Here are links to some of Aleta's more recent articles.
Newport Beach Magazine: Happy Trails - February 2012
Spanning 794 square miles, including 17 state highways, 279 freeway miles, 34 cities and about 3 million people, it’s easy to scoff at the notion of back-to-nature recreation in Orange County.
Newport Beach Magazine: A Galloping Trend! - February 2012
Polo is fast, physical and furious.
Orange County Register: Marblehead Park a place where all ages can run or relax - December 9, 2011
Marblehead Park, adjacent to Marblehead Elementary School, is popular with children ready to burn off pent-up energy from sitting in class all day.
BloodHorse.com: Panelist: 'Only Racing Can Save Racing' - October 7, 2011
Racetrack gaming has poured money into the pari-mutuel industry but shouldn’t be viewed as a savior, panelists said Oct. 4 during the 2011 Global Gaming Exposition in Las Vegas.
Exhibit City News: G2E attendance stays steady as exhibitors decline - October 7, 2011
While attendance for the Global Gaming Exposition (G2E) has remained fairly stable over the last three years, exhibitor participation was down for the third year in a row.
Newport Beach Magazine: Pelican Power! - September 2011
Whether sailing along the Newport harbor jetty, surfing the Wedge or relaxing atop Lookout Point, you're likely to see pelican squadrons soaring high on thermal wind currents, gliding low on ocean updrafts or plunging head-on into the ocean's depths for anchovies, sardines and mackerel.
Newport Beach Magazine: Heir to the CDM Culinary Crown - September 2011
As a child, Ryan O'Melveny Wilson watched celebrity and culinary greats Julia Childs, Jacques Pépin and Burt Wolf baking and basting, whipping and whisking, seasoning and sautéing on national television.
San Clemente Times: Picnicking, relaxing or napping; easy, breezy options at Marblehead Park - September 20, 2011
Adjacent to Marblehead Elementary School, Marblehead Park is popular with children ready to burn off pent-up energy from sitting in class all day.
OCinSite: Pelican Power! - August 30, 2011
Whether sailing along the Newport harbor jetty, surfing the Wedge or relaxing atop Lookout Point, you’re likely to see pelican squadrons soaring high on thermal wind currents, gliding low on ocean updrafts or plunging head-on into the ocean’s depths for anchovies, sardines and mackerel.
OCinSite: Wahoo’s Fish Taco - August 25, 2011
The meaning of “perception is reality,” for all intents and purposes, is that what a person perceives or believes to be true, is actually true.
San Clemente Times: Linda Lane Park Popular for its Beach Access, More - August 16, 2011
Surfers, swimmers and sunbathers covet Linda Lane Park’s beach access.
Orange County Register: San Gorgonio Park a bustling place for parties, sports - August 3, 2011
Perched on a hill above the I-5 freeway and not far from Shorecliffs Golf Club, San Gorgonio Park is always bustling with activity, from birthday parties and leisurely picnics to baseball tournaments and basketball games.
Veterinary Practice News: Lobby Photo Exhibit Calms, Entertains Patients - August 2011
As practice manager of client relations for Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital in Wheat Ridge, Colo., Nadja Torling is always looking for ways to reduce pet owners’ stress at her general practice, specialty and emergency hospital.
San Clemente Times: Park Series: Verde Park, a Gem of a Pocket Park - July 19, 2011
Verde Park has few amenities compared to many other San Clemente’s city parks, but what it does offer is tranquility and a plethora of green space and shady trees for relaxing, napping, reading or daydreaming.
Newport Beach Magazine: Wing Lam - July/August 2011
Wing Lam calls Newport the center of the universe for OC.
San Clemente Times: Park Series: San Clemente Coastal Trail - July 5, 2011
It is estimated that 300,000 people annually traverse San Clemente’s Coastal Trail, some in search of scenic serenity and relaxation, others in pursuit of heart-thumping, blood pumping workouts.
San Clemente Times: Park Series: San Gorgonio Park Offers Something for Everyone - June 29, 2011
With so many sporting amenities, San Gorgonio is one of the most popular city parks in San Clemente.
