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Carlsbad business groups set April 24 open house, outline workforce and placemaking programs
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Summary
Local business leaders told the Economic Development Subcommittee they will host an inaugural Carlsbad Business Open House on April 24 to connect students and residents with employers, expand internship pathways and promote retail activation; village groups also previewed Heart-themed events and pop-up strategies to address vacancy.
Brett Schonzenbach, president and CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, told the Economic Development Subcommittee the Chamber is focusing on artificial intelligence tools for local businesses and will co-host a Carlsbad Business Open House on Friday, April 24 to connect employers with students and residents.
The open house is intended as a drop-in format to showcase local workplaces to middle- and high-school students, community college and college attendees, Schonzenbach said, adding staff will provide a registration portal and suggested a noon–4 p.m. participation window for hosts. "We're kind of suggesting, like, a 01:00 to 05:00 window on that day," he said, noting a noon–4 p.m. template would be advertised.
Why it matters: Council members framed the event as a potential pipeline for internships and first-job hiring. Schonzenbach said organizers hope the open house will eventually feed internship recruitment and help students learn how to apply for roles.
Christine Davis, executive director of the Carlsbad Village Association, described a weeklong Hearts of Carlsbad Village activation beginning this Saturday that will hide 650 glass hearts across businesses and run a scavenger hunt involving 45 businesses and 265 registrants. "This Saturday kicks off 650 hearts in a week long celebration," Davis said, summarizing the placemaking effort and its goal of bringing foot traffic to downtown businesses.
Davis also said the association will begin doing business as Carlsbad Village Main Street to align with the national Main Street network and is preparing to host about 150 Main Street attendees in November.
Both Davis and Schonzenbach outlined tactical urbanism and temporary pop-ups as potential tools to reduce vacancy and provide affordable short-term retail space. Davis said the association has discussed artist residency options with Barrio Glassworks and is exploring short-term arrangements that could last several months if landlords show interest.
Visit Carlsbad President and CEO Kim Sidorak reported tourism metrics that help place the business updates in context: 2025 average occupancy of 71.6%, an average daily rate of $223, and revenue per available room of $160. Sidorak said Visit Carlsbad's fall 2025 advertising campaign produced an estimated $2.3 million in economic impact and an estimated 48,000 incremental room nights. She highlighted spring demand drivers including flower-field season, a new "Galactic Coaster" attraction, Hotel Solea's renovation (adding 40 rooms) and the Carlsbad 5000's 40th anniversary.
What’s next: Organizers will recruit businesses for the April 24 open house, continue office hours and workshop programming, and coordinate with schools and the subcommittee on outreach; the village association will roll out its Main Street branding and event plans in coming months.
Sources: Comments and data presented to the Carlsbad Economic Development Subcommittee by Brett Schonzenbach (Chamber), Christine Davis (Carlsbad Village Association) and Kim Sidorak (Visit Carlsbad).
