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Category: San Francisco

The Human Element: San Francisco’s 2020 RSA Conference

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The RSA Conference is coming back to the AMA in San Francisco, and the theme this year is the Human Element. Humanity is the most powerful and comprehensive force in fighting cyber threats, and the RSA offers a unique opportunity to learn about advancements in the field with experts hailing from nearly every corner of the world. This meeting of the minds is an indispensable experience for professionals looking to become vanguards in forging new standards for cyber safety.

Events

This year’s events are expansive, covering crypto and blockchain to anti fraud and machine learning. The extensive list of keynote speakers and featured topics cover everything needed to bring IT security to a new frontier.  The list of events is so large that it’s impossible to visit them all, but every activity is invaluable and there are focused networking opportunities to share knowledge.

Networking

Although the seminars and speakers are a highlight, this is a conference and the attendees’ voices are just as important. Being present in the field and bolstering securities hands on puts the working professional in a powerful position to share a unique perspective. The networking events are placed throughout the day with varying focuses to maximize participation. As an example, there’s the “Welcome Reception” which serves as an opportunity to mingle with peers at the start of the expo, enjoying drinks and light food. Taking it further, there’s a “Women’s Networking Reception” celebrating the achievements and contributions of women in technology, and these are just two examples of many.

Our AMA Conference Centers are easily able to accommodate these momentous events. We offer spaciousness with generous square footage and vaulted ceilings without sacrificing comfort. The executive style seating and complimentary beverage service are just a few of the amenities we employ to ensure our venue caters to your needs. Contact us to book the AMA for your next event.

Fight Procrastination: Tips for #MeetingProfs

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For professionals working in the meeting and events industry, demanding deadlines and challenging client requests are part of the job. Staying on target often means resisting the urge to put things off. Fighting procrastination is crucial in the journey to getting things done.

We all procrastinate from time to time, but it hurts our productivity and holds us back. Here are several proven tips to help you overcome inertia:

1) Be aware of your thoughts. Whether you’re dreading a conversation with a client or simply sick of the monotony of filling out your timesheet, psychologists suggest that negative thoughts might be holding you back more often than we recognize. Be ready to call yourself out for procrastinating by practicing mindfulness.

2) Set time-bound goals for yourself. Most meeting professionals have time-bound goals set by our clients and vendors, but taking this a step further and applying it to each task on your list can provide that extra motivation to check things off.

3) Treat yourself! When you’re really dreading a task, it can be helpful to balance out the negative energy with something positive. For those big, daunting tasks, make crossing the finish line even more appealing by promising yourself the treat of something that you enjoy and look forward to – like a mani or time reading your favorite book or time to enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub.

4) Phone a friend. Introduce accountability by asking someone else (a colleague, a friend, or a family member) to check in with you. Knowing that someone else will be aware of your procrastination is motivating!

5) Finish the big rocks. Sort your to-do list by priority and task size. Always start with the “big rocks” – the most important or most time-consuming tasks, before moving on to the “small rocks.” If you fill up your day with “small rocks,” you’ll never get around to the bigger ones.

For more ways to make meeting planning simple and successful, contact us – we love sharing about our Centers in Atlanta, San Francisco, New York City and the Washington, DC. area.

The San Francisco International Airport Serves AMA San Francisco

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The San Francisco International airport or SFO at dusk

The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the busiest airports in the United States: more than fifty million passengers make their way through its gates each year. SFO is in an optimal location for visits to the West Coast and those visiting the AMA San Francisco Executive Conference Center. It’s also convenient for flights to and from Asia, and an ideal departure airport for mainland Americans traveling to the Hawaiian Islands.

The most traveled-to domestic destination from SFO is just a short flight down to the city of Los Angeles, less than two hours gate to gate. The San Francisco airport is heralded as one of the top energy-efficient airports in the United States, being the first in America to receive a LEED Gold Certification at one of its terminals. Picturesque, SFO has been featured in a number of films over the years, including Four Christmases, Bullitt, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Blue Jasmine and Steve Jobs.

