A business meeting on an island sounds remarkable, doesn’t it? This fantasy can easily become reality when you plan a Catalina Island meeting.
Here are nine reasons why you should hold your next meeting on Catalina Island.
It's close.
Santa Catalina Island is only 26 miles from Southern California. The Catalina ferry takes just about an hour – or get here quicker with a 15-minute helicopter flight.
No matter which you choose, group travel to Catalina Island is fast and convenient. And it’s fun: your group can watch for dolphins on the ferry to Catalina or see spectacular seascapes from the helicopter.
The fine print: Book early or during the week for the greatest travel availability. In the summer months, travel options on the weekends frequently sell out.
It's small, it's an island.
Catalina Island is just 76 square miles and the resort village of Avalon is less than two square miles. Attendees of meetings on Catalina can easily walk between venues, lodging and restaurants – no need for additional expenses for ground transportation.
Taxis and shuttles are available for those that need a ride.
Another perk to booking your group on Catalina is the sense of exclusivity. Instead of competing with several other meetings in a big-box brand hotel, it’s entirely possible yours will be the only meeting on Catalina Island.
Small but mighty.
The island might be small, but the range of things to do on Catalina is vast. Your Catalina Island group can choose any number of activities for some downtime when your meeting is over, ranging from high-adrenaline adventures to relaxing experiences.
The fine print: Planning an island event does take some planning and research. Catalina Island group travel and event planners can provide the expertise needed to make sure your event happens without a hitch or hiccup.
Avalon is an authentic town, not a big corporate box.
The island does not have a single traffic light or high-rise convention hotel. You’ll find great coffee in locally owned and operated coffee shops but no sign of a Starbucks. Food can be gotten fast, but there are no fast food chains. Many local restaurants have private dining spaces for groups and the food is fabulous, but you won’t find a brand name in view. The quaint streets of Avalon offer charming boutiques and unique shops, all of which are locally owned and operated and feature a one-of-a-kind vibe that can be found nowhere else.
Attendees will feel they are in another part of the world, because Catalina Island is so out of the ordinary.
It’s Affordable:
Between late October and February groups will find Catalina Island discounts and special rates. Group rates on activities and accommodations during this time of year can be particularly affordable – while the same meeting facilities, activities and group dining space remain. The weather on Catalina Island during this time of year is typically temperate -- yoga on the beach or a group hike are great choices for after meeting activities.
Group rates and deals can also be found March through September, as long as you avoid the weekends and book early. Catalina Island meetings held between Tuesday and Thursday will allow you to negotiate the best rates. Determine your plans and book early during these months for a successful meeting.
Catalina Island is awe-inspiring
A meeting on Catalina Island is something your attendees will never forget. Sweeping vistas, an island ambiance and crystal clear waters combine to create a setting that is truly remarkable. Those who attend will be astounded by the location and impressed with the island venue – no matter which one you choose.
The fine print: WiFi access can be limited in the interior of the island. In Avalon service is widely available but it may not be as reliable or fast as the service in cosmopolitan areas. Clarify your needs when booking a venue on Catalina Island.
Meeting attendees can arrive early and stay late
Catalina Island’s beauty and wealth of things to do means many attendees will want to arrive early or stay after the meeting to enjoy some personal time. Catalina Island has been a vacation paradise for more than a century. Determine ahead of time which attendees want to take advantage of a meeting on Catalina, to enjoy some vacation time and let your transportation and accommodations providers know.
The fine print: Book transportation in advance so that everyone can be accommodated.
Two Harbors is an intriguing alternative
Located on the other end of the island from Avalon, Two Harbors is a rustic retreat with 21st century comforts. The newly-built Harbor Sands offers palapas and chaise lounges on the beach while the Harbor Reef Restaurant can accommodate a variety of groups. Long a Hollywood stand-in for the South Pacific, Two Harbors is ideal destination for a product launch or unique meeting.
There are plenty of options
There are more than dozen venues for meetings on Catalina and they can accommodate everything from a small executive retreat to an incentive trip for more than 1,000. Options include both indoor and outdoor venues, so feel free to fit your event to the season.
Catalina Island is the ideal place to meet!
