Partner News

San Mateo County/Silicon Valley

The San Mateo County/Silicon Valley CVB relies on our partners to help our visitors' have the best possible local experience during their visit. We are excited to share and celebrate our partners' special events, milestones, exciting news and more!

April 2021


EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS
Vaccine Check + COVID Testing Requirements


Are you unsure how to implement the required vaccine check/testing requirements? Well, you’re not alone – over the past week we have received many questions on this topic! An expert in this field graciously agreed to conduct our free webinar, Best Practices to Comply with Vaccine Check & Covid Testing for Small Events.

If you missed the webinar or would like to watch it again, you may watch it below or simply click here.

Download the presentation


 


February 2021


EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS
2021 Virtual Sales & Marketing Summit


The stars are starting to align: the recent Stay-at-Home-Order has been lifted, COVID infection rates and trending downwards and vaccine distribution is gaining traction, all creating the perfect time for us to RTS - Return to Selling! On Wednesday, February 17, our expert web platform partners at Simpleview dove into:

  • The latest traveler sentiment data – who are traveling and what are they looking for?
  • Recommendations on how to create a compelling offer – words and photos matter!
  • Social media best practices to get more eyes on your offers.
  • Recommendations on how to get maximum exposure via the Partner Portal.


While recovery won’t be immediate, it’s time for us to RTS – Return to Selling!

If you missed the webinar or would like to watch it again, you may watch it below or simply click here.

Download the presentation.

 


December 2020


EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS
COVID Operational Compliance for Business


Have you reached an information overload regarding what is required to operate your business in a COVID compliant manner? To help everyone understand the requirements, we hosted a webinar on December 17, 2020 at 10:00 AM with Wayne Hoss, Business Compliance Unit Supervisor with San Mateo County. The objective of this newly formed "Business COVID-19 Compliance Team" is to help businesses better understand the COVID requirements.

If you missed the webinar or would like to watch it again, you may watch it below or simply click here.

Click here to download the presentation.

 


November 2020


EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS
New Requirements - COVID in the Workplace


SB 1159 and AB685 require employers to modify reporting procedures if a COVID outbreak occurs in the workplace. We were pleased to host an educational webinar on this topic with Andrew J. Sommer and Megan Shaked, from Conn Maciel Carey in San Francisco. Andrew advises employers on a wide range of employment-related issues and defends employers in administrative proceedings, arbitration and litigation at both the state and federal level.

If you missed the webinar or would like to watch it again, you may watch it below or simply click here.

Click here to download the presentation.
 


October 2020


EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS
Snapshot into the Future - Hotel and Travel Projections 2021-2024


The Hotel & Tourism industry has experienced an unimaginable downturn in 2020. When will things get better? What will 2021 look like? When will our industry get back to normal? On  October 8, we assembled a most coveted panel of experts who shared their insights! Panel Included:

  • Julie Purnell, Managing Director, CBRE Hotels Advisory will present the latest hotel market projections for the San Francisco Bay Area submarket.
  • Doug Yakel, Public Information Officer, San Francisco International Airport will share the latest on what’s happening at SFO.
  • Tara Stangel, Head of Lodging Supply, TripActions will share the latest insights regarding corporate market recovery.


If you missed the webinar or would like to watch it again, you may watch it below or simply click here.

Click here to download the presentation.

 


September 2020


EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS
Events Reimagined


The COVID-19 crisis has placed the Meeting and Events industry in a precarious position. There is general agreement that events as we knew them "BC" Before-COVID, won’t return for at least 12-18 months. What do you do in the meantime? To challenge our thought patterns, the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau has assembled a panel of experts from four separate segments from the meeting and events industry to share their experience and ideas on how to pivot to engage in the hybrid meeting and events platform.

If you missed the webinar or would like to watch it again, you may watch it below or simply click here.

 


July 2020


EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS
Is your PR Crisis Plan Ready?


On July 29, we hosted a webinar featuring Sam Singer, President of Singer Associates, Inc., SF's top PR firm joined us on a webinar to explain the importance of having a PR crisis plan ready. One of the nation’s leading communications strategists, Sam Singer is a former journalist and political campaign manager. His agency, Singer Associates Public Relations, is a winner of the nation’s highest public relations achievement, PRWeek’s “Public Relations Agency of the Year Award.”

