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A La Carte & Art FestivalMountain ViewWhen: May 16-17, 2009; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.What: The Bay Area's popular outdoor festival seasonofficially kicks-off in Mountain View at this vibrant springtimecelebration of the arts featuring live music, a juried arts andcrafts show with 250 talented exhibitors showing their latesthandcrafted wares, festive food and drink with premiumwine, microbrews and margaritas, health and wellnessdisplays, an organic and green products showcase, homeand garden exhibits, farmers' market with fresh seasonalproduce, kids' amusements in the Tons of Fun Zone, theFord Fiesta Movement Ride & Drive Tour, the Kashi Day ofChange Tour with cooking demos, yoga instruction andproduct samples, you can even test ride light electricvehicles from Ultra Motor. Admission is free.Where: Castro St. and Church St.Info-Line: 650-964-3395/Web: www.miramarevents.comValley Access--stressing theimportance of "customer service"Survey: Meeting Planners ChoosingVenues with Good Customer ServiceMarch 25, 2009When they're choosing venues in a down economy, meetingplanners say that customer service is the deciding factor,according to event management company J. Spargo &Associates Inc., which recently surveyed meeting plannersattending the Hospitality Sales & Marketing AssociationInternational's (HSMAI) Ninth Annual Affordable MeetingsMid-America Conference & Exposition, taking place April 12 in Chicago.According to the J. Spargo survey—which wasindependently analyzed by 20 20 Assessment, a service ofhospitality industry consultancy HVS—85 percent ofmeeting planners cite customer service as the No. 1 factorinfluencing their selection of meeting venues during thecurrent recession."The economic downturn, in part, is motivating planners tofocus on best practices that promote efficiency in their ownoperations and to seek out venues that offer tremendousvalue to their clients and, most importantly, deliver guestexperiences with 'staying power' — that is, venues thatspotlight customer service," 20 20 Assessment PresidentDr. James Houran said in a statement.SANTANA ROWFarmers’ Market- Sundays 11a.m. - 3p.m.The season's freshest fruits, greens, nuts, and vegetables are available atthe Santana Row Farmers' Market. This Certified Farmers' Market featuresboth organic and conventionally grown agricultural products, fresh from thefields and orchards of California's farmers. The Santana Row Farmers’Market is every Sunday from 11a.m. to 3p.m. on Piazza Di Valencia!Sounds of the Row- Music Series Thursday’s, 7-9 p.m.Sounds of the Row is a free summer music series taking place everyThursday night in Park Valencia (Olin Avenue off Winchester Blvd) andshowcasing a wide variety of styles, from classic rock and acoustic guitarto traditional Hawaiian music. All the musicians in the series are featuredon the compilation CD, "Sounds from the Row," produced by FiresignEntertainment and available for purchase at the Santana Row ConciergeCenter for 15.Schedule:June 18 Ray Soto (Latin/Jazz guitarist)June 25 Kurt Anderson and Danny Hull (Classic standards and jazz)July 2 Miena Yoo (contemporary compositions)July 9 Kevin Kooyumjian (Jazz and other standards)July 16 Kristina Sablan (singer/songwriter) with Darren Anderson andTravis Hogue (acoustic guitar duo)July 23 Jonah (original R&B)July 30 Fred McCarty (Adult Contemporary)Fete De La Musique World Music Day at Santana Row June 20, 1p.m. - 9 p.m.Celebrate World Music Day at Santana Row! Enjoy live music in thestreets, parks and restaurants from 1 p.m.—9 p.m. The event will jumpstart Santana Row’s Flavors of Jazz series, which will feature live jazz intwo restaurants each Tuesday from June 23—August 4. Attend 3 or moreFlavors of Jazz nights and receive free two tickets to the San Jose JazzFestival.Flavors of Jazz- Tuesday evenings June 23- August 4Santana Row's popular Flavors of Jazz series returns for another seasonof great music and incredible international cuisine. On Tuesday eveningsfrom 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., two Santana Row restaurants will each host liveperformances by local jazz bands and musicians. Presented by San JoseJazz, Flavors of Jazz includes a wide range of styles, from traditional jazzto Indian- and Reggae-influenced jazz.When you dine at three (3) of the jazz nights, you will receive two tickets tothe San Jose Jazz Festival and a signature Santana Row CD. Present yourreceipts to the Santana Row Concierge to redeem (while supplies last). Forthe concert line up visit SantanaRow.com.Martinis & Manicures at Hotel Valencia’s V– BarJune 2 , July 7 5 p.m.Pamper yourself with a manicure and enjoy a signature martini in the ultrahip V-bar! 20 per person, exclusive of gratuities. Reservations arerequired. For reservations, please call 408.423.5405.

