California Dreaming: My 2025 Conference and Vendor Expo Adventure

This October, I traded in my Alabama autumn for sunny skies and palm trees as I made my way to Anaheim, California, for a conference and vendor expo—an incredible weekend of inspiration, learning, and a little bit of magic along the way with my former agency.

The Journey West

The trip started with a little unexpected drama before the adventure even began. I woke up at 3 a.m. to a flight notification letting me know that my early morning flight from Montgomery to Atlanta had been canceled and rebooked for the afternoon—which would have completely thrown off my plans for the day in Los Angeles.
Knowing I had a full schedule ahead, I did exactly what I’d do for one of my clients: I got on the phone with Delta right away. After a quick conversation and some creative rerouting, I was able to switch to a direct flight out of Atlanta instead. I hit the road immediately, made it to the airport just in time, and somehow managed to catch my new flight. It was a hectic start, but everything worked out perfectly, and I arrived in LA right on schedule.
Once I landed at LAX, though, the travel hiccups weren’t quite over. When I got to the Sixt rental car counter, they couldn’t find my reservation anywhere in their system. As I searched for my confirmation details, I realized something even worse--I had lost my work phone, the one with all my travel confirmations and client details.
The staff at Sixt were incredibly kind and helped me get rebooked with a new reservation as quickly as possible. Thankfully, I was able to track my phone’s location, and to my great relief, it was safely waiting for me in the airport’s Lost and Found. Because the Sixt rental car center is located off-property from the main terminal, I made the decision to leave my phone there until my departure day. The peace of mind knowing it was secure allowed me to move forward and focus on the trip ahead.
With keys in hand and some newfound calm, I finally hit the road and made my first stop at Santa Monica Pier to stretch my legs and breathe in the ocean air. The vibrant energy of the pier—the Pacific Wheel spinning against the blue sky, street performers, and the sound of waves—was the perfect way to shake off the morning’s chaos and start the trip on a high note.

Downtown LA Art and Views

From Santa Monica, I made my way downtown for a culture-filled afternoon at The Broad and MOCA, two of my favorite Los Angeles art spots. I actually ended up visiting MOCA on Sunday since Wednesday didn’t go as planned—and I’m so glad I did. Wandering through those galleries surrounded by contemporary art reminded me why travel is so powerful: it opens your eyes to new perspectives, one brushstroke at a time.
Afterward, I explored the Hollywood Walk of Fame, snapped photos of the Hollywood Sign, and wrapped up the evening with a scenic Runyon Canyon hike just before sunset. The golden glow over the city skyline was the perfect backdrop to end the day.

The Magic of Disneyland

The next few days were all about Disney magic. I checked into the Hilton Anaheim, then moved over to the Disneyland Hotel, which has all the nostalgic charm and whimsy you’d expect from the original Disney property. Between visiting Disneyland Park and connecting with fellow advisors during the conference and vendor expo, it was equal parts business and pure fun. There’s something special about blending professional growth with the joy of being in “The Happiest Place on Earth.”

Weekend Wanderings with Christina

After the conference wrapped up, Christina and I spent Saturday exploring the best of the OC—from the artistic shores of Laguna Beach to the surfer vibes of Huntington Beach, and even a stop at the Irvine Spectrum and Saddleback Church.
One of the highlights of the day was our dolphin and whale watching tour. While we didn’t spot any whales this time, we saw more dolphins together than I’ve ever seen in my life—hundreds of them gliding alongside the boat, leaping through the waves in groups that stretched as far as we could see. It was such a magical moment, the kind that reminds you just how alive and beautiful the ocean truly is.
It was one of those perfect California days filled with sunshine, laughter, and spontaneous detours that make for the best memories.

A Perfect Ending in LA

On Sunday, before my red-eye flight home, I circled back downtown to finally make it to MOCA. And to cap off the trip, I had what can only be described as the best French dip of my life at Philippe’s the Original—a Los Angeles institution that’s been serving up this iconic sandwich for over a century. Sitting there, surrounded by locals and travelers alike, felt like the perfect way to end a whirlwind week of art, adventure, and inspiration.

Until Next Time, California

From the beaches of Orange County to the magic of Disneyland, this trip reminded me exactly why I love what I do. Every place tells a story—and every journey, whether for work or wanderlust, adds another layer to mine.