Conferences at 440 Elm | Where Ideas Flourish in Historic Grandeur

Transform Your Conference into an Unforgettable Experience

In the world of corporate events, conferences serve as crucial platforms for knowledge sharing, professional development, and meaningful connections. At 440 Elm, we understand that the environment in which your attendees gather directly impacts the quality of their engagement and the ultimate success of your event.

Set within a meticulously preserved historic landmark, 440 Elm offers a refreshing alternative to conventional conference spaces. Our venue combines the inspiration of soaring architecture and timeless elegance with the practical functionality modern conferences demand. While standard hotel ballrooms fade from memory, the distinctive character of our venue ensures your conference leaves a lasting impression on every attendee.

Our integrated approach brings together exceptional spaces, seamless catering, and attentive service to create a cohesive conference experience. With a single team coordinating all aspects of your event, you're free to focus on content and connections rather than logistics and vendor management.

Popular Conference Approaches

Industry Leadership Summits

Industry leadership conferences bring together key stakeholders to explore trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of their field. These events typically feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and strategic networking sessions designed to foster collaboration and forward thinking.

440 Elm's Sanctuary provides an inspiring backdrop for thought leadership, accommodating up to 900 attendees in theater-style seating for general sessions. Multi-session formats are easily accommodated with our diverse spaces, allowing for breakout discussions in the Parlor while maintaining networking opportunities in the Plaza and foyers. This flow between spaces naturally encourages the meaningful connections that drive industry evolution.

Professional Development Conferences

Educational conferences focus on skill-building, certification, and professional advancement through workshops, training sessions, and expert presentations. These events require flexible spaces that can shift from lecture formats to interactive learning environments.

Our venue supports a variety of educational setups, from classroom-style arrangements for up to 300 attendees to round-table configurations for collaborative learning. The historic architecture of 440 Elm creates an atmosphere of academic significance that elevates the learning experience beyond typical training venues. With integrated catering providing convenient meal service and coffee breaks, attendees can remain engaged throughout the day without disruption.

Association Annual Meetings

Association gatherings blend formal business proceedings with educational components and social networking. These events often include membership updates, board elections, awards recognition, and industry celebrations that require diverse spaces and formats.

The graceful flow between 440 Elm's distinct areas supports the varied needs of association meetings. From business sessions in the Sanctuary to committee meetings in more intimate spaces, the venue accommodates the full spectrum of association activities. The Plaza offers a refreshing outdoor setting for welcome receptions or evening networking events that strengthen organizational bonds.

Client & Partner Summits

Relationship-focused conferences aim to strengthen business connections, showcase new offerings, and align strategic direction with key stakeholders. These events demand an atmosphere of exclusivity and importance that reinforces client and partner value.

440 Elm's impressive architecture immediately communicates that attendees are valued and the gathering is significant. The combination of historic elegance and modern functionality creates an environment where business relationships flourish. With customizable catering options from our executive chef, meal functions become opportunities to impress and engage your most important relationships.

What Makes a Memorable Conference

Inspiring Environment

The physical setting of a conference significantly impacts attendee engagement and information retention. Unlike generic hotel ballrooms, 440 Elm's soaring ceilings, historic architecture, and natural light create an atmosphere that stimulates creativity and attention. This distinctive setting helps prevent the "conference fatigue" that often plagues multi-day events in conventional spaces, keeping participants engaged and receptive throughout your program.

Seamless Transitions

Successful conferences maintain momentum through smooth transitions between general sessions, breakouts, meals, and networking. 440 Elm's thoughtfully connected spaces allow attendees to flow naturally between different conference elements without disruption. The proximity of our Sanctuary, Parlor, Plaza, and foyer areas eliminates long walks through casino floors or maze-like hotel corridors, creating an integrated experience that maximizes productive time.

Curated Hospitality

Beyond presentations and discussions, exceptional conferences are remembered for their hospitality. 440 Elm's exclusive partnership with Bite Catering Couture ensures that meals and refreshments enhance rather than merely interrupt your program. From energizing breakfast stations to interactive lunch experiences, our culinary offerings can be designed to complement your conference themes while accommodating diverse dietary preferences with sophistication.

Spaces Tailored for Conferences

The Sanctuary

Our primary conference space accommodates up to 900 attendees in theater-style seating, creating an impressive setting for keynote presentations and general sessions. The Sanctuary's historic character provides a distinctive backdrop that elevates the significance of your speakers and content. With built-in audiovisual capabilities and flexible seating arrangements, this space transforms effortlessly from plenary sessions to banquet configurations for awards luncheons or dinner programs.

