We’re looking forward to welcoming you to The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, California for CRN’s annual events! Here is some information you may find helpful as you finalize your plans. Contact Maya English (menglish@crnusa.org / 202-204-7687) if you have any pre-event questions.
WEATHER
The area’s average temperatures this time of year range from a low of 53°F to a high of 76°F—or in other words, perfect! Keep in mind that the meeting rooms can sometimes be chilly, so bring a sweater or jacket along—layers are always a smart choice for travel and especially conferences.
SUGGESTED ATTIRE
Attire for all sessions of The Workshop and The Conference 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
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is the host hotel where The Workshop and The Conference 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.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Information on ground transportation is available via the websites of the airports servicing Dana Point:
- John Wayne/Orange County Airport SNA (35 minutes/23 miles)
- Long Beach Airport LGB (60 minutes/44 miles)
- Los Angeles International Airport LAX (90 minutes/63 miles)
- San Diego Lindbergh Field Airport SAN (75 minutes/67 miles)
REGISTRATION DESK
The registration desk for The Workshop and The Conference 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 10/16 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday 10/17 7:30 am – 4:45 pm
- Thursday 10/18 7:30 am – 12:15 pm
- Friday 10/19 7:30 am – 10:45 am
FREE GROUP ACTIVITIES
Wednesday 10/17 | 6:30 am – 7:45 am
LOCATION: Meet in lobby to head to Dana Lawn
SUNRISE YOGA Sponsored by Swisse Wellness
Sign up in advance when you register online or at the registration desk and get additional details. Meet in the lobby at 6:30 to head to the lawn for yoga at 6:45. Free yoga mat for participants. Plan on wearing a warm layer to start.
Thursday 10/18 | 6:30 – 7:30 am LOCATION: Meet in lobby to head to adjacent public park
KYOWA HAKKO FUN RUN & WALK Sponsored by Kyowa Hakko
Sign up in advance when you register online or at the registration desk and get a free t-shirt. Meet in lobby at 6:30 to head to the head to the public park adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton for the annual fun run/walk—a time-honored CRN conference tradition!
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Don’t forget about the additional Thursday afternoon activities that require pre-registration!
Limited opportunities may be available on site to join one of the Thursday afternoon activities, space permitting. Inquire at the registration desk—or contact Maya English now to ensure your spot (menglish@crnusa.org). Once full, we will maintain a waitlist.
- Golf Tournament Sponsored by Balchem
$299 includes box lunch and transportation to Monarch Beach Golf Links.
- Kayaking Sponsored by doTERRA International
$149 for an excursion on the calm waters of Dana Point Harbor—a thriving Pacific marine habitat.
- Wine Tasting/Lecture Sponsored by Polyphenolics
$49 for an exploration of Napa Valley wines and the chemistry behind them.
EVENING FUNCTIONS
Tuesday 10/16 | 7:00 – 9:00 pm LOCATION: Dana Lawn
HARVEST HOMECOMING RECEPTION Sponsored by Herbalife
Kick back college-style in your favorite school t-shirt/sweatshirt for a casual evening. Enjoy craft beer tasting and other beverages along with hearty home-style fare like chili and pasta. Chat with friends and play collegiate cornhole while a coffee-house guitarist croons.
Wednesday 10/17 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Terrace Salon and Balcony
MYSTICAL MASQUERADE RECEPTION Sponsored by Jamieson Wellness and Watson Inc.
Don your dressier “‘resort evening” attire as the base to “prop yourself” further in a mysterious disguise as you circulate to a sultry jazz trio. Savor great conversation among colleagues over charbroiled oysters on the half-shell and passed hors d’oeuvres—don’t miss the signature cocktail, the “French 75.” The dine-around immediately follows this event.
DINE-AROUND — PLAN AHEAD AND MAKE RESERVATIONS
Dine at the resort, or take a complimentary shuttle to nearby Laguna Beach and explore one of its many popular restaurants. See a list of local restaurants here. Reservations are recommended both at Ritz-Carlton restaurants and downtown. Shuttle will run in a continuous loop from the Ritz-Carlton to downtown Laguna Beach between 7:00—10:00 pm.
Thursday 10/18 | 7:00 – 10:00 pm LOCATION: Monarch Pool Terrace
BOARDWALK CARNIVAL NIGHT Dinner sponsored by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP)
An evening of classic carnival fun calls for casual attire once again as you join in the festivities and try your skills on the ring toss, high strikes and other carnival games—prizes will be awarded. Learn what your future holds with a tarot card reading. Smile big as you capture memories of the evening in an old-fashioned photo booth and take the stage to sing your favorite karaoke song! Tasty twists on fun street foods comprise a delicious buffet dinner and no carnival is complete without a funnel cake and all the toppings!
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN LAGUNA!
Please contact Maya English (menglish@crnusa.org / 202-204-7687) if you have any pre-event questions.