Portfolio

#1 Sports Event
The oldest consecutively run footrace in the world, Bay to Breakers was founded in 1912. The 12K race starts near the San Francisco Bay and finishes at the Great Highway. It draws 50,000 participants (some in costume) and 100,000 spectators each year. Next: May 17, 2015

#2 Sports Event
One of the world’s largest big-wave surfing competitions, the invitational draws surfers and surf fans from across the globe. The wave, known for its size and danger, is located in Half Moon Bay. Twenty-four invitees are given 24 hours’ notice before the competition. Next: Winter 2015

#4 Sports Event
Runner’s World magazine named the event one of the top three marathons in the country. Known for its scenic route, the race offers mountain and ocean views. On the day of the race, the 26.2K marathon takes place in addition to five other races, which cover distances of 21, 10.6, and nine miles, plus a 5K race and a marathon relay. Next: April 26, 2015

#5 Sports Event
Some 25,000 runners join the race, which raises funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Nike Plus members have access to registration, training, and race-day experiences; there’s also a dedicated app for the marathon. This year’s function had a new racecourse. Next: October 2015

#6 Sports Event
“The Big Game,” first played 122 years ago, is the oldest-running college football rivalry in the west. The week leading up the game is filled with rallies and other spirited festivities including sailing and water polo competitions. Next: November 21, 2015

#7 Sports Event
Fans of the San Francisco Giants pour out in droves to play catch on the field at AT&T Park for the event. Other activities include face painting in the “Fan Lot,” a Fan Fest fashion show, and Q&A and autograph sessions with the players. Estimated attendance is 35,000. Next: February 7, 2015

#8 Sports Event
The event, which comprises more than 600 free dance events including open rehearsals, classes, performances, and lecture demonstrations, will marks its 17th year in 2015. The kickoff event, One Dance, features 700 dancers performing the same routine together in Union Square. Attendance is more than 20,000 guests each year. Next: April 24-May 3, 2015

#9 Sports Event
A fund-raiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the two-day bike ride follows a path that offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and Sonoma County’s wine vineyards. Perks for riders include meals, stocked rest stops, camping, and a wine and beer garden. In 2014, there were more than 2,400 riders. Next: September 26-27, 2015

#1 Trade Show & Convention
The massive auto show, which features more than 800 vehicles from 37 manufacturers—including Audi, Bentley, and BMW—will mark its 57th year in 2015. The event fills 1.2 million square feet of the Moscone Center. Next: November 22-29, 2014

#2 Trade Show & Convention
The West Coast's largest specialty food and beverage show features more than 80,000 products. Included are confections, cheese, coffee, snacks, and spices. The show packs in some 1,400 exhibitors. Next: January 11-13, 2015

#3 Trade Show & Convention
More than 75 elite wedding professionals exhibit at the high-end fair, which takes place at the Four Seasons Hotel. Guests sip chilled champagne while checking out cakes from top chefs, calligraphy, honeymoon destinations, and more. Next: January 4, 2015

#4 Trade Show & Convention
Going into its 11th year, the convention draws top artists from the tattoo trade. This year, it took place at the SFO Hyatt Regency and offered seminars, a 10-year anniversary party, and limited-edition T-shirts and posters. Next: October 23-25, 2015

#1 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
The 36-year-old event invites guests to sample wines from the barrel, chat with winemakers, and explore Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys. Unlike other events of its kind, it’s strictly about the wine. It offers no food pairings but draws participation from some 140 wineries. Next: March 6-15, 2015

#2 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
In 2014, the event drew more than 80,000 guests. Held in Gilroy’s Christmas Hill Park, the festival offers garlicky fare, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and cooking demonstrations. Its revenue this year was approximately $1.7 million. Next: July 24-26, 2015

#3 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
Inspired by 7x7 magazine’s list of “100 Things to Eat in San Francisco Before You Die,” the event takes place at AT&T Park. It features bites from local restaurants, along with beer, wine, cocktails, and music. Next: Summer 2015

#4 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
Supporting the Food Craft Institute, the festival in Jack London Square offers street food, artisan beers, local wines, and food. All dishes are prepared using local ingredients. More than 500,000 guests have attended the event since it launched in 2009. Next: September 2015

