About the Event

Created for international high-end buyers to meet with Californian luxury suppliers.

In Dana Point, you can get down to business and surf at Salt Creek. You can drink in the beach vibes and the fine wines. It’s a place with sophistication and taste, and yet it’s casual. Flip-flops-for-every-occasion casual. Dana Point isn’t just a place. It’s a way of life.

We are proud to be powering the second Visit California Luxury Forum in Dana Point, Orange County. Connections will bring a hand-picked selection of the world’s finest luxury buyers to meet with exceptional hotels, boutique properties, experience providers and destination management companies from California. Throughout the event, senior executives and experts will discover new business opportunities during one-to-one meetings and thought-leading debate.

Enhanced with local authentic experiences – from surf lessons to whale watching to a visit to the island of Catalina – the immersive event will once again celebrate California as the Golden State of Luxury.

Event Status

When & Where

08 - 11

Dana Point
Dana Point

Sponsors and Partners

Pre Event Agenda
Agenda
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Content
Dress Code
Experiences

Agenda

Make it a weekend

Friday, 06th March

(Optional) Make it a weekend

Duration: All day

Ahead of the Visit California Luxury Forum, we invite you and a guest to arrive early to enjoy a personal weekend in Dana Point. Please contact the Connections team for more details.

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Agenda

Arrival Day

Day Two

Day Three

Departure Day

Sunday, 08th March

Buyers VIP airport transfers, provided by Pure Luxury Transportation

Duration: All day

Check in to Monarch Beach Resort

Duration: All day

Location: Monarch Beach Resort

This AAA Five Diamond beachfront resort, perched on a golden hillside, embodies the relaxed, sun-splashed playful sophistication of coastal Orange County. Its impressive offerings includes an award-winning championship 18-hole golf course, a semi-private beach and an exclusive spa partnership with Miraval Group (the global leader in wellness resorts). For foodies, it won't disappoint. Monarch Beach Resort's dining concepts celebrate seasonal cuisine and sustainable practices. In fact, its Bourbon Steak Orange County restaurant has recently been named number one in the county.

Transfer from Monarch Beach Resort to The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, provided by Visit Dana Point

Informal Welcome Reception, sponsored by Visit California, Visit Dana Point, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel & California Wine Institute

Duration: 2 hours

Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

The iconic Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel effortlessly pairs Ritz-Carlton service with California's celebrated relaxed luxury. With panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from its 140-foot seaside bluff, this stunning AAA Five Diamond resort has one of the most extensive lists of amenities in the region and will be the perfect hosts for our opening evening.

Transfer from The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel to Monarch Beach Resort, provided by Visit Dana Point

Monday, 09th March

Opening welcome with President & CEO of Visit California, Caroline Beteta

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Monarch Beach Resort

Connections briefing

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Monarch Beach Resort

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Monarch Beach Resort

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Monarch Beach Hotel

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Coffee Break

Duration: 15 minutes

Location: Monarch Beach Resort

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Monarch Beach Resort

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

ConnecTALKS: Luxury Travel in 2020 & Beyond with Chris Wisson of Altiant

Duration: 1 hour

Location: Monarch Beach Resort

Lunch, sponsored by Monarch Beach Resort

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Location: Monarch Beach Resort

Transfer from Monarch Beach Resort to Monarch Bay Beach Club

Duration: 15 minutes

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Monarch Bay Beach Club

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Monarch Bay Beach Club

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Monarch Bay Beach Club

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Coffee break

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Monarch Bay Beach Club

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Monarch Bay Beach Club

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Monarch Bay Beach Club

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Transfer from Monarch Bay Beach Club to Monarch Beach Resort & free time

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Transfer from Monarch Beach Resort to Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, provided by Visit Dana Point

Duration: 15 minutes

Dinner sponsored by Visit Dana Point & Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa

Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes

Location: Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa

On a dramatic bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this coastal retreat has a distinct neighbourly spirit. Having recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation in a bid to become a premier Southern California destination, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa combines spectacular uninterrupted ocean views with a relaxed, beach-chic vibe. Its location also means it is one of the best places to watch the sunset. This year, the AAA Four Diamond resort welcomed celebrity chef and four-time James Beard nominee, John Tesar. His new Outer Reef seafood restaurant will deliver a brand-new concept where surf converges with turf.

