Why Meeting Planners Love Pasadena

Pasadena is conveniently located just 10 miles from Los Angeles and can be a drive or fly destination. It is within an hour of three major airports including LAX, Hollywood Burbank Airport, and Ontario. Plus, it's easier to get to. You get all of the benefits of Los Angeles without the traffic and the headache. Enjoy Southern California's warm weather, 300 days of sunshine, and plenty of outdoor opportunities for hiking and fresh air.

Pasadena's downtown area has a walkability score of 90 and a 70 bike score, which means it's easy to get around, especially for convention-goers who may not have their own mode of transportation. The streets are clean, and the sidewalks are tree-lined, providing shade on sunny days. (And Pasadena has 300 of them a year!) Plus, the city has its own shuttle system known as Pasadena Transit with multiple routes. The green-energy-powered transportation system is also complemented by Foothill Transit. And for those looking to explore further, the Los Angeles Metro Line (A Line) and its companion services - Metro Bus and Metro Micro on-demand shuttles, offer affordable, convenient ways to get around for less than $3.

Pasadena is a unique location with a great mix of modern and traditional venues. From the GBAC STAR accredited Convention Center to the gorgeous and historic Caltech Antheneum. For those looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, meetings can take place at notable locations like the Rose Bowl Stadium, or NASA/JPL, just to name a few.

The Pasadena Convention and Visitors Bureau operates the Pasadena Convention Center and Visitor Center. Visitor Center staff are ready and available to answer questions, provide tour and transportation guidance, offer maps and informational brochures, provide easy access to all things Pasadena. The Destination Services Manager is also available to assist meeting planners to organize Pasadena-wide activities and events for their convention attendees.

Pasadena is a diverse location with something to do, no matter what day or what time. Tours at the Gamble House or through My Valley Pass film tours are a favorite activity amongst film and pop culture junkies, while strolls through The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens and Eaton Canyon are a popular choice for those hoping to get a taste of the great outdoors. Fun-loving corporate groups and gatherings have frequented Pinot's Palette for a wine and paint night, made candles at Banter and Bliss, held video game competitions at the Neon Retro Arcade, and worked together to solve The Bunker Experience Escape Room. In Pasadena, there's always something to keep you entertained.

Pasadena has over 600 restaurants, featuring cuisine from all over the world. With this much variety, three meals a day aren't even enough to try all the global fare during one's stay in the city. The food in Pasadena is beyond delicious and it has Michelin accolades to prove it from Fishwives' Bib Gourmands to Perle's Michelin Plates, and more.

Pasadena has activities for all ages and is the ideal location for mixing business and leisure. With plenty of hotel options, pools, and lodging, it's easy to find the perfect fit for your family. Not to mention all of the attractions like Kidspace Children's Museum for the little ones, the Norton Simon Museum for the art aficionado, and Brookside Golf Course for excuses to shoot some holes while talking business. However you choose to work hard in Pasadena, remember to play hard too!

The Pasadena community is committed to the health and safety of residents and visitors. Not only has the Pasadena Convention Center paved the way in achieving GBAC Accreditation, but hotels, museums, attractions, and businesses all across the city have taken the Pasadena Cares Stay Safe pledge to demonstrate their commitment to the health and wellness of everyone who comes to Pasadena by exceeding CDC guidelines with mandatory vaccination policies, weekly testing, physical distancing, and more.

Attendees will be close to a fun and vibrant downtown with bars and restaurants that will still be open after the convention is done for the day. Whether the meeting is at the convention center or at one of our local hotels, the downtown area is easily accessible on foot and will provide plenty of entertainment for convention-goers during their free time.