#5 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
More than 30 vendors donate treats to help raise funds for Project Open Hand, and other highlights include a chocolate and wine pavilion, an ice-cream-eating contest, chef demonstrations, and a silent auction. Some 40,000 guests attend each year. Next: September 12-13, 2015

#6 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
Hosted by San Francisco magazine, the gathering brings the publication’s food-focused editorial to life. Restaurants, wineries, and epicurean artisans participate in the day, which includes wine and food tastings, a barbeque grill-off, and chef demonstrations. Next: Fall 2015

#1 Music Event
The Bay Area’s largest music festival features more than 100 artists on five stages and draws an annual attendance of nearly 200,000. The 2014 lineup included Kanye West, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and the Killers; there were also sponsor activations such as a beer camp hosted by Sierra Nevada and a flower crown craft station from Bloom That. Next: August 7-9, 2015

#2 Music Event
The free festival in Golden Gate Park offers more than 100 musical acts on seven stages. At this year’s event, performers included Lucinda Williams and Yo La Tengo. Attendance exceeded half a million guests. Next: October 2015

#3 Music Event
This year, the three-day food, wine, and music festival featured performances from the Cure, Outkast, and Weezer. Some 80,000 guests attended the event, which had sponsors such as Toshiba, Sprint, and Coors Light. Organizers plan to expand next year but will focus on keeping the event manageable and not overcrowded. Next: May 29-31, 2015

#4 Music Event
The largest free jazz festival on the West Coast, the event fills 12 city blocks with vendor booths and three stages. Held over July 4th weekend, it typically attracts more than 100,000 visitors. Next: July 4-5, 2015

#5 Music Event
With four stages, more than 30 bands, and an affordable ticket price, the festival drew 24,000 guests in 2014. The lineup focuses on alternative acts, and this year’s bands included Foster the People and Walk the Moon. Next: June 2015

#6 Music Event
Outkast, Massive Attack, and Zedd appeared at this year’s festival. With the San Francisco Bay as its backdrop, the event sells out each year and has a typical attendance of 15,000 per day. Next: October 2015

#7 Music Event
Neil Young founded the benefit for the Bridge School, which assists people with speech and physical impairments. Held at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, the event features performances from big-name acts. In 2014, Pearl Jam, Florence & the Machine, and Soundgarden performed. Next: October 2015

#8 Music Event
The 10-week concert series takes place in a grove in Golden Gate Park. The event offers free performances, and last season’s talent included Smokey Robinson, Rufus Wainwright, and the San Francisco Symphony. Attendance in 2014 was 90,000 guests. Next: June 14-August 16, 2015

#9 Music Event
Celebrating indie music, film, and arts, the festival includes intimate live performances, film screenings, and special events in venues throughout the city. Notable musical acts have included Modest Mouse, the White Stripes, and the Flaming Lips. Next: February 24-March 1, 2015

#10 Music Event
Noted by The Los Angeles Times as “the preeminent event of its kind in the United States,” the jazzy festival will mark its 33rd year in 2015. Held in the new San Francisco Jazz Center, the event offers 44 performances over 12 days. Next: June 2015

#12 Music Event
This year, the black-tie event included a pre-concert sparkling wine hour, three separate dinners, and performances from Bonnie Raitt, Yuja Wang, and the San Francisco Symphony. A glamorous after-party welcomed all 2,700 concertgoers. Next: September 2015

#13 Music Event
The champagne-filled celebration includes dinner at the War Memorial Opera House followed by a concert and onstage dancing. At midnight this year, 2,014 colorful balloons will spill down from the ceiling. Next: December 31, 2014

#14 Music Event
More than 3,000 guests flock to the black-tie gala each year. Dubbed “Passione,” this year’s function included a performance of Bellini’s Norma. Afterwards, patrons headed to City Hall for a banquet feast. Next: September 2015

#1 Technology Industry Event
Hosted by Salesforce, the event is regarded as the world’s largest nonprofit technology conference. In 2014, speakers included Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, and Tony Robbins; there were also performances from Neil Young, Bruno Mars, and Will.i.am. Attendance at the buzzy gathering exceeds 40,000 guests each year. Next: September 15-18, 2015

