PDA Annual Meeting Activities and Networking Opportunities
Sunday, 24 March
PDA Awards Dinner | 18:30 – 21:30
New this year – PDA has opened the annual Awards Dinner to all attendees! Purchase your ticket to join in the celebration and recognition of PDA’s world-class volunteers. Start your PDA Week with food, fun, and networking!
A portion of the proceeds will support the Jette Christensen Early Career Professional Grant.
- Cost: $125
- Attire: Cocktail
- Reception: 18:30
- Dinner and Awards: 19:30
- Location: Westin Long Beach Hotel
Monday, 25 March
Site Visit: Dendreon Corporate Headquarters and Immunotherapy Manufacturing Facility | 08:30 – 12:30
Dendreon’s Seal Beach location houses both an immunotherapy manufacturing facility (IMF) as well as the corporate and commercial headquarters. Their flagship product was the first FDA-approved immunotherapy to harness the innate benefits of personalized cellular treatment made from a patient’s own immune cells. The 180,000+ square foot (16,723+ square meter) cGMP-compliant and FDA approved IMF specializes in autologous and allogeneic cell therapies.
- Cost: $50
- Departure: Meet in front of the convention center (next to the registration desk) or at the bottom of the stairs on Pine Avenue at 7:45 AM. Buses leave at 8 AM.
Group Power Walk | 11:00 – 12:00
Join the PDA Local Host Committee to kick off the meeting with a refreshing group walk! Embrace the opportunity to stretch your legs, connect with fellow attendees, and enjoy the crisp morning air as we explore the local surroundings. This leisurely stroll promises to invigorate both body and mind, setting the perfect tone for the exciting days ahead. Don't miss this chance to network, see the local area, and embark on a memorable journey as we start the meeting together. The walking route will be mostly flat and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Cost: Free
- Meet Up Location: PDA Registration Desk at the Long Beach Convention Center
- Departure: 11:00
- Return: 12:00
- Clothing: Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended
No registration required.
Midday Harbor Boat Tour | 11:30 – 12:15
Join PDA for a narrated harbor tour! In this all-ages excursion, participants will learn the history of beautiful Long Beach while enjoying views of the scenic skyline, the world-famous Queen Mary, large cargo and container ships from all over the world, and much more. You may even catch a glimpse of some California Sea Lions playing in the harbor!
- Cost: $20
- Departure: 11:30 from Shoreline Village
- Return: 12:15 to Shoreline Village
- Clothing: A light jacket is recommended
- Transportation: Participants can either:
- Meet a PDA representative at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center at 11:00 and walk together to the marina together (approx. 15 min walk)
- Meet at the marina at 11:15
Opening Reception | 18:30 – 21:00
The Opening Reception is included with all Full Meeting Registrations and Exhibitors. Guest tickets are available for purchase for $75.
- Cost: Free
- Location: The Pacific Ballroom, Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. To get there, we will be walking through Hall B. There will be staff at the top of the escalators in Hall B and placed in the hallway to the Pacific Ballroom.
Tuesday, 26 March
Group Meditation | 06:30 – 07:15
Discover tranquility and start your day with a group meditation session. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the meeting, take a moment to center yourself, clear your mind, and foster inner peace. Join the PDA Local Host Committee and like-minded participants in this serene early morning gathering to awaken your senses and enhance your overall Long Beach experience. Embrace the opportunity to recharge, find balance, and set a positive intention for the day ahead. Don't miss out on this serene and empowering start to your Tuesday. Casual comfortable clothing and a towel or yoga mat are recommended.
- Cost: Free
- Time: 06:30
- Meet Up Location: Pine Street Entrance to the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center
- Meditation Location: Hyatt Regency Rainbow Lagoon Swan Boats
No registration required.
Midday Whale Watching and
Dolphin Tour | 12:00 – 14:00
Join PDA on a cruise into the open Pacific Ocean to search for the migrating Pacific gray whales (winter to spring) and the largest animals on earth, the blue whales (summer to fall). Participants will also search for humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, dolphins, sea lions, and other amazing marine life who are typically in our waters year-round. With an expert educator from the Aquarium of the Pacific aboard every trip, this is one boat ride not to miss!
