Sherry Huss brings together creative minds from across the globe as co-creator of Maker Faire, a celebration of innovation and D.I.Y. technology and arts. The 10th edition of the Bay Area flagship event takes place May 16 and 17 at the San Mateo County Event Center. Huss, who has more than 20 years of experience in events and product marketing, lives in Northern California.
To Entertain Sponsors or Clients
What's not to like about Urban Putt, a maker-inspired indoor Putt-Putt golf course located in an old mortuary in the Mission? Pure fun—and excellent cocktails and food, too.
To Get Inspired
The historic Ferry Plaza building, located on the picturesque San Francisco Bay, is a wonderful way to get inspired, be with friends, and sample some of the finest treats in the Bay Area—from food to flowers to art and more.
For My Favorite Meal
In San Francisco there are so many dim sum restaurants to choose from, but one that is always a favorite, serving high-quality dim sum, is Yank Sing.
For an Intimate Meeting or Sunday Brunch
I can't think of a better experience than at Shed—great food, beautiful setting, and the chance to shop, visit, enjoy, and just be away from the hectic pace of the city.
To Attend a Trade Show
I've grown up professionally with South by Southwest at the Austin Convention Center. It’s spring break for business people in one of the most fun cities in the United States. You get a chance to spend time with the movers and shakers of the interactive space while enjoying the pleasantries Austin brings, including weather, good food, music, and a whole bunch of interesting people.
To Get Work Done Outside of the Office
The Ace Hotel New York feels like home away from home. The rooms are comfortable, and when traveling with the team, working at the community table is truly a treat. Some interesting people, conversations, and even new business are a plus of working in this ultra-cool, urban environment. The staff is also very, very helpful and welcoming—and they don't turn over often.
To See Art
With the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art closed for renovations, what a treat it is to head over to the other side of town to get a modern art fix at the de Young Museum.
To Relax After Maker Faire
It has become a tradition that I help out my friends who run Oysterpalooza, the annual event celebrating the bivalve in true style with some of the best Bay Area musicians, the weekend after Maker Faire. It takes place at Rocker Oysterfeller’s Kitchen & Saloon. Somehow I enjoy taking tickets, talking to festival attendees, and enjoying the music, drinks, and Cajun-inspired food following a week of Maker madness.
To Visit My Favorite Winery
My favorite local pinot noir is from Radio-Coteau. I love the label and the translation (“word of mouth”), and I also very much enjoy the wine. Also, we are good friends with the winemakers, Eric Sussman and Davida Ebner.
For a Japanese Food Fix
In town, Hana Japanese from chef Ken Tominaga is one of the best Japanese restaurants between San Francisco and Seattle. In Las Vegas, it’s a treat to get to experience the amazing Japanese cuisine at Nobu. For the most sublime Japanese food experience, go to Austin and visit Uchi. It is on my must-do list every time I go.
To Get My New York Shopping Fix
Story, the brainchild of Rachel Shechtman, is a pop-up store that changes to tell a new story. Interactive retail at its finest.
To Throw a Dinner Party for 20
For my husband's birthday, I found Fang on OpenTable: one block from Moscone Convention Center, no hassles, and no fixed menus. The staff is amazingly helpful, and the chef-owner made all of the decisions on what we would have and took into account special diets and food restrictions.
To Try Something New
Trou Normand is named for the northern French tradition of a small drink of brandy, usually Calvados, between courses to settle the stomach and reawaken the palate.
To Unplug From Technology
I live in the hamlet of Occidental, California, about 10 miles from the coast. There is noting better than taking an afternoon to go for a walk on the coast. Doran Beach, Sonoma Coast State Beach, Goat Rock Beach, and more—all very easy to get to and definitely beautiful, tranquil, and enriching.
When Visiting the Mission in San Francisco
Dandelion Chocolate is the best chocolate around—and it’s made by Makers. I visit Humphrey Slocombe for ice cream. Special Breakfast is my favorite flavor: bourbon and cereal. 826 Valencia is the pirate-supply store and writing lab from Dave Eggers. Paxton Gate has cool gifts like flora, fauna, and oddities. Its toned-down children’s store, Paxton Gate Curiosities for Kids, has gifts for wee ones.