 Since the American Society for Association Executives last visited San Diego in 1999, the city has undergone an incredible urban renaissance. To showcase the changes that have taken place over the past decade, San Diego’s entire hospitality community is planning a warm welcome and special events for the upcoming ASAE & The Center’s annual meeting and expo, August 16-19.
The ASAE 2008 Host Committee has brought together 85 local sponsors – hotels, restaurants, destination management companies, attractions, even the U.S. Navy are on board – to welcome ASAE and show off everything new under the San Diego sun.
Delegates will be greeted by colorful welcome signs and street banners throughout downtown. The San Diego Convention Center’s Convention Services Department coordinates both the City Street Banners and Welcome Signage Programs, assisting not just ASAE, but all qualified clients with these special welcome services. As attendees explore downtown, they’ll see nearly 400 merchants and retailers with storefront signage welcoming them to our city.
Essential to any welcome are the introductions. At the North Embarcadero Park Opening Reception on Saturday, August 16, San Diego’s hospitality community will introduce attendees to the best of San Diego. Delegates will find a re-creation of San Diego’s diverse neighborhoods and attractions in the park, where they can explore and enjoy the cool Pacific Ocean breeze alongside the bay.
Our rich cultural heritage and beautiful geographic regions were the influence for the opening reception, which combines San Diego’s best cuisine, music, cultural attractions and arts scene all in one place at one time. And the evening wouldn’t be complete without a tribute to San Diego’s naval history. Guests will be treated to stirring performances by Navy Band Southwest and a thrilling aerial display.
Attendees will close out their San Diego experience with an event that can only happen in San Diego – a Gaslamp block party! On Tuesday, August 19, San Diego will close down six city blocks so attendees can eat, drink and be merry at some of the area’s newest and hippest restaurants, nightclubs and boutiques. The revitalized Gaslamp Quarter is the perfect place to experience a unique blend of historic charm and sizzling hot nightlife.
For meeting planners looking for the perfect high energy experience - that takes full advantage of San Diego’s gorgeous year-round weather - a Gaslamp block party is the way to go. Besides ASAE & The Center, BIO 2008 also took it to the streets for a one-of-a-kind block party in this dynamic area that’s just across the street from the Convention Center.
For attendees who stay for a vacation, special extended-stay packages are available. The Convention Center’s Restaurant & Concierge team is also happy to help delegates find ways to spend their free time. Friendly staff can offer dining ideas, assist with reservations, provide maps and directions, and offer onsite ticket sales for local tours and attractions.
“Our friendly, professional staff are San Diego experts who enjoy helping attendees make the most of their time in San Diego,” said DeeAnne Snyder, director of convention services with the San Diego Convention Center Corporation. “We pride ourselves on our outstanding service and when clients come to San Diego, they can expect VIP treatment.”
To provide essential information about San Diego restaurants, shopping, beaches, attractions and more, the new Delegate Guide is also available through our Convention Services Department.
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The San Diego Oceans Foundation 
