FAM REPORT #2: SAN DIEGO WOW!

The Wow-Factor was in full effect at The Multi-Cultural Convention Services Network's (MCCSN) 2nd Multicultural FAM Tour in September. Meeting planners from across the nation met in San Diego under the auspices of MCCSN in the hopes of "Sailing into San Diego's Cultural Tapestry" which was the theme of the 2008 FAM Tour; and sail into it we did! From the brunch aboard San Diego Harbor Excursion to the entertainment by the talented Polynesian dancers, a Motown performance by Mellow Movement and Hiroshima live in concert, a beautiful painting of San Diego's Cultural Tapestry was vividly painted with broad strokes for each meeting planner to see and enjoy.

The exclamations of WOWs began on day 1 with the Welcome Reception/Dinner on the terrace of our host hotel, The Manchester Grand Hyatt. Upon arrival to the reception, we were greeted with a picturesque view of the San Diego Harbor and the eloquent display of cultural food stations that graced the foyer. Following dancing and entertainment, all meeting planners turned in for the night in preparation of more delights prepared for us in the days ahead. The days that followed were wonderfully planned out by the Multi-Cultural Convention Services Network team; lead by MCCSN President Clara Carter, each event was fun, detailed and informative, providing the meeting planners with great insight concerning San Diego and the great venues and attractions it has to offer.

"MCCSN's attention to details and the overall planning was very much appreciated. Please be assured that San Diego will be my number one choice in the West coast area and I will highly recommend the city as an ideal spot to other planners as well." Ada Lucero, Director Meeting & Events, National Lime Association.

MCCSN is a full service destination management company, focused on booking multicultural conventions and leisure travelers to San Diego, as well as other global destinations. There is no up front cost to clients; MCCSN is paid through hotel commissions. Clients benefit from their experience, talent and resources; MCCSN is known for Making Meetings Easy In San Diego. Clara Carter of MCCSN states, "the reason for hosting the Multicultural FAM Tour was to provide the national diverse planners with the triple "E" effect (Experiences that Exceeds their Expectations) of why they should book their meetings in San Diego with MCCSN - an experienced meeting planner, native San Diegan and minority woman-owned business. We desire to bring more ethnically diverse meetings into the city of San Diego to tap into the $100 billion minority hospitality and tourism market, while showcasing the best that San Diego has to offer culturally."

During our FAM Tour, all meeting planners quickly learned that San Diego is brimming with meeting/event space in every type of venue imaginable. Our host hotel, The Manchester Grand Hyatt has a total of 125,000 sq. ft. of function space and 25,000 sq. ft. of prefunction space, featuring San Diego's two largest hotel ballrooms. The majestic beauty of Balboa Park offers lovely museum/garden settings for destination weddings, corporate functions and other special events. There are countless venues, both inside and outdoors for unique gatherings of all types and sizes. The USS Midway is the longest serving vessel in America; it has 47 years in service. It's currently docked in San Diego and its unique downtown location and 360-degree view make it an unparalleled venue for every occasion. The Midway features two enclosed Hanger Bays, each approximately 17,000 sq. ft. The Flight Deck spans more than 50,000 sq. ft. The Midway can accommodate meetings and events for up to 4,000. A visit to Stingaree Nightclub/Restaurant was refreshingly enjoyable - WOW! Set in a historic warehouse in the once listed Red Light district, Stingaree is a state-of-the-art restaurant, nightclub, and event center boasting the ultimate blend of high style and excellent service. The multi-million-dollar facility occupies three stories on the corner of Sixth Ave. and Island and features a floor-to-ceiling waterfall, rooftop cabanas, fire pit, and VIP Lounge.

Anthology is one of downtown San Diego's newest and most spectacular event spaces; this multi-level, 13,000-sq. ft. facility offers unique spaces on three floors, two full bars, a stage, private VIP dinning room, patio, outdoor balcony and fireside lounge. Market Creek Events & Venues houses innovative multicultural venues offering unique dynamic ambiance. Their Gardens & Gathering Spaces make the most of San Diego's perfect climate; these pathways and gardens area ideal for get-togethers, with cultural art and lush landscaping adding ambience to your special occasion. Additionally, their Amphitheatre built into the banks of Chollas Creek, has space for up to 500, while their Celebration Hall, located on the first floor of the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center, seats up to 1,000 and has fully-equipped indoor and outdoor state areas.

For more information regarding MCCSN and their future FAM Tours, or to book your next meeting with MCCSN, please call (619) 265-2561 or visit their website at www.mccsn.com.