Meeting planners have many choices when deciding where to host an event in California. That's why it's humbling to be recognized by the readers of California Meetings + Events Magazine as the Best Conference/Convention Center Over 100,000 Square Feet as part of their Best of 2018 reader's choice awards.

In San Diego, our Convention Center is an essential part of the tourism ecosystem. We bring in organizations to host events, which generate economic benefits for the region when visitors experience the destination. After a landmark year, we're proud to have distinguished ourselves amongst our many excellent peers in the state.

Some of our recent accomplishments include:

Earning LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council, and several other recognitions for environmental leadership.

Winning the IAVM Venue Excellence Award, an Olympic-level recognition in the convention and meeting industry.

Renovation of our iconic Sails Pavilion's fabric roof and concrete floor, funded by a loan from the California Infrastructure Bank.

"The last 18-months have been some of the best in the history of our building," said President & CEO Clifford "Rip" Rippetoe, CVE. "It's a pleasure to work in a premier facility, alongside an outstanding team, to bring some of the best events to one of the most desirable destinations."

Another important accomplishment is the prominence of medical meetings held at the convention center. In 2017, we hosted a record-breaking 21 medical meetings. This is important because:

Looking towards the future, the San Diego Convention Center is expecting a strong 2018. In the convention and meetings industry, the national average for occupancy rate is around 50 percent. We're forecasting a 76.5 percent occupancy rate in 2018.

America's Finest City was well-represented in this year's awards, with six other winners. These contributors to our destination include:

Hilton San Diego Bayfront - Best Downtown Meeting Venue Outside a Conference Center

- Best Downtown Meeting Venue Outside a Conference Center Stone Brewing - Best Craft Brewery with Meeting Space

- Best Craft Brewery with Meeting Space Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines - Best Golf Resort – Southern California

- Best Golf Resort – Southern California Japanese Friendship Garden - Best Outdoor Venue – Southern California

- Best Outdoor Venue – Southern California Petco Park - Best Sports Venue

- Best Sports Venue Balboa Park - Best Historic or Cultural Venue – Southern California

Thank you readers of California Meetings + Events magazine, and congratulations to all the winners. Here's to a thriving 2018!