Orange County Register: Vista Bahia's ballpark still in a league of its own - June 27, 2011
Vista Bahia Park has a picnic area, tables, benches and ocean and mountain views, but its historical baseball field, batting cages and bullpens take center stage at this remote park at the southeast end of San Clemente.
Tradeshow Lifestyles.com: The sunny side of the San Diego Convention Center - June 10, 2011
Having attended more than 100 tradeshows, I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to convention centers.
Majirox News: Jammin’ for Japan in Southern California - June 9, 2011
Faced with their own killer tornadoes, floods wildfires, wars, high unemployment and threat of a double-dip recession, Americans are understandably preoccupied.
San Clemente Times: Park Series: Vista Bahia Park, Arlie Waterman Field a Little Leaguers' Field of Dreams - June 6, 2011
Vista Bahia Park has a picnic area, tables, benches and ocean and mountain views, but it is its historic baseball field, batting cages and bullpens that take center stage at this remote park in the southeast end of San Clemente.
Orange County Register: Bonito Canyon Park gives public more than meets the eye - June 6, 2011
The 9.3-acre Bonito Canyon Bicentennial Park includes this play area, plus two lighted basketball courts, two lighted tennis courts and one lighted ball field with bleachers.
San Clemente Times: Bonito Canyon Bicentennial Park, More Than Meets the Eye - May 30, 2011
The main access to Bonita Canyon Bicentennial Park is also the entrance to the Boys & Girls Club of South Coast Area, leaving many residents to mistake the park’s amenities as belonging to the youth activity center.
Orange County Register: Mira Costa Park a good place to practice and play - May 24, 2011
Drive down Camino Mira Costa and you may mistake Mira Costa Park as a neighborhood greenbelt, since its play area and picnic benches are out of sight at the south end of the narrow L-shaped park.
San Clemente Times: Park Series: Mira Costa Park Popular for Little League Practice - May 23, 2011
Drive down Camino Mira Costa and you may mistake Mira Costa Park as a neighborhood greenbelt since its play area and picnic benches are situated out of sight at the south end of this narrow L-shaped park.
Majirox News: Blinky Patrol brings comfort to kids - May 1, 2011
Japan’s littlest residents living in shelters will soon be sleeping better, thanks to the U.S.-based Blinky Patrol.
Exhibit City News: Marketing themes compete for attendees’ attention - April 27, 2011
Exhibit industry professionals often attempt to build the value of their brand by using booth themes, promotional tie-ins and integrated marketing messages.
San Clemente Times: Extra, Extra, Read All About the City's Parks - April 27, 2011
Did you know that San Clemente is home to 20 community parks offering everything from shady trees for lazy lounging and family picnics to sporting amenities for tennis, basketball, baseball, volleyball, skateboarding and more?
Exhibit City News: Exhibit City News photo poll: Tradeshow marketing challenges - April 5, 2011
Exhibit City News asked EXHIBITOR2011 attendees, “What challenges are you experiencing in the execution of your tradeshow marketing program?”
Exhibit City News: Four Companies Share Best of Show Honors at EXHIBITOR2011 - March 31, 2011
Considering that many of the most prominent and successful exhibit design companies attend EXHIBITOR each year, it’s quite a distinction to win one of the expo’s Best of Show Awards.
Exhibit City News: Unconventional exhibitors experience success at CES - January 11, 2011
There were many first-time exhibitors and new builds debuting at CES 2011, including substantial new builds by Sony, Panasonic, Audi, Wired Magazine, Hisense and Haier.
Exhibit City News: 2011 CES numbers bode well for exhibit industry - January 10, 2011
Although attendance was strong at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show compared to its 2008 and 2009 editions, exhibitor participation was still contracting in 2010 despite claims the recession was receding.
