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NORCAL MEETINGS PROVIDE A COMBINATION OF THE RUGGED OUTDOORS WITH BIG CITY AMENITIES B Y B U C K S A M U E L S With its iconic bridge, historic cable cars, and beautiful Victorian architecture, San Francisco is undeniably one of the world's great cities. The entire region, in fact, demands to be explored. The vibrant and diverse East Bay, with cities like Oakland and Berkeley, is a cul- tural and culinary hotbed. Napa Valley and Sonoma County produce some of the best wine in the world. San Jose, and the Silicon Valley, is an essential hub of inno- vation. Plus, you'll find quaint waterfront towns, incredible shopping, fantastic museums, and endless outdoor delights at Point Reyes National Seashore. With so many different exciting destinations in the regions to explore, planning an event no matter the size or type is effortless in Northern California. • • OAKLAND • • Offering an award-winning culinary scene, artistic vibe, and numerous places for creative, interactive off-site events – Oakland has it all. To welcome visitors, Oakland has over 30 hotels with 5,500+ guest rooms from first-class hotels and boutique properties to the top names in lodging. Discover exclusive group offers at Oakland hotels, tailored for savvy meeting planners. Enjoy accommodations, innova- tive meeting spaces, and personalized packages designed to elevate your event—all while staying on budget. Don't miss the chance to create an unforget- table experience. The Oakland Convention Center is only ten minutes from the Oakland International Airport. Whether your atten- dees are driving, flying or taking public transportation - the Oakland Convention Center is easily the most accessible con- vention center in the Bay Area. Oakland is alive with vibrant art and culture. With more than 50 art galleries showcasing talented local artists, streets lined with colorful murals, exhibits at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA), the African American Museum at Oakland, and more - one can experience art and culture in many ways. • • SAN FRANCISCO • • Flexible venues in vibrant neighbor- hoods. Luxury hotels surrounded by fine dining and gorgeous public art. Green spaces and an innovative spirit. It's for all these reasons and more that there has never been a better time to meet in San Francisco. This destination is a powerful magnet for meetings of all sizes, from self-con- tained meetings based at one hotel to citywide conventions utilizing multiple properties and The Moscone Center. The Moscone Center is equipped with more than 500,000 sq. ft. of contiguous space, a 50,000 sq. ft. new, column-free ballroom, 20 loading docks with drive-on access to exhibit halls, as well as 82 meet- ing rooms. If there's one trait that best defines San Francisco, it is diversity. Attendees can explore the city's many unique neighborhoods, discover its historic and thriving LGBTQ community, and visit world-renowned art and cultural institu- tions. It's all set among some of the most beautiful scenery in the nation, with the city's natural and man-made landmarks all around you. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? San Francisco Travel – (415) 974-6900 www.sftravel.com • • SACRAMENTO • • We'll let you in on a little secret – there's a California destination just waiting for you that offers a state-of- the-art convention center, diverse and comfortable hotel options, excellent weather, walkable tree- lined streets and an abundance of award-winning food and wine. Plus, the city is as approachable as your own backyard and much more affordable than its neighbors to the north or south. Where is this West Coast wonder? Welcome to Sacramento. Sacramento's downtown SAFE Credit Union Convention Center offers 240,000 square feet of meetings and event space, along with an outdoor activities plaza and outdoor second-floor terrace to take full advantage of Sacramento's ideal climate. You'll find more than 2,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the convention center, and 2,000 more within just 3 miles. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Sacramento – (800) 758-1544 )www.visitsacramento.com AREA GUIDES 66 B M & T ••• November/December 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Oakland Marriott City Center 500 Kissel – Uptown Oakland 168 Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel 276 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Oakland Convention Center Total Meeting Space 100,566 sq. ft. Largest Hall 64,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 37 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Oakland – (510) 839-9000 www.visitoakland.com George R. Brown Convention Center photo credit: Oakland CVB N O R T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A