Welcome to “America’s Finest City”
After a decade away, the INTA Annual Meeting returns to San Diego, California. The city is a clear favorite of registrants and it’s no surprise why. It’s an innovation leader, the city is very walkable, there’s plenty of things to do, and the great weather is certainly a bonus. Sarah Morgan reports on why this year’s Annual Meeting in the vibrant city of San Diego is unmissable.
Known for its sunny disposition, proximity to both the ocean and mountains, and its natural beauty, San Diego has earned its unofficial nickname of “America's Finest City.” The nickname—originally used as a bid to boost morale after the loss of a national convention to Miami, Florida—has become a true reflection of the city.
But the city is so much more than just natural beauty and great year-round weather. Allie Asuncion, Senior Director of Site and Client Experience at the San Diego Tourism Authority (USA), says: “San Diego offers the ideal blend of outdoor adventures, a vibrant culinary scene, rich arts and history, and a wide range of entertainment—from concerts and sporting events to the new pandas at our world-renowned zoo. Plus, the city's beautiful year-round weather and warm, inviting atmosphere make it a perfect destination for all Annual Meeting registrants.”
San Diego may be the eighth-largest city in the United States, but the city will likely feel 'small.' “The walkability is excellent,” says Ms. Asuncion, adding that registrants can opt for a walk along the water from the larger hotels to the Convention Center.
And, for a city that was perhaps once defined by its easy access to the sun and the sand, San Diego is now just as much associated with being a hotbed of innovation as it is a destination for outdoor activities.
Jill Abasto, vice president and legal counsel at Qualcomm Incorporated (USA) and Annual Meeting co-chair, explains: “San Diego is considered a city of innovation. It's a leader in technology, biotechnology, and smart city solutions—It's leading the way as a smart, sustainable, and livable city. But it's also known for its attractions, and amazing weather. It will be easy to understand why the Annual Meeting is here again.”
Capitalizing on the city's entrepreneurial spirit, INTA will be hosting the fourth Open Innovation Challenge finals on Sunday, May 18. The Challenge offers a unique opportunity for early to mid-sized start-ups and scale-ups to pitch and promote their plans, gain invaluable insights from the judging panels, and network with peers. A record 36 applicants from 13 jurisdictions will compete in this year’s competition.
“San Diego offers the ideal blend of outdoor adventures, a vibrant culinary scene, rich arts and history, and a wide range of entertainment—from concerts and sporting events to the new pandas at our world-renowned zoo.”
- Allie Asuncion | San Diego Tourism Authority
(USA)
Soak up the Culture
Outside of the invaluable learning opportunities the Annual Meeting offers, there's plenty for registrants to explore in San Diego. “The organized tours, excursions, and sporting activities provide a unique opportunity to explore San Diego's rich history and vibrant culture. Activities range from guided tours of the USS Midway to culinary experiences in local neighborhoods, allowing registrants to enjoy the city's attractions while building meaningful relationships with fellow like-minded professionals," says Sacha Colquhoun, Senior Manager, Business Development, at INTA (USA).
History buffs need not look further than The Secrets of Local Neighborhoods Tours on Sunday, May 18 (10:00 am-12:00 pm), where you can discover the hidden gems of San Diego's neighborhoods.
“From the indigenous Kumeyaay tribes who first inhabited the region, through the Spanish colonial period when California was part of Mexico, to the founding of Old Town beneath the area known as Presidio, San Diego has a rich layered history to explore. You'll learn how visionary developer Alonzo Horton, now known as 'The Father of San Diego,' helped San Diego evolve into a strategic military hub for the United States,” adds Ms. Abasto.
Registrants should also make time to visit the fabulous collection of museums peppered throughout San Diego, advises Ms. Abasto.
Balboa Park, the largest urban park with cultural institutions in the United States, is home to 18 museums, giving registrants plenty of choice. Within the park, the Japanese Friendship Garden (which commemorates the connection between San Diego and its sister city of Yokohama, Japan) is a must-visit, alongside folk-art museum Mingei International Museum and the anthropology and archaeology-focused Museum of Us.
The 1,200-acre park (which is larger than New York City’s Central Park) also boasts renowned gardens, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, and the world's largest outdoor pipe organ. During the Art of Balboa Park Business Development excursion on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 (10:00 am-3:00 pm both days) you can find out more about the history of the park while getting a closeup view of the highlights on offer.
But, if exploring a local neighborhood and trying the cuisine is more your style, head over to Little Italy. “Discover the charming Little Italy neighborhood and its wine offerings with the Little Italy Wine Tour on Wednesday, May 21 (1:00 pm-4:45 pm). It's a delightful way to network while enjoying some fine wines," says Ms. Colquhoun.
