By Kerstan Szczepanski, Exhibit City News
Located in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant South of Market (SoMa) district, the Moscone Center (747 Howard Street) stands as the largest convention center in the city and one of the premier venues on the West Coast. Originally opened in 1981, the Moscone Center has expanded over the years to encompass over 2 million square feet of total space, including more than 700,000 square feet of flexible exhibit space spread across its three main halls: Moscone North, Moscone South, and Moscone West.
The center’s most recent renovation, completed in 2019, added over 300,000 square feet of new functional space, including an expansive lobby, meeting rooms, and state-of-the-art technology throughout the facility. These upgrades have solidified Moscone’s status as a cutting-edge venue.
Architecturally, Moscone is a seamless blend of modern design and functionality. The center is divided into three main buildings. The interconnected nature of the buildings, along with advanced technological infrastructure, allows for a high degree of flexibility, making it an ideal location for complex, multi-faceted events.
Environmental sustainability is a core value of the Moscone Center. The venue is LEED Gold certified and features a rooftop solar array, energy-efficient lighting, water conservation systems, and a comprehensive recycling and composting program. These green initiatives reflect San Francisco’s commitment to environmental responsibility and ensure that the Moscone Center remains at the forefront of sustainable event spaces.
The Moscone Center is not just about the events held within its walls; it’s also about the experience of being in one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in San Francisco. Just steps away from the center, attendees can explore the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), Yerba Buena Gardens, and Union Square’s bustling shops and restaurants.
The Moscone Center hosts many major events yearly, including the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Dreamforce by Salesforce, and the Game Developers Conference (GDC). These high-profile events draw tens of thousands of attendees from around the globe, contributing to San Francisco’s reputation as a hub of innovation and culture.
The Moscone Center stands out as a premier destination for world-class events in a city known for its history, diversity, and forward-thinking spirit.
This story originally appeared in the Q4 2024 issue of Exhibit City News, p. 72. For original layout, visit https://issuu.com/exhibitcitynews/docs/ecn_q4_2024/72.
