Hosts Southern California isn’t just a DMC—it’s your strategic partner for creating exceptional corporate events across San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, and Palm Springs. With the region’s most dynamic venues and landscapes at your fingertips, our team delivers immersive, local-savvy experiences that redefine what destination events can be.
Whether you’re crafting a sun-kissed incentive in San Diego or an executive retreat in Palm Springs, our team is your key to a seamless and unforgettable program. Explore our program types and see how we bring SoCal sophistication to life.
From Coastlines to Canyons: Meet the Hosts Southern California Team
Creative, nimble, and endlessly passionate, the Hosts Southern California team is the region’s secret weapon for standout events. This close-knit crew pairs deep-rooted local expertise with a flair for immersive event design, thriving in diverse settings from glitzy coastal ballrooms to serene desert escapes. They don’t just respond to a brief—they elevate it, infusing every experience with personality, precision, and a dash of SoCal sparkle.
Each team member brings distinct expertise, creativity, and passion. Together, they deliver SoCal’s best in event design, logistics, and local insight. Backed by decades of collective experience and a spirit that’s as sunny as their surroundings, this team has mastered the art of transformation—turning venues into stories, and logistics into seamless journeys. With Hosts Southern California at the helm, every program becomes more than an event—it becomes a destination in its own right.
Taylor Kampen
Senior Account Manager
Design-Obsessed. Chaos-Embracing. Memory Maker.
With eight years in the events industry—and four of those proudly spent with Hosts—I’m someone who thrives in the fast lane of planning, pivoting, and making magic happen. Event planning isn’t just my career; it’s basically woven into my DNA. From large-scale corporate productions to backyard celebrations for friends and family, if there’s a moment to be made meaningful, I’m all in (and probably building a spreadsheet for it).
Outside the office, I’m typically knee-deep in paint samples, throw pillows, and whatever DIY project has taken over our San Diego home. My husband and I are serial 90-percenters when it comes to house projects—we’ve mastered the art of “almost done.” Luckily, our dog Fletcher, who is more like our furry firstborn, keeps things grounded (and covered in dog hair).
Having lived in California for most of my life, I never take the sunshine and food scene for granted. San Diego offers a relaxed pace without ever being boring. There’s always a new restaurant to try, a view to take in, or a reason to get outside.
Ask me about: my current renovation rabbit hole, the best last-minute event save I’ve pulled off, or why Fletcher deserves his own calendar.
Jena Eiden
Senior Account Manager
Dog Lover. Team Player. Curious Soul.
After nearly two decades in hospitality and over 14 years immersed in the dynamic world of events, I’ve learned there’s no such thing as a dull day—and that’s exactly how I like it. I’ve spent the last three years with Hosts Global, channeling my energy, intuition, and team-first spirit into every program I touch. Whether I’m wrangling logistics or collaborating with clients, I thrive in the pulse and unpredictability of onsite production. It’s where the magic happens.
People often describe me as outgoing, though you won’t catch me volunteering for a mic any time soon—I much prefer real connections over rehearsed speeches. I believe in being genuine, in showing up as I am (quirks and all), and in helping others untangle their challenges. Maybe it’s my curious nature or maybe it’s just that I find humans wildly fascinating.
Outside the event world, I’m most myself when I’m surrounded by the people I love (and yes, that includes my pack of pups—especially my not-so-little Foxy). I live for laughter, spontaneous adventures, and the kind of deep conversations that only come from shared history. Give me a crystal-clear beach day, a good book, or an underwater escape and I’m in my happy place.
Born in California, I’ve crisscrossed the country—Wisconsin, NYC, San Francisco, Austin—and eventually found my way back to San Diego in 2020. SoCal just gets me. It’s laid-back without being lazy, sophisticated without trying too hard. I love its mix of microclimates and cultures, the way you can drive from surf to summit in a single day, and always know which way is west by finding the ocean.
Ask me about: the best beach to bring your dog, my weirdest onsite event fix, or how I managed to live in all four continental time zones before 40.
