Melissa A. Hart-Martin, CMP
Director, Meetings & Events
Keenan & Associates
Torrance, Calif.
Describe your event.
Keenan & Associates has 10 branch offices in California. We held a two-stop road show for our 8th Annual Employee Update & Briefing this year. Our event took place at the Oakland Marriott City Center for 80 employees.
Why did you decide to host the meeting in Oakland?
To accommodate the employees in our Redwood City, San Jose and Oakland, Calif., branch offices, we alternate between Oakland and San Jose. The Marriott is across the street from our Oakland office, alleviating a commute for many employees. San Jose and Redwood City employees were provided round-trip coach transportation.
What surprised you the most about Oakland?
It’s a quick trip via taxi from Oakland International Airport, which isn’t as congested as San Francisco International Airport or Los Angeles International Airport.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most?
Several attendees chose to take Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) from the outlying areas, including our CEO, who took it from San Francisco. And [Oakland] is very cosmopolitan! If you have pre- and post-meeting time, you can find many walking tours or visit Jack London Square. There are major-league sports teams, a zoo and plenty of other activities for attendees during free time.
Was anybody particularly helpful?
Keenan held a client summit a few months prior to this event, and I got to know Lynette Barganey, special events director at the Marriott, who was a pleasure to work with. Her comment was: “The success of my client being happy and shining like a star—that is my goal. Call me old-fashioned.” With an attitude like that, I gave the meeting five stars. The banquet manager and his staff were wonderful, as was Swank Audio Visuals.
Is there anything you wish you had known beforehand?
With the hotel connected to the Oakland Convention Center, it’s a good idea to find out which parking entrances attendees need to use if you are hosting their parking.
What other types of groups would fit well with the hotel or convention center?
Any and all types of business meetings, from small to very large groups. A trade show or convention could easily have options for breakouts and social activities at the Marriott.
What were some of the unique off-site venues that you used?
This meeting was totally contained within the hotel. However, I arrived the evening before and found a great restaurant I’d heard about, Levende East, located in the Old Oakland Historic District. They can accommodate private parties and large groups. I will definitely keep it in mind for the future.
What local suppliers did you utilize?
Royal Coach Tours always handles our transportation for San Jose and Oakland. I did price other transportation companies and stayed with Royal Coach because of their competitive pricing and service.
Would you return?
Absolutely.
Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Oakland?
It’s an easy city for arrival and departure. If San Francisco is beyond your budget, try Oakland and Levende East!