While you're in Little Italy, soak up the atmosphere in the vibrant piazza, browse the unique shops, and indulge in exceptional culinary experiences, recommends Ms. Asuncion.
“The organized tours, excursions, and sporting activities provide a unique opportunity to explore San Diego's rich history and vibrant culture.”
- Sacha Colquhoun | INTA (USA)
A Culinary Boom
With more than 5,000 small farms—the most of any United States county—San Diego County is known as America's small-farm capital. This has fed int the city’s culinary boom and healthy lifestyle.
“More and more chefs have come to San Diego, and they realize that we have all these beautiful local farms so they can get fresh ingredients, alongside fresh seafood,” says Ms. Asuncion. She says that trying Cali-Baja cuisine is a must, and fish tacos and a spicy margarita with a Tajin rim should be high on the agenda.
For tacos, Ms. Asuncion recommends The Taco Stand and City Tacos. Alternatively, the Barrio Logan neighborhood serves up authentic Mexican and Cali-Baja cuisine.
Situated in the Barrio Logan neighborhood is also Ciccia Osteria, a family-run Italian restaurant renowned for its handmade pasta, which has been awarded Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand status. The neighborhood also features several tiny family-owned establishments with incredible dishes that are not to be missed.
Ms. Abasto adds: “San Diego’s diverse culinary scene reflects its unique location and cultural influences. Visitors should try the famous California burrito, filled with carné asada, French fries, cheese, guacamole, and fresh fish tacos, or for something unique to San Diego, try the carné asada fries.”
Seafood lovers will also be extremely well-catered to. Ironside Fish & Oyster and Water Grill are Ms. Asuncion's top picks.
For those looking for a taste of everything on offer, look no further than the Dine Like a Local (Food Tour) taking place on Saturday, May 17 and Wednesday, May 21 (11:00 am-3:00 pm both days). It's a delicious way to network and experience the local food offerings.
Alternatively, if you want to try your hand at some local specialties, sign up for the San Diego Cooking Class on Saturday, May 17 (7:00 pm-10:00 pm). Get to know other registrants while you shop for groceries, cook, and enjoy a meal.
For after-dinner entertainment, head to the Gaslamp Quarter, the heart and soul of downtown San Diego, for the nightlife. “San Diego has every type of bar and music venue. From speakeasy joints and dive bars, to dance clubs of every genre, symphonies, Broadway shows, open air concerts, and international musician tours," says Ms. Abasto.
“San Diego offers a diverse culinary scene that reflects its unique location and cultural influences.”
- Jill Abasto | Qualcomm Incorporated (USA)
Outdoor Adventures
Leaning into San Diego's outdoorsy and active culture, INTA is providing an array of Business Development activities that allow registrants to network while also raising their heart rate. On Saturday, May 17, registrants can enjoy a friendly volleyball match on Coronado Beach. And, throughout the Annual Meeting, registrants also have the opportunity to play pickleball at the Convention Center.
Stick around after the Annual Meeting for INTA’s 2025 TM Cup Golf Outing on Thursday, May 22. This new addition includes round-trip transportation, food and beverages, an award ceremony and reception, and use of golf equipment. Ms. Colquhoun says: “It's a fantastic opportunity to network in a relaxed setting while enjoying a top-rated golf course.”
You should also make time for the 'jewel' of San Diego, La Jolla. The seaside area, backed by the slopes of Mt. Soledad, is one of the most popular beach destinations in California.
Kayaking La Jolla tours (taking place on Sunday, May 18 and Wednesday, May 21, 12:30 pm-4:30 pm) provide a fun and active way to connect with other registrants while enjoying the natural beauty of La Jolla. For those more inclined to stay on land, registrants can sign up for bike tours taking place on Sunday and Wednesday.
Registrants can also make a pit stop at The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla or spend an afternoon strolling through the boutiques and galleries in the Village.
Alternatively, enjoy a scenic hike through the Torrey Pines Nature Reserve on Tuesday, May 20 (9:00 am-12:30 pm). The wild stretch of land is home to one of the nation's rarest pine trees, while also boasting one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California.
No matter what makes you happy, make sure you get out and about, whether that's to explore the city's natural beauty, eat your way through the restaurants, or explore other attractions.
“That's the cool thing about San Diego—we have four different climates. If you want to go to the mountains, you can go to the mountains. But you can also go coastal, you can go inland, or you can go to the desert,” says Ms. Asuncion.
She concludes: “San Diego is famous for its beautiful coastlines, but it has much more to offer. From the captivating museums in Balboa Park to the authentic cuisine in Barrio Logan, and the vibrant art walks in North Park, there's something for everyone.”
