ideas for events

The Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa in New Mexico has partnered with the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program to offer a community service program to combat horse abandonment and neglect.

#3 Benefit
The California Science Center’s Discovery Ball celebrated its 14th go with a Cleopatra theme, offering a sneak peek of the exhibition surrounding the Egyptian pharaoh’s life. Christina Sion heads up the detail-minded event annually. Next: March 9, 2013

#10 Benefit
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County’s Dinosaur Ball is the museum’s black-tie biannual fund-raiser. In 2011, it was tied to the opening of the new, permanent Dinosaur Hall, which has the most species of dinosaurs on display anywhere in the country. The 2013 ball will mark the centennial of the museum. Next: June 8, 2013

#19 Benefit
In March Keep a Child Alive acquired the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation’s fund-raising events, including Dream Halloween. The family-friendly affair with treats for kids, arts and crafts activities, and face painting also offers a sponsor reception, food from L.A. eateries, stage shows, and live and silent auctions at Barker Hangar. Next: October 27, 2012

#8 Fashion & Retail Event
The Country Friends' Art of Fashion runway show is held in partnership with South Coast Plaza at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. The 57th event includes wine tasting, a luncheon, and boutique shopping, with proceeds funding the more than two dozen charities the Country Friends supports. Next: September 20, 2012

#5 Food, Wine & Hospitality Event
This year, U.C.L.A. Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center hosted its 17th annual Taste for a Cure food and wine tasting benefit at the Beverly Wilshire on April 20, honoring NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke. The event has raised more than $8 million since its inception. Next: Spring 2013

#5 Trade Show & Convention
The Wall Street Journal's 2012 D: All Things Digital Conference marked its 10th run, and this year’s conference was popularly known as D10. The event brings high-level discussions with boldfaced names in media and technology to the Terranea in Rancho Palos Verdes. Next: May 2013

#9 Trade Show & Convention (new to the list)
This year, the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show drew a record 25,800 guests to the Long Beach Convention Center. Previously show producer Unicomm co-produced The Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show, and the shows now compete. Next: January 12-13, 2013

#10 Trade Show & Convention
The California Gift Show takes over the L.A. Mart and L.A. Convention Center in the winter and summer, and it’s the biggest show of its kind on the West Coast, with more than 200,000 square feet and 10,000 product lines. Urban Expositions just acquired the show from Merchandise Mart Properties, and the management transition will take place following the July edition of the semi-annual event. Next: January 25-28, 2013; July 19-22, 2013

#12 Art & Design Event
Benefiting the Venice Family Clinic, Venice Art Walk & Auctions bills itself as the largest event of its kind in Southern California, attracting about 3,000 annually. In 2012 it partnered with Google and put on offer an array of new shows, tours, exhibits, and art. Next: Spring 2013

#22 Benefit
The sold-out event celebrated its 25th anniversary by raising $525,000 and inviting the more than 750 guests to bring their dogs as dates. Next: 2013

#1 Fashion & Beauty Event
The popular event continues to grow, attracting 1,700 guests and big-name sponsors such as Audi; for its fifth year the event challenged its runway walkers to boost fund-raising, and the $700,000 total smashed records. Next: April 13, 2013

Started more than 25 years ago in Paris, Dîner en Blanc is an impromptu picnic now held in dozens of public spaces throughout the world each year. Event organizers ask guests to dress in all-white clothing and bring a list of items, including white plastic folding chairs and tables, white tablecloths and napkins, and white dinnerware.

#18 Benefit
At the fourth iteration of the fund-raiser for the Humane Society of Greater Miami, Pawpurrazzi raised more than $500,000 from 500 people (and their furry friends). Next: January 25, 2013