The city of angels rises amidst the smoke and ashes

As wildfires continue to challenge Southern California, the Los Angeles tourism and meetings industry is demonstrating remarkable resilience, rallying to support both those impacted by the fires and the events community that is vital to the city's economy.

In a heartfelt letter to industry partners, Adam Burke, CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, emphasized the city's unwavering spirit: "This past week has been heartbreaking for all of us, but the outpouring of support from across the industry has been overwhelming and gives us the strength to rise above adversity."

Burke highlighted the swift action taken by the hospitality sector to aid displaced residents and visitors, with hotels offering accommodations and restaurants providing meals. He also expressed gratitude to the events community for their commitment to Los Angeles: "We are profoundly grateful to our customers and the events community, who remain steadfast in their commitment to Los Angeles and know that they can best support recovery efforts by keeping their meetings & events in LA."

Business as Usual (Almost)

Despite the challenges, key infrastructure remains operational. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the Port of Los Angeles continue to function without interruption. Importantly, the Los Angeles Convention Center has also affirmed its operational status, assuring event organizers that "the Center is fully operational and the events on our events page will move forward as scheduled unless otherwise stated."

The Convention Center released a statement emphasizing its commitment to providing clear and timely information about the fires' impact on events. They are working closely with the LA City Tourism Department, the Mayor's Office, and the Emergency Management Department to monitor the situation and provide updates. For attendees with questions about specific events, the Convention Center encourages them to contact event organizers directly.

Hospitality with Heart

Hilton is taking a leading role in providing relief by partnering with American Express and 211 LA to offer 20,000 free hotel room nights to those displaced by the fires. "In times like these, our founder's belief that hospitality can be a force for good carries even greater meaning," said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton.

Stephen J. Squeri, chairman and CEO of American Express, echoed this sentiment: "We are committed to supporting the immediate relief and long-term rebuilding efforts in impacted communities."

Challenges Remain, but Hope Endures

While Santa Monica and other areas are still under evacuation warnings, the Los Angeles tourism community is focused on recovery and rebuilding. However, it's important to note that air quality has been impacted by the wildfires. Residents and visitors, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, young children, and the elderly, are advised to take precautions and consult the South Coast Air Quality Management District for the latest air quality information.

Burke emphasized the importance of supporting the local economy: "It has never been more important to support our City of Angels, including the 540,000 Angelenos and over 1,000 local businesses who depend on tourism for their livelihoods."

The message is clear: Los Angeles is open for business, and the meetings industry can play a vital role in the city's recovery. By continuing to hold events in Los Angeles, meeting planners can contribute to the economic well-being of the city and demonstrate solidarity with a community that embodies resilience and compassion.

Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.

Photo by mbtrama  CC BY 2.0