy. Sleepy towns resembling that bygone era can still be found quietly coexisting with major cities.

The area, blessed with geographic diversity and juxtaposed with mountains, lakes, farmland and deserts, is capable of hosting an array of recreational opportunities for 330 sunny days a year. That means that in the Inland Empire, attendees can find pre- and post-meeting pleasure by hiking, golfing and boating. They can also explore a museum, play a game of craps or even take in a symphony or opera.

Several major convention centers in the area are equipped with knowledgeable staff, high-tech services such as satellite capabilities, and more-ideal-than-you-think locations. The Ontario Convention Center (ontariocc.com) for example, is just minutes from Ontario International Airport. The convention center's facilities include a 70,000-square-foot exhibit hall, a flexible 20,000-square-foot ballroom, and an additional 24,000 square feet of individual meeting rooms. With more than 2,500 reasonably priced hotel rooms within walking distance of the center, it's a premier location that will ensure an event's success.

The Riverside Convention Center (riversidecb.com), too, has a lot to offer: elegant and modern facilities, 45,000 square feet of indoor space, plus lit plazas and courtyards ideal for receptions, job fairs and exhibitions. Groups as big as 2,000 can convene here and it's just 17 minutes from the Ontario International Airport. Handling enormous crowds of up to 60,000 is San Bernardino's NOS Events Center (nationalorangeshow.com). The acronym stands for National Orange Show, which is one of the more than 300 events that take place here each year. It's been the hub of major and not-so-major conventions since 1911, including horse shows, auto races, concerts, conventions, county fairs and wine competitions. One of the Inland Empire's premier event centers, this versatile facility can accommodate banquets of up to 1,500 attendees.

Handling enormous crowds of up to 60,000 is San Bernardino’s NOS Events Center (nationalorangeshow.com). The acronym stands for National Orange Show, which is one of the more than 300 events that take place here each year. It’s been the hub of major and not-so-major conventions since 1911, including horse shows, auto races, concerts, conventions, county fairs and wine competitions. One of the Inland Empire's premier event centers, this versatile facility can accommodate banquets of up to 1,500 attendees.

In the City of Industry,  the Pacific Palms Conference Resort (pacificpalmsresort.com), Southern California’s only dedicated meeting and conference destination, awaits. With two 18-hole golf courses overseen by nine golf professionals, an aquatic center and 17 lighted tennis courts, an equestrian center with 15 miles of trails, a swimming pool that includes a tropical waterfall and cabanas, all on 650 acres, booking at this facility will provide your guests with the ultimate package. As for meeting space, the total of 45,000 square feet includes the 7,000-square-foot Atrium Concourse, a perfect venue for displays and trade shows. In addition to that, there’s another 25,000 square feet of on-site space, including more intimate conference and meeting rooms, that can accommodate groups up to 1,400. Naturally, the tech is state of the art.
 
Temecula Valley (temeculacvb.com) proudly proclaims itself Southern California's wine country, and the dozens of wineries and vineyards dotting the valley uphold the claim. About 60 miles north of San Diego off Highway 15, the town holds many hidden treasures, including some stunning lodging.

As you explore the Temecula Valley, consider treating your group to a hot air balloon ride, a visit to a local lavender farm or even to an olive oil press.

Getting There

Route 66 meanders right through its Southern California heart, yet it's now accessible via Interstates 15 and 10, and the Ontario International Airport.
 

Not To Be Missed

After a conference, your group can collectively collect its thoughts while hiking a portion of the world-famous Pacific Crest Trail up in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Or if it's winter, there's the fun of alpine skiing and snowboarding down the mountains at Rim Nordic (rimnordic.com) near Lake Arrowhead.

The Epicenter at Rancho Cucamonga (rcepicenter.com) is a 52-acre sports complex that features a unique “corporate challenge.” Its combined seating of 270 surrounds a Class A baseball stadium.

Many wineries in the Inland Empire also offer settings to inspire a memorable group event. Three that are particularly versatile are located in the Temecula area. These include Thornton Winery (thorntonwine.com), Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyards (wilsoncreekwinery.com) and Ponte Winery (pontewinery.com). From luncheons and dinners to wine-tasting meetings, these facilities offer an array of spaces like barrel rooms, gazeboes and tented pavilions, and are sure make your event notable.