Experienced exhibit and event pros are likely already familiar with the Anaheim Convention Center. But what you might not know is that the ACC is the largest convention center on the West Coast, with more than 1 million square feet of exhibit space. Distributed across the ACC campus are not one, not two, but seven different exhibit halls, meaning the venue is capable of housing everything from small tabletop events to massive international exhibitions. What's more, ACC is a short walk from Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure, so the spouse and kids can live it up at the theme parks while business travelers are taking part in trade shows and conferences.

But in late 2022, after spending some time getting to know the ACC and its surrounding neighborhoods, I discovered that there's more than meets the eye in Anaheim. Here are eight things to consider the next time your exhibit- and event-marketing plans include this experience-rich destination.

1. Travel in Style
When flying to Anaheim for trade shows and events, consider your options. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a little over 30 miles away, but Long Beach Airport (LGB) and John Wayne Airport (SNA) are both within 20 miles. My personal favorite is SNA because it's easy to navigate and going through security is a breeze. Then, rather than having your team pair off into cabs, Lyfts, and Ubers, consider booking shuttle services through EVE (named after a female pilot who once trained with Amelia Earhart). The all-electric vehicles easily seat up to 11 passengers with plenty of space for luggage. Plus, the ride is as comfortable as it is eco-friendly, considering the power-recline seats offer more legroom than you'll find in any comparable vehicle. 2. Enjoy the Outdoors
If you're booking events in Anaheim, don't limit yourself to indoor options. The ACC alone features myriad outdoor event spaces ranging from intimate to expansive. The 10,000-square-foot Katella Terrace, located at ACC North, is an open-air balcony with spectacular views of Disneyland's fireworks displays. Meanwhile, the Arena Plaza can accommodate receptions for up to 3,500. But my personal favorite is the palm-lined, 100,000-square-foot Grand Plaza. The evening reception possibilities are endless in this outdoor paradise with two cascading fountains, lush citrus trees, and dramatic lighting. 3. It's Easy Being Green
Kermit the Frog was dead wrong, at least when it comes to hosting events at the ACC. Thanks to the venue's 2,000-square-foot green roof, massive 300,000-square-foot solar array (which produces 2.37 megawatts of sustainable electricity), extensive recycling program, and top-notch composting practices, planners and organizers can feel good about doing business in a place that's doing its best for the environment. As one of the largest convention centers in North America to have earned LEED certification, the venue diverts more than half of its mixed-trash waste from landfills each year. 4. Location, Location, Location
If you're wondering where to stay while exhibiting at the ACC, you've got four great options within walking distance: the Anaheim Marriott, the Hilton Anaheim, the Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort, and The Westin Anaheim Resort. The Marriott and Hilton are literally within steps of the convention center's main entrance. They're at the heart of all the trade show and event action, and I can personally vouch for both. The Hilton Anaheim also boasts extensive meeting rooms and event facilities, including a pair of spacious outdoor terraces (and an upcoming renovation that will overhaul the entire property).

If you don't mind a slightly further walk (easily less than 10 minutes on foot), the newly renovated Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort offers spacious and modern accommodations. A $33 million renovation has turned the property into an upscale oasis that is not your father's Sheraton. With indoor ballrooms so new the paint has barely dried to outdoor spaces amid lush surroundings, there's no shortage of event spaces to consider. Pro tip: If you arrive to check in before your room is ready and need to do business (or simply want to host a team meeting on site), the property offers two glass-enclosed meeting rooms with state-of-the-art technology available for hourly or daily rental. 5. The Art Scene
The just-opened Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) is an event planner's dream, and the architecture alone will make you swoon – not to mention the incredible collection of art in permanent and rotating exhibitions. The second-story outdoor terrace is practically begging to be the setting for your next evening reception. Given how new the property is, it's a novelty for both regional and national audiences, and it's sure to become a gem among Anaheim's event venues. 6. Savor the Flavors
Offering in-booth hospitality, catering an outdoor reception, or hosting a VIP gala? Don't settle for standard convention center fare. The ACC's Chef, Bernard Foster, is a culinary wizard when it comes to whipping up stand-out dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Relinquish control of your menu and let him mesmerize your guests with fresh and flavorful takes on both trendy and traditional cuisine, from seasonal butter boards to vegetarian chateaubriand.

Additionally, if you're hosting an event at the Hilton Anaheim, you're in good culinary hands. The venue's new executive chef, Juan Lopez, has a team of outstanding artisans that make every dish look (and taste, of course) divine. Pro tip: If you ask really nicely, you might be able to score a private meal at the chef's table inside Hilton's kitchen and get to meet Chef Juan in person! 7. Pack it In
The Anaheim Packing District has something for everyone and is the perfect place to host a small team dinner or do a full buy-out for an off-site even. With roughly 30 different vendors serving everything from vegan burgers and Indo-Mexican cuisine to craft beers and custom cocktails, the historical site turned social-media mecca boasts an outdoor park, cozy speakeasy, and a private train-car bar, all of which are ready-made for events of varying sizes. Also consider the adjacent Make Building as a must-visit destination and possible event space. It's home to the edgy, urban Unsung Brewing Company, as well as the award-winning Pali Wine Co., both of which are great for experiential tasting events. 8. Get the Vibe
Keep an eye on Anaheim, y'all! There are big things happening, and the biggest of them is called ocV!BE. It's a one-of-a-kind, master-planned, mixed-use community and entertainment destination that will blow your mind. Whether you're into sports, entertainment, food, hospitality, music, or just soaking up the California sun in one of its many parks and courtyards, you will love it. While the whole thing won't be done until 2028 (to coincide with the 2028 Summer Olympic Games), bits and pieces will start coming online as soon as 2024. Mark my word: This will become one of the premier event destinations in California.