Trade Shows » Country » United States Of America » San Francisco

Business Overview
San Francisco attracts the fourth-highest number of foreign tourists of any city in the U.S. and claims Pier 39 near Fisherman's Wharf as the third-most popular tourist attraction in the nation. Thus tourist industry is the backbone of economy of San Francisco. With a large hotel infrastructure and a world-class facility in the Moscone Center, San Francisco is also among the top-ten North American destinations for conventions and conferences. The legacy of the California Gold Rush turned San Francisco into the principal banking and finance center of the West Coast in the early twentieth century. Montgomery Street in the Financial District became known as the "Wall Street of the West", home to the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, the Wells Fargo corporate headquarters, and the site of the now-defunct Pacific Coast Stock Exchange.

San Francisco has been positioning itself as a biotechnology and biomedical hub and research center. The Mission Bay neighborhood, site of a second campus of UCSF, fosters a budding industry and serves as headquarters of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the public agency funding stem cell research programs statewide. Bank of America, a pioneer in making banking services accessible to the middle class, was founded in San Francisco and in the 1960s, built the landmark modern skyscraper at 555 California Street for its corporate headquarters. Many large financial institutions, multinational banks and venture capital firms are based in or have regional headquarters in the city. With over 30 international financial institutions, six Fortune 500 companies, and a large support infrastructure of professional services including law, public relations, architecture and design. Also with significant presence in the city, San Francisco is designated as one of the ten Beta World Cities.

Major Business Centers
American Industrial Center:
The American Industrial Center is located just 1 mile south of AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. This thoroughly modern sports facility is designed to look like a classic, early 20th century ballpark. It is also the only major league facility in Northern California designed solely for baseball. The American Industrial Center is ideally situated in Potrero Hill, with access to numerous existing transportation options, as well as those currently planned for the near future. The evolution of the American Industrial Center has its roots beginning as far back as 1915.

Hang Gliding Center:
Whether you're looking for exciting things to do in San Francisco, are an extreme sports lover, or are taking a vacation in California, get into airports with an introductory tandem hang gliding or para gliding lesson over the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area.

Pier 39:
There is something for everyone at PIER 39, San Francisco's topmost Attraction, a festival marketplace with more than 110 stores, 13 bay view restaurants, and variety of fun-filled attractions for all ages including, splashy sea lions, street performers and live daily entertainment. PIER 39’s two-level design complements one of San Francisco’s most unique shopping districts, featuring everything from NFL merchandise to jewelry and imported chocolates. Activities and fun are endless in that place.

Major Commercial Areas
Ghirardelli Square:
Once a chocolate factory, now a historic landmark, Ghirardelli Square is home to an exceptional collection of over 50 specialty shops, galleries and award winning restaurants. Live entertainment and breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz add to Ghirardelli Square’s charm.

The California Parks:
The California Parks Companies is a privately owned corporation, which staffs, manages, and operates park facilities under contract with local, state or national agencies. In business since 1975, The California Parks Companies began operating concessions in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Today, operations have expanded to over 16 locations throughout California.