San Jose, CA

Key Highlights

Hotels	220
Total Sleeping Rooms	24,823
Committable Sleeping Rooms*	805
Committable Meeting Rooms*	800
Largest Exhibit Space	220,000 Sq. Ft.
Largest Ballroom	143,000 Sq. Ft.
Average Hotel Room Rate	USD $121
Average Daily Meal Cost	USD $56
Average Weekly Car Rental	USD $252
*Maximum for a single hotel

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San Jose, CA Meeting Planning Overview

Welcome to our San Jose meeting planning guide – a San Jose city guide for meeting planners. With seven impressive large-scale event facilities, numerous convention hotels and a wealth of versatile unique meeting spaces, San Jose is emerging from the shadows of other larger California meeting destinations of Los Angeles and San Diego as a top player. Thanks to a recent $1.7 billion investment in urban redevelopment, which revamped museums, libraries, parks and more, the city can offer the same big city amenities at very competitive rates. With its flexible pricing structure, San Jose provides groups with customized pricing based on room nights, food and beverage expenditures, overall economic impact and more.

Welcoming guests into the 10th largest city and one of the safest cities in the U.S. is the Mineta San Jose International Airport. As the 3rd largest airport on the West Coast, the airport sees over 10 million visitors per year and about 360 commercial flights per day.

Once inside the city, event attendees are greeted by a host of meeting facilities, the flagship of which is the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. With 143,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space, 100,000 square feet of pre-function space and a 22,000-square-foot ballroom, the immense convention center is equipped to host events of all types and sizes. Fitting for a convention center in the capital of Silicon Valley, McEnery is also one of the most technologically advanced meeting facilities in the world, offering webcasting and video streaming capabilities and a hyper-speed network infrastructure.

Within walking distance to the convention center, the spacious Center for the Performing Arts is a great alternative to large-scale events in San Jose. Also just across the street from the McEnery Convention Center, the Civic Auditorium is the premiere South Bay Concert location. The Spanish Mission-style building is also a perfect host for meetings and events, thanks to its 3,001 concert seats, four meeting rooms and general assembly space. Combined with other stunning event sites such as the California Theatre, HP Pavilion and Montgomery Theatre, San Jose approaches 200,000 square feet of meeting space.

San Jose event venues also offer the benefit of being eco-friendly. The city is one of the first to start a convention facility composting and recycling program. Non-recyclables, such as furniture, poster board and scrap metal, are donated to non-profit organizations and local schools.

In addition to going green, meeting and event planners can get green by hosting an event at one of the city's carefully tended parks. Group outings can be taken to a whole new level at San Jose's Guadalupe River Park and Gardens, which features the world's largest Monopoly game board. The board, which measures in at 930 square feet and is accented by huge game pieces, can be rented out and played by several people. Back indoors, the mango-colored Tech Museum of Innovation serves as a great backdrop for events in San Jose of up to 2,500 people.

San Jose's economy centers on high-technology engineering and computer and microprocessor technologies. The city serves as headquarters for such corporations as Adobe Systems Incorporated, Apple, Inc., Cisco and eBay. Higher learning also holds a strong presence in the city, as San Jose is home to San Jose State University, National Hispanic University and Lincoln Law School of San Jose.

About San Jose, CA / Additional Info

Originally inhabited by Ohlone Native Americans, San Jose was established first as a farming community by Lieutenant Jose Joaquin Moraga. Despite being the second incorporated city in California – and its first capital – its economy relied heavily on agriculture until World War II. As industrial manufacturing and defense contracting grew in importance, so did the city's prominence and population. San Jose truly skyrocketed onto the world stage at the end of the 20th century, thanks to government-led growth campaigns and its key position in the prosperous Silicon Valley.

Today the city today remains a destination on the rise. Set between the Santa Cruz Mountains and Diablo Mountain Range in the picturesque Santa Clara Valley, the city is the 3rd most populous city in the state with over 900,000 residents. Its entire metropolitan area is home to over seven million people, representing a diverse range of cultures and ethnicities. In addition to large Hispanic, Chinese and Japanese populations, the city also has the largest Vietnamese American population in the United States.

Guests can enjoy this rich cultural mosaic by exploring the city's vibrant communities and cultural attractions. Visit the unique Hispanic district of Alum Rock, where the Biblioteca Latinoamericana holds one of the largest collections of Spanish language materials in Northern California. Guests can pick up unique souvenirs at Japantown, where street vendors sell beautiful kimonos, handmade tofu and unique Japanese gifts. Guests can also indulge in some retail therapy at the San Jose Flea Market, touted as the largest open-air market in the United States. Its 120 acres encompass more than 6,000 eclectic booths, selling everything from comic books to jewelry.

Strolling the streets of San Jose's neighborhoods is a great way to enjoy the pleasant Mediterranean climate of the area, which sees 250 days of sunshine each year. This idyllic weather also makes it easy to take advantage of the city's 15 local and championship golf courses, 150 parks and gardens and assorted local wineries. Enjoy the sweet scent of over 3,500 rose trees and shrubs at the Municipal Rose Garden in North San Jose, or pack a picnic to enjoy at one of Kelley Park's 100 tables or 30 grilling areas. Enjoy the landscape and a glass of fine wine at J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Pinder Winery or one of the other many area vineyards.