Exhibit City News: ASAE expo posts record buyer to seller ratio - September 1, 2010
If you want to know the state of the face-to-face industry, go right to the source, the executives that host meetings, conferences and events.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy: IRC Volunteer Becomes a Member of the OC Trackers - August 18, 2010
As an active IRC volunteer, I've been intrigued by the wildlife and nature within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. In an effort to better educate myself, I decided to join the OC Trackers.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy: Artificial Cactus Condo Attracts Wren Family - July, 2010
Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff members are hailing a program that provides artifical nesting options for Cactus Wrens a success.
Exhibit City News: TS2 keynote: Long live the event business - July 15, 2010
Seven formerly outlandish, previously heretical, plainly irrefutable thoughts on how live communications will rescue brands was the theme of the keynote presentation at the TS2 conference at the Boston Convention & Exposition Center, July 13-15.
Tradeshow Lifestyles.com: Julio Iglesias takes center stage - July 10, 2010
Julio Iglesias' international popularity was evident during the crooner's three-night show at the Las Vegas Hilton, June 10-12.
Exhibit City News: Exhibit City News Photo Poll: What eateries do you frequent when working the LA Convention Center? - June 30, 2010
Exhibit City News was on hand for show setup for E3 at the Los Angeles Convention Center June 15-17. Hosted by the Entertainment Software Association, the E3 Expo is touted as the “world’s most exciting platform for interactive entertainment software and hardware news and launches.”
Exhibit City News: Gaylord Opryland Convention Center to reopen in November - June 28, 2010
The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center’s flood ravaged exposition facilities will require extensive cleaning and the information technology infrastructure totally replaced before the ground floor convention hall can reopen.
Exhibit City News: InfoComm rebounds from recessionary dip - June 17, 2010
After a record setting year in 2008, InfoComm’s attendance and exhibitor participation dipped in 2009, but the annual show for the audio/visual industry rebounded this year when 32,000 attendees and 925 exhibiting companies descended on the Las Vegas Convention Center June 9-11.
Exhibit City News: Meeting industry on the up-tick - June 17, 2010
After 18 months of declining demand and an uncertain horizon, it appears the U.S. meetings industry outlook is improving.
Exhibit City News: Seven E3 exhibits keep Freddie Georges Production Group in the game - June 17, 2010
One of my attractions to the exposition/tradeshow industry is the thrill and awe of seeing an exposition hall’s expansive slab of concrete and jungle of pillars morph into a market place to rival the color, vibrancy and intrigue of an inner city street market.
Tradeshow Lifestyles.com: The sunny side of the San Diego Convention Center - June 10, 2010
Having attended more than 100 tradeshows, I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to convention centers.
Exhibit City News: Green Box eSolution saves money, helps environment - June 2, 2010
It’s common knowledge that paper-based literature printing, shipping and storage is a drain on exhibitors’ budgets.
Exhibit City News: Interop 2010: Attendance up, exhibit space down - June 1, 2010
When Interop closed its five-day run at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas April 19, it confirmed what many conferences and expositions are experiencing this year.
Exhibit City News: Flooring gains prominence in exhibit design - May 31, 2010
When exhibit managers sit down with an exhibit house designer to discuss options for a new exhibit or refurbishment of an existing property, they often discuss the appearance of the structure and the branding statement it makes: graphics, meeting rooms, presentation stations, theater set-up, storage capacity, traffic flow, height, width, etc.
Exhibit City News: High water: nothing salvageable at convention hall - May 20, 2010
No official statement has been released on the fate of the 350 exhibits that were in the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. when it swamped by the Cumberland River the first weekend in May.
Exhibit City News: Business conditions improving for meeting planners and suppliers - May 19, 2010
A recent survey conducted by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) indicates that a majority of meeting and event planners and suppliers are optimistic as business conditions continue to improve following an abysmal 2008-09.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy: Harvest Festival to the Rescue - May 15, 2010
Can five minutes in nature really boost self esteem?
Exhibit City News: All booth properties lost in Memphis flood - May 11, 2010
Management of the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is claiming that nothing in its exhibit hall is salvageable after the facility was swamped by flood waters last week.
Exhibit City News: Conferences scramble to relocate after flooding in Nashville - May 8, 2010
Several conferences and expositions are homeless after the Cumberland River swamped the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. earlier this week.
