Tuesday, September 6, 2011

ExchangeLA & ISES LA!

Hi everyone! It's Jennifer Minzey and as your ISES LA VP of Programs and Education I'm excited to blog about ExchangeLA and ISES LA! On August 17th, the ISES LA Chapter was fortunate enough to have their August meeting held at the historic and newly renovated Exchange LA, the original home of the Los Angeles Stock Exchange Building.  This meeting was a departure from the regular networking event, as WISE GUYS EVENTS came in and "played" with our crowd with both individual and team building activities.  We also had the pleasure of having LA Spice Catering, Lisa & Mo, and the Nickel Diner share their delectable treats with us that evening.  Thank you to all who came out, I really appreciate it.
But, nothing could have prepared me for the first time that I walked into Exchange LA. WOW!!! These were the first words that came to mind when visiting the venue.  Just some history for you, ground was broken on this art-deco building on October 21, 1929, just three days before Black Thursday.  The Los Angeles Stock Exchange merged with the Pacific Stock Exchange in 1956 and trading took place until 1986.  Since then, the building remained largely unoccupied.  After nearly two years of renovation and retrofitting, Exchange LA now pays homage to its rich and opulent past.
From the outside it looks like the other old buildings in Downtown LA. But, once you walk through the doors, it is an eye opening experience to a whole different style of venue.  From the state of the art sound system to the lighting to the sheer massiveness of the space--spanning over 25,000 square feet and four floors, this venue can offer an array of possibilities.  Hosting a small crowd in one of their really cool suites to hosting over 1,000 people in their main area, Exchange LA offers something unique, something for that creative and fun planner who is looking for something different.

Thank you to Luminaire Images for all the great shots of that evening!

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