Visitors should of course not limit their experience to the outdoors, as the city is home to a host of exciting indoor attractions. Established in 1969, the widely-acclaimed San Jose Museum of Art features 1,400 works that focus on West Coast and California art and technology. View one of the largest collections of Ancient Egyptian artifacts in the West at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium.

For a truly unique experience, get lost in the winding halls of the Winchester Mystery House. Once the residence of gun magnate William Wirt Winchester's widow, the house features bizarre architecture such as windows built into the floor and doors that open to blank walls. With so much to do and see, it's no surprise that the fun never stops in San Jose.

San Jose, CA Key Stats for Meeting Planners

Time Zone: Pacific Time (PT)
Convention Center(s):

San Jose McEnery Convention Center

Hotel at Convention Center? Yes
Sleeping Rooms 1 Mile from Convention Center: 2,270

Airport(s):

Destination Type(s):

Golf Destination
Smoke-free Restaurants

Special Event Venues
76
Population
1,975,342
Restaurants
172
Country Code
1
Sales Tax
9.25%
Currency
U.S. Dollar
Standard Tipping Practice
10-20%
Electricity
120V / 60Hz
Official Languages
English

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques widely accepted? Yes

All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Cities Near San Jose, CA

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Oakland, CA	38 mi	43 min	4 hr 29 min	USD $255+
San Francisco, CA	49 mi	55 min	2 hr 35 min	USD $220+
Sacramento, CA	119 mi	2 hr	40 min	USD $109+
Reno, NV	250 mi	3 hr 59 min	1 hr	USD $170+
Los Angeles, CA	338 mi	5 hr 23 min	1 hr 10 min	USD $149+
Las Vegas, NV	536 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 20 min	USD $200+

San Jose, CA Climate Information

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. High (°F)	59	63	67	72	77	82	84	84	82	76	65	59
Avg. Low (°F)	42	45	46	48	52	55	58	58	57	52	46	41
Rec. High (°F)	79	81	87	95	101	109	108	105	104	101	85	79
Rec. Low (°F)	24	26	30	35	37	42	47	47	42	36	21	19
Rainfall (in)	3.0	2.8	2.7	1.0	0.4	0.1	0.0	0.0	0.2	0.8	1.7	2.0

San Jose's Mediterranean climate brings more than 250 days of sunshine to the city every year and an average year-round temperature of 65°F. Protected by the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west and south, as well as the Diablo Range to the east, San Jose is a semi-arid area with an average annual rainfall of only 14 inches. More than 90 percent of San Jose's rainfall occurs from October to May; it averages less than an inch total from June to September.

Tempered by the sea breeze off the San Francisco Bay, San Jose's summers are comfortably warm, with an average high of 80°F and average low of 60°F. The warmest month of the year is July, with an average high of 85°F. Winters in San Jose are temperate, with highs around 55°F during the day and 45°F overnight. Snow is rare; occasional snowfall accumulates to about one inch per year, typically falling in December and January. The spring and early fall months are the most popular time to visit San Jose, as they see very little rainfall and comfortable temperatures.

Meeting Planning in San Jose, CA

San Jose McEnery Convention Center

Located in the heart of downtown, the San Jose McEnery Convention Center offers superior technology, breathtaking architecture and an extremely convenient location. Opened in 1989, the center is not only a world-class meeting space, but also the home of the San Jose Visitor Information and Business Center, making it an extremely popular visitor stop. The San Jose McEnery Convention Center is surrounded by performing arts facilities, museums and cultural attractions, offers almost 100 eateries within walking distance, and is connected to the luxurious, 353-room Hilton San Jose Hotel and Towers.

With 425,000 total square feet of exhibit space, the convention center features 143,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space, 100,000 square feet of pre-function space and a beautiful and versatile 22,000-square-foot ballroom. The center's 31 meeting rooms range in size to accommodate 50 to 2,400 guests.

The San Jose McEnery Convention Center is one of the most technologically-advanced meeting facilities in the world, offering superior global communication services, networking services, video streaming and webcasting. Centerplate, the center's exclusive caterer, specializes in San Jose regional cuisine. The center also features parking lot space for 500 vehicles.

Framed by a vibrant 125-foot-tall abstract tile mural, the modern, light-filled convention center is designed for optimal convenience and versatility. Design elements include sleek lines, gleaming floors and floor-to-ceiling windows that afford an unparalleled view of downtown San Jose. A meetings hotspot, the San Jose McEnery Convention Center has hosted such groups as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the California Association for Bilingual Education.

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San Jose, CA Airport Information

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Located 14 miles south of downtown San Francisco, San Francisco International has been ranked as one of the world’s 30 busiest airports, serving more than 33 million passengers every year.

Currently, San Francisco International is committed to showcasing its home city. Nearly all of its eateries are branches of local restaurants, bars and cafes, so passengers can get a true taste of San Francisco even if they can’t leave the airport. Much of the airport’s eclectic mix of bookstores, gift shops, travel outfitters and luxury boutiques has ties to local purveyors as well.

