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Thank you for registering for the 55th annual UCDA Design Conference, hosted in historic Pasadena. Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, the city is an oasis from the hustle and bustle of downtown Los Angeles, located just 10 miles away. Below, you'll find essential details for planning your trip. We look forward to welcoming you to Pasadena!

PASADENA'S UNIQUE DISTRICTS

Old Pasadena is a bustling urban center. On the National Register of Historic Places, this 22-block area of streets and alleyways reflects the traditions of early California, blending more than 200 retail stores, art galleries, trendy boutiques, vintage clothing stores, theaters and restaurants while maintaining the heritage of Pasadena’s early downtown charm.

Pasadena Playhouse Village is an eclectic mix of art, theatre, literature and retail with numerous restaurants. At its center is the Pasadena Playhouse, the official State Theatre of California and a National Historic Landmark built in 1917. Experience Southern California’s oldest and largest independent literary haunt, Vroman’s Bookstore or neighboring Canterbury Records.

South Lake Avenue is a mixture of an active business community and thriving retail center. Many locals frequent this tree-lined avenue featuring retailers like Macy’s, Anthropologie and Orvis. Local-only eateries include Smitty’s, Green Street Restaurant and Pie ’n Burger, a Pasadena institution since 1963.

Civic Center's grand Beaux-Arts and Mediterranean architecture provides a striking backdrop to an array of unforgettable activities—from relishing new bites at highly rated bakeries and restaurants to ice skating and attending live stage productions.

ART & CULTURE

Pasadena is alive with remarkable art collections, architecture, literature, and entertainment, so plan carefully to fit in everything on your must-see list.

Want to feast your eyes on Gainsborough’s masterpiece, “The Blue Boy”? It’s here at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Not to be outdone, Pasadena’s Norton Simon Museum also has one of the most remarkable private art collections in the world. And don’t miss the USC Pacific Asia Museum, among just four institutions in the country dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands.

FOOD & WINE

Considered one of California’s most exciting culinary destinations, Pasadena’s dynamic, constantly evolving dining scene features a line-up of more than 600 restaurants representing nearly every cuisine category. You know it’s a serious food town when there are more restaurants per capita than New York City, not to mention Pasadena originated game-changing creations like the cheeseburger.

INSIDER TIP: PLAN YOUR VISIT
visitpasadena.com 

INSIDER TIP: DRESS IN LAYERS
Meeting rooms can sometimes be chilly, so dress in layers or bring a light sweater.

GETTING TO PASADENA

Transportation from the Airport: Whether you're arriving at Los Angeles International, Burbank, or Ontario airport, you have several transportation options to get to Pasadena.

• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or Taxi:
  • Readily available at all airports. Prices vary based on traffic and time of day.
• Rental Cars:
  • All major rental agencies are available at LAX, BUR, and ONT. Valet parking is available at The Westin Pasadena for an additional nightly rate of $28.
• Public Transit from LAX: (Prices of Flyaway and Metro will vary)
  1. Take the FlyAway Bus to Union Station, then transfer to the Metro A Line to Pomona (formerly Gold Line) and exit at Memorial Park Station which is about a 10-minute walk to the hotel.
  2. Take Metro C Line to Norwalk, exit Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station, walk downstairs and take Metro A line to Pomona, exit Memorial Park Station and a 10-minute walk to the hotel.
• Public Transit from BUR: (Prices of Metrolink and Metro will vary)
  • Take Metrolink Antelope Valley to Union Station, walk to Metro A Line station, take toward Pomona, exit Memorial Park Station and walk about 10 mins to the hotel.
• Public Transit from ONT: (Prices of Metrolink and Metro will vary)
  • From Terminal 2, take line 61 to Fontana via Ontario, exit Fontana Metrolink Transit Center, walk to Metrolink and take to L.A. Union Station, walk to Metro A Line and take to Pomona, exit Memorial Park Station and walk 10 minutes to hotel.

We recommend taking a rideshare or taxi for the fastest route. Public transit is available, but requires multiple transfers.

INSIDER TIP: CARPOOL WITH OTHER ATTENDEES
Connect with other attendees on Slack before the conference to coordinate a carpool and save on transportation costs. 

 

YOUR DIGITAL CONFERENCE COMPANION

Visit the attendee website for the most up-to-date and detailed conference information at your fingertips: 
ucdadesignconference.com

FEATURES
Schedule: Detailed session descriptions to help you choose the conference experience that's right for you
Sponsors: Learn more about our event sponsors.
Evaluations: Links to online evaluations for each session and the overall event.
Floor Plans: Conference site maps to help you locate where you need to be.

INSIDER TIP: JOIN THE CONFERENCE SLACK
Download Slack and start the conversation with fellow attendees before you arrive. Be sure to enable push notifications so you never miss an important announcement or schedule update. Join the workspace now: ucdaconference.slack.com

GET SOCIAL

Let your friends, colleagues, and family know you are going! Share your experiences and photos before and during the event.

INSIDER TIP: MEDIAGRAPH PHOTO CONTEST
Upload your conference photos to the Mediagraph gallery for a chance to be chosen as the photo of the day and win a prize. Plus your photo will be featured on the mainstage for all to see!

CONFERENCE SITE

The 55th annual UCDA Design Conference will be held at The Westin Pasadena, with views overlooking Historic Old Town, Historic City Hall, and the San Gabriel mountains.

