We're moving out of the sterile hotel environment this year into the creative atmosphere of the Skirball Cultural Center. Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie and nestled on 15 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles, the Skirball has been admired for its intimate scale and sensitivity to the natural environment. Flexible exterior and interior spaces accommodate gatherings of all sizes, from intimate groups as small as 15, to gala events and conference of up to 2,000 guests. Over 500,000 people visit it each year as it features an extraordinary museum offering changing exhibitions, engaging music, theater, comedy, film, family, and literary programs, Zeidler's Cafe, and Audrey's Museum store. An affiliate of the Hebrew Union College, the Skirball's mission is to explore the connections between Jewish heritage and the vitality of American democratic ideals, while welcoming and inspiring people of all heritages and beliefs.

The Skirball Cultural Center is located in the Sepulveda Pass just off the 405 Freeway, 2.5 miles south of the 101 Freeway. Traveling north or south on the 405, take the "Skirball Center Drive" exit. The full address is 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049.

For our pre-day evening join us at Casa Del Mar, the historic hotel by the sea. Since its 1926 opening as a Renaissance Revival-styled beach club, Casa Del Mar had its heyday during prohibition and eventually became a recreation center for enlisted World War II troops. After closing its doors after the War, the establishment saw changes as a drug rehabilitation facility and later on as a nutrition and health care center. In 1999 the Edward Thomas Hospitality Corporation acquired the property and architecture firms HLW International and affiliate Thomson Design Associates worked to revive the the high regency European style of the 1920s. With its brick and sandstone and iron balconies, and carved renaissance figures, Casa Del Mar was restored to its original grandeur.

Casa Del Mar is located where Pico Boulevard ends at the Pacific Ocean, at 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA, 90405.

From LAX: Take Century Boulevard to Sepulveda Boulevard North and turn right. Continue on Sepulveda to Lincoln and veer left. Continue on Lincoln to Pico and turn left. Continue to the end of Pico. Turn left to pull in front of the hotel for valet parking.

From the I-10 Freeway: Take the I-10 freeway to Santa Monica and exit at Fourth Street. Turn left on Fourth Street and continue through two stoplights to Pico Boulevard. Go right on Pico and continue for four blocks to the stop sign at the end of the street. Turn left to pull in front of the hotel for valet parking.

Hotel

We’ve arranged for a special rate of $189 per night at the cool yet classic Hotel Angeleno, just a short drive from the Skirball Cultural Center. Located in the heart of Brentwood and just off the Sunset Boulevard exit of the 405, the Joie de Vivre Hotel offers a heated outdoor pool with fireplace, an indoor fitness center, an Italian steakhouse on the penthouse level, Angeleno Cafe in the lobby, and a complimentary courtesy car service available to the Skirball Cultural Center and other destinations within a three-mile radius. The landmark circular design of this dramatic Modern-era icon boasts an understated and handsome design, and, coupled with the relaxed ambiance of its interior, creates a new kind of casual luxury.

Register online or call 1.866.ANGELENO to make your reservations. Be sure to mention you’re with EconSM to get the group rate.

You can also make arrangements at the recently renovated Luxe Hotel Sunset Boulevard, a neighbor to the Hotel Angeleno and also a short drive to the Skirball Cultural Center. Also located off the Sunset Boulevard exit of the 405, the Luxe Hotel Sunset Boulevard offers 160 guestrooms and suites housed with custom-made furniture, wireless internet access throughout the property, patio dining at On Sunset Restaurant, a heated outdoor pool, tennis court and fitness facility, and the Zen-inspired Luxe spa. Since its 2006 redesign, the seven-acre estate has provided a cool and relaxed atmosphere with its lush greenery and California-modern look.

Call 1.310.476.6571 to make your reservations.