How will parking work during the event?

The Lightning Machine’s home base for the weekend is The Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. We suggest our guests either park at The Pershing Square lot across the street, where we will validate your parking at no charge to you, or Uber directly to the Biltmore Hotel for most events. Shuttles will be picking up and dropping off for most events leaving and returning to our Biltmore “campus” during the weekend, with the following exceptions:

Friday, July 28th:

Art+Architecture Walk, DTLA - Participants can valet at The Conrad Hotel for $4.50. (Usually a $60 fee). You will need A Lightning Machine validation to get this rate.

The walk will take you by foot to The Bradbury Building. Shuttles will be on hand to return you to your car at the end of this event.

Saturday, July 29th:

We recommend anyone parking vs. using ride share park at Pershing Square, across from The Biltmore, where we will validate your ticket at no cost.

Guests will be traveling on foot one block away for the dinner experience, “The Poetry of Taste” to Hotel Per La. After dinner, Shuttles will transport guests to the after party, and back to the Biltmore/Pershing Square to their vehicles. Security will be on hand.

Sunday, July 30th:

There will be valet parking at The El Rey Theatre for the Closing Concert on Sunday. Valet will be free but please come prepared to tip. We hope our community will take good care of the folks that serve us for the weekend.

For participants only attending part of the weekend:

For participants who have a Silver Badge and are not attending the entire weekend, parking is not covered. Valet parking is offered at The Biltmore Hotel, but it is not included. We suggest Googling lots in advance or parking at Pershing Square. Once you are parked, most of the event is walkable and you will have access to any shuttles.

What is the attire for The Lightning Machine events?

Friday, July 28th:

Art+Architecture Walk, DTLA - We strongly suggest comfortable shoes for this walking portion of TLM. For ladies, you will have the opportunity to take a break and change your attire for the evening party. There will be comfortable changing rooms at both The Biltmore Hotel, and the Bradbury Building, and a secure place to stash a bag with your walking shoes.

Please wear cocktail attire for The Bradbury building VIP party.

Saturday, July 29th:

Saturday programming will be comfortable business attire during the panels.

Guests may take a break to change for dinner during the cocktail party.

Attire for “The Poetry of Taste” and the after-party is up to the guest. Dress as up or down as you wanna.

Sunday, July 30th:

Attire will be dressy but comfortable. Please remember that for Silver Badges, seating is on a first serve, first come basis, so please wear comfortable shoes if you plan to arrive late and have standing room.

What meals will be served?

Please note that meals are badge dependent. For details, see below:

Friday, July 28th:

Art+Architecture Walk, DTLA - VIP Participants will have Mountain Valley Spring Water, and alcoholic drinks served during this walk.

During the VIP launch party at the Bradbury Building and Neuehouse Social Club, participants will be served vegan ramen, and a series of appetizers and sushi rolls. There will be both protein based options, and gluten-free and vegan options for appetizers. Water, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks will be served.

Saturday, July 29th:

8:00am - For participants invited to the women’s brunch, you will be served mini pastries, fruit cups, mini quiches, coffee and water.

9:00am - For VIP and Gold Badge participants, you will be served mini pastries, fruit, quiches, coffee and water. Please note, we will have extremely limited gluten-free and vegan options so we strongly suggest participants take care of themselves if you have dietary restrictions or prefer high protein meals.

2:00pm - Fuel Break. Participants will be on their own for lunch. You will have 1.5 hours to refuel. We will have a list of options that will be expecting Lighting Participants, and in some cases, offer discounts at the door and on QR codes in the panel room.

5:00pm - There will be a light cocktail hour with water, coffee, drinks, and minimal appetizers.

7:00pm - All VIP and Gold Badge participants will be served a full 4 course meal for dinner during “The Poetry of Taste” at Hotel Per La. Wine, beer, and specialty cocktails will be served as well as coffee and Mountain Valley Spring Water.

9:30pm - Drinks and mini-desserts will be served at the after party for all guests.

Sunday, July 30th:

There will be an old fashioned popcorn machine and full size complimentary movie candy for all guests.

VIP guests will be served complimentary cocktails. Otherwise, El Rey will offer a cash bar.

What if I have a question?

Please email info@thelightningmachine.com with any questions.

What if I don’t receive my physical key before the event?

Please email info@thelightningmachine.com to inform us of any missing keys. The front desk at The Biltmore Hotel will have any missing keys on hand in exchange for your password. You can pick up these keys and safely enter your events.

What are The Lightning Machine designated hotels?

The Lightning Machine is partnering with, and has special rates, at the following hotels:

The Biltmore Hotel, Downtown Los Angeles: https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/los-angeles/millennium-biltmore-hotel-los-angeles/

Hotel Per La: https://www.hotelperla.com/