If you missed the webinar or would like to watch it again, you may watch it below or simply click here.

Download the presentation


Leveraging your Social Media during Reopening


On July 15, we hosted a webinar featuring Jock Breitwieser from SocialSellinator where we learned how to leverage your social media during the reopening process. Jock showed ways to use LinkedIn and Facebook, tips for digital marketing, ways to adjust social media strategies for your business in a post- COVID-19 world, and more.

If you missed the webinar or would like to watch it again, you may watch it below or simply click here.

Download the presentation:

SocialSellinatior Presentation
CVB Update Presentation
 


 


Palo Alto Update featuring San Jose International Airport


As the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold, our CVB wanted to spend time to check in with our Palo Alto partners and discuss reopening plans. We were pleased to be joined by Scott Wintner, Deputy Director of Aviation, Marketing & Communications at Mineta San Jose International Airport who shared an update regarding recent developments at SJC.

In part 2 of our presentation, our Bureau staff was on hand to share the work we have done since shelter in place and the steps taken towards reopening.

If you missed the webinar or would like to watch it again, you may watch it below or simply click here.

Download the presentation.

 



Palo Alto Presentation (Part 1)


 

Palo Alto Presentation (Part 2)
 


June 2020


EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS

Reopened & Ready: How to take the Pledge


In order to help promote our County’s decision to reopen, our CVB launched a new campaign, “Reopened & Ready” on June 22, 2020. Once signed by a business, this Pledge states that the business and its employees are taking every precaution to keep visitors safe and healthy, as we move through the phases of reopening in San Mateo County and Silicon Valley.

Take the Pledge today: www.ReopenedandReady.com

If you missed the webinar or would like to watch it again, you may watch it below or simply click here.

To download the presentation, please click here.
 


Partner Portal Training: Getting Ready for Reopening


In order to accommodate the various phases of reopening our website provider has added a great tool to help us promote your businesses even better! In this training session, we looked into how to take advantage of these amenity resources to market all the great things you are doing to ensure your guests will be safe. In addition, this quick online training also reviewed best practices for using the San Mateo/Silicon Valley CVB's Partner Portal and how to make sure all of your records are up to date.

If you missed it the training or would like to watch it again, you may watch it below or simply click here.


 


What will Travel look like when the Economy Opens Up


On June 4th, we hosted a webinar featuring experts in the air travel industry. Our panelists included Annabel Chang, the Vice President, Bay Area at Alaska Airlines (the fifth-largest U.S. airline), Doug Yakel, the Public Information Officer of the External Affairs Office at the San Francisco International Airport, and Scott Wintner, Deputy Director of Marketing & Communications at Mineta San José International Airport.

Annabel, Doug, and Scott shared their perspective on when and how the airline industry will recover and what the air travel experience is will look like.

If you missed the webinar or would like to watch it again, you may watch it below or simply click here.

To download the presentation, please click here.

 


 
SPECIAL NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • The following Bureau partners have resumed operations: Hillsdale Shopping Center, Serramonte Shopping Center, The Shops at Tanforan, Stanford Shopping Center, Moonstar Buffet, ONE65 Restaurant, and Pacific Catch’s San Mateo and Campbell.
     
  • Congratulations to the Creekside Inn in Palo Alto for being awarded AAA's 2020 "Best of Housekeeping" Diamond Certification.
     
  • Congratulations to Jordan Wong of the San Mateo Marriott for being selected as Meeting Professional of the Third Quarter for the MPI Northern California Chapter.
     
  • After 37 years, Blossoms' owner Denise Barnett will retire on June 30. Long-time Blossoms employee, Regina Skinner, will be the new owner.
     
  • The Pacific Victorian Bed & Breakfast in Half Moon Bay has permanently closed.
     
  • The 2020 Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade and the October Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival have been cancelled for 2020, but will return next year. However, plans are currently being discussed with officials to hold the 2020 Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off on Monday, October 12. Check back here for updates.
     
  • Michelle Poché Flaherty is Redwood City’s new Assistant City Manager/Administrative Services Director. She will lead the Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Revenue Services functions.
     
