Think you know Anaheim? Think again: An event prof’s guide

If you still think Anaheim’s only claim to fame is a pair of mouse ears, it’s time for a refresh. The city has quietly grown into a destination that delivers big for meetings and events. We’re talking about rooftop cocktails, chef-driven dining, and group experiences that feel anything but routine. Whether you’re planning something buttoned-up or off-the-cuff, there are more ways than ever to make your mark when you visit Anaheim. Here’s how planners can make the most of what’s here now (and what’s coming next).

Anaheim’s got style. Here’s where to find it.

Anaheim’s style is one of the many reasons planners love to visit Anaheim—it’s not just about where you go, but how the experience feels. It’s always fun watching a planner’s face change when I mention the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort. The JW is artfully designed with modern elegance and a beautiful rooftop garden that offers a peaceful escape right in the heart of the city. They even grow herbs for their kitchen! Then there’s the Westin Anaheim Resort, where elegance and wellness meet convenience. Guests can unwind with in-room fitness kits, hit the gym, and then grab a cocktail upstairs while the fireworks go off. Not a bad way to end a site visit.

Dining is one of the unexpected perks when you visit Anaheim. So, let’s talk dining. Some of my favorite places to bring groups include:

• Poppy + Seed, a Michelin-recognized spot tucked in the Anaheim Packing District with a lush greenhouse setting and a killer seasonal menu.
• The RANCH, which takes “locally sourced” to the next level with its own farm, a warm-yet-sophisticated ambiance, and a hidden sixth-floor event space most people don’t even know exists.
• Paseo, the latest from Chef Carlos Gaytán, which redefines what high-end Mexican cuisine can be. Their multi-course tasting menus (sometimes led by their Executive Chef) are literally unforgettable—for all the right reasons.
• Napa Rose, the fine dining darling at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, complete with a massive wine cellar and a top-tier culinary team. Heads-up: it’s getting a refresh in spring 2025, so keep an eye on that reopening in Fall 2025.

VIP experiences? We’ve got just the thing when you visit Anaheim – think chef-led dinners, wine tastings at Giracci Vineyards (polo match included, if that’s your thing), private brewery tours, block parties at GardenWalk with House of Blues, or a dinner overlooking home plate at Angel Stadium. Whatever you can imagine, we’ve probably done it—and we’re happy to get creative again.

“Anaheim has grown up,” I tell planners all the time. “There’s so much more here than people expect.”

Start in Anaheim, go anywhere

Location is everything, and Anaheim makes a solid home base. It’s central enough to give you options, but contained enough to keep logistics on your side. Within half an hour, we can have your group shopping at South Coast Plaza, toes in the sand in Newport Beach, or kicking off a tasting tour in Laguna.

We can build programs that bounce between LA’s Porsche Experience Center, a quiet breakout in Anaheim, and a private section at California Adventure to end the day with Disney’s World of Color. All in one itinerary. All on schedule.

That’s the beauty of Anaheim. It’s close to everything, and built to handle groups of any kind. (Yes, even your execs with VIP-level expectations.)

What’s new & what you should know

Right now, we’re watching the Hilton Anaheim go through a major rebrand and renovation. It’s bringing a more fresh, modern feel to the area, and planners are starting to take notice. We’re also hearing chatter about some new boutique properties coming into the mix.

And then there’s OCVIBE, the 95-acre, $4 billion development taking shape around Honda Center. This is the project we’re all talking about. It’s walkable, built with events in mind, and packed with opportunities: outdoor green spaces, concert venues, restaurants, hotels, you name it. I’m already dreaming up ways to use it for future programs. (Morning yoga? Fun run on the trails, anyone? Followed by an evening reception under the stars?)

DisneylandForward is also in the works, which means even more attractions and event-friendly spaces on the horizon. Translation: more ways to treat your guests to unique experiences.

“We’re seeing a shift toward immersive, cinematic-style experiences and Anaheim just happens to be really, really good at those.”

What we bring to the table

I’ve been in this market a long time, and what I’ve learned is that Anaheim rewards relationships. We’ve built strong connections with hotels, venues, and partners across the city, which means we can open doors and pull off things other teams can’t. 

Like the time we turned Angel Stadium into a California road trip… yes, the whole stadium. Each corner of the field was a different destination: Lake Tahoe, Napa, LA, OC.

Or when we transformed Jazz Kitchen into four completely different environments under one roof: Mardi Gras party, OC lounge, Havana cocktail bar, and a moody speakeasy.

Of course, there’s also the Anaheim Convention Center, a venue we know inside and out. It’s massive, award-winning, and designed with planners in mind. It’s earned recognition from Smart Meetings, EXHIBITOR Magazine, and Meetings Today over the last few years. It’s also LEED Gold certified, which is a win for sustainability-focused programs.

Let’s reintroduce you to Anaheim. I think you’re going to love what you find.