Exhibit City News: Impact of flooding could devastate Nashville’s convention community - May 6, 2010
Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center’s facilities are under water after the Cumberland River breeched the city’s levees earlier this week resulting in massive flooding across many parts of the Tennessee state capital.
Exhibit City News: Safety precautions imperative when traveling in Mexico - May 4, 2010
In mid-April, The U.S. State Department issued a travel warning citing health and safety concerns for U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico.
Exhibit City News: Etiquette makes or breaks business deals in Mexico - May 4, 2010
Doing business in Mexico has its cross cultural challenges, but understanding Mexico’s business culture and etiquette is necessary for establishing business relationships that result in profitable business outcomes.
Exhibit City News: Laser Exhibitor Service opens office in Hawaii - May 4, 2010
Laser Exhibitor Service is opening a new office and warehouse to service tradeshows, conferences and special events throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
Exhibit City News: Emerging economy boosts Mexico’s expo industry - May 3, 2010
There is a saying in Mexico; “When the United States gets the flu, Mexico gets pneumonia.”
Exhibit City News: Graphics: the good, the bad and the ugly - May 3, 2010
It seems that no segment of the exhibit industry has remained unscathed by the recent economic downturn, including exhibit graphic designers and production/print service providers.
Exhibit City News: NAB attendance up, exhibit footage declines - May 1, 2010
Attendance at the National Association of Broadcasters Conference and Expo 2010 (NAB) surpassed expectations when it attained a total pre-registered attendance of 88,044 compared to 2009’s total attendance of 82,650, an increase of more than 6 percent.
Exhibit City News: What are your favorite Las Vegas restaurants and why? - May 1, 2010
Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center on April 10-15, NAB is one of the top-five tradeshows nationwide in terms of attendance and is the world’s largest electronic media show covering filmed entertainment and the development, management and delivery of content across all mediums.
Exhibit City News: Tradeshow Week ceases publication - April 19, 2010
After months of speculation as to its fate, Tradeshow Week magazine closed its doors April 16. Tradeshow Week was one of about 25 publications shuttered by parent company Reed Business Information-US (RBI-US).
Exhibit City News: Bar Association Conference to christen new Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre - April 14, 2010
The first phase of the $5.5 billion Marina Bay Sands Resort and Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore will open April 27, and the first conference to occupy the convention center is the Inter-Pacific Bar Association’s (IPBA) conference May 2-5.
Exhibit City News: NAB 2010 holding its own - April 14, 2010
Organizers of the 2010 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show at the Las Vegas Convention Center this week are “feeling pretty good” that attendance and exhibitor participation will equal or exceed its 2009 numbers.
Exhibit City News: Las Vegas Convention industry protests fire inspection fee hike - April 14, 2010
Southern Nevada’s Clark County Fire Department is proposing a substantial fee hike for conducting fire inspections and Las Vegas’ convention industry is not happy about it, claiming the proposed hike may drive tradeshows out of Las Vegas.
Exhibit City News: Las Vegas Convention industry protests fire inspection fee hike - April 14, 2010
Southern Nevada’s Clark County Fire Department is proposing a substantial fee hike for conducting fire inspections and Las Vegas’ convention industry is not happy about it, claiming the proposed hike may drive tradeshows out of Las Vegas.
Exhibit City News: Challenging times face EACs - March 31, 2010
The recession and exhibitors cutting back on show participation have a lot to do with the dismal business climate for EACs, but depending on who you talk to, there are other issues at play. .
Exhibit City News: Recession triggers historic decline in exhibit industry - March 30, 2010
The current recession has taken a historic toll on the U.S. exhibition industry according to a study just released by The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR).
Exhibit City News: Exhibit City News photo poll: What was the most important information you got from EXHIBITOR2010? - March 30, 2010
Exhibit City News asked EXHIBITOR2010 educational conference attendees: What do you consider the most important information you gleaned from your EXHIBITOR2010 experience?