  • Michael Claire is the new Chancellor of the San Mateo County Community College District.
     
SMC/SV CVB PARTNERSHIP MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES


10 Years

  • Boudin Catering
  • Fox Theatre
     

5 Years

  • SSF Conference Catering
     


May 2020


EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS

What will Travel look like when the Economy Opens Up


On May 21st, we hosted a webinar featuring special guests, Erin Francis-Cummings, President and CEO of Destination Analysts, and Tara Stangel, Head of Lodging Supply at Palo Alto’s TripActions. Erin and Tara shared their thoughts on the current state of the hospitality industry, including traveler sentiment and outlook on the future of corporate travel.

Barry and Christina Ongerth, owners of The Dylan Hotel, also joined us and shared best practices and what they learned when they reopened their hotel, while the Bureau staff shared updates and outlook on reopening.

If you missed the webinar or would like to watch it again, you may watch it below or simply click here.

To download the presentation, please click here.


 

 


Introduction to the California Consumer Privacy Act


On April 29th, we partnered with JWay Group to present an Education Webinar to help our partners understand the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) requirements and follow a compliance roadmap to protect their assets and avoid costly fines. If you missed the webinar or would like to watch it again, please see below or simply click here.
 

 
SPECIAL NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
  • The following Bureau partners have resumed operations: Art Ventures Gallery, Crystal Springs Golf Course, Filoli, Flights Burlingame, Half Moon Bay Golf Links, Par 3 at Poplar Creek, Poplar Creek Golf Course and TPC Harding Park.
     
  • The Dylan at SFO in Millbrae reopened for business on May 1.​ For the continued safety of their guests and employees, they stay committed to following guidelines from the WHO, CDC, and local health departments. For more information and changes to amenities, please click here.
     
  • The Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards are open for voting, and the San Francisco International Airport is a nominee! Winners are selected entirely by readers. Voting is open now through June 30. Please click here to show your love for SFO. Results will be in Condé Nast's November issue.
     
  • The Palo Alto Chamber has started an ad campaign called “Think Big, Shop Small,” reminding the community to support Palo Alto’s small businesses, restaurants, and retail establishments. A series of ads will be in the Palo Alto Weekly promoting the message.
     
  • Blossoms have begun making deliveries on the Peninsula again and are using fresh flowers from Half Moon Bay. Order online to put some color in your life, in your special someone’s life, and don’t forget Mother’s Day!
     
  • After 17 years, co-owners Alicia Petrakis and Eleni Lolas made the difficult decision to close THREE Craft Kitchen and Bar in San Mateo.
     
WELCOME, NEW PARTNERS


Please join us in welcoming our newest partners to the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley family:

Clos de la Tech and Half Moon Bay Wine & Cheese Co.
 

SMC/SV CVB PARTNERSHIP MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES


15 Years

  • The Mountain House
     

5 Years



February 2020


Special News & Announcements​
 
  • The new Anchor Inn located at 500 San Pedro Avenue, Pacifica opened its doors earlier this month. Click here to visit their website.
     
  • The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) opened its new outdoor observation deck on February 14th. Located pre-security in Terminal 2, the SkyTerrace is open to the general public and offers 180-degree views of the busiest section of SFO, where all four runways intersect. To learn more, please click here.
     
  • Congratulations to SWEET55 - Swiss Chocolate & Confections for receiving the “Innovative Achievement Award” at the Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce Annual Recognition Awards Dinner.
     
  • Congratulations to the Green Enchilada in Pacifica for receiving the “Outstanding Business Award” and to Dillon Patel of Sea Breeze Motel for receiving the “Next Generation Award” at the Pacifica Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Awards Ceremony & Installation Dinner.
     
Welcome, New Partners


Please join us in welcoming our newest partners to the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley family:

Art Ventures Gallery, California Catering San Mateo at the Elks Lodge, ONE65, Pacific Catch - Palo Alto, Techmetics Robotics and The Anchor Inn.
 

SMCCVB Partnership Milestone Anniversaries


15 Years

10 Years

  • Stanford Shopping Center
     

5 Years

1 Year



January 2020


Special News & Announcements​
 
  • Our partners, OMG! Pretzels have been nominated for the Best Specialty Food in Montgomery County, PA and voting has opened. Click here to submit your vote!
     
