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Planner's Perspective

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Tom Anderson, CMP
Manager of Conferences and Events

POINT B Inc.
San Diego

Describe your event.
Our two associations, Service & Support Professional Association (SSPA) and Technology Professional Services Association (TPSA), and our trade show, Technology Services Expo, met at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina May 6-8. SSPA was housed in the East Tower, TPSA was in the West Tower, and the trade show was in the Pavilion (a semi-permanent tent), central to both towers. We had 700 delegates in attendance.

What did your attendees enjoy the most?
Although we expected typical “May gray” weather, it was the clearest, hottest week of the year! The attendees loved it—being on the water, in a marina with great views of downtown and the harbor.

Was anybody particularly helpful?
Kimberly Wallace, CMP, is one of the best CSMs I have worked with in over 25 years. She is attentive, flexible, creative, and responsive. The Sheraton also has meeting concierges who are with you morning, noon and night to look after all of your requirements.

What were some of the unique off-site venues that you used?
We used Island Prime Steakhouse for a private VIP dinner for 60 people. It is part of the Cohn family of restaurants in San Diego. They did a great job and it was only five minutes from the hotel. It has great food, service and unparalleled views.

How does San Diego compare to other destinations where you have held meetings?
San Diego, Orlando and Las Vegas are usually the top three venues. San Diego wins all the time on weather.

Do you have any advice for other planners considering San Diego for a meeting?
San Diego is a high-demand venue. Book early and be prepared to pay the high price of sleeping rooms, no matter what time of year.