Blanchard Summit Frequently Asked Questions

Getting to the Summit

It’s always a good idea to make your travel plans as early as possible. This section is designed to make it easy for you to complete arrangements for your visit to Dana Point. Learn about the conference hotel, including driving directions and details about ground transportation.

About Dana Point

Come soak up the sun, surf the waves, and explore the natural beauty of this iconic Southern California destination. With its laid-back vibe and endless array of activities, Dana Point is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and experience the best of what Southern California has to offer. Dana Point offers breathtaking coastal beauty and a treasure trove of outdoor adventures, world-class dining, and unique shopping experiences that create unforgettable memories in this sun-kissed seaside haven!

Conference Hotel

Located between San Diego and Los Angeles, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is a beach-chic hotel that provides awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean. Seek new adventures with our prime location near Doheny State Beach, Dana Point Harbor, and Laguna Beach. Throughout the resort, enjoy a casually sophisticated setting across guest rooms, restaurants, and full-service spa.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
25135 Park Lantern
Dana Point, CA 92629, US
Website

Guest Rooms

Blanchard has negotiated special discount rates at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott.

Our room block has filled quickly in the past, so we recommend booking your hotel room at the time you register for the conference. The discounted room rate will be available until September 16, 2024, based on availability.

To book a room at this hotel at the discounted rates, please click the link here.

Or call the hotel directly at 888-236-2427 and mention Blanchard Summit.

Rate

The rate is $309 for a standard guest room plus taxes, and a $3 per room/per night fee will be charged for the housekeeping staff. Upgraded rooms are also available for an additional cost.

Complimentary Resort Fee

For group attendees, this fee will be waived. Included are the following amenities:

  • High-speed internet
  • Local phone calls
  • Complimentary in-room bottled water (2)
  • Use of yoga mats, surfboards, boogie boards, ping pong, bocce ball, Frisbee, bicycles, shoe shine service, pickleball courts, board games, footballs, putting green (Some limitations apply)
  • 24-hour access to fitness center available to all guests in the group
  • Shoe shine for resort guests (2 pairs of shoes daily)
  • Locals on tap Beer and Wine Hour (must be 21 or older) daily (available 11 a.m.–8 p.m. in OverVue Lounge)
Check-in/Check-out

Check-in time is 4:00 p.m.; check-out time is 11:00 a.m. All guests arriving before 4:00 p.m. will be accommodated as rooms become available. The bell staff can arrange to check baggage for those arriving early when rooms are unavailable, for guests who arrive early or when they are attending afternoon functions on departure day.

Cancellations/No Show

All reservation requests must be guaranteed and accompanied by a deposit in the amount of the first night’s room and tax. The deposit can be in the form of a credit card, cash, or check. This deposit is non-refundable unless reservation is cancelled by 4:00 p.m. three (3) days prior to arrival.

Early Departure/Late Check-out Fee

In the event that a guest who has reserved a room within the group’s guest room block checks out prior to the guest's reserved check-out date, an early departure fee of one night’s room and tax will be charged to that guest's individual account. Guests wishing to avoid this fee must advise the resort at or before check-in of any change in the scheduled length of stay. The resort will inform you of this fee upon check-in.

Transportation

This laid-back paradise is located in the heart of Orange County between San Diego and Los Angeles in California, just a stone’s throw away from John Wayne Airport. Dana Point is your gateway to the Southern California coast!

Suggested airports:

John Wayne Airport: Distance from property: 24 miles

Long Beach Airport: Distance from property: 42 miles

LAX: Distance from property: 60 miles

San Diego International Airport: Distance from property: 66 miles

Driving Directions
From Orange County/Long Beach Airport/LAX

Take the 405 Freeway South, which merges into the 5 Freeway South. Traveling past Mission Viejo and San Juan Capistrano, exit at Pacific Coast Highway on the right, heading north. Proceed through two sets of stop lights to Dana Point Harbor Drive and turn left. Proceed a short block and turn right onto Street of the Park Lantern. Proceed to the top of the hill and enter the resort's property.

From San Diego

Take the 5 Freeway North. Traveling past Oceanside and San Clemente, exit at Pacific Coast Highway on the right, heading north. Proceed through two sets of stop lights to Dana Point Harbor Drive and turn left. Proceed a short block and turn right onto Street of the Park Lantern. Proceed to the top of the hill and enter the resort's property.

Parking

Event Valet Parking Daily Rate = $20 per vehicle
Discounted Overnight Valet Parking Rate = $39 (currently $46) per vehicle

Note: Summit attendees are responsible for their own transportation and parking costs.

General Info

What are the official dates of Blanchard Summit?

The official dates are Tuesday, October 8, 2024 through Thursday, October 10, 2024. Please check the online agenda here for up-to-date information. The opening general session begins on Tuesday, October 8 at 8:30 a.m. PDT.