- Cost: $50
- Departure: 12:00 from Shoreline Village
- Return: 14:00 (approx.) to Shoreline Village
- Clothing: Proper footwear required (e.g., no high heels) and a jacket or sweater is highly recommended
- Transportation: Participants can either:
- Meet a PDA representative at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center at 11:30 and walk together to the marina together (approx. 15 min walk)
- Meet at the marina at 11:45
Tuesday Night Trivia | 18:00 – 20:30
Join PDA at ISM Brewing for trivia night! Featuring craft farm ales, Belgian-inspired beers and West Coast IPAs trivia night at ISM will challenge trivia-goers on a range of topics, ending in a night of festivity and plenty of beer!
- Cost: $70 – includes two drinks, trivia, and appetizers
- Time: Event opens at 18:00, trivia starts at 18:30
- Transportation: Participants can either:
- Meet a PDA representative at the Westin Long Beach hotel at 18:00 and walk together to the bar (approx. 10 min walk)
- Meet at the taproom
Note: All participants (attendees and guests) must be 21+
Evening Dinner Cruise | 18:30 – 21:00
Join PDA on a private dinner cruise! Participants will embark on the 90 ft. motor yacht SPIRIT for an unforgettable evening with delicious food and comradery. Dinner includes marinated steak skewers, sesame chicken skewers, charbroiled vegetable skewers, Swedish meatballs, steamed rice, French cut green beans, Caesar green salad, assorted cheese & crackers, garden fresh vegetables & dips, assorted mini cupcakes, and unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and coffee.
- Cost: $115 – includes cruise and dinner
- Departure: 18:30 from Shoreline Village
- Return: 21:00 to Shoreline Village
- Clothing: A light jacket is recommended for guests that will want to enjoy the outside upper deck
- Transportation: Participants can either:
- Meet a PDA representative at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center at 18:00 and walk together to the marina together (approx. 15 min walk)
- Meet at the marina at 18:15
Paint and Sip Soirée | 19:00 – 21:00
You bring the creativity, and PDA will provide the rest for this fun and relaxing evening! Participants will be led by an expert instructor who will demonstrate step-by-step instructions as you create your own Long Beach inspired masterpiece. Delight in an evening of art and comradery while enjoying delicious craft cocktails and local beer and wine.
- Cost: $85 – includes two drinks, painting supplies, and instruction
- Time: 19:00
- Location: Meet at the Westin Long Beach Hotel at 18:30 to walk over, or meet at Brush Strokes and Bevs, 501 E Broadway Unit C.
Note: All participants (attendees and guests) must be 21+
Register NowWednesday, 27 March
Group Yoga | 07:00 – 08:00
Energize, rejuvenate, and embrace the day with a refreshing yoga session in the company of the PDA Local Host Committee and your fellow attendees. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a beginner, this class offers a perfect opportunity to enhance your physical and mental well-being. Start your day with balance and positivity, ensuring you make the most of the conference ahead. Join us for this invigorating yoga experience, and greet Wednesday with a fresh, focused mindset. Casual comfortable clothing and a towel or yoga mat are recommended.
- Cost: Free
- Time: 07:00
- Meet Up Location: Pine Street Entrance to the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center
- Yoga Location: Hyatt Regency Rainbow Lagoon Swan Boats
No registration required.
Thursday, 28 March
Site Visit: Takeda Los Angeles Manufacturing Site and Quality Control Laboratories | 08:00 – 14:00
The Los Angeles manufacturing facility – the largest plasma fractionation site in Takeda – focuses on helping people with life-altering conditions improve their quality of life. Nine hundred dedicated employees work 24 hours/day, 52 weeks/year to produce plasma-derived therapies for the treatment of rare, chronic, and genetic diseases, such as immunodeficiencies and bleeding disorders. The Site – which includes award-winning Quality Control labs and an automated robotic teardown facility – supplies products to more than 75 countries around the world and is recognized for its history of innovation and operational excellence.
- Cost: Sold Out
- Meet Up: 07:30 at the Information Desk at the Long Beach Convention Center
- Departure: 08:00 (The bus leaves promptly at 08:00)
- Return: 14:00
- Transportation: PDA is providing a bus to Takeda. If you want to meet at Takeda, the address is 4501 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. Please be there by 09:00.