San Francisco International is also home to the San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Library and Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum, a 7,000-square-foot public exhibition space with various historic transportation artifacts. Admission is free and groups of up to 250 people are welcome to hold private events in the sprawling space.

San Francisco International offers parking in hourly, daily and long-term areas. The airport also provides direct service to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Rapid Rail and San Mateo County Transit (samTrans) bus system.

Traveling between terminals is easy thanks to AirTrain, a fully-automated people mover that runs 24 hours a day. AirTrain’s Red Line connects all terminals and terminal garages, as well as provides direct access to the BART station. AirTrain’s Blue Line connects all terminals and terminal garages, as well as provides direct access to the BART station and the Rental Car Center.

Airline carriers serving San Francisco International Airport

Aer Lingus
AeroMexico
Air Canada
Air China
Air France
Air New Zealand
AirTran Airways
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
All Nippon Airways
Asiana
British Airways
Cathay Pacific
China Airlines

Delta/Northwest
Emirates
EVA Air
Frontier
Hawaiian Airlines
Horizon
Japan Airlines
JetBlue
KLM
Korean Air
LACSA
Lufthansa
Mexicana
Midwest

Philippine Airlines
Qantas
Singapore Airlines
Southwest
Sun Country
TACA
United
United Express
US Airways
Virgin America
Virgin Atlantic
WestJet

Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)

Approximate taxi fare: $13.17 USD

The Mineta San Jose International Airport is conveniently located just two miles northwest of downtown San Jose. The sleek, light-filled airport services more than 10 million passengers per year and 360 commercial departures and landings daily. The airport offers 31 gates among its Terminal A, International Arrivals and Terminal C facilities, providing non-stop flights to destinations throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The airport features extensive amenities, including several retail shops and both full-service and quick-service restaurants in Terminals A and C. Travelers may access free wireless Internet throughout Terminals A and C and in the International Arrivals Building. Both short-term and long-term parking facilities are available, with a short-term maximum daily rate of $30.

Airline carriers serving Mineta San Jose International Airport

Alaska Airlines
American Airlines/American Eagle
Delta Airlines
Frontier Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines
Horizon Air
JetBlue Airways
Mexicana Airlines

Southwest Airlines
United Airlines/United Express
US Airways

San Jose, CA Train Information

San Jose Amtrak Station

The San Jose Amtrak station is located at 65 Cahill Street and services both the Capitol Corridor and Coast Starlight routes. Capitol Corridor provides daily service from Auburn, California, to San Jose, while the Coast Starlight route provides daily service from Seattle to Los Angeles, passing through Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco and Santa Barbara. The San Jose Amtrak station is open daily from 5:30 AM to 11 PM.

San Jose, CA Public Transportation

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)

Buses

Known for being clean and efficient, San Jose's public bus system is part of a 326-square-mile network of more than 4,345 bus stops and 70 routes. San Jose is serviced by 55 local routes and 15 express/limited routes that serve more than 31 million passengers every year. The San Jose McEnery Convention Center is serviced by three bus routes, while the VTA Airport Flyer route provides frequent stops between downtown San Jose and the Mineta San Jose International Airport.

Youth fares for children ages 5-17 are $1.50 for a single ride and $4 for an all-day pass. Adult fares are $1.75 for a single ride and $5 for an all-day pass. Children under 5 ride for free.

Light Rail

San Jose's light rail system spans 42.2 miles and operates a fleet of 100 trains, serving more than 10 million passengers each year. Running through San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Campbell and Mountain View, the light rail system services 62 stations and connects with VTA buses at every station. The San Jose McEnery Convention Center is serviced by the Alum Rock-Santa Teresa and Mountain View-Winchester light rail routes, with a station located adjacent to the center.

The light rail system operates seven days a week, 365 days a year on 15-, 30- or 60-minute frequencies depending on the time of day. Youth fares for children ages 5-17 are $1.50 for a single ride, $4 for an all-day pass and $3 for an eight-hour light rail pass. Adult fares are $1.75 for a single ride, $5 for an all-day pass and $3.50 for an eight-hour light rail pass. Children under 5 ride for free.

Rental Cars

Several rental car agencies, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National and Thrifty, are represented at the Mineta San Jose International Airport. Agency counters are located outside of the baggage claim on the ground floor of Terminals A and C.

Taxis

Visitors to San Jose can access several taxi companies outside of the baggage claim area at the airport on the ground floor of Terminals A and C. Visitors should expect to pay about $15 to $18 in taxi fare from the airport to downtown San Jose.

Distance To...

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Oakland, CA	38 mi	43 min	4 hr 29 min	USD $255+
San Francisco, CA	49 mi	55 min	2 hr 35 min	USD $220+
Sacramento, CA	119 mi	2 hr	40 min	USD $109+
Reno, NV	250 mi	3 hr 59 min	1 hr	USD $170+
Los Angeles, CA	338 mi	5 hr 23 min	1 hr 10 min	USD $149+
Las Vegas, NV	536 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 20 min	USD $200+