#2 Technology Industry Event
Targeting information technology professionals, the conference is hosted by the cloud-based software company Oracle. It draws more than 60,000 live attendees each year, and the company estimates that some 2.1 million attendees join in online. Next: October 25-29, 2015

#4 Technology Industry Event
Google’s largest conference is geared toward software developers. This year, the event drew some 6,000 attendees a day, and millions tuned in virtually. There were also close to 600 “I/O Extended” events, which took place on six continents and included live-streaming sessions and local developer demos. Next: June 2015

#5 Technology Industry Event
Billed as the “ultimate fan event” for Mac-product enthusiasts, the event offers technologically advanced art, music, and film. There’s also an exhibit hall filled with products and services for Apple users. Estimated attendance is 25,000. Next: March 12-14, 2015

#6 Technology Industry Event
The event is the world’s largest and longest-running professionals-only game-industry gathering. It draws more than 23,000 attendees and offers an expo along with 400 lectures, tutorials, and panel and roundtable discussions. Next: March 2-6, 2015

#7 Technology Industry Event
The world’s largest conference for Java programmers is hosted by Oracle and held concurrently with Oracle OpenWorld. This year’s event, located primarily at local hotels, offered 400 sessions ranging from hands-on labs to keynote speeches. Aerosmith and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis performed at a conference party. Next: October 25-29, 2015

#9 Technology Industry Event
Intel’s massive forum draws 60,000 attendees and targets a broad range of technology-industry professionals. This year’s function offered a tech showcase and keynote speeches from Intel executives, experts, and developers. There were also hands-on lab demos. Next: Fall 2015

#10 Technology Industry Event
Y Combinator provides seed funds for start-ups, and twice a year it hosts a showcase that lets roughly 80 start-ups deliver presentations to investors. The investors fly in from around the globe for the prestigious event, and there are typically 450 investors in attendance. Next: March 2015

#11 Technology Industry Event
The competitive event sees 26 start-up companies vying for a $50,000 investment. It draws top speakers such as Marc Benioff, Marissa Mayer, and Kevin Rose. Sponsors include UPS Connect and Accenture. Next: September 2015

#1 Film & Media Event
Founded in 1977 as a small, three-day event, the festival has blossomed into an 11-day, internationally renowned happening. It has screened such films as Slumdog Millionaire and Argo, and it draws participation from 200 filmmakers representing 50 countries. This year, actors in attendance included Reese Witherspoon and Hilary Swank. Next: Fall 2015

#2 Film & Media Event
The longest-running film festival in the Americas celebrates global cinema with screenings of approximately 200 films from 50 countries. Many of the featured films have not yet secured United States distribution. Next: April 23-May 7, 2015

#3 Film & Media Event
The largest Asian-American film festival in North America offers screenings in several neighborhoods, including Oakland, Berkley, and Chinatown. According to organizers, the films are selected to “illustrate the depth and complexity of the Asian American experience.” Next: March 12-22, 2015

#4 Film & Media Event
The world’s first and largest Jewish film festival draws more than 30,000 attendees each year. Held over the course of three weeks, the event screens Jewish films from around the world in four Bay Area venues. Next: Summer 2015

#5 Film & Media Event
The festival, which showcases independent, alternative, and subversive films, celebrated its 16th anniversary in 2014. Attendance is about 21,000 guests each year. Next: February 5-19, 2015

#6 Film & Media Event
Founded in 1996, the festival is the largest independent annual showcase of Arab films and filmmakers in the country. It is also held in Los Angeles and San Diego. Next: Fall 2015

#7 Film & Media Event
Presented by San Francisco IndieFest, the festival aims to showcase documentary cinema to a younger audience. Its films cover topics ranging from social media to music. Next: June 2015

#8 Film & Media Event
Featuring more than 800 authors in nine days, the event attracts some 15,000 book lovers each year. It features readings, youth programs, classroom visits, and book giveaways; it has also spawned localized “Lit Crawl” events, held in such markets as Miami and Los Angeles. Next: October 2015

