Briefly describe the sports event you recently held in San Jose.
The USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show, the largest educational event for USA Gymnastics, along with the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Women’s Gymnastics, was held in July (2016). The event included coaches, clubs, exhibitors, equipment manufacturers and more. Anything and anyone that deals with gymnastics was invited.
Was anyone particularly helpful in executing your event?
Team San Jose did an exceptional job! Thank you to our contacts: Patricia Ernstrom and Matt Reed at Team San Jose, along with Ricardo Mejia and Kenneth Fernandes at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, and the SAP Center at San Jose for the competition.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most about San Jose?
I think the first thing you hear about is the weather. However, being able to have two large and different festivities all within walking distance made for the perfect event. When the city changes its name to Gymnastics City, USA, and has an app made for all the activities, you know you have found a home that will promote and share the Rio spirit.
Are there any experiences you would recommend for groups meeting in San Jose?
So many wonderful restaurants, hotels and entertainment all available within a small area makes for a lot of choices. I loved seeing all the additional options around the city being offered. A couple of my favorites were festivities held downtown at Arena Green, which is located next to the SAP Center, and at Plaza de Cesar Chavez.
How does San Jose compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?
We have had many wonderful cites host our educational events and premier meets. However, San Jose provides the complete package along with a friendly and welcoming staff. They continually told us they wanted to exceed our expectations, and that they did!
Would you return/recommend San Jose to other meeting planners?
Yes, and if you have not had a chance to meet or work with Team San Jose, give it a try—you will be so glad you did!