IPW - International Powwow - is the largest tourism convention in the U.S. - the travel industry's premier international marketplace - counting about 6.000 participants in total, among them 500 journalists. On Saturday, we checked in the hotel of the German delegation, the Hilton, and lucked out: got upgraded to a suite on the top floor, the 14th, which gave us a chance not only to overview Disneyland, but also to see the fireworks there in the late evening, and, the skyline of L.A. in the far distance.
Sunday, our first full convention day, started with the traditional "German breakfast" in the Hilton Hotel, followed by a Press Brunch in Downtown Anaheim. Boothes and Foodtrucks were set up to feed and entertain media. Before noon press tours started. We had chosen a sports tour which started at the Karl Strauss Brewery with a "pre-game meal" and beer samples. A behind-the-scenes tour through the Angel Stadium (baseball) was next, then a visit at the Honda Arena (Hockey). Unfortunately, there was nothing going on in the stadiums and the group was really large, so it took long to get around.
Back on the Plaza - the main gathering space - at 5 pm and out again at 7 pm for the Grand Opening Party at Disneyland. They had shut down part of the entertainment park for the congress and were introducing the new Star Wars attraction. We walked the loop, grabbed a few bites here and there, but didn't go on any rides. Lines were too long!
Watched the fireworks in the room and called it a day at about 10 pm, Peter still coughing heavily.
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