  • On February 8th, The Fish Market San Mateo will be providing amazing, fresh seafood to help raise money for youth programs at the Peninsula Family YMCA. Ticket includes appetizers, cioppino, salad, bread, pasta, drink ticket, dessert, and dancing. Click here to get tickets.
     
  • It was announced that Filoli was named among the Top 10 'Best Holiday Historic Homes' in the United States by USA TODAY for 2019. Click here to read more and to check out the full list.
     
Welcome, New Partners


Please join us in welcoming our newest partners to the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley family:

Blueprint Studios, Ghostwood Beer Co., Classic Limo Tours, ALX by Alexander's Steakhouse, PUNCH Magazine, and Colorprint.
 

SMCCVB Partnership Milestone Anniversaries


1 Year

  • The Foster
  • The Flyer - San Francisco
  • Old County Cellars
  • OMG! Pretzels, LLC

     

 

NOVEMBER 2019


Special News & Announcements​
 
  • The new Canyon Ranch Wellness Center opened its doors on Monday, November 11, 2019. The wellness retreat is located at 16350 Skyline Blvd. in Woodside, CA. Their website is www.canyonranch.com/woodside.
     
  • The Holidays at Filoli are coming back this year and will run from November 23 - December 30, 2019. This special event will feature a fresh new take on seasonal décor in every room of the house and the elegantly-lit Gardens will remain open late. Shop at the Clock Tower Shop or during our two Artisan Market weekends, enjoy live entertainment, and refresh at the Quail’s Nest Café.
     
  • Just in time for the holiday season and back by popular demand, Après winter lounge pop-up returns to Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley. Open from November 1, 2019, through January 5, 2020, the outdoor terrace of the hotel's restaurant Quattro will be transformed once again into an intimate winter wonderland with rustic wooden chalets, sleek fire tables, and lighted alpine trees. Warm plaid cushions and pashmina blankets create the ultimate opportunity to bundle up with the entire family this holiday season.
     
  • The new interpretive center honoring the first periods of California history opened its doors at the Sanchez Adobe site in Pacifica on October 26, 2019. Located at 1000 Linda Mar Blvd., the new 2,500-square-foot building will be home to classrooms and an exhibit gallery with displays on the first people to live on the site. That includes the Ohlone, who created a settlement there called the village of Pruristac more than 550 years ago, Spanish explorers established a mission outpost on the site in the late 18th century, and then the Francisco Sanchez family, which lived there during California’s Mexican era in the mid-19th century. The adobe house in which they lived, which exists today, was built between 1842 and 1846. 


Welcome, New Partners


Please join us in welcoming our newest partners to the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley family:

ECOBike Adventure, King Chuan Restaurant, and Oyster Point Dragons.


SMCCVB Partnership Milestone Anniversaries


5 Years


10 Years


​15 Years



OCTOBER 2019


Special News & Announcements​
 
  • The new Grand Hyatt at SFO opened its doors on October 4 and features 351 rooms, including 22 suites, multiple dining outlets, including Quail & Crane Restaurant, a dedicated AirTrain station and day use of guestrooms. The hotel is located on the grounds of San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
     
  • The Howard Johnson in San Mateo, located at 2110 South El Camino Real, changed its name to The Catrina Hotel. Their new website is now www.thecatrinahotel.com.
     
  • The San Francisco International Airport was named the top airport in the United States by readers of AFAR, the world’s leading travel media brand. In their 2019 Travelers’ Choice Award, SFO was the winner in the “U.S. Airport” category. Click here to read more.
     
  • Palo Alto Weekly’s “Best of 2019” went to The Fish Market Palo Alto for “Seafood” and Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto for “Hotel”. The Sea at Alexander’s Steakhouse was a runner-up for “Seafood” and “Steakhouse”. The Garden Court Hotel was a runner-up for “Hotel”. Click here to check out the full list of winners.
     
  • Pasta Moon Ristorante & Bar has opened in its new location at 845 Main Street, Half Moon Bay.
     