#11 Film & Media Event
The 34-year-old festival invites John Steinbeck fans to explore the author’s hometown of Salinas. Celebrating Steinbeck’s life and work, the weekend-long festival features speakers, tours, authors, artists, and musicians. Next: May 1-3, 2015

#1 Benefit
Some 1,200 tech and investment leaders attended the benefit for the poverty-fighting organization in 2014, and the gala raised $12 million. Held at Pier 48, the gala featured a light show; a dancing robot performed when the initial $7 million fund-raising goal was beat. Next: Spring 2015

#2 Benefit
Stanlee Gatti typically designs the prestigious gala for the museum, which featured performances from Holy Ghost and Passion Pit this year. The event raised $3.2 million. Next: Spring 2015

#3 Benefit
In 2014, all three components of the event—the pre-ballet dinner, the performance, and the after-party—were sold out. The dinner drew 955 gusts; the performance saw more than 3,300; and the after-party had a crowd of 2,450. The event raised $2.6 million for the ballet. Next: January 22, 2015

#4 Benefit
Hosted by the Guardsmen, which provides resources for at-risk youth, the event features fine-wine tastings from more than 25 wineries. There are also rare auction lots, dinner, dancing, and live entertainment. Next: April 2015

#5 Benefit
In 2014, the event raised more than $1.4 million for music education programs. Herbie Hancock, who received the evening’s lifetime achievement award, performed. Next: Spring 2015

#6 Benefit
Held at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, the ritzy event hosted by the organization formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation takes place over the course of two days and includes golf, a luncheon, and a gala. In 2014, it raised $770,000. Next: Spring 2015

#7 Benefit
Known as the biggest rummage sale in Northern California, the event takes over a 96,000-square-foot warehouse. Selling everything from vintage comics to boats, the sale is run by 1,000 volunteers. It raised $1.88 million for the museum in 2014, setting a new fund-raising record. Next: March 7-8, 2015

#8 Benefit
Attracting top performers such as Jason Derulo, the event takes place in markets across the country and has been held in San Francisco for 31 years. It has raised a total of $44 million for a variety of charities, including those that fight childhood illness, cancer, and H.I.V./AIDS. Next: Summer 2015

#9 Benefit
Celebrating its 88th anniversary in 2015, the event draws more than 1,000 guests each year. Held at the Fairmont Hotel, this year’s show had an “Infinitely Chic” theme. It took place twice in one day: once, at an elegant luncheon, and then again at a black-tie gala. Next: March 2015

#10 Benefit
The fund-raiser, which is presented by Lifehouse and supports individuals with developmental disabilities, will mark its 25th year in 2015. The event raises around $500,000 each year, and it had 450 attendees in 2014. In 2013, organizers added live music; guests have included Huey Lewis & the News. Next: April 18, 2015

#11 Benefit
Held at the Academy of Sciences, the fund-raiser includes speeches from scientific leaders, dinner, and an after-party with cocktails, desserts, and dancing. Next: April 2015

#12 Benefit
Held at the Hotel Healdsburg and Dry Creek Kitchen, chef Charlie Palmer’s event draws food- and wine-loving philanthropists from across the country. More than 60 winemakers donated Pinot this year to help raise funds for Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign and local Sonoma County charities and scholarships. Next: March 20-21, 2015

#13 Benefit
In 2014, the two-day function, which features an auction and a shopping marketplace, raised more than $300,000 to help improve the behavioral health of children, youth, and families. The event included a disco party and a luncheon. Next: May 5-6, 2015

#14 Benefit
Benefitting Spur, a Bay Area planning organization, the event offers cocktails and culinary creations from local chefs. In 2014, it was held at 140 New Montgomery, a freshly refurbished event space. Next: Spring 2015

#15 Benefit
Benefitting Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland, the event features best-selling authors as well as actors and music groups on stage. At the 2014 event, held at the Paramount, guests included writers Jane Smiley and Kelly Corrigan. Next: April 25, 2015

#16 Benefit
Benefitting the Shanti Project, which provides emotional and practical support to those facing life-threatening illness, this year’s 40th anniversary event was sold out. Nordstrom was its presenting sponsor. Next: Fall 2015

