Your next great event will impress your guests and help save the oceans when you book it at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Even if you�ve enjoyed an event before at the nation�s No. 1 aquarium, the new Ocean�s Edge galleries and exciting new catering options will make coming back a completely new experience.

The aquarium�s grand new lobby makes a first-class first impression on guests as they arrive. And the new entrance allows for an earlier start than ever before. It can accommodate cocktail receptions for up to 200 people beginning as early as 6:30 p.m.

Starting May 27, 2005, aquarium visitors can visit an octopus�s den, walk beneath crashing surf and stroll beside shorebirds and gliding bat rays in �Ocean�s Edge,� a complete renovation of the aquarium�s original galleries. �The Ocean�s Edge exhibits will connect visitors to ocean life and protection of the world�s oceans as never before,� says aquarium Executive Director Julie Packard. And new strolling dinner options will enhance that connection during events as guests dine in this spectacular intimate setting.

Another dramatic update is the clean and striking new look of the buffets and tables. Local, seasonal produce, meat and seafood are prepared in a contemporary style and presented in beautiful, abundant displays. Updated strolling dinner menus feature options for �action stations� where guests can watch chefs prepare the dishes, and then dine at intimate cabaret tables set among the aquarium�s award-winning exhibits.

Want a one-of-a-kind event? The aquarium�s dedicated special events staff coordinates every detail for you. Working with the Portola Cafe�s culinary team, they�ll create a custom, seasonal menu tailored for your unique, sit-down dinner. The aquarium�s new menus and look are directed by Dory Ford, the new executive chef for the Portola Cafe and all catered events. Ford�s lifelong passion for food began in the Pacific Northwest. Fueled by his love of food and inspired by the abundance of local ingredients, he entered a chef training program in 1988 in British Columbia and has been cooking ever since.

Ford�s career as an executive chef has taken him to Gai Klass Catering (repeatedly voted Best Caterer in Los Angeles by Zagat), The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in San Marino and the exclusive Jonathan Beach Club in Santa Monica.

As always, the aquarium provides exceptional, socially responsible events presented with world-class service and flair. Great Event. Great Food. Great Cause. Each celebration helps support the aquarium�s mission to inspire conservation of the oceans.

For a virtual tour visit the aquarium�s web site at www.montereybayaquarium.org. The Private Event pages are newly updated and offer a virtual tour of several event options. Or, call the Monterey Bay Aquarium�s Event Sales department at (831) 648-4928 for a copy of their updated event kit.

Editors: High resolution photos are available upon request from the Public Relations Department Ocean's Edge galleries opening May 27 http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/aa/pressroom.asp

Media contact: Mimi Hahn mhahn@mbayaq.org +1 831-648-4918