San Jose Convention center
San Jose is the capital of Silicon Valley, the world of modern day intellectuals. The town is a churning pot for new ideas and thoughts. It is the tenth largest city of the United States of America and one of the biggest cities of the western state of California.
The San Jose Convention Center
Downtown San Jose is the business hub of the city. San Jose McEnry Convention Center, a key landmark of the city, is located in the heart of downtown San Jose. It is on 150 W San Carlos Street and a landmark one should not miss in San Jose. It is named after the former mayor of San Jose, Tom McEnry. It is a huge modern day structure with all the modern day facilities. It hosts trade fairs, exhibitions, concerts, conferences and virtually any event of big magnitude. It is close to the biggest hotels and the most popular dining places in San Jose. It also has huge parking space.
Fees and parking at the Convention Center
The charges are $12 per day with no in and out privileges. Day passes cost $20 with unlimited in and out privileges. You can park your car at the San Jose Convention Center for a maximum of 3 days or you can use the San Jose light train to reach the Convention center. The light train runs from the south of the city to the north. The light train costs $1.75 and you can travel any number of times within 2 hours after which you will need to buy a new ticket. Or you can pick a one day pass for $5.25 and travel unlimited in the light train and the bus. If you are close to a DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) bus stop, numerous buses stop at the Convention center.
Tourist information at the Convention Center
The San Jose Convention center houses the Visitor Information and Business Center. If you need any guidance on how to tour San Jose, you can contact the center. The center will give you maps and directions to reach your destinations. The center operators can tell you about the forthcoming events at the Convention center and also help you on finding the right lodging. Apart from this, one can use computer and fax services at the business center. From the business center, one can also courier through any of the courier carriers.
Events at the San Jose Convention Center
The convention center holds a number of seminar and shows throughout the year. These fairs can be virtually on any theme. Below is a sample schedule to appreciate how the convention center is always activity filled.
In October 2006, it is hosting a Health & Fitness Expo. Also in parallel to this expo, the Convention center is hosting The 15th Annual San Jose International Mariachi Festival and Conference. This festival will conduct workshops in Mariachi music and dance in the Convention center. The festival also has its own museum on the subject. Plus, some of the most popular Grammy award winners will play live there. Nearly around the same time, The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is also meeting here for their annual meeting. It is followed by a one day event of California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA). This is then followed by an exhibition cum sale of miniature art work like dollhouses; this exhibition in turn is followed by Hewlett Packard sponsored 3 day ITUG summit. Many Hewlett Packard Open View software platform customers and partners are expected to flock to San Jose to attend this summit. There is also a solar energy related conference and even a tattoo convention!
Hence the hotels around the Convention Center are all geared up for this event and are fast filling up. Even hotels in San Francisco and Los Angeles keep a tab on the events in San Jose Convention Center. A certain number of the audience is very likely to visit San Francisco and Los Angeles. The car rental companies, the various restaurants, shopping destinations around the convention center…practically every business around the center looks forward to the events at the Convention Center. Their livelihood is greatly influenced by the activities at the center.
Visiting San Jose
If you are on a visit to California and are planning to cover San Jose, do have a look at what’s happening at the San Jose Convention Center. You may have the opportunity to add an uncommon yet entertaining destination to your tour itinerary.