By Christine Susa
Visit Pasadena is thrilled to welcome 14 citywide conventions in the next year including Association of CA Water Agencies, Barbershop Harmony Society, CA Association of Public Procurement Officials, and the American Astronomical Society. The citywide groups contracted over 18,600 room nights in Pasadena. Additionally, Visit Pasadena continues to book a variety of smaller meetings, consumer shows and tradeshows back into the Pasadena Convention Center.
“We are optimistic about the future. We’ve started to stem the tide of losing business due to the pandemic.
Though we’re not out of the woods yet, we’re gaining traction,” said Jeanne Goldschmidt, executive director of Visit Pasadena. “I’m proud of the work our sales team has done in working closely with our clients during these uncertain months. With the Pasadena Convention Center’s GBAC STAR facility accreditation and the commitment to safety of our hotel partners and the entire destination, we’ve been able to assure our clients that Pasadena is open for business and is a safe destination for meetings and events.
“Our meeting planners and convention organizers know there is no replacement for the energy and productivity that comes from people coming together. We’re pleased to welcome their guests and get back to doing business. Every visitor that comes to Pasadena infuses dollars back into the city from hotel stays, exploring our beautiful destination, and visiting our restaurants and shops.”
For 14 months, business at the Pasadena Convention Center and Pasadena Civic Auditorium was hindered by state restrictions on large gathering restrictions. The Pasadena Convention Center was able to host certain essential events such as the LA County Vote Center for the Presidential Elections; city essential interview and testing events; jury empanelment; filming and television productions such as America’s Got Talent, commercials for Buick and evian®, and a TBS show.
Christine Susa is Director of Marketing & Communications for the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau.
