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.

Hosted Buyer Application

Thank you for your interest in applying to be a Hosted Buyer. Please complete this application to submit your interest in attending. Please note, should you be approved as a Hosted Buyer, you will be required to stay for the entire duration of the event. All approved applicants will be notified closer to the event date.

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.

Education

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.

Young Leaders

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.

Reserve Planner Room

Suppliers:

Room rate of $249++

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

Reserve Supplier Room

Accommodations

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
12:00-2:00 PM	Lunch & Education Program
2:00-4:00 PM	Onsite Incentive Activities More details to come!

AGENDA

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

MAP