History

The San Francisco International Airport began in 1927 as a tiny airfield called Mills Field. The airport offered limited commercial travel accommodations and was used mostly for storage and mail delivery aircraft, until the early 1950’s when the postwar travel boom began and the airport facilities were updated to accommodate more passengers. In 1954, a new terminal was added to house international passengers. The 1960’s and 1970’s saw enormous growth for SFO, and by the 1980’s, the interior of the airport featured a post office, medical clinic, shops and restaurants.

SFO Today

The San Francisco International Airport has become a tourist destination all on its own, and in 2017, SFO celebrated its 90th anniversary. Today, the airport includes an SFO Museum Gallery, an Aviation Museum, and a convenient BART station. One of the terminals even features a yoga room, where passengers can peacefully seek Zen in a silent room away from the hustle and bustle of airport chaos. Catering specifically to yoga-loving San Franciscans, the yoga room is the first ever in any airport in North America. The airport also features local restaurants to not only give visitors a taste of Northern California but also a break from standard airport fare. The San Francisco International Airport has come a long way from a dirt runway in the middle of cow pasture to the incredible, five-terminal titan that stands in San Francisco today.

Travel through SFO or make a day trip to the impressive airport while attending your next business meeting at AMA San Francisco Executive Conference Center, located just 15 miles from San Francisco International Airport. Our state-of-the-art conference centers include built-in audio visual equipment and spacious seating designed to meet your specific conference needs. Contact us to book your next business meeting in San Francisco.

Four Favorite Museums In AMA Conference Center Cities

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The opportunity to explore and enjoy a wide range of visual arts – from traditional media to contemporary approaches – is one of the best parts of traveling and visiting different cities. For example, Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco and Washington D.C. , in addition to hosting our AMA Executive Conference Centers, also are four of the country’s prized cultural epicenters, offering an abundance of artistic experiences. We’ve narrowed the cultural cornucopias for each to present you with our team’s favorite museum in each city that is a must-see when you’re in town.

ATLANTA

The High Museum of Art, also known simply as The High, is a cultural centerpiece in Midtown Atlanta’s ‘village for the arts.’ Dedicated to supporting and collecting works by Southern artists, The High is a leading art museum in the South and houses more than 15,000 works of art in its permanent collection. With something for every art lover, the museum also supports an extensive anthology of 19th- and 20th-century American and decorative art; significant holdings of European paintings; a growing collection of African American art; and burgeoning collections of modern and contemporary art, photography, folk art and African art. The facility is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $14.50; children younger than 6 are free.

NEW YORK

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, known better as The Met, is a collection of three facilities that collectively host one of the country’s finest collections of art. Located near Central Park, The Met Fifth Avenue features more than 5,000 years of art from all time periods and cultures. In addition to its galleries and exhibitions, the museum puts on a number of daily events and programs for families. The facility is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Met Breuer, located in the landmark building designed by Marcel Breuer on 75th Street and Madison Avenue, provides extra space ‘to explore the art of the 20th and 21st centuries through the global breadth and historical reach of The Met’s unparalleled collection,’ according to the website. Finally, The Met Cloisters branch of the museum is dedicated to the gardens, art and architecture of medieval Europe. This facility is located on four acres overlooking the Hudson River in Fort Tryon Park.

WASHINGTON, DC.

The world’s largest museum and research complex, the Smithsonian Institution is a collection of government-administered facilities that include the National Zoo, Air and Space Museum, American History Museum, American Indian Museum, Natural History Museum, Smithsonian Castle and about a dozen other museums, galleries and centers in Washington, D.C. (and a couple in New York City). All the Smithsonian museums in the capitol have free admission and are open every day of the year (except Dec. 25th unless otherwise noted). Among its various collections, the Smithsonian Institution boasts approximately 156 million artifacts, works of art and specimens; 9.9 million digital records available online; and two million library volumes. According to the institution’s website, these collections ‘represent our nation’s rich heritage, art from across the globe, and the immense diversity of the natural and cultural world.’

SAN FRANCISCO

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, located in the city’s South of Market neighborhood, provides a notable collection of contemporary masterpieces, along with special exhibitions and interactive events, such as panel discussions, daily tours, film screenings and more. Additionally, the facility – whose mission is to make ‘the art of our time a vital and meaningful part of public life,’ – offers 45,000 square feet of art-filled public spaces that are open with no ticket required. The museum is accessible to children and offers free visits for K-12 students. Visitors also can take advantage of the museum’s free, guided public tours through the art collection and exhibitions. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. It is closed each Wednesday, along with Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

If you’re ever visiting one of these great AMA Conference Center cities for a meeting or event, don’t miss the opportunity to splurge on the timeless artistic treasures to be found there. Taking a detour to enjoy these world-class museums that will help you make the most of your stay!

