Destination: Northern California Meeting & Event Planning City Guide

  • Northern California

Destination Articles

  • Take Me Out to the Ball Game

    By Holly Woolard

    March 26, 2013

    San Francisco's got game. So do Oakland and San Jose, and Santa Clara will be added to the list of Bay Area cities with professional sports franchises in August 2014 when the San Francisco 49ers begin playing at Santa Clara Stadium. Heck, even the San Francisco Bay has game and will be showcased this summer during the 34th America’s Cup racing July through September.

  • 3 Days in Reno & Lake Tahoe

    By Maxine Cass

    January 29, 2013

    East of the mountains and pine forest, where Lake Tahoe straddles the California-Nevada border, Reno stretches over high desert. "People don't realize how close Lake Tahoe is to downtown Reno-Sparks," says Chris Baum, president and CEO of the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA). "It really is a mind-blowing experience to see the lake for the first time. When you come over the ridge and see that incredible alpine lake, it's breathtaking."

  • The Northern California Must List

    By Nikki Gloudeman

    December 31, 2012

    Northern Californians are quick to share an audacious opinion: Their region is the best in the world.

    A lofty claim, sure, but there are ample facts to back it up: Where else can you find scenic coastal towns, a world-class metropolis, a political hub, the epicenter of technology and a renowned ski resort? Where else can you explore one of the world’s most heavily visited wine regions and national parks? And where else can you do all this in a famously sunny and temperate climate? The reality is, few other places boast the diverse appeal of Northern California, and few serve as such an enticing, well-rounded meetings locale. Making the decision to book in this stellar region should be easy; a better question is what to do while here.

  • California's Capital & Beyond

    By Samantha Durbin

    November 20, 2012

    The California coast boasts much of the Golden State’s glory, but with that comes heightened traffic and steep prices. A different California can be found 90 miles northeast of San Francisco in bountiful Sacramento and in Gold Country, spanning the eastern Sierra Nevada foothills. Echoes of the Gold Rush can be felt in these northeast regions of the state. Proximity to the natural wonders of Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park allow for myriad outdoor adventures. Combine that great outdoors with small-town charm and Old West whimsy, and planners have a blank canvas in which to create memorable meetings.

  • Meet in the Forest

    By Josef Aukee

    October 24, 2012

    Besides the fact that everyone in the world should visit Yosemite National Park at least once in his or her lifetime, there are more reasons to bring a group to this region. In addition to the park’s dramatic waterfalls and unparalleled views of Half Dome, the area is filled with historic villages, rustic country inns, wine tasting and off-the-beaten-path meeting venues.

  • The Wine Scene in Tech Town

    By Jessie Fetterling

    October 24, 2012

    California produces 90% of the wine in the U.S., a fact many people attribute to the rolling vineyard landscapes of Napa and Sonoma counties. However, Silicon Valley is starting to make a name for itself in the wine world, too. Yes, the area's known for its high-tech innovations and worldclass schools, but now it can add winemaking as one of its claims to fame. Wine Spectator magazine recently called the Santa Cruz Mountains "the most underappreciated appellation in the world," and wine enthusiasts everywhere are taking note.

Learn about Northern California for Event Venues, Services & Meeting Destinations

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When a destination makes an impression, the first thing people want to do is talk about it. So it’s a good sign that, over the years, a whole lot of people have quipped about Northern California.

Famous poets, dramatists, athletes and entrepreneurs alike have buzzed about the area—and it’s easy to see why. The region is one of the most geographically diverse around, packed with beaches, lakes, vineyards, big cities, small towns and more. The cultural landscape is dynamic. The food scene is renowned. And it offers a host of convention centers, luxurious hotels and unique meeting properties.

Where the southern regions of California offer consistent sunshine, beachside sites and watersports, Northern California is a heaven for cyclists, foodies, agriculture buffs and wine connoisseurs. Whoever said to leave Northern California “before you get too soft”, obviously has never visited, because with all of the opportunities to learn and experience new things at the source, the thought of atrophy is far from one’s mind.  Its array of landscapes, temperatures and its variety of interests are what make Northern California a grab bag of gorgeous natural sites, and can’t miss attractions.

So go ahead and bring your meeting attendees to NorCal. Chances are, they’ll end up waxing poetic about it as well.