San Francisco Meeting Planner's Guide - 2018
MICE* Itineraries
2017-11-27 18:00:32
Whether you’re planning an incentive trip for a small group of top earners, a mid-sized self-contained meeting or any other type of event, here are a few suggestions to help you create great experiences for attendees. Of course, if you don’t find what you’re looking for here, San Francisco Travel’s Convention Sales and Services teams can lend their expertise to ensure you find just the right locations and service providers.
*Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events
SMALL INCENTIVE GROUP
Bring together top teams from around the world with ease thanks to SFO’s expanded international airlift.
WHERE TO STAY: Celebrate your team’s success with a stay in luxurious Nob Hill — a neighborhood rich with history and stunning views. Or choose a hotel in Union Square, a hub of stylish shopping and outdoor cafes.
WHERE TO EAT: With its bounty of award-winning chefs and proximity to California wine country, it’s no wonder San Francisco has earned a reputation as one of the country’s preeminent foodie destinations. A private dinner at a posh eatery like Michael Mina is sure to be memorable, or sample refined interpretations of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine at Mourad.
WHAT TO DO: During warmer months, nothing says luxury quite like a boating excursion on the bay. Book a catamaran tour for your group to get breathtaking views of the skyline and icons like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge; then host a lunch in Sausalito before making the return trip. Some groups charter a fleet of bikes and ride over the Golden Gate Bridge. If your group is more inclined to be indoors, arranging custom shopping experiences and fittings at flagship retail locations near Union Square will make everyone feel special.
BEYOND SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco is ideally situated for a variety of exciting excursions. The wine regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma County are within an easy drive north of the city. Head to Oakland (east of the city) and explore their ale trail which includes more than a dozen breweries, or travel south for lavish restaurants, world-famous golf courses and wine tasting in Monterey County.
MEDICAL/PHARMA MEETING
Take medical industry pros for a walk on San Francisco’s science and technology side.
WHERE TO STAY: The South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood is located near many of the city’s biggest attractions, dining and meeting-friendly hotels. With the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the beautiful Yerba Buena Gardens, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and AT&T Park (home of the San Francisco Giants), there’s no shortage of amenities within walking distance. Choose from a variety of accommodations including the elegant Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, the stylish W San Francisco and the modern InterContinental San Francisco.
WHERE TO EAT: For a smaller group in search of one of the city’s top dining experiences, book a private room at Quince (seats up to 12). Larger groups who would appreciate panoramic ocean views will be impressed by the classic Cliff House. Or, settle in for an elegant steakhouse experience at Alexander’s, for a multi-course extravaganza celebrating local ingredients and creative preparations.
WHERE TO MEET: Handily located right on the campus of one of the preeminent research hospitals in the world, The Mission Bay Conference Center at UCSF offers 12,500 square feet of meeting space. It’s an event epicenter with top-notch catering, state-of-the-art technology and amenities for every purpose, from presentations to rooftop relaxation, complete with a skyline view. UCSF/SFGH Orthopaedic Trauma Institute also offers smaller rooms for training, meetings and educational courses at their Mission Bay campus.
WHAT TO DO: Take the new E Embarcadero streetcar to the Exploratorium and see how this learning laboratory of more than 600 interactive exhibits and experiences has influenced generations of entrepreneurs and scientists.
BEYOND SAN FRANCISCO: Silicon Valley epitomizes the cutting edge of technology. Inspire attendees with tours of some of the world’s top research labs or visit the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose. For one-stop entrée to Silicon Valley’s tech firms, tap into the Silicon Valley Innovation Center which offers tours, executive immersion programs, corporate strategy sessions and executive conferences. For more inspiration, a short trip across the Bay Bridge will take you to the new Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) or Oakland Museum of California.
GREAT MEETINGS, SAN FRANCISCO STYLE
Plan an event that captures the city’s unique appeal.
WHERE TO STAY: With its cable cars, historic piers, fun attractions and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge, choosing a hotel in Fisherman’s Wharf gives attendees a classic San Francisco experience. Or head a little farther south on the city’s eastern shore to the Embarcadero for more great views along with proximity to abundant dining options.
WHAT TO DO: Architectural buffs have lots of options: the Contemporary Jewish Museum designed by Daniel Libeskind is a landmark in the Yerba Buena neighborhood. The Legion of Art in Lincoln Park and the Asian Art Museum are known for their classic buildings, and the de Young in Golden Gate Park has its soaring Hamon Tower — an observation deck with expansive views.
WHERE TO MEET: A meeting with a goal of generating new ideas needs an inspiring setting. At The Masonic on Nob Hill, you’ll find a flexible space that can accommodate larger groups. Get creative at the Terra Gallery & Event Venue in the SoMa neighborhood. The multi-floor venue offers customizable spaces that make the perfect canvas for your vision. Local museums can also offer some unique options for event and meeting space. Learn about our SFMeetCulture™ program and take advantage of the city’s unique cultural locations. For more information, visit page PD14.
GETTING AROUND: No transportation says San Francisco like the famous cable cars. While the real deal cars are limited to their tracks, motorized versions meld practicality with the distinctive character of the city.
WHERE TO EAT: For an iconic dining experience, enjoy classic seafood dishes at Tadich Grill, the oldest restaurant in California, located in the Financial District. Another San Francisco icon is the sourdough-centric Bistro Boudin, whose local presence stretches back more than a century (they can also cater, if you’d prefer to stay on-site). At Original Joe’s in North Beach, tuxedoed servers make the rounds at this restaurant that’s been serving classic Italian-American fare since 1937 (although it’s changed locations since the original opened).
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