Where will the Blanchard Leadership Summit be located?

Blanchard Leadership Summit will be located at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point, CA.

What is the first event? When does the meeting open?

Blanchard Summit registration opens Monday, October 7 at 3:00 p.m. and Tuesday, October 8 at 7:30 a.m. in the resort foyer. The event officially kicks off with a Welcome Cocktail Reception on Monday, October 7 at 5:00 p.m. on the Del Mar Lawn.

What is the last event? When does the meeting end?

The event officially concludes on Wednesday, October 9 with a closing session ending at 5:00 p.m. There is an optional half-day on Thursday, October 10, which ends at noon.

What is the dress for this event?

Attire for Blanchard Summit is business casual. We recommend bringing a coat/sweater for the cooler Dana Point evenings, and comfortable shoes.

What is the average temperature this time of the year in Dana Point?

High: 75 °F | Low: 65 °F

What does the conference rate include?

The conference rate includes all meals and event functions listed in the program agenda.

Will there be internet available at the conference?

Wi-Fi access will be available in all guest rooms, meeting spaces, and public spaces.

Why attend Blanchard Summit?
  • Gain access to innovative strategies and insights from world-renowned experts
  • Expand your professional network by connecting with forward-thinking leaders and decision-makers
  • Participate in interactive workshops and seminars designed to enhance your leadership skills
  • Be inspired by motivational speakers who have achieved remarkable success in their fields
  • Learn practical solutions to current challenges that you can immediately apply to improve your team's performance and engagement
  • Spark new ideas and renew your motivation to pursue excellence in your own leadership journey
Who should attend Blanchard Summit?

Summit is designed for senior leaders, L&D professionals, HR partners, instructional designers, trainers, and Blanchard Authorized Partners. Titles of past attendees include Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Learning Officer, VP of Operations, VP of Sales, Business Unit Leader, VP of HR, VP of Organizational Development, Director of Training & Development, Director of Leadership Development, and Talent Management.

Is there accessibility for persons with disabilities?

Our goal is to meet every attendee’s need. For people with disabilities, that means providing a fully accessible environment. The host hotel complies with the regulations set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Who is the best person to contact for customer service?

Please email [email protected].

Where do I find information about Blanchard?

Please visit www.blanchard.com.

What attractions and restaurants are located near the hotel?

For onsite restaurant information and some local restaurant options, please click here.
For resort activities and local attractions, please click here.

What are the local landmarks to visit?
Dana Point Headlands

Before you bid farewell to Dana Point, be sure to wander the breathtaking trails of the Dana Point Headlands Preserve. Here, the awe-inspiring cliffs, sparkling ocean, and sun-kissed beaches combine to create an unforgettable panorama, further enhanced by the dazzling display of wildflowers that grace the landscape each spring.

Doheny State Beach

Located in the city of Dana Point, California and is one of California's most popular state beaches and attracts almost one million visitors per year. Doheny has a day-use surfing beach at its northern end and a five-acre lawn with picnic facilities and volleyball courts.

The southern end of the state beach has campgrounds, with some of the campsites only steps away from the beach. The state beach has tide pools and a visitor center with several aquariums. Surf fishing is also popular among visitors.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

While visiting the heart of Orange County, visitors can look forward to exploring both the history and culture of this area. Explore the Mission San Juan Capistrano, a historic landmark located just a few miles from Dana Point in the city of San Juan Capistrano.

Ocean Institute

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of maritime history and ecology at the Ocean Institute, where captivating exhibits and hands-on experiences bring the past to life.

Registration

How do I register?

Please visit our Summit website and click on the register button.

How do I know if I'm registered?

All attendees will receive a confirmation by email. This confirmation is your receipt and verifies the information you provided when registering.

What is the registration fee?

$1,275 (rate on or after July 1, 2024)
$1,495 (rate on or after September 1, 2024)

*All registration fees are listed in USD.

Do you offer group discounts?

We do offer discounts for groups of three or more! To receive further discount information, please email Sarah Connell ([email protected]) to get a group discount promo code.

Can I send a substitute in my place?

You may send a substitute in your place at no charge. Please contact Sarah Connell via email at [email protected]. However, all substitutions must be made by Friday, September 27, 2024.

What is included in my registration fee?

A full conference registration includes all posted sessions, in addition to meals.

What if I need to cancel my registration?

If you need to cancel for any reason, please notify contact Sarah Connell via email at [email protected]. The cancellation policy is below:

  • If you cancel before September 23, 2024, you will be refunded your full registration fee
  • If you cancel on or after September 23, 2024, you will be refunded 50% of your registration fee
  • If you cancel on or after September 30, 2024, you will not be eligible for a refund but may send someone in your place