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Planner's Perspective

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Jessica Quesada
Client Account Manager and Marketing Director
Data Fusion Technologies
Anaheim Hills, Calif.


Describe your event.

DFTECHEXPO is our annual training event for users of the Thomson Elite Billing System as well as our own user community of our flagship product, IntelliStat. We have about 120 attendees each year.

Why did you decide to host the meeting in Orange County?
Our event in April was our fourth year at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. We come back every year because their staff knows us and anticipates our needs. Clients like it because they’re now familiar with the area and can anticipate their visit.

What surprised you the most? The access to social venues, restaurants, shopping, and the airport.

What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most?
The all-inclusiveness and the hospitality of the Westin staff.

What other types of groups would fit well with the hotel?
Anyone that has a small staff and wants to put on a quality event. The Westin works like an extension of your company and helps with all the details. All of our out-of-area attendees—approximately 80 percent—pick up the Westin shuttle and never rent cars; they just group up and walk to restaurants, South Coast Plaza or the spa.

What were some of the unique off-site venues that you used?
Orange County Performing Arts Center and Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament.

How does Orange County compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?
It’s much more affordable for event coordinators, event sponsors and attendees. There’s also a nice variety of things to do. After a cold winter, my clients from the Midwest and East Coast want to come to Southern California for a little defrosting, so it’s a treat.

Would you return?
Absolutely.