Welcome to San Diego!

The 2026 AESP Annual Conference will be held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. Explore Southern California’s vibrant culture and natural beauty from this waterfront hotel in downtown San Diego.

Unwind in spacious hotel rooms and family suites featuring stunning views and appointed with upscale amenities. Located steps from the city’s top attractions, like Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center, our guests enjoy easy access to all things San Diego, including the region’s best beaches, the local restaurant scene, Seaport Village and various entertainment venues.

Please note: AESP will never contact you by phone about hotel reservations. To be safe, please do not supply any personal/credit card information to unsolicited callers.

UPDATE: The AESP room block has closed. If you are still seeking a hotel room for the conference, we recommend the following nearby:

 

Stay where the action is: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Make the most of your conference experience by staying at our official event hotel, the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego—because commuting is so last year. Nestled right on the waterfront and just steps from the Gaslamp District, this luxe downtown gem puts you in the heart of everything San Diego has to offer.

Think panoramic bay views, newly remodeled rooms, a rooftop pool, and open-air dining at Sally’s. Whether you’re networking over cocktails, catching the sunset from a private cabana, or just enjoying the walkable access to restaurants, beaches, and nightlife, this is the stay that turns a conference into a mini getaway.

Make the Most of Your Visit to SoCal!

We encourage you to arrive early or extend your stay to take advantage of all that the San Diego area has to offer! February is a great time to enjoy the city’s coastal beauty, laid-back culture, and outdoor experiences. Whether you want to unwind after the conference or squeeze in a little adventure, San Diego delivers.

Top Reasons to Arrive Early or Stay Late

1. Enjoy the Beaches and Waterfront

With miles of coastline just steps from the conference hotel, San Diego makes it easy to relax by the water. Walk along the Embarcadero, visit Coronado Beach, or head to La Jolla to watch sea lions and take in stunning ocean views.

2. Explore Balboa Park

Balboa Park is home to world-class museums, beautiful gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo. You can spend a full day wandering the park, or just pop in for a museum visit or a stroll between sessions.

3. Experience the Gaslamp Quarter

Located next to the conference hotel, the Gaslamp Quarter offers historic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and some of the city’s best dining. It is perfect for post-conference dinners, live music, or simply soaking up the energy of downtown.

4. Take a Day Trip to La Jolla or Coronado

La Jolla offers coastal hiking, kayaking, and incredible views from the cliffs above the Pacific. Coronado Island is just a short ferry ride away and features charming shops, bike paths, and one of the most iconic beaches in the country.

5. Enjoy San Diego’s Outdoor Lifestyle

From coastal hikes at Torrey Pines to harbor cruises and whale watching tours, San Diego is built for being outside. The mild winter weather makes it easy to explore without the summer crowds.

6. Discover San Diego’s Cultural History

Learn about the region’s history at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, explore local art and culture, or visit museums that highlight the area’s Indigenous, Mexican, and maritime heritage.

 

Whether you add an extra day or simply carve out a few hours, San Diego offers the perfect setting to recharge, connect, and make the most of your conference experience.

Waste Reduction

We will minimize waste generation by working with the venue to implement recycling stations, promote the usage of recyclable / reusable materials, and provide digital alternatives to conference materials whenever possible. We will reduce post-conference waste when feasible by donating conference materials to local community groups.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

We will work with the venue to optimize energy usage by employing energy-efficient technologies and practices where available.

Responsible Transportation

We will encourage participants to use sustainable local transit options through pre-conference and on-site awareness campaigns. These options include public transit, carpooling, biking, and more. We also encourage attendees to book their stay at the conference venue to reduce the need for daily transportation.

Sustainable Food and Beverage

On-site we will will work with the venue to prioritize local, vegetarian, and seasonal options while minimizing single-use plastics and packaging waste.

Continuous Improvement

We are committed to continual improvement. We will solicit stakeholder and attendee feedback, monitor impact, and implement meaningful changes based on lessons learned.

Sustainability Policy

We recognize the crucial role that sustainability plays in shaping our future. As an organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency and demand flexibility, we believe we are responsible for leading by example. By collectively embracing this Sustainability Pledge, we can make AESP Annual a platform for inspiration, collaboration, and actionable steps towards a more sustainable future. Together, we can create a positive impact and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. We commit to the following to make the 2026 AESP Annual Conference as sustainable as possible.

View the Manchester Grand Hyatt's Green Fact Sheet

Your Hotel Guide

Take a cruise through the map below. We’ve marked major points of interest including the conference hotel, the closest airport, and more.

Manchester Grandy Hyatt - Home of AESP Annual Conference