The area now known as Silicon Valley has been a center of technological development since the 1950's. The name Silicon Valley stems from the early 1970's, when the area had become the center for many semiconductor companies. While still hosting semiconductor and microprocessor companies, the region now hosts the headquarters of high tech companies of every kind, including many of the best known and most prestigious names in personal computers, web search, internet auctions, networking, storage, databases, etc.

Silicon Valley is located approximately an hour from San Francisco. Known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the "City by the Bay" is home to widely known attractions such as Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and Ghirardelli Square.

If outdoor adventures are more your style, state parks such as the Big Basin Redwoods State Park is also within an hour from Silicon Valley. In close enough proximity for a day trip, a hike through majestic redwood trees allow one to escape city life and technology for an afternoon. November is one of the nicest times of the year for a hike, with high daily temperatures usually in the 60's (15-20 Celsius).

If time allows you a few days after the conference, you might consider a drive south along the central coast of California, where Route 1 winds along cliffside views of the Pacific Ocean as you make your way towards Hearst Castle. Or, a drive for just a couple of hours north will get you to Napa Valley, known for its vineyards, wine tasting, and bed-and-breakfast accommodations.