The “Capital of Silicon Valley” features a walkable downtown and venues of all types and sizes.

Go green. In 2007, the city developed a 15-year, citywide Green Vision comprising 10 aggressive goals. Facilities throughout the city have embraced it. Examples include the convention center’s composting services and the airport’s LEED Silver certification in its newly renovated Terminal B.

Central convention center. Just four miles from the airport and located in the downtown core, the center is connected to two hotels and within walking distance of another five. It also offers 143,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space and up to 31 meeting rooms.

Offsite fun. Looking for something different when it comes to event spaces? The Children’s Discovery Museum, housed in a hard-to-miss purple building, features more than 100 interactive exhibits, while the Silicon Valley Capitol Club, renovated in 2012, offers 360-degree views from atop the Knight Ridder Building.

San Jose Fast Facts

Recent and Future Association Meetings: California State PTA 114th Annual Convention, Astronomical Society of the Pacific 2013 Annual Meeting, National Association of Commissions for Women 43rd Annual Business Meeting and Conference

Hotel Rooms: 2,200 downtown; 4,000 citywide

Convention Center Square Footage: 425,000

Distance From Airport to Downtown: Four miles

(Photo by Steve Elgersma/Flickr)