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Tag: San Fran

The San Francisco International Airport Serves AMA San Francisco

Posted on by Editor
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.

Top Leadership TED Talks To Listen To During Your Work Commute

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TED Talks have given professionals around the world the opportunity to ascertain knowledge from a wide variety of people, all of whom have “ideas worth spreading.” These talks are short, accessible, and offer great insight into a variety of topics, particularly for busy leaders looking to expand their skill set. Here are a few of our favorite leadership TED Talks that are perfect for morning and afternoon commutes!

How Great Leaders Inspire Action by Simon Sinek

In this talk, Sinek discusses the concept of his “Golden Circle” and how purposeful organizations are more successful, inclusive, and inspirational. One of the most well-known TED Talks, this is a great listen for meeting and event professionals, and leaders across all industries.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Lee Duckworth

This short and enjoyable talk discusses the psychology of success. Specifically, the speaker emphasizes the importance of determination and work ethic – a great reminder for all of us.

The Surprising Ingredient That Makes Businesses Work Better by Marco Alvera

In this TED Talk Marco reminds us of one of the most overlooked aspects of a company’s culture that all leaders must prioritize.

How to Manage for Collective Creativity by Linda Hill

Hill’s talk focuses on the significance of collaboration in innovation, using a number of familiar examples to illustrate her point. This video is a particular favorite as it addresses the importance of collaboration. Collaboration is a critical enabler for leaders in the meeting and events industry, and we strive to encourage it amongst all business professionals.

Is your company looking for answers to collaborative meeting and conference venue needs? AMA Executive Conference Centers has answers. We’re conveniently located in four of the country’s major metropolitan areas, including: Atlanta, New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. Each of our Centers offers multiple setup configurations, packages, and amenities to meet unique meeting needs. Whether you need a location for your next board meeting, or you aspire to hold your own ‘TED’ style conference, we have the capability to assist you. Contact us now for more information – we look forward to helping you succeed at one of our facilities!

Getting Your Team Back On Track After The Holidays

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It’s not easy to come back to work motivated after a fun season of holiday cheer, short weeks, and festive distractions. Suddenly workdays seem longer and Friday is so far away. Your team is probably in a slump now that the holiday parties and Secret Santas are gone until next year, so you’ll want to do your part to fight away those post-holiday blues. Consider these 5 tips to get your staff motivated in the new year:

  • Offer healthy snacks in the break room. Encourage healthy New Year’s Resolutions by treating your team to delicious and nutritious goodies. By now, everyone is ready for a break from the endless homemade baked goods and sweets, and any special reward to interrupt the 9-to-5 workday will raise morale in the office.
  • Encourage walk breaks. Studies show that walks during the workday can boost mood and help combat stress. Show your staff that you care about their mental and physical health by prioritizing breaks for getting fresh air and a little healthy activity.
  • Set goals for the new year. Start the new year strong by making sure the whole team is on the same page with goals and expectations. Morale is improved when staff are part of a joint effort and working toward the same purposes. As a plus, include incentives to get everyone on board.
  • Make time for short pow-wows. Bring the whole team together for energizing meetings to update staff on any upcoming changes in the new year or exciting plans ahead in the company. Use these meetings to inspire and empower staff to bring their very best.
  • Schedule an office retreat. If it’s feasible, plan a weekend retreat for team building and relaxation. If only a couple hours can be spared, cater a lunch or plan an in-office activity to show your staff they are appreciated.

AMA Executive Conference Centers are located in four beautiful areas of the United States: Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., perfect for that office retreat or team meeting. To learn more about our state of the art, convenient meeting spaces, contact us today.

5 Cool Things To Do in San Francisco After Your AMA Meeting

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San Francisco is by far one of the most vibrant cities in America. There is no shortage of one-of-a-kind experiences to be had even if you have only one day to explore. You can take advantage of the scenic cultural landscape and laid-back vibe while you take in the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Golden City by the Bay. These activities are the perfect postscript to an AMA Executive Conference Center meeting.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is almost a mandatory stop for all visitors to San Francisco. The historic Hyde Street Pier is a maritime wonder in itself where a steam-powered tugboat from 1907 rests languidly beside a square-rigged ship built in 1886. Fisherman’s Wharf is also a lively cafe and food mecca and you will want to grab a sample of fresh crab cooked in steaming cauldrons on the street along with a hot loaf of the local sourdough bread. Take a stroll to Pier 39 for the quaint shops, colorful street performers, and barking sea lions.

Cable Car

Take a ride on the iconic San Francisco Cable Car for a memorable excursion up the steep hills the city is known for. The popular cable cars run all day and in the evenings and tickets may be purchased at the Powell/Market Street turnaround. The cars have outside seats and inside seats but no matter the weather you might want to sit on the eastern side facing the bay for the best Instagram views. The San Francisco Cable Car system is the last working system of its kind left in the world.

Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli Square isn’t just about chocolate but you can take a tour of the factory while you are there. The square has been a San Francisco landmark since 1862 but now houses a complex of quirky shops and trendy eateries. It is a cutting-edge retail destination with pleasant outdoor spaces and a cool nostalgic energy. You can have a bite to eat at Lori’s Diner with its bay views, stop and sip in a wine-tasting room, or have a brew at The Pub. It offers a delicious late night menu and is an ideal end to any day.

Alcatraz Island

Day and night tours to Alcatraz Island are offered by the National Park Service year-round. The experience includes a round-trip ferry ride with an animated onboard narration. The guided tour highlights the island’s notorious history pointing out areas of attempted escape from the prison and other interesting tidbits of lore. Once the ferry has docked, the Cellhouse itself can be explored with a knowledgeable park ranger on hand to answer questions. The night tour features breathtaking views of the San Francisco city lights.

Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown covers 24 city blocks and is one of the oldest in the United States. You can take a slow walk down Grant Avenue, the heart of Chinatown, and be dazzled by the neon lights, glowing lanterns, and sometimes tacky gift shops. The unique atmosphere of herbal stores, smiling fishmongers, and enticing restaurants will have you daring a meander through the alleys and side streets to see what treasures might be hidden there. You will think you left the city for someplace new.

AMA Executive Conference Centers has centers in San Francisco, Washington DC, Atlanta, and New York to serve all your conference and meeting needs. For more information, you can contact us anytime.