About Pasadena
Just north of Downtown Los Angeles lies the quaint but vibrant Southern California city of Pasadena. At its peak in the 1940s, Pasadena was one of the most populated cities in the United States and was even considered a “twin city” to metropolitan Los Angeles.
Today, the city hosts routine flea markets, exclusive boutiques, and multiple shopping districts. Old Pasadena houses the city’s business district, which features shops, restaurants, and attractions that maintain the charm of historic Pasadena. The amenities in this 23-square-mile city make it an excellent place for business meetings and casual social gatherings.
Nicknamed the City of Roses, Pasadena also hosts annual community events, including college football’s Rose Bowl and the Rose Parade, held on New Year’s Day. Between the city’s convenient location and its array of indoor and outdoor event venues, Pasadena is an excellent place to host a meeting near L.A.
Meeting Space Options in Pasadena
- Equipment Rentals
Meeting Tomorrow offers audio and video equipment rentals for meetings, conventions, conferences, trade shows, and more. Their AV equipment and technologies have been used by companies like Microsoft, Geico, and Walgreens.
Avista delivers audio, visual, and staging equipment for corporate events and other specialized services and can work with indoor, outdoor, or virtual venues. Since opening, Avista has supplied equipment for large corporations and nonprofits, including Paypal, Wells Fargo, and The American Heart Association.
- Caterers
Cynthia Brooks Catering is a full-service Los Angeles catering company that focuses on providing meals and meal packages based in Pasadena. The company has experience catering weddings, corporate events, and other special celebrations.
The Kitchen offers luxury eating on the go. By creating dishes inspired by cultures throughout the world, The Kitchen provides catering services for events large and small while ensuring a unique experience each time.
- Florists
The Flowerman has been creating floral arrangements in Los Angeles since 1928. They were recognized as “Best Pasadena Florist” in Pasadena Weekly and provide floral accents for meetings, celebrations, and everything in between.
Jacob Maarse arranges flowers and garlands in themes including sympathy, celebration, and appreciation. Their variety of customizable decorations are available throughout Pasadena and the rest of Southern California.
Event Planning Companies in Pasadena
- Somni Events
Somni Events is a boutique-style event planner near Pasadena that offers planning and design services for weddings, corporations, and specific celebrations. The L.A. event planner has been featured in Aroos Modern Events Magazine, Brides, and Ceremony Magazine.
- Jordi & Co.
Jordi & Co. provides event planning services for private, nonprofit, and party events. The team of designers and planners has executed and entertained numerous events and group meetings.
- Wife of the Party
From management, design, and production, WOTP plans original and quality events for various occasions and celebrations. Their planning team has been featured in Elle and the Los Angeles Times and has worked with companies like Warner Brothers, Puma, and Beverly Hills Cosmetics.
Pros and Cons of Meetings in Pasadena
Advantages
- Away from the hustle & bustle
Pasadena is several miles above DTLA, making traffic and congestion minimal compared to other parts of the city.
- Unique spaces
Pasadena’s historic buildings and infrastructure have been maintained; there’s no shortage of charming meeting venues here.
- Diverse foods
The city features a mix of contemporary and traditional restaurants throughout the city.
- Rich in culture
Pasadena’s film and sports cultures provide an array of activities and attractions.
- Central location
Pasadena is easily accessible from all neighboring towns and cities.
Disadvantages
- High costs
Pasadena’s high cost of living contributes to pricier amenities and services.
- Traffic during events
Pasadena is a smaller city, so when large public events occur, traffic can skyrocket.
- Limited parking
Limited and paid parking is nothing out of the norm in L.A. County, so it’s important to be mindful of event locations and public parking structures.
- Venues may be in high demand
Although there are many indoor and outdoor meeting spaces in Pasadena, there are fewer compared to neighboring cities.
Famous Locations in Pasadena
- The Rose Bowl Stadium
Since opening in 1922, The Rose Bowl Stadium has hosted athletic events, including the famous New Year’s Day Rose Bowl Game and a handful of college and Olympic events. The stadium offers views of the San Gabriel Mountains and Downtown Los Angeles, and it’s an excellent place for some corporate team-building before or after your meeting.
- Pasadena Playhouse Village
Pasadena’s historic arts district features locally-owned small businesses, including restaurants, art galleries, and museums. Artists from around the city can gain inspiration from the artistic village while browsing through shops and Southern California’s largest independently owned bookstores.
- South Lake Avenue
The urban district of Pasadena has plenty of services, commercial spaces, eateries, and shopping locations within just a few blocks. The street is an excellent place to relax after a long meeting.