The Westin Pasadena
191 North Los Robles
Pasadena, California 91101                               
626-792-2727

DISCOUNTED HOTEL RATES

To secure your room, book online at https://book.passkey.com/event/51033282/owner/18751/home to receive your room at the rate of $225 per night. The deadline to receive this guaranteed rate is October 17.

The rate is also available two days pre- and post-conference, based on availability. After that date, rooms may be available at the prevailing rate.

The hotel stay is not included in the conference registration fees. You are responsible for making your own hotel reservations. 

ONSITE REGISTRATION

The registration desk is located in the Santa Rosa Foyer and will be open during the following times for onsite registration and general information:

Monday, November 10, 12–5 p.m.
Tuesday, November 10, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wednesday, November 11, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Thursday, November 12, 8–9 a.m.

Be sure to allow extra time to pick up your name badge and conference registration materials when you arrive. 

Name badges must be worn at all UCDA events.

INSIDER TIP: AVOID THE RUSH—AND LINES—AND PICK UP YOUR REGISTRATION PACKET EARLY.

 

ADD-ON EVENTS (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)

Add-On: Cyanotype Workshop with Amina Cruz
Tuesday, November 11, 12:30–2:30 p.m.
Create your own unique cyanotype print using organic and non-organic materials.
$50. Additional registration required, seats limited. 
Register now.

Add-On: Offsite Lunch & Learn with Typecraft
How to Communicate Effectively with Your Print Provider
Wednesday, November 12, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Typecraft, Wood, and Jones, 2040 East Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91107
$25. Additional registration required, seats limited. Inlcudes lunch and transportation.
Shuttle departs the Westin Pasadena at 12:15 p.m. and returns at approximately 1:45 p.m.
Register now. 

Add-on: Offsite Visit to ArtCenter's Hillside Campus
Thursday, November 13, 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
An exclusive offsite visit to the renowned ArtCenter College of Design—a global leader in art and design education. Hear from faculty and staff driving innovation in design education, explore cutting-edge studios, labs, and learning spaces, view student exhibitions showcasing the next generation of creative talent. 
Free. Additional registration required. Round trip transportation provided, seats limited. 
Shuttle departs the Westin Pasadena at 8:30 a.m. and returns at approximately 12:00 p.m.
Register now.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

City Walk or Coffee Talk
Tuesday, November 11, 7–8 a.m.

Why not enjoy an early start to your day? Join UCDA leaders, colleagues, and friends for an invigorating morning walk around Pasadena or enjoy a slower morning with casual conversation and a cup of coffee in the Santa Rosa Foyer. 

Publications Swap Shop
Wednesday, November 12, 3:15–3:45 p.m.
Share your work and pick up some samples for inspiration in this limited-time event. Doors will open for 30 minutes, and once the samples are gone, they’re gone! Bring or send ahead approximately 30-50 samples (or as many as you can spare). If sending, please ship them to yourself at the hotel and drop off at the UCDA Registration Desk by Wednesday morning. Those bringing or sending materials for the swap will receive an entry for a drawing to receive a “priority pass” to be at the head of the line!

Send samples ahead to yourself
(must arrive no more than three days before your stay):
First Name & Last Name – GUEST
191 North Los Robles
Pasadena, California 91101   

INSIDER TIP: BRING MATERIALS FOR THE SWAP TO RECEIVE A “PRIORITY PASS.” 

ArtCenter College of Design: South Campus
Wednesday, November 12, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Mullin Transportation Design Center, ArtCenter College of Design, South Campus
950 S Raymond Ave, 2nd floor Hover Space, Pasadena, CA 91105
Visit ArtCenter's South Campus and explore the graduate student exhibition Reveal: Uncovering Layers of Creativity.

OTHER PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

UCDA Foundation Silent Auction
Opening Bids: Monday, November 10, 8 p.m.
Closing Bids: Wednesday, November 12, 5:30 p.m.
Each year we ask our members, speakers and sponsors to submit items to be auctioned off at the annual conference. Proceeds from the UCDA Foundation Silent Auction at the UCDA Design Conference will directly benefit future UCDA Professional Development Scholarships.

Objects made by our members including photographs, paintings, drawings, prints, posters, jewelry, ceramics, weavings, cards, books, etc., are especially well-received by conference attendees. Also, quirky and unusual items such as pop-up books, collectibles, and objects d'art do extremely well in the silent auction. Donated items from the conference city will forever remind the winning bidder of the wonderful time they had while attending the UCDA Design Conference.

Bring an item or two to donate for the silent auction: drop items off at the registration desk.

You may also contribute to the UCDA Foundation outside of the auction with a monetary donation.

INSIDER TIP: BIDDING ENDS WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR FAVORITE ITEMS TO ENSURE YOU DON’T GET OUTBID!

Networking Reception
Monday, November 10, 4–5 p.m.
It’s time to mix and mingle with other conference goers! Enjoy light refreshments, reconnect with old friends and make new contacts with our Networking Game. You might even win a prize!

UCDA Expo Reception
Tuesday, November 11, 4–6:30 p.m.
Visit with company representatives, get answers to your most pressing questions, and see the latest techniques, products, and services.

Special thanks to all our sponsors and exhibitors!

INSIDER TIP: LEAVE EXTRA ROOM IN YOUR LUGGAGE OR BRING A SHIPPING LABEL FOR ALL OF THE GOODIES YOU’LL PICK UP AT THE EXPO (AS WELL AS THE SWAP SHOP).

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

Please see UCDA’s Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy, including our Statement of Inclusiveness. We expect conference participants to follow these rules at program venues and program-related social events.

 

Information about the city of Pasadena and photos courtesy of Visit Pasadena.