Attendees at the 2019 Annual Session (May 3-7 in Los Angeles) will enjoy a wealth of amenities conveniently located in the L.A. LIVE indoor/outdoor entertainment complex that surrounds the Los Angeles Convention Center. The complex has brought myriad dining and entertainment options to downtown L.A., including more than 20 restaurants. Dr. Brent Larson, AAO president, and fellow Annual Session Planning Committee members have made several trips to Los Angeles in recent years as part of the long-term planning the 2019 Annual Session.

Dr. Larson notes that even when time constraints make it impossible to venture far from the Convention Center, outstanding dining experiences are readily available within L.A. LIVE.

“The WP24 by Wolfgang Puck restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton is a great place for high-quality dining,” says Dr. Larson. “We also enjoyed the Yard House and have seen celebrities there several times. Bestia Restaurant has wonderful Italian food and specialty pizzas and is just a short cab ride away.”

Dr. Larson also recommends visiting Spire 73 at the Intercontinental Hotel in L.A. LIVE. The 73rd– story rooftop bar bills itself as the highest open-air bar in the entire Western Hemisphere.

In addition to high-end dining, L.A. LIVE also has many options for those seeking high-quality food at a lower cost. Many types of food can also be found at Grand Central Market, just a short cab ride from the Convention Center.

From Ariana Grande to 4DX Films: Take Time for Fun at L.A. LIVE

“The GRAMMY Museum® at L.A. LIVE is well worth a visit,” says Dr. Larson. “The museum rooftop terrace will be the site of the International Reception, which is open to all attendees.” Other noted destinations within the L.A. LIVE complex include the Microsoft Theatre (location of Annual Session Opening Ceremonies) and Microsoft Square L.A. LIVE, an open-air plaza and the site of the AAO Celebration. Learn More about Annual Session Events

L.A. LIVE also houses the world-renowned STAPLES Center, which will feature a concert by Ariana Grande on May 6. The L.A. LIVE bowling venue, The Lucky Strike, will be the site of the Annual Session Residents Reception. For a unique movie-going experience, visit the Regal LA LIVE Stadium, home of the first 4DX theater in the United States. The new “immersive” theatre technology includes motion seats and special effects such as wind, fog, mist/rain, scents, etc., synched to the on-screen action.

It’s Easy to Get to the Beach Now, Too

For those able to schedule in some site-seeing time further afield from the Convention Center, Los Angeles offers a variety of renowned tourist destinations. Public transportation options can help make site-seeing convenient.

“The L.A. Metro now runs from downtown to Santa Monica,” says Dr. Larson. “This makes a quick run out to the beach easier than ever.”