It’s that time of year again. Westec brings manufacturers to the Los Angeles Convention Center. But the real question is, “Will shops bring themselves to Westec?”

It’s no secret that this year might just bring new meaning to the term “lean manufacturing”. Maybe “little manufacturing” might be more appropriate. Cynical? Yes! Optimistic? Even more so! This years attendees might set a new record for the lowest attended trade show in decades, but we’re placing our bets on the resiliency of the American workforce. But wait… the real story here is what to do if Westec stinks like a stagnant coolant sump. Well, here it is… our list of Westec alternative activities:

• Tour Haas Automation – Oxnard
• Be amazed at the newly renovated Griffith Observatory – Los Angeles
• Eat at the PCH landmark, Neptunes Net – Malibu
• Be fascinated by watching planes take off at LAX – Los Angeles
• Play poker with the pros at the Commerce Casino – City of Commerce
• Take a few photos outside the set of NBC’s hit show, The Office – Van Nuys
• Drive through the heart of Compton… just to say you did it – Compton

Did we miss anything? Nope… that’s it.