CRN 2021 Events: Things to Know Before You Go

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, in Dana Point, California for CRN’s annual events! Virtual attendees click here for additional details.

Here is some information you may find helpful as you finalize your plans. (Click here for printable PDF.)

Contact our registration team (events@crnusa.org / 202-624-1747) if you have any pre-event questions.

Science in Session Agenda | Now, New, Next Agenda

SAFETY POLICY

CRN takes the safety of all attendees seriously. Please respect your fellow attendees. CRN requests that everyone wear masks during all indoor events. Orange County ordinance requires you to wear a mask in all indoor public settings if you are unvaccinated. CRN has set up meeting rooms with social distancing in mind and is providing outdoor space for eating/drinking and networking. Let’s all mask up for one another!

What to Expect From the Ritz-Carlton

Marriott is excited to introduce Mobile key into our resort as an additional feature to the already existing mobile app offerings. Mobile Key, will enhance your check-in experience, by presenting you with the options to use their mobile device as their room key and never have to stop at the Front Desk.

Daily housekeeping services are available. Housekeeping services will be performed when the guests are not present in the room. The Ritz-Carlton is currently not performing turn down service. The hotel has increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfection in high traffic areas including restrooms, elevators, and door handles as well as touchless hand sanitizing stations throughout the hotel. Ritz-Carlton staff are equipped with personal protective equipment including face coverings required at all times, a temperature screening upon arrival for each shift, and continuous training on COVID-19 protocols.

Click here for the full update from Ritz-Carlton.

EVENT APP

Stay updated on event announcements, pose session questions with the Q&A feature, connect with other attendees—on-site and virtual—and access helpful resources during and after the events. Get the app here and log in with your CRN member email and password. Non-members and those with additional questions, please contact Gretchen Powers with questions. You'll use the app for session Q&A and connecting with other attendees.

SUGGESTED ATTIRE

Attire for all sessions of Science in Session and Now, New, Next is business casual. For evening gatherings, the fun run & walk, golf tournament, yoga, and other activities, please see descriptions that follow.

ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON, LAGUNA NIGUEL

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, is the host hotel where Science in Session and Now, New, Next sessions and social functions will take place. The address is located at One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, California, 92629. You can reach the hotel by phone at 949-240-2000.

REGISTRATION DESK

The registration desk for Science in Session and Now, New, Next is in The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Foyer. Please check in at CRN’s registration desk to receive your packet and name badge. Registration desk hours are:

Tuesday 10/19 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday 10/20 7:30 am – 12:30 pm
Thursday 10/21 7:30 am – 2:30 pm
Friday 10/22 7:30 am – 10:45 am

CONNECT WITH ATTENDEES

See who’s coming to the event by viewing the RSVP list here. Connect with fellow attendees, in-person or virtual, using the CRN app.

Networking Pavilion

Wednesday 10/20 & Thursday 10/21 | 2:00 – 4:00 pm
LOCATION: Pavilion Room

New this year is the Networking Pavilion. Use the space for any scheduled meetings or if you just need a place to sit and work. The room is stocked with refreshments and is meeting-ready.

EVENING FUNCTIONS

WELCOME RECEPTION Sponsored by Herbalife

Tuesday 10/19 | 7:00 – 9:00 pm
LOCATION: Monarch Bay Courtyard

The future is bright! Join your industry colleagues as we light up the night and get creative with a giant Lite Brite. Make the evening pop as you connect with other attendees over drinks and small bites. Bright colored attire—including neon—is encouraged.

NETWORKING RECEPTION Sponsored by Amway Nutrilite

Wednesday 10/20 | 6:00 – 7:30 pm
LOCATION: Terrace Salon

Amway Step into the sophisticated CRN speakeasy! Enjoy sultry jazz musical stylings as you mingle over cocktails and light appetizers before the evening dine-around.

DINE-AROUND — Plan ahead and make reservations!

Wednesday 10/20 | 7:30 – 11:00 pm
LOCATION: Laguna Niguel

Dine at the resort or go to nearby Laguna Beach and explore one of its many popular restaurants. Click here to get the Uber voucher for rides to and from the resort.

CLOSING RECEPTION Sponsored by Pharmavite

Thursday 10/21 | 7:00 – 10:00 pm
LOCATION: Dana Lawn

Pharmavite Celebrate our last night together with good vibrations at our beach party themed gala. Let loose with lawn games and get gnarly with sun and surf-themed fun under the stars—including a Beach Boys cover band.

FREE GROUP ACTIVITIES

SUNRISE YOGA

Wednesday 10/20 | 6:30 – 7:30 am
Dana Lawn

Sign up in advance when you register online or at the registration desk and get additional details. Plan on wearing a warm layer to start.

KYOWA HAKKO FUN RUN & WALK

Thursday 10/21 | 6:30 – 7:30 am
Meet in lobby at 6:15 am to head to starting location

Sign up in advance when you register online or at the registration desk and get a free t-shirt. Meet in lobby at 6:15 am to head to the starting point in groups for the annual fun run/walk—a time-honored CRN conference tradition! Dress in layers for this early morning outside.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

If you wish to sign up for additional activities, please contact events@crnusa.org or check with us at the registration desk. Space is limited.
See activity details for those who have registered below.

GOLF TOURNAMENT Sponsored by Balchem

Golf at Monarch Beach

$299

Monarch Beach Golf Links features an intriguing Orange County, California, layout—one of only a handful of oceanfront golf courses in the state. With commanding and sweeping views of the sea and beyond, this par-70 championship resort golf course offers an unending variety of play.

Event Time: Afternoon of Wednesday, October 20

ACTIVITY DETAILS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE REGISTERED

Meet in the lobby right after sessions end on Wednesday 10/20. The Ritz Carlton will provide transportation to the Monarch Beach Golf Links. Lunch will be provided at the golf resort.

Ocean Adventures Catamaran & Whale Watching Tour

$120 (space is limited)

Enjoy a two-hour cruise on Dana Wharf's newest vessel, the 63-foot catamaran Ocean Adventure. This eco-friendly vessel is the future of whale watching and features high-tech viewing cameras mounted at the bow, a roomy viewing deck and an inside cabin offering viewing from every area of the vessel.

Tour cost includes transportation, open bar, and snacks.

Event Time: Afternoon of Thursday, October 21

ACTIVITY DETAILS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE REGISTERED

After lunch, meet in the lobby at 2:00pm on Thursday 10/21. CRN will provide bus transportation to offsite activities. You must wear a mask on the CRN arranged bus, per requirements of the transportation companies.

Tidepool Hike at the Ocean Institute

$50 (space is limited)

Experience a two-hour hike led by Ocean Institute guides that goes through the Dana Point Marine Protected Area. This tour is timed for the tides to be at their lowest to better the view the marine life that make their home in the tidepools.