Immersive gifting to waterfront venues, planners experienced the city’s best flavors, views and meeting possibilities
When you combine good weather, stellar venues and a diverse mix of planners from far and wide, the possibilities for hosting future events are seemingly endless.
Marriott’s annual Meet with Momentum, hosted this year at Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, offered planners immersive leisure activities and ideas for customized group activities. Along with a robust selection of Marriott meeting spaces and a symphony of food and beverage flavors, the event left this writer’s stomach satisfied.
A Touch of San Diego
The first evening, guests were treated to a spectacular selection of local food and beverage offerings, including banh mi, barbecued chicken sandwiches, cannoli, sushi and more.
Hello! Destination Management provided activations such as wine-drawn portraits, make-your-own seasoning blends, origami, custom tote bags and tea leaf readings, which provided a steady flow of fun and memorable moments throughout the evening. On a personal note, the tea leaf reading was brief but life-changing.
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“A tea leaf reading, an origami station, a spice bar tied to Old Town—that makes people say, ‘I haven’t seen that before,’” said Karlee Hartman, director of event management for Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.
Personal Gifting with a Hint of Magic
Thoughtful gifting was woven throughout the week. Attendees could choose a custom charm bracelet or necklace, along with other jewelry offerings at a reduced price. It was one of many personalized touches that reminded planners of the importance of making guests feel seen through curated activities.
This focus on surprise and delight was apparent when attendees boarded a yacht for an evening reception that included customized blankets and sunglasses.
One presentation sparked excitement when a magician ripped up two ordinary playing cards, handed the pieces to this writer, and then seemingly reformed the cards in my hands—an illusion still vivid weeks later.
On one of the final nights, guests received another memorable keepsake: their names written in elegant calligraphy on stemless wine glasses.
Meeting at Marriott
The event’s highlight was the tour of meeting venues available within Marriott properties across San Diego.
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina delivers awe-inspiring views of the marina. By day or night, attendees could watch boats of all sizes glide across the water.
“What’s the best view in the world? Here, where you can see a marina, a bay, an island, the ocean, two naval carriers and a bridge—all at once,” said Tom Tabler, general manager of the Marriott Marquis.
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The property features 271,186 sq. ft. of event space, with 56 breakout and 82 event rooms. One clever design element is its constant reminders of the city itself. Visuals of the water incorporated into ballrooms and exhibit halls—designed by Parker Torres Design—give attendees the sensation of looking up at the ocean’s surface from below. It’s a particularly striking detail for anyone who has ever dreamed of being a mermaid.
Sheraton San Diego Resort also reflects the feel of the city. Its bright, airy lobby feels like a living aquarium, with details extending from the carpeting to the ceiling design.
The resort provides 132,367 sq. ft. of event space and 50 meeting rooms, all just minutes from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Its on-site restaurant, Rumorosa, serves Southern California flavors, including marinated meats, fresh vegetables, and pressed juices.
Attendees could also hop a water taxi from the marina to Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, offering 488,014 sq. ft. of meeting space. The high glass lobby and abundant natural light make nearly every space Instagram-worthy.
Relâche Spa on the resort property provided an additional highlight. The serene setting allowed attendees to slow down, recharge and enjoy restorative downtime between the week’s sessions.
