Who knows the Monterey group and meeting space best? Long-time meeting planners do! Welcome to our insider series featuring meeting planners who source Monterey for their meetings. We'll be sharing some of their favorite things about hosting a meeting in Monterey including their favorite things to do and see as a visitor while here.
We are kicking off the series with Megan Hemming, Chief Professional Development Officer for the California Special Districts Association. This is what Megan had to share on booking a meeting or event in Monterey.
MEET MEGAN HEMMING
Megan Hemming lives in Rocklin, California and is the Chief Professional Development Officer for the California Special Districts Association. She has worked for the association for fourteen years and loves it. She says that the members are great and so important in providing services like water, recreation and parks, mosquito and vector control and many other things to California residents.
The association has about eight conferences a year and usually holds at least one in Monterey. Here's more from Megan:
WHY IS MONTEREY A GREAT PLACE TO HOST A MEETING?
A few things come to mind for me on this one, including:
1. Variety in locations and price points – I'm able to use this location for large and small meetings and everything in between. I've found a variety in pricing and accommodation for my attendees. I could host a small retreat here or a 1,000-person conference.
2. Walkability downtown – Our attendees love to get out of the meeting space (no offense to me, I'm sure) and experience the destination. There are a variety of local restaurants and shops within easy walking distance of the Monterey Conference Center so there is no need for them to get in their car! I also feel safe walking downtown by myself or in a group, which is a huge plus.
3. See Monterey is committed to your event's success – My See Monterey contact, Lauren Siring, and the whole team at See Monterey are amazing. They are very knowledgeable and make themselves familiar with my needs and what it takes to plan a great meeting that meets my expectations. When I was considering starting a new event a few years ago I spoke to Lauren and we talked out my options and ways to schedule the conference to make it more attractive to hotels to bid on. I source all my RFPs directly through See Monterey and they can help me find the best possible fit in location, price, space and dates.
Photo Credit: Monterey Bay Aquarium
4. World-Class Aquarium – Of course, it's the ultimate dream to host an event at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and I have done this in the past with great success. Even if you can't hold an event at the Aquarium – I find it is still a draw for my attendees and they make it a point to visit this world-renowned attraction before or after our conferences.
5. Variety of recreational options – We had a small golf tournament at one of my conferences to benefit our scholarship fund. Don't worry – some of the more famous golf courses aren't your only option. We have also done whale watching and kayaking with great success. I just toured the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa and they have pickleball!
6. Local food and beverage – I love that so much of the food and beverage for my meetings is locally sourced. I've worked with my Conference Services Manager to have award-winning local clam chowder. I've saved money and impressed attendees by featuring local ingredients like artichokes in appetizers at my receptions. I've brought in beer from a local brewery as well! Monterey County's locally sourced, diverse cuisine is a huge draw.
WHAT ARE SOME RESOURCES YOU USE THAT YOU FIND HELPFUL WHEN BOOKING A MEETING IN MONTEREY?
See Monterey provides some terrific resources for my events. In addition to the sourcing and site tours – I'm able to utilize temporary staffing at my meetings to help on those busy registration days. The team at See Monterey will also bring a table of Monterey guides and information to help my attendees get the most out of their visit while in the destination. The See Monterey team can also create a microsite for your event that you can include on your event website and/or mobile app. It's full of helpful destination information for attendees to utilize both in advance and during your event.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE HIDDEN GEM IN MONTEREY? BEST PLACE TO EAT AFTER A DAY OF MEETINGS?
I love Alvarado Street Brewery for both the food and the BEER! It's easily walkable from the Monterey Conference Center and has some great healthy and (not-so-healthy) options depending on my mood. I also like to stop at Phil's Fish Market in Castroville on my way in or out of town for artichoke hearts and fish and chips!
WHAT ARE SOME EXPERIENCES YOU HAVE DONE WHEN IN MONTEREY?
I've participated in so many incredible experiences in the destination. I've rented a classic car with Monterey Touring Vehicles and driven it down Cannery Row with the top down on a beautiful sunny day.
I've been to a private dinner at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I've been to a chef's demonstration dinner at the top of the Monterey Marriott in the Ferrante's Bayview Room. I've gone to a karaoke party. I've brought my dog to Monterey and enjoyed all the dog-friendly locations, including a beach. I've been on a scavenger hunt. I did a "rolling reception" for one event and chartered a small bus to do a tour of Monterey and 17-Mile Drive for some out-of-state attendees, followed by dinner.
WHAT IS A TIP YOU WOULD GIVE TO MEETING PLANNERS LOOKING TO BOOK THEIR NEXT MEETING IN MONTEREY?
First, I would say – work with the team at See Monterey. They are the local experts and can help point you in the right direction. Second, come and "See Monterey." I think you need to experience it for yourself and see all that it can provide for your meetings and your attendees. Plan your meeting in Monterey County and contact the See Monterey team for assistance today.