From sun-soaked beaches to vineyard-lined valleys, California has always inspired big ideas. Today, it’s also leading the way in how business events can tread lightly while leaving a positive impact long after the post-con. Across the Golden State, destinations are reimagining meetings with eco-forward venues, innovative programs and mindful hospitality, all while keeping the magic of California front and center.
Here’s how 12 of the state’s vibrant meeting destinations are going green in both style and substance.
San Diego: Citywide Sustainability Momentum
San Diego treats sustainability like a team sport. The city earned LEED Gold certification for Cities and Communities in 2024, and the San Diego Tourism Authority is updating a Tourism Stewardship Plan (2024–2034) to align destination growth with community and environmental goals. The waterfront San Diego Convention Center embeds green practices across operations such as energy resiliency, local and seasonal sourcing, plastic reduction and robust food-waste diversion and donation, giving planners tangible metrics for post-event reporting.
Greater Palm Springs: The Four C’s in Action
In Coachella Valley, sustainability is more than a promise—it’s a philosophy. Guided by the Four C’s of Sustainability—Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce—the destination supports conservation partnerships, uplifts local entrepreneurs and celebrates tribal heritage. For planners, that means venues like the Palm Springs Convention Center, powered by solar energy and diverting nearly all food waste, along with resorts leading in farm-to-table sourcing and waste reduction.
Long Beach: A Green Airport in Action
For groups flying in, Long Beach Airport (LGB) is a leader in aviation sustainability. With a carbon management plan in place, the airport is on track to become a carbon-neutral facility by 2045. From electric shuttle fleets to energy-efficient terminals, eco-conscious events here begin the moment attendees land.
Anaheim: Focused on Impact
Anaheim’s sustainability efforts extend well beyond the convention floor. The Anaheim Convention Center, a LEED Gold-certified facility, generates 2.3 megawatts of solar power from its rooftop array and operates with energy-smart HVAC systems, recycling and composting programs. Attendees can also arrive with a lighter footprint through the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, which connects regional rail and bus lines for car-free access. Together, these initiatives make Anaheim a destination where large-scale meetings align with environmental responsibility.
Santa Monica: A Boutique Approach
Santa Monica has long been a pioneer in sustainability, and its boutique hotels take that commitment to heart. Properties emphasize eco-friendly operations, from eliminating single-use plastics to designing zero-waste meeting packages. With the Pacific Ocean just steps away, planners can feel good knowing their events support both attendees and the environment.
Los Angeles: Where Innovation Meets Responsibility
As the world’s creative capital, Los Angeles sets the trends in many categories, including sustainability. The city is a hub “where sustainable innovation lives,” offering LEED-certified venues, robust public transit and cultural institutions that incorporate eco-conscious design, such as SoFi Stadium’s revolutionary water recycling system that collects up to 80% of stormwater runoff for irrigation.
Santa Barbara: Coastal Stewardship
Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific, Santa Barbara blends natural beauty with a strong sense of stewardship as evidence by a dynamic ReSoure Center that converts commercial waste into landscaping. Meeting venues emphasize local sourcing, energy efficiency and ocean-friendly practices, ensuring that groups enjoy coastal California charm while supporting environmental protection.
Monterey: Writing the Sustainable RFP
Monterey is a world leader in conservation as the home of Monterey Bay National marine Sanctuary and Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch food sourcing guidelines. The destination is shaping how business events can align with a world-renowned legacy of marine conservation.
San Jose: Tech Goes Green
In the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose proves that tech innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. The city supports waste diversion, renewable energy use and sustainable transportation, helping groups discover not just cutting-edge technology but also a community committed to a healthier planet.
San Francisco: A Tradition of Trailblazing
San Francisco has long been at the forefront of environmental innovation, and its meetings scene is no exception. From LEED-certified Moscone Center to citywide zero-waste goals, the Bay Area makes it simple for planners to host eco-friendly experiences in one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Napa Valley: Vintage Gatherings, Modern Mindset
Wine country may be known for indulgence, but Napa Valley is also setting the standard for sustainable hospitality. Vineyards and venues alike are adopting regenerative certifications, water-saving technologies and farm-to-table catering, proving that luxury and responsibility pair beautifully.
Sacramento: California’s Capital of Change
In Sacramento, history and innovation meet in venues that reflect California’s leadership in policy and progress. The city encourages planners to “defy conventional meetings” by embracing venues and partners committed to renewable energy and waste reduction.
Across California, planners don’t have to choose between world-class experiences and sustainable practices. Whether it’s ocean-inspired ballrooms in San Diego, boutique eco-hotels in Santa Monica or vineyards with a conscience in Napa Valley, the Golden State offers endless ways to host meetings that matter.
Because here, sustainability isn’t just a trend. It’s California’s way of ensuring that every gathering inspires not only big ideas, but a brighter future.
