Anaheim has long been recognized as a destination where meetings meet imagination, offering planners not only top-tier facilities but also a rich cultural and entertainment backdrop.
To explore how music, technology, and authentic experiences are shaping the future of events, we connected with Amani Roberts, professor at Cal State Fullerton, DJ, author, and hospitality industry expert. Amani shares his insights on everything from integrating music into meetings to leveraging local talent and uncovering hidden gems around Anaheim. His perspective bridges creativity and strategy, giving meeting planners fresh ideas for crafting memorable events in Southern California’s premier convention city.
1. As a professional DJ and hospitality expert, how have you seen music and entertainment transform the energy of a meeting or event?
Music can completely change the energy and vibe of a meeting or event. Since music transcends all demographic boundaries, it brings people from diverse backgrounds together on common ground, and that energy is contagious.
2. What’s one creative entertainment idea that you’ve seen (or would love to see) at a professional meeting or event?
A professional DJ front and center at the event, right next to the speakers and Emcees on stage. I encourage speakers to use the DJ during their speeches, and I implore meeting planners to ensure that music has a through line during the entire event. Elements as simple as walk-up music for everyone and soft music paired with keynote talks are powerful components for events.
3. Music is a powerful tool. How can meeting planners use music to better connect attendees to the local host destination’s communities?
Feature local musicians at the receptions and opening general sessions. Collaborate with local musicians to perform during breaks and meals. Also, for all of the famous artists from a specific destination or region, make sure the DJ features their music during their sets and as walk-up music and intro music.
4. You're shaping the next generation of hospitality professionals at Cal State Fullerton. What are students most excited about when it comes to careers in the hospitality / meetings and events industry?
The students love events, but they view events differently from how we traditionally categorize events. They view music festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach as one big event, and they have a strong desire to work at such events. The students are very much into experiences from the time they register on their mobile devices to the follow-up communication after an event. When I share with them working with hotels and venues as another form of managing events, they tend to be surprised and a little wary of those options. Only after guest speakers share how much fun and how challenging yet rewarding it can be to work at a venue or hotel does the students' interest level increase.
5. How can meeting planners tap into the emerging talent from universities like Fullerton for fresh ideas or partnerships?
The first step would be to visit universities and discuss your career and the various skills you use to manage events. The most impactful lessons students learn are when we have guest speakers (particularly those who look like them) share their career journeys and are transparent about the good and bad experiences they have had during their careers. Second, set up different internship opportunities for students to experience what it is like to work at an event. These internships can be for a single event or for several months. We are in an era where our young professionals like to try different jobs before deciding on the path they want to follow.
6. How do you see technology, like AI, virtual events, or immersive audio-visual, shaping the future of meetings and events?
I think there will always be a place for virtual events. We will likely see them increase in total numbers (compared to 2019) as they serve as a great complement to other events where people may not be able to attend in person. Immersive audiovisual is a growing segment that I believe will continue to gain importance in the future. The success of venues like "The Sphere" in Las Vegas, which has the ultimate immersive audio-visual setup, will inspire other venues to follow suit. AI is also here to stay. I believe that AI can enhance the attendees' experience before, during, and after the event, but it cannot replace the human element of events. AI is also very valuable to the research, logistics, and planning of events. Using this tool can help alleviate the heavy workload of event planners, allowing them to stay focused on strategy and customer experience.
7. What advice would you give meeting and event planners trying to create authentic, culturally rich experiences in an increasingly digital world?
Focus on the human element of each event and create experiences where people can gather, share, and celebrate, while offering plenty of options for the digital world to intersect with personal experiences. If the person is having an amazing "analog" experience, the natural progression is for them to share it with their digital community. Follow the "if you build it, they will come" mantra.
8. Anaheim is a best-in-class destination for meetings and conventions. From your perspective, what makes it such a strong contender in the hospitality space?
I love the various hotel, restaurant, and entertainment options available in Anaheim, many of which are within walking distance of each other. Being in the backyard of Disney is a draw within itself, but many people come for Disney and stay for the rest. Add in an amazing arena for concerts (Honda Center) and a picturesque baseball stadium, and there isn't much Anaheim can't do. The icing on the cake is easy transportation to the airport, which is conveniently located, and an expansive convention center.
9. How do you see Anaheim balancing its identity as both a tourist hotspot and a professional meeting destination?
The tourist destination of Anaheim is primarily Disney and all the parks. The numerous hotels with high-quality meeting spaces are the driving force behind ensuring Anaheim remains a sought-after professional meeting destination. As the destination of Anaheim continues to show how much meeting space is available and the flexibility offered throughout the city, its allure as a top meeting destination will continue to increase.
10. What are some hidden gems or local experiences in and around Anaheim that meeting planners should know about to enhance their attendees’ experience?
As a music guy, I have to call out The Doll Hut, which is a smaller music venue with a storied history. Definitely check that spot out if you have time in your schedule. Go for a walk in Pearson Park and then stop off to eat at Requiem Café. As a fellow author, I am partial to a good independent bookstore, and I do like The Untold Story Bookstore & Café. I hope to do a book reading there one day soon. Finally, when I think about how a meeting planner can get their attendees out and about, I look to the Anaheim Packing District and Center Street Promenade as the perfect stops on a dine-around.
BONUS QUESTION
If you could design the perfect event experience in Anaheim from scratch, what elements would you include and why?
Of course, I would start off the opening reception at Angel Stadium, on the field. From there, we can choose from the numerous hotels that offer ample meeting space. For the first night VIP experience, a private concert at The Doll Hut. The other attendees can experience a night to remember at OCVIBE, which is coming soon to the area (Can't wait!!). The next day would be more meetings and then at night we can have a closing event at a secret location within Disney! I think that would be the perfect experience.
Amani’s passion for music, education, and hospitality shines through in his vision for the future of events and for Anaheim as a meeting destination. His advice reminds planners that while technology and logistics are essential, the true power of events lies in creating energy, connection, and shared experiences.
From world-class venues and walkable amenities to hidden local treasures and cultural touchpoints, Anaheim continues to deliver both the inspiration and infrastructure that meeting professionals seek. As Amani imagines, the perfect event in Anaheim is not just possible, it’s waiting to be created.