Transfer from Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa to Monarch Beach Resort, provided by Visit Dana Point

Duration: 15 minutes

Tuesday, 10th March

Breakfast

Location: Monarch Beach Resort

Transfer from Monarch Beach Resort to Surfing Heritage & Culture Center, provided by Pure Luxury Transportation

Duration: 30 minutes

Welcome briefing

Duration: 10 minutes

Location: Surfing Heritage & Culture Center

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Surfing Heritage & Culture Center

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Surfing Heritage & Culture Center

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Surfing Heritage & Culture Center

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Coffee break, sponsored by Visit Dana Point

Duration: 15 minutes

Location: Surfing Heritage & Culture Center

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Surfing Heritage & Culture Center

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Surfing Heritage & Culture Center

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Experiential lunch & one-to-one meeting, sponsored by Visit Dana Point

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Surfing Heritage & Culture Center

Transfer from Surfing Heritage & Culture Center to Ocean Institute, provided by Pure Luxury Transportation

Duration: 30 minutes

Location:

Interactive ConnecTALKS moderated by Connections

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Ocean Institute

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Ocean Institute

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Ocean Institute

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Ocean Insitute

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Coffee Break, sponsored by Visit Dana Point

Duration: 15 minutes

Location: Ocean Institute

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Ocean Institute

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Ocean Institute

These activities are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try an activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Transfer from Ocean Institute to Monarch Beach Resort, provided by Pure Luxury Transportation & free time

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Transfer from Monarch Beach Resort to closing reception & dinner at Mission San Juan Capistrano, provided by Pure Luxury Transportation

Duration: 15 minutes

Closing reception & dinner at Mission San Juan Capistrano, sponsored by Visit California, Visit Dana Point & California Wine Institute

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Location: Mission San Juan Capistrano

Transfer to Monarch Beach Resort, provided by Pure Luxury Transportation

Duration: 15 minutes

After party at Monarch Beach Resort

Duration: 3 hours

Location: Monarch Beach Resort

Wednesday, 11th March

Buyers VIP airport transfers, provided by Pure Luxury Transportation

Duration: All day

Buyers breakfast

Duration: 2 hours

Location: Monarch Beach Resort

Check out & post-event fam trips for luxury buyers only

Duration: All day

Location: Monarch Beach Resort

For more information on the fam trips, please contact Alex Roca: alex@weareconnections.com

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Take a look at what we got up to last year in California

The first Visit California Luxury Forum, powered by Connections took place in Santa Monica, California on the 10-13 March 2019.

Video Interviews

Misti Kerns, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism

Leona Reed, Visit California

Stephan Haller, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

Caroline Beteta, President & CEO, Visit California

Image Gallery

View Full Album

Dress Code

The Connections way works best when you embrace the experiences on offer. During the day we would advise that all delegates dress in comfortable/casual attire.

Suits and ties are not required

We all like you to look your best, but with our programme being active, suits may not work!

Think carefully about heels

Heels can be a problem if you want to join some of the activities on offer, so if you’re going to wear heels, consider bringing some flats too so you don’t miss out.

Weather

The average temperature in California is likely to be 15°C, but please do check the weather before packing your suitcase.

We do advise that all delegates take their own necessities, which may include, medical supplies, etc.

Connections Experiences in Dana Point

At Connections, we’re dedicated to creating the best possible environment to help our buyers and suppliers create deep, lasting business relationships.

Connections Experiences are intended to act as an enhancement to the tabletop introductory meetings. As soon as you meet, we encourage you to try and activity together. However, the choice is yours!

Monday Morning at Monarch Beach Resort:

  • Golf Clinic on the first tee
  • Cardio drumming
  • Mindful meditation
  • Intention Bracelets
  • Lawn games: Giant Jenga, Connect Four, Corn Hole
  • Poolside Smoothies with Chef Lockhart
  • Storytelling in Dana Point

Monday Afternoon at Monarch Bay Beach Club:

  • Fire-pit cocktails & hand massage
  • Beach Yogalates
  • Beach games - Corn Hole, Smash Ball
  • Beach Labyrinth with Crystal Activation
  • Beach walk
  • Falconry
  • Storytelling in Dana Point

Tuesday Morning at Surfing Heritage and Culture Center:

  • Skateboard showcase
  • Surfers photobooth
  • Ukulele Lesson
  • Learn the process of shaping a surfboard
  • Rainbow Sandals
  • Self-guided tour
  • History of Surf showreel
  • Storytelling in Dana Point

Tuesday Afternoon at Ocean Institute

  • The Sailor's Life
  • Shark Tank
  • Walk to the Viewpoint
  • Spirit Ship tour
  • Underwater robots
  • Touch Tank
  • Behind the Seas tour
  • Shark nursery
  • Storytelling in Dana Point
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