If you’re heading to San Francisco for the MarkLogic User Conference 2009, don’t be surprised if your co-workers are a teeny bit jealous. After all, you’ll be visiting one of the most beautiful and diverse cities on the planet, while they’re stuck back at the office. Not only is San Francisco located smack-dab in the middle of the technology capital of the world, but it’s also a popular tourist destination offering myriad opportunities for tourists and business travelers alike. The MarkLogic team has prepared a few suggestions you may find interesting.
Here’s a few tips to ensure your visit is a great experience.
- Dress for comfort! There’s no need to break out your three-piece suit, unless that’s what makes you feel most comfortable. Dress is business casual. Blue jeans are not only okay, they’re encouraged. A light jacket or sweater is always a good thing to bring with you, just in case the conference center gets a little chilly. It’s also good idea to bring a wrap with you during the evenings when temperatures outdoors drop to 50-60°F.
- The weather - Expect mostly sunny skies, with temperatures ranging from 55-80°F.
- Parking - If you’re driving to the event or plan to use a rental car during your stay, the host venue, the Intercontinental Hotel San Francisco, provides parking ($25 a day; $35 for overnight). Make sure to mention you are with the MarkLogic User Conference.
- Getting to the hotel - It always helps to know how to get to where you’re going — in advance! Here are directions to the hotel from a variety of locations. For reference, the Intercontinental Hotel San Francisco is located at 888 Howard St, San Francisco, California 94103.
- The neighborhood - The name of the area surrounding the hotel is South of Market, which locals refer to as SoMa. Learn more.
- Emergency contact - When you travel, it’s often good to provide family and co-workers with contact information for the venue. Here are a few useful numbers:
- Front Desk: +1-415-6166500
- Fax: +1-415-6166581
- Photocopies, printing, and overnight package delivery - You never know when you may need these services, so it’s helpful to know that there are 2 FedEx Office (formerly FedEx Kinkos) locations less than a half mile away. The first is located at 726 Market Street; the second is located at 1155 Harrison Street. Hours of operation: 8:30am - 8:00pm weekdays.
- Market Street location +1 (415) 391-0951
- Harrison Street location +1 (415) 552-4628
- Pharmacy - Forget your razor? Need some sinus medication? Or, perhaps an emergency prescription refilled? There’s a Walgreen’s Pharmacy located nearby at 1301 Market Street (southwest corner of 9th and Market). Hours: 6:00am - 9:00pm weekdays.
- Pharmacy: 415-861-4010
- Coffee - If you find yourself craving a cappuccino or other caffeinated beverage, head to Blue Bottle Coffee Cafe, where, according to locals, you can find the best latte in town. Located one half mile from the hotel — 66 Mint Street (at the corner of Mint and Jessie) — this local hangout is highly recommended. For those of you who prefer Starbucks, don’t fret, you can get your fix just around the corner at 120 4th Street (corner of 4th and Mission).
That’s it for now. If you find that you have other questions or concerns, let me know. I’m happy to help. See you at the conference!
