About San Jose
Surrounded by gorgeous rolling hills and the San Francisco Bay, San Jose is known as Silicon Valley and boasts a population of more than one million. What started as a home for the Tayman people of the Ohlone group in 4000 BC became a Spanish empire in 1542 before becoming San Jose in 1777.
Summers are warm in San Jose with temps in the mid-90s, with plenty of sun almost every day so the city is also a popular place to enjoy outdoor adventures and fun. In fact, the city boasts almost 16 thousand acres of parkland to explore and enjoy by choosing a San Jose meeting space.
Meeting Options in San Jose
When you decide that your meeting space will be in San Jose, you will need to find some local vendors to help you plan the details. From a catering service to equipment rental, you can find what you need in San Jose.
- Catering Service
Make sure all your guests are full and happy so they can pay attention at the meeting. Hiring a catering service for your San Jose meeting space is the smartest move so you don’t have to worry about the menu, serving, and cleaning up.
- Tech Rental
It is usually a good idea to make sure everyone at the meeting has the technology they need to follow along with presentations and communicate with others who are not at the meeting. It would be nice if they brought what they needed but many people may not have that option. Just rent the equipment you need.
- Car Service
Be sure everyone gets there safely and on time by providing a car service to shuttle them. And if you are trying to impress some clients, a black car service is the ticket you need. It just makes sense to provide transportation if you are serving adult beverages too.
Meeting Space Companies in San Jose
Whether you are having a huge meeting with 100s of attendees or a small group of about 50, having help with catering, tech and furniture rental, and transportation will help take the load off you. San Jose has some fantastic companies that can help.
- Tony Caters
Since 2009, Tony Caters has been providing custom menus, unique dishes made from scratch, and they can even help with the event planning if you need it. No matter whether you want a lunch bar, buffet, full spread, or a seated meal, Tony can do it from corn dogs to caviar. They will cater anything from a dinner for two to a large party for 2,000.
- Meeting Tomorrow
Hosting your meeting in Silicon Valley is a plus for technology rental because they have groundbreaking new items you can count on as well as the classic needs like AV and sound systems. From stage equipment like lights and presentation design to interactive displays and iPads, Meeting Tomorrow is San Jose’s number one event production company. Whether you have a group of 50 or 5,000, they can help.
- Skylark Limousine
Skylark Limousine has been driving people around the Bay area since 1990 and they are locally owned and operated. They are licensed by the state of California as a full-service transportation company with luxury limos and professional licensed chauffeurs and boast a line of regal black sedans, executive sprinters, and even party busses. Whatever you need when you need it.
Pros and Cons of Meetings in San Jose
Having your meeting in San Jose is a fantastic idea but there are some pros and cons to think about beforehand. Here are a few that we think are important:
Advantages
- The weather
Everyone knows that the weather in the Bay area is pretty fantastic, and San Jose is close to perfect. If you like warm winters and summers that are hot but not uncomfortably so, this is the place to be so maybe you should plan an outdoor meeting if you can.
- Beaches
Before and after your meeting, be sure to enjoy some of San Jose’s excellent weather by soaking up the sun on one of the beaches nearby. Baker Beach, Ocean Beach, and Capitola Beach are three of the most popular.
- Entertainment
Whether you want to hit the clubs or the beaches, San Jose has it all nearby so make sure you allow your attendees (and yourself) some time to enjoy what the city has to offer.
Disadvantages
- The high prices
Yes, everything does cost more in San Jose so bring all the necessities you can. You do not want to have to shop for shampoo or deodorant while you are in town. In fact, you will even pay for grocery bags whether you use plastic or paper.
- Traffic
Another issue is the traffic. Many San Jose residents rely on taxi and rideshare services and you should too. If you cannot walk, have someone drive you. And try to plan your San Jose meeting space outside of the busy downtown area.
- Crime rate
Although it is not the most dangerous city in California, more than 80% of the cities in the state are safer than San Jose. Stay in safe areas like Robertsville, Willow Glen, and Evergreen.
Famous Locations in San Jose
- Winchester Mystery House
This four-story home is legendary in San Jose so it would be a shame to miss it. This is the former home of Sara Winchester, widow and heir of the firearms magnate, William Winchester. According to the locals, the 1886 home has 160 secret rooms, false doors, and stairs that lead to nowhere. Take a tour and learn more. Book a quiet cul-de-sac ranch home nearby where you can relax by the pool after the meeting.
- San Jose Museum of Art
The museum started in 1969 as a movement to save a historic building and today is the home to over 2,600 works of art. It is mostly focused on local and nearby artists as well as famous works from Picasso, Warhol, and Matisse. They also host rotating exhibits to offer something new to see all year long.
- Kelley Park
From the Japanese Friendship Garden to the Happy Hollow Zoo, Kelley Park has something for everyone to enjoy. The 172 acres is also home to the Bay Area Glass Institute, the Paulson House, History Park, a fantastic disc golf course, and Coyote Creek. Book the modern oriental sip and chill café nearby for your San Jose meeting space.