#2 Art & Design Event
The organizers of the event describe it as: “part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new.” Launched in 2006, the event draws some 86,000 attendees each year. In 2013, it spawned 98 independently produced “Mini” and “Featured Maker” fairs around the world. Next: May 2015

#3 Art & Design Event
Held twice annually, the craft fair is a network of events surrounding the D.I.Y. community. Hundreds of craft businesses have launched at the fair, which draws 25,000 guests a year. Next: Summer 2015

#4 Art & Design Event
Regarded as one of the West Coast’s premier design events, the showcase previews the work of top interior and landscape designers at prestigious local homes. It raises funds for San Francisco University High School’s financial aid program and draws some 15,000 visitors each year. Next: April 25-May 25, 2015

#5 Art & Design Event
The craft and design show features artists, designers, and craftspeople whose work is inspired by the West Coast lifestyle. Attendance is free and open to the general public. The 2013 event had 175 vendors and 10,000 attendees. Next: December 6-7, 2014

#6 Art & Design Event
Some 10,000 collectors attend the annual show, which features approximately 60 vendors from the United States and Europe. The oldest international arts and antiques show on the West Coast, it sells everything from furniture to paintings and jewelry. Next: October 2015

#7 Art & Design Event
The three-day event celebrates all things handmade. Held at the Fort Mason Center, the juried craft show offers jewelry, clothing, and more from 225 American artists. Next: July 31-August 2, 2015

#8 Art & Design Event
Known as the largest weekend holiday arts fair of its kind in Northern California, the event benefits listener-funded radio station KPFA 94.1. It showcases handmade goods—including ceramics, block-printed art, and contemporary paper goods—from more than 200 exhibitors. Next: December 20-21, 2014

#9 Art & Design Event
The show is the leading art fair focused on art from the tribal cultures in the United States. It has 80 participating galleries representing the arts of Asian, Oceanic, African, Native American, and Latin American indigenous people. Next: February 6-8, 2015

#10 Art & Design Event
Launched in 2013, the new event aims to unite the lifestyle and technology communities. It drew top-notch speakers in its first year, including Susan Gregg Koger, co-founder of ModCloth. This year, the event expanded to a conference with a free festival featuring more than 100 artisans the following day. Next: Fall 2015

#1 Fashion Industry Event
Industry icons such as Suzy Menkes turn out annually for the student fashion show. In 2014, the Missoni family presented scholarship awards to the winners of the evening’s design competition. Next: May 7, 2015

#2 Fashion Industry Event
The school’s fashion design program presents the show each spring. The 2014 iteration showcased collections from 19 senior designers, juried by industry professionals and modeled by professional models. Next: Spring 2015

#3 Fashion Industry Event
A vintage marketplace for home design, fashion, and accessories, the event takes place five times a year: twice in San Francisco, and three times in Los Angeles. Through a partnership with Dress for Success, it raises funds for disadvantaged women. In November 2014, the San Francisco iteration took place for the first time at the San Francisco County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park. Next: Spring 2015

#4 Fashion Industry Event
Goldie Hawn and Catt Sadler were among the celebrity guests at this year’s event, which centered on an eco-friendly fashion show. The sold-out event raised $400,000 for Global Green USA. Next: October 2015

#1 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
With an average attendance of 1.2 million guests, the grandiose event includes a parade of navy ships passing under the Golden Gate Bridge and an air show featuring stunts from the United States Navy Blue Angels. Sponsors include Bank of America and United Airlines. Next: October 2015

#2 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
Regarded as the second-largest pride celebration in the world (Sao Paolo hosts the largest), the rainbow-decked celebration draws some 400,000 people. It includes a celebration at City Hall, a parade with 200 contingents, and main stage performances from the likes of Lady Gaga. Next: June 27-28, 2015

#3 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
Presented by Southwest Airlines, the gathering is billed as the largest Chinese New Year celebration outside of China. The festive gathering—a tradition since the 1860s—draws more than 400,000 attendees each year. Next: March 7, 2015

#4 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
With more than 400,000 attendees, the event takes place before the Chinese New Year and allows families to purchase plants, flowers, candies, and fruits for the celebration. There’s also a mini procession with lion dancers, giant walking puppets, stilt walkers, drummers, and dancers. Next: February 14-15, 2015