BloodHorse.com: Dogs to Horses: Pay Attention, Be Proactive - March 23, 2010
The Greyhound racing industry has some words of advice for the horse racing industry: Pay attention to what’s going on.
Exhibit City News: EXHBITOR2010 closes on a positive note - March 21, 2010
Promoters of EXHIBITOR2010 are calling the event a success, saying pre-registered attendance jumped 24 percent over last year’s conference and tradeshow.
Exhibit City News: Apples and Oranges Nab Best of Show for MG Design - March 19, 2010
Ten exhibitors were recognized for the overall excellence of their booth design, for outstanding booth staffing or for outstanding new products at EXHIBITOR2010.
Exhibit City News: Exhibit City News photo poll: What opportunities to you see for growing your company - March 19, 2010
Exhibit City News asked EXHIBITOR2010 attendees: “Given the current market, what opportunities do you see for growing your company?”
Exhibit City News: Exhibit City News photo poll: Things you would change about the Exhibit Industry - March 16, 2010
Exhibit City News asked EXHIBITOR2010 attendees: “If you had a magic wand that would allow you to change one thing in the exhibit industry, what would you change?”
Exhibit City News: EXHIBITOR2010: Women in Exposition seek the magic to the perfect guest experience - March 16, 2010
Ask a dozen people what it takes to create the perfect guest experience in an exhibit and you are bound to get as many different answers. About 40 women sought to pinpoint the components of such an experience Tuesday during the Women in Exposition’s meeting held in conjunction with EXHIBITOR2010 in Las Vegas through March 18.
Exhibit City News: Exhibit City News photo poll: Top three objectives for EXHIBITOR2010 - March 15, 2010
Exhibit City News was on hand for EXHIBITOR2010 setup and took the opportunity to ask exhibitors the top three objectives they want to achieve by attending the annual event.
Exhibit City News: EXHIBITOR2010 opens with strong attendance - March 15, 2010
If the energy and excitement radiating and reverberating across the show floor during set up continues, EXHIBITOR2010 will be a lively affair. The World Conference and Exhibition on Trade Show and Corporate and Event Marketing, EXHIBITOR2010 runs today through Thursday at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
BloodHorse.com: Attendance Light at TRA/HTA Convention - March 12, 2010
Attendance has been light at this year’s joint annual meeting of the Thoroughbred Racing Association and Harness Tracks of America at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Indian Wells, Calif.
BloodHorse.com: Scherf on Wagering Security 'Mission' - March 10, 2010
Chris Scherf, executive vice president of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations, is on a “mission from God.”
Exhibit City News: Case Study: Hisense plants seeds for growth with CES exhibit - March 3, 2010Hisense, a leading Chinese technology company, partnered with EWI Worldwide to create a new 3,575 square-foot exhibit which was unveiled at CES 2010 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in January.
Exhibit City News: Industry peeps connect using LinkedIn - March 2, 2010One of the hottest social media platforms today, LinkedIn hosts a variety of tradeshow/exhibit industry related groups that offer some interesting, informative, educational and sometimes, controversial member-driven content.
Exhibit City News: What is the most outrageous thing you have been charged for as an exhibitor? - March 2, 2010Brull and other members regularly post questions, discussion points and job openings. Following is the response to Bruell’s recent question: “What is the most outrageous thing you have been charged for as an exhibitor by anyone?”
Exhibit City News: Attendance, Energy, Optimism High at NAMM - February 1, 2010There seemed to be energy, enthusiasm and optimism bouncing off the walls of the convention center. Perhaps it was the vibrating Latin rhythms of Carlos Santana emanating from the Latin Percussion exhibit or the piercing solo by composer and saxophonist Tim Reis radiating from the RS Berkeley Band Exhibit...
Exhibit City News: State of the Industry: Tradeshow Freight Carriers Hopeful in 2010 - February 1, 2010
Over the last two years, the trucking industry has “potentially endured the most severe drop in freight volume ever.”
Exhibit City News: NAMM Photo Poll: Why Do You Enjoy Your Job? - February 1, 2010Exhibit City News visited the National Association of Music Merchant’s (NAMM) show floor during set up to ask a variety of individuals why they enjoy their jobs.
