Greetings CMXers!
On behalf of CMX Series Los Angeles, I would like to welcome you to Los Angeles for CMX Summit 2017. By now you’ve prepared yourself for an incredible week in our city of stars! But at 4,850 square miles of neighborhoods, highways, and the occasional movie studio, Los Angeles can be a bit intimidating to explore.
Sure there’s the Hollywood sign, the Walk of Fame, and Baywatch’s Malibu beaches — but L.A. has so much more to offer. Our Series friends and family compiled these local destinations to make your LA adventure as memorable as the movies they inspire.
Before we dive into all the great destinations, let’s talk how to get there and a little Summit locational fun.
Transportation
First of all — we’re sorry — the traffic is real. Give yourself plenty of time to get around town and add about a 20 minute window to your commute incase of Kardashian-induced traffic jams. Car-selfies are a thing.
Many of you will be flying into LAX and unless you’re renting a car, we suggest good old Uber and Lyft. As a general rule, rideshare is your best bet for transportation during your entire stay. If you want to save a buck or two you can choose Uber Pool or Lyft Line and share the commute with a random Angelino. We do have a complex network of busses and I’ve seen taxis, but your best bet is rideshare and light rail.
If you’re staying Downtown or off one of our light rail trains, you can easily get to the Westside, North Hollywood, Hollywood, Long Beach and Koreatown in minutes. Luckily for those staying at our Summit recommended hotel, the Luxe City Center Hotel, it’s just off 910 Silver Line on the light rail, which you can also take to Summit. (If you aren’t using a rideshare.)
CMX Summit at The Reef
Both the workshop and the 2-day conference are hosted at the Magic Box at the REEF. The REEF is a multi-story creative sanctuary for thriving tech companies, interior designers, fashionistas, and successful dreamers. It is the perfect setting for our Summit and will provide you with access to DTLA, and Santa Monica via the Blue Line and the Expo Line light rail. Stop what you’re doing now and save the address to the REEF now on your phone!
Magic Box at The REEF
1933 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Fun Fact: Look out for food trucks outside The REEF! In fact, we’re serving lunch each day at Summit via these food trucks. And they are amazing! No one will judge you for getting a post-breakfast snack, second lunch, or pre-dinner bite — just remember to Instagram it — you literally can even.
CMX Los Angeles Summit Pre-Funk Party
Getting into LA on or before Monday? Join us Monday, September 18 at 7pm at Public School Restaurant and Bar #213.
We could all use a little class, and our host will see to it. Named a 2017 “hot concept” by Nation’s Restaurant News, downtown PS 213 will host an exclusive party for CMX.
Thanks to the incredible Taylor Horneman, restaurant and community manager, and his team, CMX is going to enjoy craft beers, signature cocktails, and great food. Space is limited. RSVP now!
Top 5 Must-See, Easy-Access Neighborhoods
Santa Monica + Venice (aka Silicon Beach)
This is the Silicon Beach you’ve heard about. Jump on the Blue/Expo line all the way to Santa Monica and you’ll be met face to face with the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Walk about a mile or so South and you’ll find Venice with all the hipsters, weirdos, and tech-types nestled in quaint coffee shops and world class dining. In fact Abbot Kinney is the place to eat, snack, and shop. Might we suggest Salt and Straw ice cream, but only if you love delicious things.
Culver City
Culver City has everything. Located off the Blue/Expo line you can enjoy great bars, unpretentious restaurants, and even take in a movie at Arclight. Culver City is also home to a number of major tech companies, just FYI incase you’re looking for a place to live. For a bite of Hollywood history and glamour check out the Culver Hotel, or for the best fried chicken in LA visit Honey’s Kettle.
Koreatown
I hope you’re hungry and down for some all-night karaoke, because that’s what you’ll get in K-town! It is an international foodie destination with walkable streets, easy access using the light rail and plenty to do. For some all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ try Road to Seoul, or if classic Americana is your thing go have a burger at Cassell’s.
Silverlake/Los Feliz
Artsy, hipstery, quirky, and full of character. This is the East LA network of trendy shops, eateries, and bars we call Silverlake and Los Feliz. They are remarkably different neighborhoods, but so full of character that we recommend both. In fact, you should just take a rideshare to Silverlake Sunset Junction (home of an Intelligentsia Coffee shop) and go from there. Immerse yourself in East LA culture at Night Market Song or Cliffs Edge. You’ll fit in great! (Handlebar mustaches and fashionably ironic mock-smocks are not required attire, but fully appreciated.)
DTLA – Arts District
Downtown is booming, and since you’re already here you might as well make the most of it. The DTLA Arts district is creating quite the name for itself and Angelinos are happy to make the trek to this excited locale. An easy walk or rideshare to Arts district will place you in the center of our proudest up and coming neighborhood. From delicious sausages to slick galleries you’d best leave it all up to chance and explore from the heart.
You ready for Los Angeles in 2 weeks!? Make sure to buy your CMX Summit ticket.
Photos by joey zanotti, collectmoments, InSapphoWeTrust, Ryan Vaarsi, joey zanotti, Irina Patrascu Gheorghita, Giuseppe Milo, and Daniel Ramirez.
