Russ Bassett Welcomes NENA 2025—Right in Our Southern California Backyard 🌴

Russ Bassett
6 min read

If you're headed to the NENA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo, you're in for an exciting week—June 21–26, 2025, at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, CA. As a proud Southern California company, Russ Bassett couldn’t be more thrilled that this major 9‑1‑1 industry event is happening in our backyard!

Why Long Beach Makes It Special

  1. Local roots, local advantage
    Russ Bassett has served public safety agencies throughout Southern California for decades. Having NENA in Long Beach means our team is just a short drive away—ready to support attendees, showcase our solutions, and connect face-to-face with both existing partners and new friends in the 9‑1‑1 community.

  2. Easy logistics
    Long Beach is accessible via LAX, Long Beach Airport, and Amtrak. Plus, the Convention Center is nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown—immersed in a waterfront scene that’s perfect for conference breaks and after-hours networking.

Top Things to Do Around Long Beach

Whether you're squeezing in some personal time or planning group outings, Southern California delivers:

1. Explore the Shore—The Waterfront & Aquarium of the Pacific

Take a stroll along Rainbow Harbor, or wander through the Aquarium of the Pacific to encounter penguins, sharks, sea otters, and more—a great way to unwind after a day of sessions.

2. Scenic Harbor Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing boat tour around the harbor. Choose from lunch, dinner, or whale-watch cruises—many depart near the Convention Center.

3. Shoreline Village & Pike Promenade

Filled with shops, restaurants, arcade games, and waterfront views, it’s a casual and fun spot for after-hours meetups or a solo wander.

4. Queen Mary Historic Ship

Just across the harbor lies the legendary Queen Mary ocean liner. Explore decks, museum exhibits, and even host private events on board.

5. Downtown Dining—From Baja Fish Tacos to Trendy Tapas

Long Beach’s downtown is full of great restaurants. We recommend grabbing a fish taco at Lola’s, dining al fresco at the Yard House, or gathering colleagues for Spanish-style small plates at The Attic.

6. Belmont Shore & Second Street

A quick Uber ride south brings you to Belmont Shore—home to boutique shopping, beachside cafés, and the relaxed seaside vibe Southern California is famous for.

7. A Taste of LA

If you’ve got an evening or a free morning, Huntington Beach and Seal Beach are just a half-hour away—classic SoCal surf towns with pier promenades, coffee shops, and ocean breezes.

Russ Bassett at NENA 2025 👋

We’ll be in the Expo Hall at Booth #901 - Here's why you should Stop by:

  • Touch and test our consoles—crafted to withstand decades of use

  • Talk tech with experts about ergonomics, customization, and layouts

  • Elevate your operations with furniture that truly enhances performance

Quick Tips for Your Visit

  • Comfort matters: Bring a refillable water bottle and wear comfy shoes—there’s a lot of ground to cover between sessions and the expo.

  • Plan downtime: Schedule an evening harbor stroll or museum stop to recharge. And if you join our group for dinner, expect laughter, lively conversation, and a shot of Southern California hospitality.

In Closing

We’re proud to welcome you to Long Beach and excited to host you in our region. Russ Bassett has deep roots here, and we're honored that the NENA community is convening locally this year.

Don't forget to join us - Russ Bassett is a proud sponsor of the Run for 9-1-1. An annual charity 5K run (or walk) to benefit #ThankYou911, an initiative of NENA, the National Emergency Number Association.

See you in Long Beach!