Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/799467
IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PLANNERS HAVE THE LUXURY TO SCHEDULE EVENTS YEAR ROUND WITH IT'S BEAUTIFUL WEATHER WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR? BY CYNTHIA MOLUSK Northern California contains Redwood Forests, along with the Sierra Nevada including Yosemite Valley and part of Lake Tahoe, Mount Shasta and the north- ern portion of the Central Valley. Comprised of destinations like Oakland, Sacramento, and San Francisco just to name a few, conference attendees are sure to have an amazing time both in the city and in the rural areas of this gorgeous region. Planners have an abundant choice of venues favoring meetings and events of all sizes and themes. ••OAKLAND•• Located in the heart of downtown Oakland, the Oakland Convention Center is just minutes from San Francisco. Featuring 64,000 sq. ft. of convention, exhibit, social gathering and meeting room space, the facility is connected to the Oakland Marriott City Center, offering an additional 25,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and 483 deluxe guest rooms. The Oakland Convention Center is a world-class exhibition hall within walking distance of Jack London Square, Chinatown, Oakland Museum of California, Preservation Park and Oakland City Center. The venue is also surround- ed by beautifully restored Victorian build- ings and the finest shops, restaurants, art galleries and museums that this exciting city has to offer. Lake Merritt is known as the jewel of Oakland. Want to feel the vibe of Oakland? Hit up the Grand Lake Farmers market and hang by the lake on a Sunday afternoon. You'll see a real mix of Oaklanders, from joggers, bikers, picnick- ers, paddleboaters and the brunch crowd soaking up the sun. While in Oakland be sure to have con- ference attendees explore the African- American sites and cultural centers that tell a story of Oakland's rich history. The African American Museum and Library at Oakland is a museum and non-circulating library dedicated to preserving the history and experiences of African-Americans in Northern California and the Bay Area. February will bring four opportunities to go on a free downtown African- American themed walking tour for Black History Month. The city-sponsored Oakland Tours Program is offering the New Era/New Politics Tour. This 90-minute tour begins on the steps of the African American Museum, 659 14th St. and examines the contributions and influences of several African-American leaders who have served the East Bay over the past centu- ry. The Oakland International Airport (OAK) is the second largest airport in the San Francisco Bay Area, offering over 300 daily passenger and cargo flights. ••SACRAMENTO•• Sacramento is the star on the map of California – where you will find cultural attractions to inspire you, cutting-edge cuisine to impress you, history to enrich you and surprises to put a smile on your face. Venture out in any direction and you'll see why locals are so fond of say- ing, "California begins here." The city's facilities, venues, hotels and restaurants, and unsurpassed conven- ience all mingle side by side to deliver a truly unique meeting experience. Flexible, affordable meeting and event space at the 384,000-sq. ft. Sacramento Convention Center, the 350-acre indoor/outdoor facilities of Cal Expo, his- toric Memorial Auditorium, newly opened McClellan Conference Center, Sleep Train Arena (home of the NBA's Sacramento Kings), and many full-service hotels make Sacramento meeting plan- ning a cinch with so many great facilities to choose from. Sacramento International Airport, located just 15 minutes from downtown, offers direct or convenient connecting flights to more than 50 cities. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Sacramento, California Begins Here (800) 292-2334 http://www.visitsacramento.com Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce – (916) 231-0416 B M & T ••• November/December 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 53 Oakland Convention Center • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Oakland Marriott City Center 481 Hilton Oakland Airport 363 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Oakland Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 64,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 11 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Oakland (510) 839-9000 www.visitoakland.org Oakland African American Chamber (510) 268-1600 AREA GUIDES N O R T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A Photo Credit Ronald Johnson Sacramento skyline Photo Credit Ronald Johnson