The Monterey Meeting Planner Insider Series not only showcases meeting planners who choose Monterey for their events but also highlights recent attendees who have hosted their gatherings here. We’re thrilled to share their top recommendations, including must-see attractions, favorite dining spots, and other highlights from their Monterey experience.
We had the opportunity to meet with John Rutkauskas, Chief Executive Officer of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He shared more about his role and his most recent committee retreat in Monterey!
MEET JOHN RUTKAUSKAS, D.D.S., M.B.A., CAE
John Rutkauskas is the CEO of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is an organization that is committed to optimal oral health for all children, including those with special health care needs. There are nearly 11,000 members daily that provide the highest level of care to all children, regardless of their social or financial status.
Dr. Rutkauskas lives in Chicago, IL and has worked for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for 25 years.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR RECENT MEETING OR EVENT IN MONTEREY
Our executive committee annually convenes a retreat to provide a forum for new committee members to bond with existing members of the committee who they will potentially be working with for the next four years. The meeting was convened at the Intercontinental, The Clement in Monterey. We always try to select a property that will be relaxing for our committee as well as offer the necessary amenities we have grown to expect in an intimate setting.
HOW WAS YOUR GROUP’S ARRIVAL EXPERIENCE IN TO MONTEREY?
Our group arrived from various parts of the country. They arrived to Monterey either direct through Monterey Regional Airport, as I did, or into San Francisco then took limo transfers into Monterey. Learn more about transportation services here.
WHAT ACTIVITIES DID YOUR GROUP GET TO EXPERIENCE WHILE IN MONTEREY? WHAT DID THEY ENJOY MOST ABOUT HAVING THEIR MEETING IN MONTEREY?
The better question is what did we not do? Following our obligatory meeting, we took a private tour of the Monterey Bay Aquarium which was fabulous. The following day we booked bike rentals to enjoy the coastline with a great stop at Pebble Beach and lunch before we returned to Monterey. It was fantastic. I think the general consensus was the sheer beauty we experienced during our biking was a huge highlight.
HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH SEE MONTEREY TO PUT THIS GATHERING TOGETHER?
It was absolutely a pleasure to work with Rick Hud who came to us and suggested Monterey as a possible destination. My previous personal experiences were all in Carmel-by-the-Sea, so this was a wonderful opportunity to see more of Monterey County, which I had not previously explored.
WHY IS MONTEREY A GREAT PLACE TO HOST A MEETING OR EVENT?
Between the amazing golf, the fantastic restaurants and the exquisite natural beauty, this is what I would say are the keys to my experience in Monterey.
WHERE ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK AFTER A MEETING OR EVENT IN MONTEREY? HAVE YOU DISCOVERED ANY HIDDEN GEMS?
Again where do I start? Dinner at the Sardine Factory was fantastic. We discovered a bottle of wine which everyone in our company truly believed may have been one of the best wines they tasted. Dinner at the Whaling Station Steakhouse delivered on some great cuts of steak. All our committee members truly found the food and beverage experiences to be top notch.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR ANYONE LOOKING TO HOST THEIR MEETING OR EVENT IN MONTEREY?
Keep all options open. Monterey has a lot to offer for virtually any preferences, tastes and experiences. It exceeded expectations.
Learn more about how you can use See Monterey as a resource when planning your next meeting or event.