Q & A

Geraldine Hayes
General Manager
San Diego

Contact Geraldine Hayes

 

How long has TBA operated in San Diego?

Our team has been in San Diego for over 30 years. The head of our operations group, Lupita began with us as a guide and has been with us more than 26 years alone.

What are the local points of interest not to be missed?

Many of the fun sights to see also provide fantastic backdrops for corporate events. The San Diego Zoo, Sea World, San Diego Wild Animal Park and the beach towns of La Jolla and Coronado are picturesque. We create fun cruises and there are many golf courses, such as Torrey Pines Golf Course. Also, Petco Park, home of the Padres, is a beautiful new ballpark and is good for large groups or small VIP gatherings.

What are some creative ideas we've done that tie into San Diego?

We always start with the company's audience and design a creative theme and event that drives home that message. When appropriate, we tie the theme into what is uniquely San Diego. We've created a lot of fun around beach themes, woody cars, surfing, Top Gun and more.

Tell me about an unusual venue?

San Diego is quite diverse with intimate clubs, beautiful outdoor parks and large ballrooms. One of our most interesting venues is the USS Midway. The USS Midway was the largest warship in the world back in the 40s, and she now reigns as the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum. It is a superb venue and we create amazing experiences on board that people are talking about for years afterwards. This venue was also featured on "Hell's Kitchen" on Fox network when winning contestants of the reality show were helicoptered in for a celebration dinner on the flight deck.

When is the high season?

San Diego has great weather year round, but we're busiest January through March and steady throughout the year. Summertime tapers off slightly as so many people are vacationing with families.

What's hot?

The downtown Gaslamp area is revitalized and so close to the convention center and hotels. We do many dine-arounds here as there are so many options - we'll keep some of our secrets to ourselves, but hotspots to watch are Stingaree, J-Bar, the Penthouse at Diamond View Tower, Anthology and the Ivy. The W and its rooftop bar are still swinging also.

Keep your eye on:

We're working with a lot of new venues, including the Hard Rock Hotel in the Gaslamp and the Grande Del Mar, a luxury resort with a Tom Fazio-designed golf course.

Don't miss:

San Diego hosts many festivals and sporting events throughout the year. During these times, meeting space and transportation is extremely limited, so smart companies are calling us now!

Contact Geraldine Hayes