Great Reasons for Being Thankful This Season

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Attitudes of Gratitude

November is the month of Thanksgiving; that time of the year when we gather with friends and family to ritually offer thanks and appreciation to individuals (current or past) who have brought some sort of blessing into our lives.

As a culture, we learn to say, ‘thank you’ at a very young age; but did you know that the phrase is far more than just a matter of good manners? Sharing the phrase ‘thank you’ should be a highlight of every day, every week, and every month; before and after November! Here’s why:

1. Soul Strengthener

Worries, self-consciousness, bitterness, envy; these are just a few of the weights and burdens that fall from your shoulders when you begin to practice gratitude. It may take a while before the habit sticks, but within a few weeks, exercising thankfulness will literally begin to rewire your brain!

2. Physical Healer

Did you know that holding grudges can cause serious health problems? On the flip-side, being thankful can do wonders for your health! Quite simply, gratitude chases away mental barriers such as stress, anxiety, bitterness, and worry that negatively affect our bodies. Thankfulness can also help you get a good night sleep, allowing your body to relax and rejuvenate.

3. Production Booster

When people focus on good things they tend to be more optimistic of the future; they set goals and work towards them with confidence, making thankful workers the best workers! But it goes even deeper; having an attitude of gratitude can not only boost your productivity, it can also be a great motivator to those around you as well!

4. Emotional Stabilizer

Emotional swings cause issues for many people. Focusing on what you’re thankful for can be a significant help when it comes to getting your mind off trivial negative things. It gives a person stability when to rise above fleeting moments of disappointment by holding on to a good memory, or a hope of the future. Studies have shown that individuals who tend to be grateful are far more likely to recover from traumatic (even severely traumatic) experiences than those who do not show gratitude.

5. Relationship Fortifier

We all feel the best when we’re appreciated, and we like to be around people who value us and express it often. When you play the role of the one being grateful for others, others will be drawn to you. Whether it is toward your parents, your friends, your spouse, or even strangers, voicing gratitude for who they are or what they’ve done is a sure way to strengthen your relationships.

Go Show Some Gratitude!

It’s hard to argue with all the evidence out there, and why argue about it anyway? Let’s just be thankful that we can improve the quality of life for ourselves and others in such a simple way. Read, set, get out there and start sharing ‘thank you’ – you’ll be happy that you did!

Planning a meeting during the holiday months? Contact us today to learn more about hosting your meetings at AMA Executive Conference Centers in Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco and Washington DC.

Get Ready for Oracle OpenWorld in San Francisco

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AMA Executive Conference Centers is pleased to once again welcome Oracle OpenWorld to San Francisco’s Moscone Center from September 16-19th, 2019. Oracle OpenWorld will bring together an exciting group of decision-makers and influencers focused on leveraging digital technologies and the cloud to further their business goals.

What To Expect At OpenWorld

OpenWorld is sure to draw industry experts from finance, operations, supply chain, human resources, sales, marketing, consumer service, and IT – all focused on driving transformation with cloud technologies.

While attending OpenWorld, you can expect the following:

  • 2,000 unique sessions;
  • 250 exhibitors; and
  • Speakers from more than 90 countries, including CEOs, physicists, and authors.

With this variety of speakers, sessions, and exhibitors, there is no doubt that OpenWorld will provide amazing learning opportunities and unlimited chances to connect with peers and industry leaders.

In addition to numerous educational opportunities, OpenWorld makes sure to add some fun into the experience. Attendees can check out the movie night at Oracle Park, with exclusive access to the field and the largest video board in California. They can also have a chance to focus on their health with FitFest.19 at Oracle Park. Both Tuesday and Wednesday morning, conference attendees will be able to get in exercise with a view of the San Francisco Bay.

If the above wasn’t enough, CloudFest.19 will allow attendees to enjoy an evening of inspiration and celebration with the entertainment headliner, John Mayer.

