Events & Entertainment
Mix, Mingle, Dine, Golf & Explore at the MCA Winter Meeting
Connect, celebrate, and enjoy the best of Carlsbad at the Winter Meeting. From included meals and events to an optional golf outing and walking food tour, these events and entertainment options give you easy ways to eat well, meet new people, reconnect with industry friends, and make the most of your time together.
Attendee Breakfast
8-8:45 am Tuesday-Thursday, January 26-28
Breakfast is included for you and your guests in your registration fee, so join us each morning to kick off the day with a good meal and great company. This is a perfect time to network and review your schedule for the day.
Networking Lunch
Noon-1 pm Tuesday, January 26
Included in your registration, this lunch gives you an opportunity to connect with other attendees to renew friendships and forge new business relationships.
Welcome Reception with Guests
6-7:30 pm Tuesday, January 25
This special event is included in your meeting registration. Bring your guest and come to unwind after the first full day of the Winter Meeting.
Women in Metal Construction Networking Dinner
6:30-8 pm Tuesday, January 26
Connect, share, and celebrate at the Women in Metal Construction dinner—an event spotlighting women in the industry. Everyone is welcome.
There is an additional fee to attend this optional event; sign up when you register for the meeting.
Golf Outing at the North Course at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
1 pm Shotgun Start on Wednesday, January 14
Hit the links with MCA colleagues during an afternoon on the North Course at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, one of Southern California’s standout golf destinations. This optional outing is a great way to enjoy friendly competition, take in the Carlsbad scenery, and connect with fellow attendees outside the meeting room. Located on the grounds of our host hotel, the North Course reopened in 2024 following the NCAA Division I Golf Championships and was ranked No. 3 among Golf Digest’s Best Renovations that year.
The MCA outing will be played in a best-ball format with a maximum of 32 players. Please provide your handicap when you register so foursomes can be organized in advance. In lieu of a boxed lunch, each player will receive a $40 food voucher to use on the course. Club rental is available onsite for $85 and includes two sleeves of Callaway golf balls.
There is an additional fee to attend this optional event; sign up when you register for the meeting.
Carlsbad Village Food Tour: Eat & Explore
Noon-3:30 pm Wednesday, January 27
Join us for a delicious adventure through the heart of downtown Carlsbad, CA. This guided walking food tour showcases the charm, culture, and culinary creativity of Carlsbad Village while offering a relaxed, social experience.
Over 3 hours, you'll visit a curated selection of 4-6 local restaurants and specialty eateries, enjoying a variety of savory bites, sweet treats, and beverage tastings while learning about the area's history, public art, and vibrant food scene.
We’ll coordinate travel to downtown Carlsbad, then visit restaurants on foot. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. We’ll walk about a mile at a leisurely pace.
There is an additional fee to attend this optional event; sign up when you register for the meeting.
Awards Reception & Dinner with Guests
Reception: 6:30-7:15 pm Wednesday, January 27
Dinner: 7:15-9:30 pm Wednesday, January 27
Celebrate the metal construction community over an evening of drinks, dinner, and recognition. Start with a reception where you can mingle with colleagues and guests, then enjoy dinner as we announce the golf outing winners and honor the recipients of MCA’s Bush and Swaney service awards. We hope you’ll join us for this celebration of what makes MCA great!
This event is included in your registration fee, but when you register, you must indicate you’ll attend the reception and dinner.
Explore Carlsbad
At your leisure
While you’re in town for the meeting, take time to enjoy Carlsbad’s easygoing coastal energy. Set between San Diego and Orange County, Carlsbad offers 7 miles of beaches, walkable village streets, standout restaurants, local shopping, golf, outdoor spaces, and family-friendly attractions—making it easy to turn the days before and after the Winter Meeting downtime into a true Southern California escape. Learn more at visitcarlsbad.com.
- Carlsbad beaches: Enjoy a walk along the coast, watch a stunning sunset, or make time for classic Southern California beach scenery.
- Carlsbad Village: Explore downtown restaurants, boutiques, galleries, coffee spots, and the relaxed local character that makes the Village a favorite stop.
- LEGOLAND California Resort and SEA LIFE Aquarium: Add a family-friendly attraction to your trip if you are traveling with guests or extending your stay.
- Outdoor escapes: From lagoons and walking trails to golf and ocean views, Carlsbad offers plenty of ways to recharge between meeting activities.