Ontario, CA Event Planning

Key Highlights

Hotels	35
Total Sleeping Rooms	4,167
Committable Sleeping Rooms*	250
Committable Meeting Rooms*	24
Largest Exhibit Space	70,000 Sq. Ft.
Largest Ballroom	20,000 Sq. Ft.
Average Hotel Room Rate	USD $96
Average Daily Meal Cost	USD $56
Average Weekly Car Rental	USD $284
*Maximum for a single hotel

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Ontario, CA Meeting Planning Overview

An accessible and picturesque location, Ontario, California, is a stunning example of how a destination can successfully blend small-town charm with big city amenities. Though many of its local businesses trace their historic roots back generations, Ontario is also home to a number of modern corporations with up-to-date technology and infrastructure. In fact, more than 3.8 million square feet of office space is now under development in the Ontario area.

One such advanced facility is the Ontario Convention Center. Offering 225,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, the center features the latest technology, including wi-fi, 30 miles of fiber optic cabling, video conferencing and a full range of audio-visual services. The center is also forward-thinking in its many green-friendly programs, which include the donation of unused food to the local Salvation Army; the purchase of only sustainable and environmentally sound seafood products; and a dedication to source locally grown products and organic produce when possible. Additionally, the center is convenient, as it's located in the heart of downtown within just minutes of the airport and more than 10 convention hotels.

Full of character and life, Ontario's historic establishments lend themselves well to smaller meetings and events. A true testament to the region's heritage, the San Bernardino County Museum offers private rental spaces throughout its captivating exhibits and outside in its lush courtyard. Crafting award-winning wines for over 85 years, the Joseph Filippi Winery & Vineyards is also a great venue for events of up to 100 people, whether they are private wine tastings and dinners, business meetings, fundraisers or elegant receptions. Or, for a team building activity that's distinctly Southern California, schedule a group outing to the Graber Olive House. Since 1894, this historic attraction has been giving guests the chance to experience the long-established tradition of curing and canning Graber Olives.

Whether exploring downtown or journeying to points of interest in nearby Rancho Cucamonga and Clarement, guests to Ontario will enjoy smooth travels thanks to the city's easy and affordable Omnitrans bus line, which has five routes in Ontario. The city itself is extremely accessible as well. Offering over 220 daily flights to nearly every major U.S. destination, the LA/Ontario International Airport is just two blocks from the Ontario Convention Center. Additionally, the city's location at the apex of three major freeways eases the trip for those traveling by car from destinations such as Los Angeles, San Diego and Palm Springs.

Ontario's penchant for culinary agriculture is exemplified not only by its many historical attractions and restaurants, but also by its economy. The city's economy focuses on agriculture and service industries, while the region's major employer headquarters include Jacuzzi Brands Corporation, DPI Specialty Foods West, Inc., Classic Containers, Inc., and the Super Glue Corporation. Higher learning also holds a presence in the area, as Ontario is home to Providence Christian College, the University of La Verne College of Law, Chaffey College Ontario Campus and Chapman University Ontario Campus.

About Ontario, CA / Additional Info

Ontario's sterling reputation spans far beyond its convention and meeting convenience and excellence, as it's also a relaxing vacation spot. With a superb Southern California central location, the 50-square-mile city is in close proximity to mountains, lakes, beaches and deserts, not to mention popular attractions such as Hollywood and Disneyland. Though with a unique blend of historic buildings and contemporary architecture, more than 400 acres of parks, and plenty of must-see attractions all its own, Ontario gives guests little need to travel beyond its city limits.

With a strong base in agriculture, Ontario's history is still very much celebrated today. The city traces its roots to the arrival of brothers George and William Chaffey from Canada more than a century ago. The Chaffeys and early settlers planted lemon and orange groves and built fruit-packing plants, setting the stage for the region's subsequent olive groves and vineyards, which for the most part remain today. In fact, agriculture remains important to the city's economy, and Ontario shares a wine-making heritage with the region's Cucamonga Valley, which is still home to some of California's oldest wineries.

Guests can learn all about Ontario's achievements in citrus farming, wine making and more at attractions such as the Joseph Filippi Winery & Vineyards, Galleano Winery and the Graber Olive House, home of the world-famous Graber olives. The Ontario Museum of History and Art is also a great look at the history, art and cultural traditions of the Ontario area, featuring exhibits on the city's founding and its communities. Meanwhile, the San Bernardino County Museum focuses on the culture and history of Ontario and the greater Southwest in general, offering three floors of exhibits, a cactus garden and hands-on live animal gallery.

Ontario's more modern attractions are equally captivating. Shopaholics are right at home its 1.7-million-square-foot Ontario Mills, Southern California's largest outlet shopping mall. Also one of the most popular attractions in the state, Ontario Mills boasts over 250 major stores, specialty shops, restaurants and more. Meanwhile, the brand-new Citizens Business Bank Arena offers 9,500 seats and the best in sports, entertainment and more. It's also home to the Ontario Reign hockey team, an affiliate of the NHL Los Angeles Kings. Another popular spot for sports fanatics is Ontario's California Speedway, one of the country's top venues for motorsports and the yearly venue for the West Coast Premiere of NASCAR.

