SEE THE CITY
VENUE MAP | The Lab
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The LAB
15916 Crenshaw Blvd
Gardena, CA 90249
Places to Grub and Placed to Visit
Our venue, The LAB is surrounded by great local food and sports arenas. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between sessions or heading out with new friends after the conference to visit a landmark stadium, here are a few of our favorites.
🚶 Walkable (1–5 Minutes)
CHICKEN MAISON (1 minute)
Fresh Mediterranean bowls, wraps, kabobs, salads, and plates. Healthy, fast, and perfect for groups.
ENSENADA SURF N TURF GRILL (3–4 minutes)
Baja-style fish tacos, burritos, seafood, and Mexican favorites with authentic Southern California flavor.
FYREBIRD (5 minutes)
Crispy Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, fries, and comfort food in a casual setting.
GIGI’S PIZZA (1 minute)
Highly rated, 1960’s style nostalgic, family-run neighborhood pizzeria (and CDG’s favorite spot). Located right across the street from El Camino College, it is a local staple famous for its thin, New York-style pies, generous toppings, and excellent value. Outdoor shaded seating area.
🚗 Short Uber (5–10 Minutes)
SWEET SALTY POKE (~5 minutes)
Build-your-own poke bowls with fresh ingredients—one of Southern California’s lunch staples.
NAM KITCHEN (~6 minutes)
Modern Vietnamese cuisine featuring pho, rice bowls, banh mi, and fresh seasonal dishes.
JUNIA CAFÉ (~6 minutes)
Specialty coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, pastries, and light café fare in a bright, modern atmosphere.
G’S EMPIRE TACOS (~6 minutes)
Local favorite serving tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and flavorful birria.
THE ORIGINAL GIULIANO DELICATESSEN (~7 minutes)
A South Bay institution known for legendary Italian sandwiches, deli classics, and imported specialties.
Nearby Stadiums, Arenas & Entertainment Venues
Our venue, The LAB is surrounded by great local food and sports arenas. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between sessions or heading out with new friends after the conference to visit a landmark stadium, here are a few of our favorites.
⚽ Dignity Health Sports Park (10–12 minutes)
Home of the LA Galaxy and Angel City FC, plus concerts and special events throughout the year.
🏈 SoFi Stadium (15–20 minutes)
Home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, and one of the world’s premier venues for concerts and major events.
🏀 Intuit Dome (15–20 minutes)
The new home of the LA Clippers, featuring cutting-edge technology and live entertainment.
🎵 Kia Forum (15–20 minutes)
An iconic Los Angeles venue hosting world-class concerts, comedy, and live performances.
⚾ Dodger Stadium (20–25 minutes)
Home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and one of baseball’s most iconic ballparks, featuring MLB games, legendary views, and a rich championship tradition.
🏈 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (20–25 minutes)
Home of USC Trojans Football, this historic stadium has hosted two Olympic Games, Super Bowls, World Series, and some of college football’s biggest rivalries.
🏈 BMO Stadium (15–20 minutes)
Home of LAFC and Angel City FC, offering one of the best soccer atmospheres in North America along with concerts and major events.
⚾ Angel Stadium (35–45 minutes)
Home of the Los Angeles Angels, this classic Southern California ballpark is perfect for catching an MLB game during your stay.
🏒🥅 Crypto.com Arena (20–25 minutes)
Home of the Los Angeles Kings, plus the Lakers and major concerts, making it one of the busiest entertainment venues in the world.
Beach Bar Crawl
Beach Bar Crawl
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There’s no better place to bring together the sports creative industry than Los Angeles. As the entertainment capital of the world and home to some of the biggest brands in sports, media, design, and technology, LA is where creativity, storytelling, and culture collide.
MLC Connect is hosted just minutes from LAX in the South Bay, giving attendees easy access while putting them close to Manhattan Beach, world-class restaurants, iconic sports venues, and some of the most influential creative organizations in the country. Whether you’re extending your trip for a few days or flying in just for the conference, there’s no shortage of inspiration waiting around every corner.
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Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is just 10–15 minutes from the venue, making travel easy from anywhere in the country.
Many hotels, restaurants, and attractions are also within a short drive, making it simple to maximize your time in Southern California.
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Complimentary coffee, water, and light refreshments will be available throughout each day of the conference to keep you fueled between sessions.
When it’s time for lunch or after-hours networking, you’ll find dozens of incredible restaurants just minutes from The LAB—including local South Bay favorites, healthy cafés, taco spots, poke bowls, and Manhattan Beach’s vibrant dining scene.
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The LAB
15916 Crenshaw Blvd
Gardena, CA 90249Parking is available on-site, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can conveniently drop you off directly at the venue.
Please enter The LAB from the Crenshaw Boulevard entrance, where MLC Connect signage and staff will help direct you to check-in.
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Being in the South Bay puts you right in the middle of everything Southern California has to offer.
✈️ 10–15 minutes from LAX
🌊 10 minutes from Manhattan Beach
🏖️ Easy access to Manhattan Beach Pier, The Strand, beach volleyball, bike rentals, and oceanfront restaurants
🍻 Great local breweries, rooftop bars, and nightlife for post-conference networking
🎨 Surrounded by some of the world’s leading sports, entertainment, design, and technology companies
Whether you’re grabbing coffee before sessions, catching sunset on the beach after Day 1, or networking over dinner, you’re experiencing one of Southern California’s most creative communities.
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You’ll also be minutes from iconic venues like SoFi Stadium, Intuit Dome, BMO Stadium, Crypto.com Arena, Dodger Stadium, and the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
For anyone working in sports branding, content, design, production, or creative leadership, there simply isn’t a more inspiring backdrop for a conference.
I actually like leaning into “The South Bay” more than just saying Los Angeles. It feels much more authentic to locals and instantly evokes Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, LAX, and the professional sports corridor. It gives MLC Connect a stronger sense of place while still carrying the prestige of Los Angeles.
