http://www.smartmeetings.com/tags 2008-10-02T11:23:55Z Smart Meetings http://www.smartmeetings.com/destinations/east-meets-best-oakland 2008-10-02T11:23:55Z Carolyn Koenig

When you look at this modern, sky-scraping city today, it's hard to imagine its past as one vast cattle ranch. What's easier to imagine is a city with a thriving business center, myriad cultural offerings and a diverse population.

37.803829, -122.269852 <p>Downtown Oakland is open for business with its wealth of commercial buildings in Center City, Jack London Square and Lake Merrit (<strong>Oakland CVB</strong>; <a href="oaklandcvb.com">oaklandcvb.com</a>).</p><p>The arts scene includes a world-class symphony and ballet company, jazz clubs and noted museums. Oakland is also one of the country&#39;s most culturally and ethnically diverse cities: residents speak more than 100 languages and dialects, which enriches both its dynamic neighborhoods and the dining scene. And as a lesser-known alternative to San Francisco, the city is primed to work hard to make your meetings successful.</p><p><strong>The Oakland Convention Center </strong>is located in the core of downtown Oakland. Together with the <strong>Oakland Marriott City Center </strong>(<a href="marriott.com">marriott.com</a>), they deliver more than 89,000 sq. ft. of contiguous meeting space.</p><p><strong>The Oakland Museum of California</strong> (2,000 sq. ft. ; <a href="http://www.museumca.org">www.museumca.org</a>) takes top honors as the only museum in the state dedicated solely to the arts, history and environment of California. It also attracts some of the best traveling shows in the country, such as the recent blockbuster, Baseball as America.</p><p>High in the Oakland hills, dominating the landscape with its domed planetarium, is <strong>Chabot Space and Science Center</strong> (1,800 sq. ft. ; <a href="http://chabotspace.org">chabotspace.org</a>). Using Chabot&#39;s powerful telescopes, your groups can explore the night sky and discover stars&mdash;or dance under them in the Pleiades Courtyard.</p><p>Another option is to set your event among the lush gardens that surround <strong>Dunsmuir Historic Estate</strong> (3,000 sq. ft. ; <a href="http://www.dunsmuir.org">dunsmuir.org</a>), a 37-room colonial revival mansion built in 1899.<br />&nbsp;</p>