San Francisco is a unique and breathtaking metropolis. With the famous icon of the Golden Gate Bridge, the city takes pride in its unrivaled attractions and its unique neighborhoods which are treasures of its own. Discover the variety of sites, shops, and restaurants that reflect the city's great ethnic and cultural diversity. You will find tips for traveling to and around the city, as well as the many hotel options available to conference attendees.
The Moscone Center
747 Howard Street
San Francisco, California 94103
Effective 8 November, 2021 vaccines will be required for non-US citizens coming into the United States. Visit the CDC for a list of accepted vaccinations.
SPIE plans to partner with a testing service that can provide any attendee with a COVID test—such as PCR or rapid test—for a modest cost during Photonics West.
As an international traveler to a US-based SPIE event, you should check:
US travel restrictions: Look for current restrictions on entering the US from different regions. Visit the CDC for updated information
Visa requirements: Depending on your country of departure, you may need to apply for a National Interest Exception for travel to the U.S.
Your country of departure's restrictions and quarantine requirements: Your country may have its own vaccination or testing policies for departure or return. Check your local government agencies for any vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements.
Your airline carrier's policies: Check with your airline to make sure you understand their policies and requirements.
SPIE health and safety information: Size and location of the event can dictate different requirements for participation. Please check the event health and safety page for details.
We are now accepting hotel reservations for SPIE Photonics West and SPIE AR | VR | MR 2022. Reserve your hotel room with Conference Direct—the official housing agent—where attendees receive discounted convention rates.
For any housing questions please contact the SPIE Photonics West 2022 official housing bureau
Email: spie@conferencedirect.com
Toll-Free: 1-888-408-8195 Mon-Fri 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET
International: 1-801-512-2163 Mon-Fri 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET
Exhibitors seeking 10 or more hotel rooms should request a sub-block.
Important dates
| Deadline to submit a hotel sub-block request | 16 October 2021 |
| Deadline to assign rooms with names | 10 November 2021 |
| Last day to cancel rooms without penalty | 3 December 2021 |
| Processing fee of $20 for each reservation cancelled begins | 4 December 2021 |
San Francisco is a unique and breathtaking metropolis. Discover the variety the city has to offer, from the Golden Gate Bridge to unique neighborhoods. Look below for further details on the following:
A Day in the Life: San Francisco (YouTube video)
San Francisco Restaurants (Open Table)
Airport information
San Francisco is serviced by two international airports:
Transportation from the airport
Shuttles and public transportation
Car rental
Hertz Car Rental
Hertz is the official car rental agency for this event. To reserve a car, identify yourself as a SPIE Photonics West conference attendee using the Hertz Meeting Code CV# 022Q9631. Discount rates apply for roundtrip rentals up to one week prior through one week after the conference dates. (Some one-way rentals qualify for the discount rates based on their pick-up and drop-off locations. Vehicles rented in Northern California can be returned to any corporate Hertz location within Northern California and vehicles rented in Southern California can be returned to any corporate Hertz location within Southern California).
Note: When booking from International Hertz locations, the CV # must be entered with the letters CV before the number, i.e. CV022Q9631.
Parking
Parking rates at Photonics West Hotels range from $30 (self) to $60 (valet), rates subject to change. Please check with your individual hotel for specific parking rates during the conference week.
Restaurant and city information
Find restaurant options and information about popular attractions that could help you get around. Visit the San Francisco Visitor's Guide
Download this list of restaurants near the Moscone Center that are open for business, provided by the San Francisco Travel Association.