Laura K. Wilkens
In Charge of the Rodeo (General Manager)
Checklist Champion | Clipboard Connoisseur | Sunset Chaser
After 35 years in the hospitality world, I’ve seen just about everything—except a day without my trusty custom clipboard and a cold Diet Dr Pepper. I thrive on order, precision, and a perfectly timed snack break. Give me a color-coded checklist and a high-stakes event, and I’m in my happy place.
As General Manager (or, as I like to call it, wrangler-in-chief of the rodeo), I keep our team galloping forward with humor, clarity, and an eye for every little detail. I believe in systems, in the magic of planning, and in making sure every guest experience feels effortless—because behind the scenes, it’s anything but.
I’ve called Southern California home for what feels like forever, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s something about those golden-hour beach walks and the joyful chaos of dogs leaping through the surf that just gets me. Ask me about my favorite dog beach moments—I’ve got stories that’ll make you laugh and maybe even want a pup of your own.
So, if you ever spot someone with a clipboard in one hand and snacks in the other, corralling chaos with a smile, that’s probably me.
Josh Jones, DMCP
President, Client Services
Taco Hunter. Prank Pro. Goosebump Giver.
With 25 years in the industry—and 14 of those with the Hosts family—I’ve seen just about everything this wild and wonderful world of events can throw our way. But the thrill never fades. From high-stakes logistics to goosebump-inducing guest moments, I’m in it for the magic and the memories.
As much as I take the work seriously, I definitely don’t take myself too seriously. If you spend five minutes with me, expect a bad dad joke, an unexpected prank, or an enthusiastic recommendation for the latest TikTok food trend I dragged the team to. My boxer Floyd is my ride-or-die, and when I’m not creating epic experiences or masterminding harmless office mischief, you’ll find me chasing tacos, exploring dog parks, or traveling with my amazing family.
Though Las Vegas has been home for 25 years, I’m no stranger to SoCal. Between work trips and weekend getaways, I’ve developed a deep love for California’s vibe—laid-back but elevated, diverse in every way, and packed with possibilities for our clients. Whether you’re drawn to the coast, the canyons, or somewhere in between, it’s a destination that always delivers.
Ask me about: the best street taco in Southern California, the time I accidentally became the entertainment at an event, or Floyd’s impressive trick repertoire.
Together, this talented crew make up a team that doesn’t just plan events—they craft atmospheres, build stories, and create the kind of moments that attendees remember long after the sun sets.
Discover Venues that Inspire: Where the Vibe Meets Vision
Hotel del Coronado, San Diego
History has never looked so good. The newly renovated Hotel del Coronado is a SoCal icon reimagined. Nestled on the beach with front-row sunset seats, this Victorian-era masterpiece blends historic grandeur with modern elegance. It’s the kind of place where legends have stayed and new legacies are born—ideal for upscale galas, beachfront receptions, and goosebump-inducing celebrations. Ideal for event design & production.
Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, San Diego
The newest star on the Southern California scene, the Gaylord Pacific is a fresh canvas for event innovation. With expansive ballrooms, cutting-edge tech, and panoramic ocean views, it’s poised to become the go-to for conferences, conventions, and gatherings that make waves. New, bold, and brilliantly located—it’s SoCal sophistication with scale.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Springs
Where it all began for one of our own, the JW Marriott Desert Springs is more than a venue—it’s a career milestone and a Palm Springs icon. This desert oasis offers lush grounds, gondola rides, and sun-drenched serenity. Perfect for incentive groups and retreats that need room to breathe and spaces that inspire.
Why Hosts Southern California Is Your SoCal Dream Team
The Hosts Southern California crew turns golden coastlines into golden opportunities. With deep local roots, impeccable design instincts, and a passion for the immersive, they’re your go-to for everything from beachside luxe to desert-chic. When you’re ready to plan your next standout event in SoCal, you’ll want this dream team in your corner—clipboard, creativity, and all.
As part of the Hosts Global alliance, this team represents one of over 360+ destinations served across six continents. From custom dining experiences to seamless transportation, we make your Southern California program stress-free and unforgettable.
Planning in SoCal? Submit an RFP and discover why Hosts Southern California is the partner behind the most talked-about corporate events on the coast.