  • Congratulations to Sam Amato, CEO of Gateway Global, for being inducted into the Chauffeur Driven Hall of Fame.
     
  • Congratulations to the City of Half Moon Bay for its 60th anniversary and the City of San Mateo for its 125th anniversary.
     
  • San Mateo's very own CuriOdyssey was ranked one of the "Top 20 Zoos in the Country" by USAToday. Click here to learn more.

Welcome, New Partners


Please join us in welcoming our newest partners to the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley family:

Ajilon, Accounting Principals, Sports Basement Redwood City, National Charter Bus San Francisco, and San Francisco Charter Bus Company.
 

SMCCVB Partnership Milestone Anniversaries


10 Years

  • Espetus Churascarria San Mateo
  • Espetus Churascarria - San Francisco

     


SEPTEMBER 2019


Special News & Announcements​

 

  • September is California Wine Month, check out our new webpage to learn more about this celebration.
     
  • The California State Parks announced that it is one step closer to restoring Pigeon Point Lighthouse. The department is dedicating $9.157 million to the Upper Lighthouse Stabilization and Restoration Project. Work on the lighthouse could begin as early as next spring.
     
  • The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announced plans to adjust the duration of free parking in short-term garages to 10 minutes from 30 minutes effective October 1, 2019.
     
Welcome, New Partners


Please join us in welcoming our newest partners to the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley family:

Attic, B Street Station, Pinstripes and St. Michael's Alley.
 

SMCCVB Partnership Milestone Anniversaries


5 Years



AUGUST 2019


Special News & Announcements​

 

  • See's Candies announced that Pat Egan will become their new Chief Executive Officer in 2019. He is taking over for Brad Kinstler, who’s retiring, and will be only the third CEO since Berkshire acquired See’s more than 40 years ago.
     
  • The Americas Best Value Inn Half Moon Bay, located at 3020 N. Cabrillo Highway, changed its name to The Miramar Inn & Suites on August 1st. Their new website is www.miramarinn.com and their phone number is 650.726.9700.
     
  • BART announced that they will be phasing out paper tickets at multiple stations, starting with Embarcadero Station on August 19th. The phase-out will hit Powell St. on September 3rd and Downtown Berkeley on September 24th. We highly recommend purchasing BART Clipper cards in advance in order to avoid any delays. Click here to purchase a BART Clipper card today!
     
Welcome, New Partners


Please join us in welcoming our newest partners to the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley family:

Moss Beach Kombucha, THREE Craft Kitchen & Bar, Par 3 & The Lodge at Poplar Creek and Unlimited Biking Rentals

 


 

JULY 2019


Special News & Announcements​

 

  • The first nine-gate section of the new Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is now open. Southwest Airlines and JetBlue began flights on July 23rd from the new Boarding Area B.
     
  • Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay was named one of OpenTable's "100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America" for 2019. Click here to check out the full list of winners.
     
  • Executive Pastry Chef, Eric Keppler, at the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley in East Palo Alto, was named "The Best Baker in America" by the Food Network. Click here to learn more about him and this huge accomplishment.
     
  • The Green Enchilada in Pacifica celebrated their Grand Re-Opening, make sure to check them out and enjoy some of the freshest and authentic Mexican cuisine. Their Taco Tuesday Special is a must-try!
     
  • MICHELIN Guide announced that Pausa Bar & Cookery was named as one of the 151 Bib Gourmand restaurants in the 2019 MICHELIN Guide California.
     
  • The brand-new, Home2 Suites by Hilton SFO North, opened its doors last month. The new, 155-room, extended-stay property is located at 550 Gateway Blvd., South San Francisco.

Welcome, New Partners


Please join us in welcoming our newest partners to the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley family:

Bay Watch Burlingame, Bay Watch San Mateo, and Miramar Beach Restaurant


SMCCVB Partnership Milestone Anniversaries


5 Years


 



HAVE SOMETHING NOTEWORTHY TO SHARE?
 

If you have a special event, award, anniversary or exciting news to share, please let Nova Maldonado know at nova@smccvb.com. The more you share with us, the better we can promote your business.

Remember you may also upload special events and offers in our Partner Portal. Once logged into the Portal, you may also update your current listing, records, contact info, etc.