Northern California
Locals’ Take: Experiences to Behold

by JEFF HEILMAN

· So often rising from the fog like a modern-day Xanadu, San Francisco is a fitting symbol of dreamlike Northern California. Here, the Golden State story is told in sensory experiences. From towering redwoods to rolling vineyards to rapturous coastlines, Northern California is an absolute feast for the mind, heart and soul. They may have rushed for gold here in the early days, but today, the discoveries are set at a different speed; groups coming here can count on decelerating into a state of ease and relaxation.

It’s no surprise that the wonder of it all inspires such passion and devotion in the souls lucky enough to live and work here—which is why Meetings West asked seven locally based meetings industry insiders to share their take on unique, can’t-miss experiences for planners as they put their Northern California agendas together.

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Sponsor

SGMP San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Do you plan government meetings? Become a member of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) San Francisco Bay Area Chapter. SGMP memberships include event professionals across all government agencies. With our Certified Government Meeting Professional Course, learn the latest techniques in coordinating meetings and enjoy networking your business in a high- energy atmosphere. Join SGMP San Francisco at our next event. “Helping you improve communication at every level, every day!”

For more information, visit www.sgmpsf.org.

Short Takes

Museums & Attractions

· The GRAMMY Museum in downtown Los Angeles recently unveiled its newest special exhibit, Michael Jackson: A Musical Legacy. Residing on the museum’s fourth floor, the exhibit serves as a follow-up to the earlier Michael Jackson: HIStyle exhibit, which opened last February, and the temporary memorial display, erected just after the King of Pop’s passing. Including Jackson’s trademark fedora and gloves, six elaborately embellished jackets, original lyrics, a Jackson 5 stage costume and more, the exhibit includes additional artifacts never before exhibited in a museum. Across eight video monitors, visitors can watch footage of Jackson’s appearances on the annual GRAMMY Awards and other rare footage. A new interactive experience allows visitors to dance on a floor of light-up tiles, mimicking Jackson’s own moves in the Billie Jean music video. The exhibit will remain on display through this summer. For more information, call 213.765.6800 or visit www.grammymuseum.org.

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Planning in a Tough Economy Webinar

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

In today’s economy you need to plan like your job depends on it, because more than ever, it does! Learn ways to trim your budget without dampening the attendee experience and how to show the savings you gained to the organization you plan for. By employing a few simple cost-cutting strategies from this webinar, you can provide a quality meeting without breaking the bank. In this webinar, Joan Eisenstodt, a premier meetings industry educator and consultant, will let you know how you can make the most with less both for your attendees and the bottom line.
Join Meetings Media for this free webinar Wednesday, Jan. 27, and learn more. There is no fee to register.

Visit MeetingsFocus.com/webinars to register or learn more.

Sponsored by: The Scottsdale Plaza Resort and Glen Cove Mansion Hotel & Conference Center.

Site Scene

British Columbia

· The Fairmont Pacific Rim, located opposite the new West Building of the Vancouver Convention Centre, will open Feb. 1, with 400 guest rooms. The rooftop swimming pool has a private outdoor terrace with meditation pods, hot tubs, fire pits and cabanas. The downtown hotel will offer 15,000 square feet of meeting and conference space, a multimedia theater and a business center. For more information, call 604.895.0612 or visit www.fairmont.com/pacificrim.

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