When thinking of Los Angeles, fun in the sun is likely the first thing that comes to mind rather than the good times that start at nightfall. But for planners looking to round out business-filled itineraries, group-friendly diversions abound at night throughout this popular SoCal locale.
Perch, Los Angeles
www.perchla.com
The evening is a wonderful time to explore downtown Los Angeles, home to L.A. Live, Staples Center and more than 250 restaurants, bars and clubs.
Perch, a unique rooftop option for group events that opened this year, provides an upscale setting for everything from company parties to board dinners.
The 11,000-square-foot French bistro, with sweeping rooftop views and a menu consisting of coq au vin and beignets, can provide a relaxing ambience on a weeknight with the Financial District crowd or a trendy weekend experience, according to Carol Martinez, vice president, communications, at LA Inc., the Los Angeles CVB.
“It’s a sophisticated nightspot with an eclectic mix of people,” she says, adding that frequent acoustic jazz performances make for a soothing supper club atmosphere. “What a tres chic L.A. experience!”
Perch is available for special events and buyouts, and has multilevel rooftop and penthouse space.
Center Theatre Group, Los Angeles
www.centertheatregroup.org
One of L.A.’s hidden gems is Center Theatre Group, which operates Ahmanson Theatre and Mark Taper Forum at downtown’s Music Center, a popular performing arts venue. It offers an affordable way for groups to experience the arts, including evening outings to see Tony Award-winning shows and pre-Broadway productions.
Customized packages and discounted tickets are available, as well as pre- or post-show receptions with various catering options at nearby spaces that include the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and Walt Disney Concert Hall, and “Talk Back” sessions with the cast and creative team.
“The value is amazing and they even help you market the performance to your group,” says L.A. Inc’.s Martinez, adding the Ahmanson Theatre and Mark Taper Forum can be booked for special events accommodating up to 2,000 attendees.
Rolling Stone LA Restaurant & Lounge, Hollywood
www.rollingstonela.com
A night on the town in Hollywood provides a vibe that is as equally glamorous and dazzling as one enjoyed in downtown L.A.
“If you want your clients to buzz with excitement about your meeting, you need a setting like Hollywood,” says Michael K. Krouse, senior vice president of sales and client services at LA Inc.
The Rolling Stone LA Restaurant & Lounge, which opened at Hollywood & Highland last March, captures the spirit of the iconic music magazine served up with great food, beverage and entertainment options that will have delegates partying like rock stars.
“It offers the latest in music and a menu that is sure to satisfy,” L.A. Inc.’s Martinez says, explaining that there are indoor and outdoor spaces for private gatherings, including an upstairs patio. “The venue places you among covers of legendary musicians along with today’s hottest vocalists and bands.”
A customized group experience could include cocktail mixologists at the bar, a karaoke competition and a world-class disc jockey spinning tunes.
The Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood
www.theroxyonsunset.com
Because of its legendary music scene, West Hollywood’s nightlife is among its most unique features, especially on the Sunset Strip.
“The Strip saw its first major transformation in the 1960s, becoming a ‘hippie mecca’ when youngsters from all over flocked to West Hollywood’s local clubs, venues that were stepping stones to fame for many musicians,” says Brittany Krasner, director of sales at West Hollywood Marketing and Visitors Bureau, adding that the boom of “hair metal” like Motley Crue and Guns N’ Roses made the 1980s another exciting time to stomp around the Strip. “Today the Sunset Strip is still rocking every night with a mixture of local and well-known bands.”
One classic venue built in the ’70s is the Roxy Theatre, which Krasner says is the perfect place to capture the essence of the Sunset Strip, where music acts such as Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Miles Davis, Jane’s Addiction and Pearl Jam have performed.
Among the club’s unique features, she says, are comfortable booth seating, a nice array of F&B options and an open dance floor. There’s also On The Rox, a venue that has set the stage for some of Hollywood’s hottest parties.
Two Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
www.2rodeo.com
Book an event in Beverly Hills and your delegates will convene in the same digs where Hollywood royalty, presidents and British monarchs have mingled.
Regarding nightlife, according to Julie Wagner, executive director at the Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau, Beverly Hills is known for its private, exclusive evening experiences.
“Our spaces can easily transform into a nightclub lounge, black tie gala or even into all-night discos,” she says.
Beverly Hills is also known for shopping, and Two Rodeo Drive, a charming, luxury shopping district set on cobblestones, is also available for private events.
“The venue comes to life after dark,” Wagner says, explaining that the outdoor space is available after stores close and can accommodate events for up to 500 people. “It offers groups an opportunity to enjoy luxury shopping with a beautiful, star-studded sky as a backdrop.”
Wagner says boutique shops at Two Rodeo can also customize after-hours shopping experiences for groups with in-store wine and cheese samplings, and even fashion shows.
cirque du soleil ovo, santa monica
www.cirquedusoleil.com
One off-session option after a day of business that’s sure to intrigue and entertain attendees is the upcoming performance of Cirque du Soleil OVO, which will run from Jan. 20, 2012 through March 25, 2012 under the Grand Chapiteau at the Santa Monica Pier.
“Where else can you watch the sun set over the Pacific and then step inside for an evening of acrobatic acts?” asks Lauren Rogers, director of sales and services at the Santa Monica CVB, adding that since its world premiere in Montreal in 2009, OVO has charmed more than 2 million spectators in more than 15 different cities in North America. “Santa Monica will be the only Southern California stop for a Grand Chapiteau ‘big top’ production in 2012.”
Groups of 12 people or more qualify for additional discounts, according to Karine Pelletier, Cirque du Soleil’s sales and marketing manager.
“A Cirque du Soleil show is an audience experience unlike any other,” she says. “An unforgettable event such as this is best shared with others, and it’s a special treat for members of the group.”
tiki too, marina del rey
www.tikimermaid.com
One great way for groups to get on the water in Marina del Rey, where they will appreciate fantastic views of the Venice and Santa Monica coastline, is aboard the Tiki Mermaid Company’s new Tiki Too.
The modern and elegant Tiki Too combines a traditional harbor cruise boat with a hip nightclub and lounge, says Beverly Moore, executive director at the Marina del Rey CVB, adding that it accommodates up to 50 guests, who can relax on overstuffed sofas and enjoy a full bar, savory appetizers, the cigar deck and the dance floor.
Tiki Too offers Hawaiian-themed luaus or Jimmy Buffet-themed programs.
Villa Sorriso, Pasadena
www.sorrisopasadena.com
The 22-block Old Pasadena shopping and entertainment area offers an array of dance clubs, jazz hideaways and restaurants with live music, according to Christine Carchia, director of sales and client services at the Pasadena CVB.
“Villa Sorriso in Old Pasadena is the city’s most popular nightlife locale,” she says. “This chic Italian restaurant and supper club is the ideal place for groups to relax, mingle and be entertained.”
Live music is offered Wednesdays and Fridays, and a DJ spins on Saturdays. Highlights include an expansive outdoor patio featuring a dance floor, fire pit and cabana, and a beautifully detailed Tuscan bar and adjoining lounge inside. Upstairs, the VIP Zebra Lounge resembles a luxurious living room and features a private bar and balcony.
Villa Sorriso accommodates private affairs for up to 400 guests. The restaurant has hosted numerous high-profile events for celebrities and film and television studios.
Carolyn Blackburn is a frequent contributor to Meetings Focus West.
