Skip to main content
Exterior view of a Mediterranean-style building at Rancho Bernardo Inn with red tile roof and gardens; text promotes a the SITE SoCal educational luncheon and incentive experience on May 12, 2026.

Educational Luncheon + Incentive Experience

May 12, 2026
Rancho Bernardo Inn
San Diego, CA
What if you could get hours back in your week—without sacrificing creativity, personalization, or polish?
Outdoor patio with cushioned seating around a central fountain, overlooking a pool and landscaped gardens with trees and topiary.

The Smart Planner’s Toolkit: AI for Time Savings, Communication & Scale

What if you could get hours back in your week—without sacrificing creativity, personalization, or polish? In today’s fast-paced planning environment, the real challenge isn’t just doing more… it’s doing it smarter. The Smart Planner’s Toolkit: AI for Time Savings, Communication & Scale is a hands-on, high-impact session designed to show you exactly how.

Led by Tim Altbaum, CMP, CMM, this session goes beyond theory. Through live demos, guided application, and a curated panel of industry experts, we’ll dive into real-world examples that bring AI to life in the planning process.

Together, we’ll tackle the everyday tasks that consume your time: emails, proposals, run-of-show documents, and stakeholder communication, showing you how to streamline workflows, elevate your messaging, and scale your impact. Come ready to participate, test ideas, and walk away with tools you can implement immediately.

CMP - Certified Meeting Professional preferred provider. Powered by the Events Industry Council.

Continuing Education Credits are available for this education program.

After our in-depth session with Tim, our panel of industry leaders will discuss all things AI – from practical uses to implementation.

Michael Dominguez – President & CEO of ALHI

Michael Dominguez

President & CEO of ALHI

Phyllis Hong - CEO & Founder of The Sweet Printer

Phyllis Hong

CEO & Founder of The Sweet Printer


portrait of Tim Altbaum, CMP, CMM, Co-Founder of Vario Productions and speaker at SITE SoCal's May 12, 2026 Educational Luncheon

Tim Altbaum

Tim Altbaum, CMP, CMM is a technology strategist, entrepreneur, and CEO operating at the intersection of live event production, experience design, and applied artificial intelligence.

As Co-Founder of Vario Productions, a national event production and technology firm, Tim leads the strategy and execution of high-impact meetings, incentives, and conferences across the country. His work spans everything from creative concepting and general session design to complex production logistics, vendor partnerships, and multimillion-dollar program execution.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Physiology and Neuroscience and a Master’s degree in Network Security, Tim brings a unique blend of scientific thinking and operational discipline to the evolving world of events. He understands both the creative and logistical demands of delivering experiences that not only run flawlessly, but truly resonate with attendees.

A recognized voice in practical AI adoption for the events industry, Tim focuses on helping planners and suppliers integrate technology into their daily workflows and event strategies in a way that enhances creativity, improves efficiency, and elevates the attendee experience. His sessions translate emerging tools into real-world applications that can be implemented immediately—without adding unnecessary complexity.

Known for his engaging, no-hype delivery style, Tim challenges audiences to rethink how events are designed and produced, leaving them with clear, actionable strategies to create more impactful, intentional experiences.

SITE SoCal Young Leaders / Advisory Council Workshop

(All Welcome!)

Join us for a hands-on pre-session workshop designed to level up your relationship with AI, fast! Bring your laptop and get ready to actively build, test, and refine prompts tailored to your daily workflow. We’ll walk through key platforms, share proven prompt frameworks, and troubleshoot in real time through open Q&A. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to sharpen your approach, this interactive session will give you practical tools, increased confidence, and immediate wins you can apply the moment you log back into work.

Accommodations

Tucked away among the rolling hills of San Diego’s North County and bounded by a championship golf course and stately private residences, our 265-acre resort is an escape from the mundane. Whether you seek romance, wish to continue a family tradition, or just need to transport yourself to a verdant oasis, we invite you to make our resort the serene setting of your personal narrative. We’re honored to be a part of your story. Discover endless experiences at Rancho Bernardo Inn.

Planners:

Room rate of $199++.

The specified room rates are subject to a combined 14.15% in taxes and fees.

Suppliers:

Room rate of $249++

The specified room rates are subject to a combined 14.15% in taxes and fees.

Outdoor patio with cushioned seating around a central fountain, overlooking a pool and landscaped gardens with trees and topiary.

Members Only Drawing

Aerial view of Four Seasons Bora Bora, with tropical overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoon, and lush greenery with a mountain in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
1st DRAWING

Four Seasons Bora Bora

  • 3 nights in a Mountain Overwater Bungalow including all tax and fees
  • Daily breakfast buffet for 2 people
  • Roundtrip boat transfers from the Bora Bora airport to the Four Seasons

Approx. value of the donation is $13,000.00.

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora logo

Aerial view of Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, a large beachfront resort with multiple buildings, palm trees, and a sandy beach stretching along the ocean under a partly cloudy sky.
2nd DRAWING

Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort

  • 3 nights in an Ocean View King guest room including all tax and fees
  • Daily breakfast for 2 people

Approx. value of the donation is $5,000.00.

Four Seasons Resort Naples Beach Club logo

Outdoor event space at Rancho Bernardo Inn, with round tables and wooden chairs on a tile floor, covered by beige fabric panels, with greenery and a fireplace in the background.

Agenda

Tuesday, May 12, 2026
10:00 AM-11:00 AM Young Leaders / Advisory Council
Join us for a hands-on pre-session workshop designed to level up your relationship with AI, fast!
11:00 AM-12:00 PM Registration & Reception
Charity Giveback in the Aragon Ballroom Foyer
12:00-2:00 PM Lunch & Education Program
2:00-4:00 PM Onsite Incentive Activities
More details to come!

Charity

Shelter to Soldier™ is a CA 501c3 nonprofit organization that adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Our program also places emotional support animals (ESAs) with active duty military, veterans, Gold Star Families and first responders.

The Shelter to Soldier Canine Ambassadors are a team of certified therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers who provide no-cost visits of love and comfort to local military personnel, veterans, and their families.

Shelter To Soldier

Charity Giveback

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM in the Aragon Ballroom Foyer

As part of our commitment to giving back, SITE SoCal attendees will participate in a hands-on activity supporting Shelter to Soldier service dogs in training and the veterans they serve. Together, we’ll assemble and decorate personalized treat satchels filled with training treats for 46 service dogs, along with handwritten notes of encouragement. Each bag will be customized with a creative touch inspired by the dogs’ names, making every contribution feel personal and impactful.

Treat satchels will be provided, and members are encouraged to bring bulk training treats to help fill them. It’s a simple, meaningful way to come together and give back while supporting an incredible cause.

Sponsors

Host & Experience Sponsor

Event Sponsor

Title Educational Event Sponsor


In-Kind Sponsors


Table Hosts

When Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Where Rancho Bernardo Inn
17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr
San Diego, CA 92128
855-574-5356
Parking Complimentary self parking for all
Valet Parking:
- Complimentary for planners
- Discounted $10 for suppliers
- Overnight Valet $48
Rancho Bernardo Inn logo
MAP