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.
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.
Marti Winer
Senior Vice President, Regional General Manager
Curiosity-Fueled. People-First. Always-Learning.
With almost 30 years in the events industry—and now proudly bringing that experience to Hosts Global—I’ve built my career around one simple idea: people come first. I’ve spent the last 25 years planning events in Southern California, and I’ve been proudly connected to this region in a professional capacity since 2025. From the city lights to the ocean breeze, SoCal has been the backdrop for countless programs, milestones, and “I’ll never forget this” moments.
I’m curious by nature and a true lifelong learner. I’m the one asking questions, digging into the “why,” and looking for the small shifts that make a big impact. As a leader, I believe my most important role is to help people become the best versions of themselves—supporting their growth, celebrating their wins, and guiding them through the messy middle of learning. I’ve been lucky to have mentors who did that for me, and now it’s my turn to pay it forward while I continue my own journey of growth.
Some of my favorite moments at work are those shared “ah-ha!” breakthroughs with colleagues—the kind where something finally clicks, and you can feel the energy in the room shift. Outside the office, I recharge with a good book, a great yoga class, and time wrapped in a cozy blanket in my comfiest clothes. I love sharing a laugh and a coffee with friends, spending real, unhurried time with my family and chosen family, and fully soaking in those everyday joys that too often get overlooked.
Southern California is my constant inspiration. I love the diversity of this region—city, beach, water, mountains, and incredible food everywhere you turn. It’s a place where you can have a boardroom strategy session in the morning, a seaside reception at sunset, and still catch a late-night bite at a tucked-away gem. The variety here keeps our programs fresh and our creativity on its toes.
And then there’s my not-so-secret delight: that moment when a great song comes on in a public place and you absolutely have to sing and dance along. Life is too short to let those moments pass by.
Ask me about: the best “ah-ha!” moment I’ve shared with a colleague, the most unexpectedly perfect SoCal event setting I’ve helped bring to life, or the time a random playlist turned into a full-blown sing-and-dance break.
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.