The Plaza

This versatile outdoor space offers a refreshing change of atmosphere for conference breaks, receptions, or meal functions. Accommodating up to 300 guests for seated events or 500 for standing receptions, the Plaza provides a natural networking environment that encourages meaningful connections between sessions. Weather-protected and comfortably furnished, this area serves as both a functional extension of your conference space and a memorable setting for social components.

The Parlor

Ideal for breakout sessions, workshops, or VIP meetings, the Parlor provides a more intimate setting while maintaining the architectural character that distinguishes 440 Elm. This flexible space can be configured for smaller presentations, roundtable discussions, or specialized demonstrations that complement your main program. With dedicated audiovisual support and proximity to the Sanctuary, the Parlor allows for seamless program tracks within a cohesive conference experience.

Food and Beverage Approaches

At 440 Elm, culinary experiences are designed to complement and enhance your conference objectives rather than simply provide sustenance. Our exclusive catering partner, Bite Catering Couture, creates menu concepts that maintain attendee energy and engagement throughout your program while offering memorable dining experiences.

Essential Conference Catering

Our foundation-level approach focuses on convenient, high-quality options that keep your program running smoothly. From efficient continental breakfast stations and refreshment breaks to buffet lunches designed for balanced nutrition and quick service, this tier prioritizes quality and function. Beverage service includes premium coffee selections, specialty teas, and refreshing non-alcoholic options that sustain energy throughout the day.

Enhanced Conference Experiences

For events seeking to make a stronger impression, our enhanced approach incorporates interactive food stations, regionally-inspired menu concepts, and elevated presentation styles. This tier introduces more customization opportunities, including themed breaks aligned with your conference content and reception-style formats that facilitate networking while showcasing culinary craftsmanship. Beverage programs expand to include signature non-alcoholic options and curated wine or craft cocktail selections for appropriate program components.

Premium Conference Hospitality

Our highest tier transforms conference catering into a distinctive element of your event narrative. Working directly with our executive chef, you can develop completely customized menus that reflect your organization's identity, conference themes, or regional specialties. From executive breakfast concepts to multi-course plated dinners with wine pairings, this approach uses culinary experiences to underscore the significance of your gathering and create memorable moments that attendees associate with your brand.

Planning Your Conference: Key Considerations

Timing & Flow

Optimizing the conference schedule at 440 Elm involves thoughtful consideration of attendee experience and space utilization:

• Allow 30-45 minutes for arrival and registration in our spacious foyer before opening sessions
• Schedule 15-20 minute transitions between general sessions and breakouts to facilitate movement between spaces
• Position refreshment breaks strategically in foyer areas to encourage networking while maintaining program momentum
• Consider using the Plaza for longer meal periods that combine dining with meaningful connection opportunities

Atmosphere & Experience

Creating the ideal atmosphere for knowledge sharing and professional connection:

• Leverage our architectural lighting to enhance presentation visibility while maintaining the venue's historic character
• Incorporate subtle branding elements that complement rather than compete with the venue's distinctive features
• Consider background music selection for breaks and meals that energizes without distracting
• Utilize the natural gathering areas in our foyers and Plaza to facilitate the spontaneous connections that often prove most valuable

Practical Details

Addressing logistical elements to ensure a seamless experience:

• Coordinate dedicated registration areas with our team to ensure smooth attendee check-in
• Review audio-visual requirements early in the planning process to optimize presentation effectiveness
• Discuss transportation options including nearby parking facilities and proximity to hotels
• Consider accessibility needs and flow patterns to ensure all attendees can fully participate in your program

Why 440 Elm for Your Conference

440 Elm offers a unique combination of architectural distinction and functional excellence that transforms standard conferences into exceptional experiences. The historic character of our venue creates an immediate sense of significance that elevates your content and speakers beyond the ordinary. Unlike conventional hotel facilities or blank-slate event spaces, our venue provides both inspiring surroundings and practical capabilities designed specifically for successful gatherings.

Our integrated approach to conferences eliminates the complexity of managing multiple vendors while enhancing the quality of your event. With a single team coordinating venue, catering, and support services, you gain both efficiency and consistency. This seamless collaboration allows you to focus on conference content and attendee experience rather than logistical details and vendor management.

The Long Beach location offers convenient access to people from across Southern California or flying in regionally in our 3 local airports/ staying locally in Long Beach. With many conference/ convention facilities and a lot of activities, Long Beach is a great place to host a conference or convention gathering!

Ready to Transform Your Conference Experience?

Schedule a consultation to explore how 440 Elm can elevate your next conference. Our experienced team will guide you through space options, catering concepts, and practical considerations tailored to your specific objectives and audience. From initial concept to day-of execution, we're committed to creating a conference environment where your content shines and connections flourish.