Safer Swimming with WAVE

Heading to the 2025 BGCA National Conference? Here’s Your Quick Guide to San Diego

Written by WAVE | May 5, 2025 1:00:00 PM

May 7-8, 2025 | Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina | Booth #127

If you're attending the 2025 BGCA National Conference this May, your days will be packed with keynotes, breakout sessions, and hallway conversations that spark new ideas. But in between it all, you're in one of the best locations in San Diego—and a few local favorites are just steps away.

Here’s a short guide to making the most of your downtime near the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, the official conference venue.

Quick Walks & Great Eats Near the Hotel

Gaslamp Quarter – 5 Minutes on Foot

The Gaslamp Quarter is right outside the hotel and perfect for a casual dinner or quick happy hour. You’ll find everything from rooftop bars to quiet cafes. If you’re meeting with peers after a long day of sessions, this is a go-to spot.

Top Picks Nearby:

  • Barleymash – Modern American comfort food and local beer
  • The Rooftop by STK – Great views, upscale cocktails
  • Cafe 21 Gaslamp – Farm-to-table, locally loved

Little Italy – 5–10 Minute Drive

If you have a bit more time in the evening, Little Italy is a vibrant neighborhood packed with dining options. It’s a great place to grab a glass of wine, unwind, and enjoy a meal made from scratch.

Top Picks:

  • Bencotto Italian Kitchen – Handmade pasta and cozy ambiance
  • Ballast Point Brewing – Solid craft beer and easygoing vibes
  • Piazza della Famiglia – A lively pedestrian-only plaza perfect for a short stroll

Need Fresh Air? Take a Harborfront Walk

Right outside the Marriott, the San Diego Bayfront offers a scenic walking path with waterfront views, public art, and places to sit and recharge. If you need a mental break between sessions, this is the perfect 15-minute reset.

At the Conference: Make Time to check out WAVE at Booth #127

Whether your Club manages its own pool or takes kids to a community or partner facility to swim, water safety remains a top priority—and one of the highest-risk activities you oversee.

WAVE’s real-time drowning detection technology is helping facilities leaders across the country add a powerful layer of protection during swim time. It’s easy to deploy and supports staff without slowing down programming.

At Booth #127, you can:

  • See a live product demo in water

  • Hear how Clubs are using WAVE today

  • Get ideas for how it could work at your site

  • Enter our special summer rental giveaway  — open to all Clubs, whether you have a pool or not

We're giving away a free rental of a 25-swimmer WAVE system for the summer. If you take kids offsite to swim, this is a unique opportunity to enhance their safety—and if you operate your own pool, you're eligible too.

Want a more in-depth conversation? Book a time to meet during the conference and get a walkthrough tailored to your setup:

Reserve a Meeting Slot Now 

We’ll see you in San Diego.