How AMA Conference Centers Helps

With all the activity around OpenWorld, our AMA San Francisco Conference Center is happy to provide a nearby, quiet location for the auxiliary meeting needs for OpenWorld attending companies and professionals. Just minutes from the Moscone Center, you can choose from any of the 13 spacious and comfortable meeting rooms, some of which can accommodate groups of up to 100 participants. Our spaces are filling quickly in advance of Oracle OpenWorld, so be sure to contact us now!

VMworld Is Back In San Francisco

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AMA Executive Conference Centers is excited to announce that the VMworld conference, hosted by VMware, is returning to San Francisco, August 25th – August 29th, 2019.  The event will take place at the Moscone Center.  VMworld offers pivotal industry knowledge that will allow you to enable your company’s cloud journey and to guide your company based on trends in digital infrastructure technology and transformation.

Who will be there?

VMworld boasts some pretty impressive attendance.  Not surprising considering it is the industry’s premier digital infrastructure event.  The attendees represent a mix of IT professionals and business decision makers from a wide variety of organizations and industries.  Based on prior conferences, you can expect:

·         21,000+ attendees

·         5,000+ companies

·         230 sponsors and exhibitors

·         86 countries represented

You can also expect to learn from a variety of respected industry experts and will have ample opportunity to network with peers and colleagues.

If this is your first time attending VMworld, be sure to add the New V Session to your calendar on August 25th.  This session will connect you with other new attendees and provide tips and tricks for getting the most value out of the conference.

Why attend?

If you need help making the case to attend, the conference website provides helpful resources for justifying the value to your company.

What if I need space for additional meetings?

If you need space for additional meetings, AMA is here to help.  AMA offers conference space at its San Francisco location that would be perfect for any additional space needs you have during VMworld.  The space is just minutes from the Moscone Center and has 13 meeting rooms ranging in size from 208 to 1144 square feet.  The spaces can accommodate meetings of up to 100 participants.  Your guests will be able to meet in comfort by taking advantage of the center’s complimentary beverage service, WIFI, and accommodating reception and lounge area.

Click here to contact AMA now to reserve your conference space during VMworld.

Semicon West 2019 Returns to San Francisco’s Moscone Center

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SemiCon West 2019 will be held in San Francisco beginning July 9th at the Moscone Center on Howard Street. With over 550 exhibitors and 80+ hours of business and technical programming, the 3-day convention promises a glimpse of what’s next in a field that is rapidly moving BEYOND SMART.

SMART Pavilions

On the expo floor attendees will find pavilions where the latest in transportation, design, workforce, medical technology, and manufacturing are showcased. Attendees will also have the opportunity to “meet the experts” and watch informational presentations.

TechTALKS

Hear about everything from “Reducing Risks for Customers” in materials manufacturing to “New Architectures” to “Enable the Intelligent Future.” Several keynote speakers, including Jeffrey Welser, PhD. with IBM Research, are also on the agenda to speak and share.

Wearable Technologies Conference Series

On July 9th and 10th, attendees can learn about the current status of the wearable market through an extensive conference exhibition. This is a great opportunity to network with the “Who’s Who” of the entire WT ecosystem.

AMA San Francisco Executive Conference Center

Located only minutes away from the Moscone Center and a mere 15 minutes from the airport is AMA’s San Francisco Executive Conference Center. Based on location and value, AMA San Francisco is the perfect venue to host your SemiCon West 2019-related event.  Hold your breakfast meetings, product demonstrations, or networking receptions during the convention for up to 100 guests in one of 13 well-appointed meeting rooms or reception spaces.  Each room includes audio-visual equipment, adjustable lighting, complimentary WIFI, executive seating, complimentary beverage service, and professional service staff.  A variety of floor plan options ensure the most comfortable arrangement for any need. On-site catering is easily available for breakfasts, luncheons, meeting breaks or any service need during rental.

Click here to contact the AMA team  today to discuss your tailored convention meeting package.  Our experienced event managers will make planning your company activity simple and successful – while keeping it productive and enjoyable!

