Another trade show, another adventure. The Biophysical Society’s 54th Annual Meeting in San Francisco just ended. Finding where to set up and getting home afterwards were the only snags. Most of the shows I’ve been to at the Moscone Center have been in the South Hall. I assumed this one would be no different, but either way there would probably be ample signage outside on Howard Street. It turned out that it was in the North Hall and there were no signs outside. What the meeting lacked in signage, it made up for in blog coverage. The official blog team team seemed to do a great job covering everything from news about the show to where to eat.

After visiting the city a month before during the January rains, I took advantage of the opportunity to get out and enjoy some California sunshine this visit. After setup was complete on Friday, I spent Saturday making a pilgrimage to the Golden Gate Bridge. I’ve had a long-time fascination with the International Orange-colored bridge. So I challenged myself to walk to it from my hotel near Union Square. Stops at Ghiradelli Square on the way out and Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch on the way back were musts. I especially enjoyed watching all of the dogs playing on the beach at Crissy Field. My shepherd mix would have loved it. Ten miles later I was exhausted and recharged all at the same time.

San Francisco is a great city to host a conference. In addition to the the sights to be seen and the hotels within walking distance of the convention center, the restaurants are absolutely amazing. This time around I enjoyed drinks at the View Lounge on the top floor of the Marriott, steak at John’s Grill, seafood at Alioto’s, Vietnamese at the Slanted Door and good pub fare at Johnny Foley’s.

Difficulty returning home from the show seems to be a recurring theme for me. Last year I was stuck in Boston trying to get home to Tucson a few days longer than planned due to a winter storm. This year I was stuck on the other coast for a few days thanks to a snow storm in Philadelphia. The few days of extra sunshine didn’t go to waste though.

I’m grateful for yet another travel adventure and the creative inspiration that it provided. I would also like to congratulate 89 North and their visiting friend Cairn Research for another great show.