Exhibit City News: CES photo poll: Non-union labor working show setup - February 1, 2010Exhibit City News visited the CES show floor during set up to ask exhibit industry professional how they felt about the non-union labor working show set up…
Exhibit City News: Photo Poll: CES policy of no scooters on the show floor - January 27 2010Consumer Electronics Show Exhibit City News visited the CES show floor during set up to ask exhibit builders how they felt about the new CES policy of no scooters on the show floor.
Exhibit City News: CES 2010 Attendance Up While Exhibitor Participation Drops - January 21, 2010Many consider the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas each January to be the bellwether event of the tradeshow industry...
Exhibit City News: Exhibitor Budget Projections Flat Lining for 2010 – January 4, 2010“2008 and 2009 were aberrations due to massive, once-in-a-generation global financial crisis.”
Exhibit City News: Industry Trends Discussed During EDPA Conference – December 4, 2009Contracting timelines are driving leaner activities - meaning clients are asking their exhibit house staff to get things done faster, at less cost...
Exhibit City News: EDPA Conference Attendees Advised to Gather, Ignite, Stoke Campfires – December 4, 2009“People love a campfire. “Have you ever heard anyone say ‘You know, if there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s a warm, inviting campfire…?’ The fact is, we live – we commune – around campfires all day long.”
Exhibit City News: State of the Industry: Belief and Hope for Recovery – November 30, 2009Recent news reports and economic studies suggest that the recession is behind us. However, some exhibit industry leaders and executives beg to differ, believing the exhibit industry may lag behind the usual economic indicators.
Exhibit City News: Communication is Key when Working With Recruiters - November 2, 2009Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke announced in October that the recession is over, but added the rebound would likely be so moderate it wouldn’t produce many jobs.
Exhibit City News: New Mega Hotel Touted as Singapore’s Foremost Convention and Exhibition Center - November 1, 2009Located along the Marina Bay waterfront, the 55-story, three-tower, Marina Bay Sands will also offer 2,600 opulent rooms and suites, a breathtaking rooftop SkyPark, a museum consisting…
Exhibit City News: New mega hotel touted as Singapore’s foremost convention and exhibition center - November 1, 2009Although many tourists, business travelers, local retailers and job seekers are eagerly awaiting the opening of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel Towers in Singapore in early 2010, it is the hotel’s integrated convention facilities that are creating buzz among international exhibit and meeting professionals.
Exhibit City News: Employer’s Market Doesn’t Mean Easy Recruitment - October, 2009According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 14.9 million Americans were out of work in August…
Exhibit City News: Engagement, Green Technology Still driving Design - September 1, 2009Over the last two or three years, technology, multimedia, green initiatives, tension fabrics and interactive audience engagement have been the driving trends in tradeshow exhibit design.
Exhibit City News: Exhibit City News Announces 40 Up and Coming Tradeshow Industry Professionals - July 16, 2009According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, millions of baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are nearing retirement, including hundreds, if not thousands, of exhibit and association industry professionals.
Exhibit City News: Women in the industry Matrex CEO Jill Hebert: Skin in the Game - June 29, 2009Jill Hebert's 28-year journey from cabinetmaker to corporate CEO naturally had its dead ends and detours, but today the Exhibit Industry veteran is on the high-speed freeway of success as CEO of Matrex Exhibits...
Orange County Register: Essay winner throws ice cream party for Boys & Girls Club - August 18, 2008Living across the street from the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area for almost 20 years, Mary Carter knows how the club's programs, amenities and staff influence San Clemente children.
Irving Rambler: Tools for Tomorrow Scholarship - September 13, 2007Grainger, a local distributor of facilities maintenance supplies to businesses, recently awarded a Grainger $2000 Tools for Tomorrow Scholarship.
Digital Pro Sound: ScreenPlay Goes to War in Afganistan for CBS – January 8, 2002For two-and-a-half months, videographer and editor Ron Whitting hunkered down in a dusty bunker to document the war in Afghanistan for CBS News.