Los Angeles is known for its beautiful beaches, the TV and movie industries, and lots of celebrity sightings. Unfortunately, it’s also made a name for itself for bumper-to-bumper congestion. If you’re exhibiting at a trade show in Los Angeles, the traffic can wreak havoc on your commute to and from the Los Angeles Convention Center. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can lessen your travel time and stress while simultaneously enjoying the city.
Stay in Hotels Near the Los Angeles Convention Center
Avoid the long commute between your hotel and the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) altogether by finding nearby lodging. Many trade show organizers set up partnerships with local hotels that exhibitors can take advantage of, so you might be able to get a room close to the venue at the special show rate.
If that’s not an option, here are a few hotels less than a mile from the LACC:
- AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles and Moxy Downtown Los Angeles, which are both Marriott hotels
- JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. Live
- Los Angeles Athletic Club
- The Ritz Carlton Los Angeles
Staying in a hotel close to the LACC automatically reduces your commute to and from your trade show. If you don’t mind a little workout, you can walk to the show floor or rent a bike from a local company. And even if you prefer to drive between your lodging and the convention center (especially if you have to schlep supplies each day of the show), at least your car ride will be short if you’re staying nearby!
Take Public Transportation
It’s probably not on many people’s bucket lists to take public transportation in a city they’re visiting for business. However, it can be a more efficient way to commute between your hotel and your show’s venue every day. As an added bonus, you get to gaze out the bus or train window and see some of the city, which you might miss if you’re stuck behind the wheel.
The L.A. Metro buses and trains can get you just about anywhere you need to go. They also offer an on-demand rideshare service called Metro Micro for shorter trips, so you have several options if you choose to take public transportation to and from the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Wait Out Rush Hour With Fun Things to Do Near the Los Angeles Convention Center
Like most large cities, traffic in Los Angeles is heaviest during the morning rush hour (usually 7am-10am) and evening rush hour (generally 4pm-7pm). Whenever possible, try to avoid driving during these times to avoid gridlock.
Since you’ll likely have to be at the trade show by a certain time each day, it might be difficult to avoid hopping into your rental car during the morning rush. To get there on time, leave early and put on a podcast or some music to entertain yourself and get ready for the show. In the evening, though, there are several ways you can spend some quality time around the LACC while you wait out rush hour.
Here are a few things you can do within walking distance of the convention center:
- Head over to A. Live, where you can stroll through the Grammy Museum, take in a movie, or go bowling.
- Root for the home team in a professional basketball or hockey game at com Arena, which is right next to the LACC.
- Get a taste of local flavor at any of the restaurants and bars within a few blocks of the convention center.
It always helps to keep an eye on the local news for traffic reports, and a real-time GPS app can help you figure out how to navigate through congested areas. However, there’s no need to rush back to your hotel, since there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself around the LACC—especially when you just want to wait out rush hour.
Let Our Team Take the Stress Away from Your Los Angeles Trade Show
Your commute through Los Angeles might be a headache, but we’ll help everything on the show floor go smoothly from design through dismantle. Whatever method you choose to travel between your hotel and the Los Angeles Convention Center, we’ll help you have a great show. Our rental trade show exhibit portfolio includes custom booths of all sizes, from inline exhibits to peninsulas to islands.
Contact us today to find out how we can create a custom rental exhibit for your next trade show in Los Angeles, CA!
