Q & A

 

Craig Vandermause
General Manager
San Francisco

Contact Craig Vandermause

How long has TBA operated in San Francisco?

For over 30 years, TBA Global San Francisco has been a top San Francisco DMC, and serves all of Northern California including Napa, Sonoma, Monterey, Carmel and Pebble Beach. TBA Global is proud to be considered the most local of locals, offering truly unique programs designed to meet any company’s needs while integrating the cultural diversity that the city of San Francisco is known for.

Why is San Francisco a great destination for corporate meetings and incentives?

San Francisco is the cultural, political, and financial heart and soul of the Bay Area. It is geographically one of the most diverse cities in the country, with rugged mountains, amazingly steep city hills, valleys, lakes, ocean beaches, and bayfront land - all concentrated in only 8 square miles! Needless to say San Francisco offers breathtaking views of amazing natural resources and tall luxurious skyscrapers. It's natural location and man-made structures make it one of the most scenic cities in the world.

Another fantastic highlight of San Francisco that creates an unforgettable trip is the city’s theatre scene, which is one of the most vibrant and unique in the country. With the Bay Area's open-minded freedom, relished diversity and Pacific Rim influences, San Francisco's theatres and theatre companies are the gateway to many new fusions of art forms.

The city of San Francisco boasts some of the top museums, facilities and hotels in the country to be able to accommodate both large and small VIP groups. You can’t go wrong with all of the museums options in the city, regardless of whether your group selects the de Young Museum or the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). Twelve hotels have over 500+ rooms, which makes San Francisco an excellent choice for a city-wide convention. And, the wide variety of boutique hotels in the city offers yet another unique experience in the “City by the Bay”. Additionally, the Moscone Convention Center is conveniently located and is walking distance to most of the hotels in the area.

Of course, this all goes without mentioning the abundance of shopping, unique entertainment and some of the finest cuisine available in the world. It is easy to see that San Francisco’s variety makes it one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

What are the best things to see and do in San Francisco and Northern California?

While in San Francisco, I recommend you enjoy the city by a “hands-on” experience with tours of Muir Woods' giant redwoods, Alcatraz, Victorian homes, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the list goes on and on.

Also highly recommended is traveling less than 45-minutes northeast to immerse yourself in the California Wine Country, where there is an abundance of local and unique wineries to inspire the mind. America has an undeniable love affair with our California wine, buying more then 192 million cases each year! Now more then ever winemakers are developing cutting edge earth-friendly practices from the vine to the wine. Come join in the skill, passion and pure dedication to excellent California wine.

Tell us about an unusual venue.

It’s taken four years, $500 million in the making, and great vision to unify the California Academy of Sciences twelve buildings into one notable structure. Under one Living Roof, the new Academy contains a planetarium, aquarium, and natural history museum. It is a great opportunity to learn about our place in the world with a unique environment where you can have fun and learn at the same time. With the grand Fall 2008 re-opening, the Academy hopes to earn the highest rating for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

The California Academy of Sciences has a strong focus on the wise use of resources, conservation efforts and innovative design to provide leadership by example. The Academy is being called the most environmentally-friendly building in the world. They have taken many noticeable actions in their green practices. The California Academy of Sciences was the North American winner of the silver Holcim Award for Sustainable Construction in September 2005. The new Academy will consume 30% less energy than required by San Francisco's codes, and the living roof will absorb nearly 2 million gallons of rainwater per year. In addition, the Academy diverted 76% of its garbage to recycling last year, and is on track to improving that figure this year. It's a great venue to have your next "green" event!

When is the high season?

Due to the desirable year-round climate, any time of the year is pleasant to visit San Francisco. Convention season for San Francisco peaks from March thru June. There are always a lot of tourists during the summer months of May and June. Convention season picks up again from September thru November.

What is the best way to get to San Francisco?

San Francisco provides accessible and economical flights from all major U.S. and international destinations. Some of the most convenient airports include San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK) and the San Jose International Airport (SJC).

Driving options include major freeways from the north, south and east. Highway 1 offers a scenic drive along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. And you surely would not want to miss a drive across the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Get lost in the scenic California highways!!

What do you love most about San Francisco?

The unyielding opportunity to create remarkable events throughout San Francisco is one aspect of the city that I love! San Francisco is always evolving and the city is constantly creating a buzz and since being ranked as “The Best City in the USA” seven times, we are confident that our DMC can offer amazing experiences through our local passion of the destination and our excitement to have you here.

Contact us now! We want you to experience the greatness!

Contact Craig Vandermause