After a day of exploring all Ontario has to offer, guests can kick back and enjoy some delicious SoCal cuisine at one of many area restaurants including Pacific Grille and Citrus West. Or, take advantage of Ontario's proximity to the coast by enjoying fresh seafood at restaurants such as King's Fish House and Market Broiler, which offers 18 fresh fish daily. International fare, from Italian classics to expertly-prepared Asian dishes, can also be found at establishments such as Rosa's Italian Restaurant and Toro Sushi Bar & Grill.

Ontario, CA Key Stats for Meeting Planners

Time Zone: Pacific Time (PT)
Convention Center(s):

Ontario Convention Center

Hotel at Convention Center? Yes
Sleeping Rooms 1 Mile from Convention Center: 2,500

Destination Type(s):

Golf Destination
Smoke-free Restaurants

Special Event Venues
30
Population
170,373
Restaurants
100
Country Code
1
Sales Tax
7.75%
Currency
U.S. Dollar
Standard Tipping Practice
10-20%
Electricity
120V / 60Hz
Official Languages
English

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques widely accepted? Yes

All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Cities Near Ontario, CA

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Los Angeles, CA	37 mi	38 min	N/A	N/A
San Diego, CA	114 mi	1 hr 51 min	4 hr 35 min	USD $375+
Las Vegas, NV	230 mi	3 hr 51 min	55 min	USD $245+
Phoenix, AZ	336 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 14 min	USD $220+
San Francisco, CA	416 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 13 min	USD $260+

Ontario, CA Climate Information

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. High (°F)	66	68	68	75	78	87	92	92	89	82	73	67
Avg. Low (°F)	43	45	47	50	55	59	63	64	62	56	47	42
Rec. High (°F)	90	89	97	110	107	111	114	113	112	110	95	99
Rec. Low (°F)	25	29	30	35	38	43	52	51	47	40	29	24
Rainfall (in)	3.5	3.4	3.5	0.6	0.2	0.0	0.0	0.1	0.3	0.3	1.3	1.6

Ontario has a classic mild Mediterranean climate, marked by wet, cool winters and hot, dry summers. Ontario winters usually lead to frost and even the occasional light snow shower, though lows in the city's coldest month, January, only average 34°F. The year-round average high is 75°F and the average low is 46°F.

Annual rainfall totals around 16 inches, with the majority of rain falling in January, February and March. Overall, the region also enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year. The best time to visit Ontario is in the spring and fall months, which bring mild temperatures, low precipitation and pleasant breezes.

Ontario, CA Train Information

Ontario Amtrak Platform

The Ontario Amtrak platform serves two routes, including the Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited. The Texas Eagle route runs daily between Chicago and San Antonio with major stops in Little Rock, Dallas and St. Louis. The Texas Eagle offers connecting service between San Antonio and Los Angeles three times per week via the Sunset Limited route. The Sunset Limited route runs between Los Angeles to New Orleans, with major stops in Tucson, El Paso and Houston.

Passengers should note that the Ontario Amtrak platform, unlike Amtrak stations, has no designated hours.

Ontario, CA Public Transportation

Omnitrans Bus Line

Founded in 1976, the Omnitrans bus system serves the San Bernardino Valley on a 465-square-mile route. Omnitrans sees more than 15 million passengers a year on 27 local and express routes, five of which serve Ontario.

Bus schedules vary based on route. Adult fare is $1.50 per ride or $4 per day. A seven-day pass is $15.

Metrolink

Serving over 45,000 passengers every year, Southern California's Metrolink system encompasses seven light rail lines and 55 stations. The East Ontario Metrolink station provides access to Los Angeles' Union Station via the Riverside line.

The Riverside line runs daily from approximately 5 AM to 8 PM; the trip from East Ontario to Los Angeles takes about an hour. Fares are calculated by distance, but travelers should expect to pay $9.25 during the week and $7 during the weekend from East Ontario to Los Angeles. The East Ontario station features 650 parking spaces for passengers.

Rental Cars

The on-airport rental car agencies at LA/Ontario International are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty. Complimentary airport shuttles transport passengers between the terminals and the Consolidated Rental Car Facility as well as off-airport rental car agencies.

Taxis

Passengers at LA/Ontario International Airport can access taxis curbside outside of baggage claim, while taxis can also be hailed throughout the downtown region. Taxi fare to downtown is about $10 to $15.

Distance To...

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Los Angeles, CA	37 mi	38 min	N/A	N/A
San Diego, CA	114 mi	1 hr 51 min	4 hr 35 min	USD $375+
Las Vegas, NV	230 mi	3 hr 51 min	55 min	USD $245+
Phoenix, AZ	336 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 14 min	USD $220+
San Francisco, CA	416 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 13 min	USD $260+