Bike The Right Way In These AMA Center Cities

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Commuting by bike is both healthier and more enjoyable than sitting in traffic 5 days a week. Whether you own a bike or don’t own a bike, there are so many great reasons for biking to work, for fun, or for seeing a new city when traveling. Atlanta, San Francisco, New York City, and Washington DC all have city bike share programs that give you the opportunity to rent one of hundreds of bikes around their cities.

New York City

With a fleet of 12,000 bikes across 60 neighborhoods, New York City’s Citi Bike is the nation’s largest bike share program. Pick up a bike from one of the network’s 750 docking stations. Return it to a docking station near the destination. Three dollars buys a 30-minute ride. If you want to continue using Citi Bike after Bike Week is over, we suggest purchasing an annual pass for $169.

Atlanta

An app is not required to use Relay, Atlanta’s bike share program. Relay’s online map helps you find and reserve a nearby bike. You can also find and reserve a bike with the Social Bicycles app. When you get to your reserved bike, you’ll need to unlock it with the PIN you received when you purchased your rideshare time. After your ride, return the bike to a station near your destination. While you can pay as you go for $3.50 per ride, a $15 monthly makes it less expensive to ride all year round.

San Francisco

Ford GoBike has a network of 7,000 bikes that operates throughout the Bay area. Reserving a bike to pick up at one of the 540 docking stations is easy with the Ford GoBike app. Currently, there’s a promotion to pay $2 for 30-minute trips. Buying a monthly pass for $15 may be more cost effective if you plan to bike more during the spring and summer months.

Washington, DC

The Capital Bikeshare program is the most affordable of all the above cities. This program operates a fleet of 4,300 bikes throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area.  Since there are over 500 docking stations, the online map or app should show a bike to reserve near your home or workplace. Single trips under 30 minutes are $2.

If you’re in New York, Atlanta, San Francisco or Washington DC for business, you’re in luck – AMA has an executive conference center within all 4 of these cities! Each conference center has complimentary beverages, free LCD and PC use, executive chairs, spaces for small and large groups, and no service charges. We know the ins and outs of training sessions, business meetings, corporate receptions, focus groups, and board meetings. We take care of the meeting space, you take care of business. Click here to contact us for booking information.

 

Making The Most Of Your Visit To San Francisco’s Chinatown

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Centered on Stockton Street and Grant Avenue, San Francisco’s Chinatown is not only the oldest Chinatown in North America but it’s a protected historic district. A major cultural center, it covers 24 city blocks. There’s a reason this beautiful and culturally-rich neighborhood is host to over 2,000,000 tourists per year. A must-see, when visiting our AMA Executive Conference Center in San Francisco take some time and visit these Chinatown destinations:

China Live

China Live is a two-story emporium in the heart of Chinatown featuring a tea café, retail marketplace, and market-style restaurant and bar. For the perfect experience, browse the retail space for everything from produce and cookware to Chinese spices and condiments before stopping by the Oolong Café for any of the rotating selection of teas while admiring the gorgeous mural inspired by the Ming Dynasty. Lastly, head to the Bar Central for one of their specialty cocktails such as the French Concession.

Chinese Culture Center

The Chinese Culture Center (CCC), founded in 1965, has spent five decades in the community as a leading promoter of public art projects and events. In addition to running two galleries and three music festivals a year, the center also organizes walking tours through Chinatown featuring visits to an herbal pharmacy, a dim sum restaurant, and the oldest Taoist temple in the United States. From April 27, 2019 to December 21, 2019, the Chinese Culture Center is presenting their current group art exhibition Present Tense that reflects the complex responsibility of remembrance following struggles for freedom.

Portsmouth Square

Portsmouth Square has long been recognized as not only the “Heart of Chinatown” but as a crucial landmark in the history of California. Home to a number of historical statues and markers, it is the site of the first raising of the American flag in San Francisco in 1846 and the announcement of gold discovery in 1848. Additionally, there is a memorial dedicated to Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island, who frequented the square in his pastime. Presently, the park serves not only as a historical site but a favorite spot by the locals to enjoy Chinese chess games, tai chi, and more.

AMA’s San Francisco Executive Conference Center is conveniently located mere minutes from Chinatown, various shopping areas and museums, and only 15 miles from the San Francisco International Airport. A perfect location to hold your meeting and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience that is Chinatown, San Francisco. For more information, click here to contact us.