Anaheim, California, has long been a leader in the meetings and conventions space, and its popularity for group business continues to surge.
This past December, the Cendyn Sales Intelligence platform, previously known as Knowland, released its monthly data findings to help hoteliers gain insight into the top locations selected by meeting planners. The company ranked Anaheim-Santa Ana, California, first in the top 25 markets with year-over-year growth at 17.5%.
It is the first time the area has topped the list. Cendyn cited significant contributions from the healthcare sector at a 7.1% share, hosting events from groups such as Edwards LifeScience, LLC and Kaiser Permanente.
Visit Anaheim corroborates this standing, reporting 160 conventions, meetings and events for 2025 (67 conventions and 93 meetings and events), which are projected to generate more than $1.4 billion in economic impact for the local community. That totals to nearly 900,000 attendees expected and over half a million hotel room nights already booked. Natural Products Expo West alone is projected to contribute nearly $210 million to Anaheim’s economy.
Ronnie Collins, chief sales officer for Visit Anaheim, attributes this tremendous success to a variety of factors.
“First, the city’s strong reputation for offering unparalleled event spaces, especially at the Anaheim Convention Center, which is the largest on the West Coast, has played a huge role,” Collins said. “We’ve seen a year-over-year increase in business because Anaheim delivers both size and flexibility, which meeting planners are always looking for.
“On top of that, Anaheim offers a combination of world-class amenities and attractions, making it a truly multifaceted destination. It’s not just about meetings—it’s about the experience,” he continued. “The proximity to Disneyland Resort, world-renowned hotels and top-tier dining options provide planners with more opportunities to enhance their programs and incentives for attendees.”
Anaheim’s convenient location, with easy access to two major airports—John Wayne Airport (SNA) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)—coupled with its year-round pleasant weather, continues to put it ahead of competing cities for groups large and small.
Surging Sectors
Recently, Anaheim has seen growth in groups from a number of industries including healthcare, technology and entertainment. Collins noted that the city’s proactive approach to incorporating technology, sustainability and innovative design into its venues, plus elevating its local intellectual capital, make it an appealing choice for future-focused events.
“We’ve seen healthcare organizations host conferences and educational programs, particularly because of our proximity to leading medical institutions and hospitals in Southern California. The city is well-suited for tradeshows, networking events and conferences in this space, offering not just venues but also access to cutting-edge research and healthcare professionals in the region,” he said.
“The tech industry has also shown strong growth in Anaheim, especially with the increasing demand for events focused on digital innovation and new media. Our conference spaces, paired with robust technological infrastructure, are a big draw for companies in the tech sector,” he continued. “Plus, the opportunity for professionals to engage with one of the most vibrant and rapidly growing ecosystems in the world—from Silicon Beach to Orange County—further solidifies Anaheim as an appealing destination.”
Of course, with its proximity to Los Angeles and theme parks, the world’s most creative minds are often drawn to Anaheim to leverage the on-the-ground innovation and inspiration. The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show—a massive annual gathering for the music industry—and VidCon—a show for digital creators, fans and the digital media industry—are marquee events.
“The entertainment and tourism industries are deeply embedded in Anaheim’s DNA, with our access to Disneyland Resort, major theme parks and creative media companies offering a wealth of knowledge and insight,” Collins said. “We regularly see events focused on creative industries, digital media and entertainment converge in Anaheim because of this.”
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Innovative Infrastructure
There are many benefits to meeting in Anaheim already, but much more is on the horizon. The destination is investing big time in its infrastructure, from new and renovated venues to major entertainment districts, that will only elevate its already top-tier status and be a big selling point for planners.
“One of the key developments has been the expansion of the Anaheim Convention Center, which is the largest convention center on the West Coast,” Collins said. “This expansion enhances our ability to host large-scale events with more flexible layouts and modernized spaces to accommodate today’s diverse meeting needs.
“Additionally, new multibillion-dollar developments such as OCVIBE and DisneylandForward are currently underway, bringing even more top-tier hotel accommodations to the area, ensuring that meeting planners have a range of options for their attendees,” he continued. “The addition of unique, creative spaces in and around the convention district also opens up new opportunities for planners looking for versatility and innovation in their events.”
OCVIBE is a 100-acre development set to transform downtown, introducing a new entertainment district packed with parks, dining, nightlife, venues, hotels and more that aims to be pedestrian-friendly. DisneylandForward is a multiyear public planning effort to update Disneyland Resort’s existing development approvals.
“Another key factor is the ongoing development of the Anaheim Resort District. This area will continue to evolve with new attractions, hotels and entertainment options that will make Anaheim not only a prime spot for meetings but also an attractive destination for leisure and after-hours activities,” Collins said. “We are continuously listening to the needs of our clients and adapting our offerings to meet those demands, making sure that Anaheim remains a place where meetings and events can thrive.”
While the destination grows its footprint, Collins says its aim is to concurrently remain a trendsetter in a variety of areas so it can retain its status as a leading meetings and conventions locale.
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Sustainability Is a Top Priority
Collins also said that Anaheim’s ongoing commitment to sustainability is another area that is helping the destination attract business.
“Anaheim is becoming a leader in green meetings and sustainable tourism, with several venues certified for sustainability and environmental consciousness,” he said. “This appeals to both planners and attendees who prioritize eco-friendly practices.”
Natural Products Expo West, one of the largest events that is regularly hosted in Anaheim, counts sustainability—both in the environmental and social sense—as one of its core values. The show typically welcomes more than 65,000 attendees, with exhibitors showcasing organic and conscious products, including consumer packaged goods, natural foods and lifestyle items.
The home of the show, Anaheim Convention Center, has sustainability practices of its own, with a green roof, a 300,000-square-foot solar panel array and LEED certification, among others.
Hotels, offsite venues and restaurants featuring farm-to-table cuisine all unite to promote Anaheim as a green destination.
New developments are integrating sustainability into their plans, too. The 100-acre OCVIBE development, for example, is incorporating solar power and electric charging stations throughout and building with LEED certifications in mind. DisneylandForward has committed to a responsible expansion as well, employing the latest technologies to reduce impact and divert waste.
“Anaheim is committed to staying ahead of trends, particularly in terms of sustainability, technology and unique experiences,” Collins said. “We look forward to continuing to grow as a world-class destination for meetings, conventions and events of all sizes.”
Read more meetings and events news in California.
This article was produced in partnership with Visit California.