Is Technology replacing Personalized Service?At breakfast time I like to pick up the newspaper in my driveways and then readthe local and international news and the editorials over a cup of coffee.Occasionally I clip one or the other article to share with friends, relatives, orcolleagues.At many a concierge desk, one or more complimentary newspapers are there forthe guests. That will soon change: Your guests will file into the Wi-Fi equippedbreakfast room, armed with their laptops or Blackberry PDAs, start the day byreading their e-mails, read the news on-line, and maybe even make someinvestment decisions. ‘While doing so, they will likely have their earphones pluggedinto their iPhone or MP3 to avoid that the servers, or other hotel guests won’tinvade their privacy. The enjoyment of having a tasty breakfast and a good cup ofcoffee or tea will be incidental – time is money, after all.If there is still a newspaper available, it will be pitifully thin. Technology is about tode-personalize many things. The service Concierges provide may become itsvictim, safe at high-end hotels that want to retain their four-star status.While I admit that I am an old-timer and attached to the pleasant, personalizedaspects of business or leisure travel, I don’t think I am alone in appreciating theattention of a concierge, maitre-d or server. I encourage everybody in thehospitality industry to sharpen and maintain his or her interpersonal skills. Many ofyour guests may have become accustomed to doing without that friendly greeting,that helpful hint, that expert advice about local resources, and – above all – thatfriendly demeanor and smile we pride ourselves in. Let’s remind them thattechnology has not and will not supplant the personal touch that is part of our skillsinventory, and that good service it is not an old-timer’s paradigm!Airship Ventures – MOTHER’S DAY FLIGHTSWant to surprise Mom for Mother’s Day? Why not purchase a gift certificate for aflight on Airship Ventures’ ‘Eureka’ for her so she can get away and leave the ‘todo’ list behind? Join Mom for a flight or wave to her from the ground as she relaxesin the airship at 1,000 feet, sees the Bay Area from the air without a care in theworld. Here is what she might see:Photo by Carol HolwegerIt’ll be the experience of a lifetime!Contact Airship Ventures for a gift certificate or to reserve a Mother’s Day flight call(650) 969-8100 ext. 111 or on the web:! www.airshipventures.comCLUB AUTO SPORT – Pre-Party 24-Hour Le Mans on Friday, June 12, ‘09SVCA welcomes Club Auto Sport as new member (see “New Faces” in thismonth’s Insiders’ column for details). If you didn’t attend SVCA’s ‘2009 HospitalityAwards’ venue, you missed one of the highlights of this year’s SVCA’s events. Theabove Pre-Party, an open invitation by the Club, is yet another reason to get toknow it better.The setting, in the Club’s modern, airy building at 521 Charcot Ave, San Jose, CA95131, surrounded by the world’s most prestigious collectible automobiles, is mostappropriate for this 24 Hour of Le Mans Pre-Party! Don’t miss it!See also the Club Auto Sport’s website: www.clubautosport.net or call Mona Davis,your concierge colleague at the Club!TESSORA’s BARRA di VINO –Be on the lookout for next month’s New Faces in this column, which will highlightthis new Wine Bar in Campbell’s Pruneyard!Ralph BorelliPhoto: Tommy WuThose of you who attended the SVCA’s ‘2009 Hospitality Awards’festivities at Club Auto Sport were probably awed by the flawlessexecution of the venue as I was. Club Auto Sport provided theperfect location, ambiance, and setting. To a attend a partysurrounded by the world’s most venerated automobiles – all inshow-room condition – is not an every-day occurrence. SVCAthanks Club Auto Sport for its exemplary hospitality and warmwelcome.Club Auto Sport is the newest member of SVCA and you may wantto make a note of the particulars that makes it a ‘must’ destinationfor those of your clients who are seeking a unique, upscale locationfor their next celebration – to recognize their customers,employees, association members, etc. – or for private gatheringssuch as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings (?).Ralph Borelli and John Davis, the founding partners of Club AutoSport, are legends within their peer group and beyond – the AutoCollectibles aficionados of California. Owners and collectors ofluxury collectible cars may buy or rent a ‘condo’ (really!) to providethe appropriate housing for their ‘investment’, be it a gull-wingMercedes, a legendary Bugatti, a one-of-a kind Mazda-Lola GTB,or any number of cards that grace such events as the Concoursd’Elegance in Monterey or Palo Alto. Car enthusiasts may alsoconsign their collectible car(s) to Club Auto Sport and theirexperienced staff will find a customer who will appreciate the salesassistance they will get.There is much more to report. For us members of SVCA youshould know that there is no limit to the type of events yourcustomers may want to hold at Club Auto Sport, from SocialMixers, Team Building venues, Corporate Incentive Events,Fashion Shows, Fundraisers, to “Pre-Event” gatherings such asthe San Jose Jazz Festival. The Club, under Director DianaMazza, assisted by Mona Davis, the Club’s concierge will makesure that your event will meet your and your client’s expectationsas they will also provide such services as Catering, Entertainment,and even guest-operated, on-premises Race-Drive simulators.Club Auto Sport is located at 5521 Charcot Ave. San Jose, CA95131, Tel.: 408 521-7123. For more information call Diana Mazzaor visit: www.clubautosport.netI welcome your comments orsuggestions on ‘Insiders’ Track’GUS HOLWEGER gusholweger@comcast.net

Downtown San Jose Farmers'Market at San Pedro SquareOpens Friday, May 1, 2009The Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market takes place 10 a.m.-2 p.m.every Friday, May 1-Dec. 18, 2009, at San Pedro Square (along SanPedro Street between Santa Clara and St. John streets). Call (408)279-1775 or visit www.sjdowntown.comSHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTSwww.dinahshotel.comRETURNSTO THE BAY AREAWITH A SPECTACULAR SPRING SHOWSHEN YUN Performing Arts, creators of the wildly successful Chinese NewYear Spectacular, return to the Bay Area with a dazzling new presentationcelebrating Chinese culture. Seven shows at the San Francisco WarMemorial Opera House and four at the Cupertino Flint Center in Januarywere so well received that the company is returning for a spring encore.THEME AND SPECIAL EVENT INFORMATIONAlong with a variety of fresh seasonal produce, handmade goods, andready-to-eat fare, averaging more than 40 booths per week, theFarmer’s Market features themed activities each month:May: May Flowers – Flowers for Mother’s Day, chef at the market,cherry-spitting contestJune: Go Green – Green day, chef at the market, free plant dayJuly: Berry Bonanza – Strawberry shortcake day, tomato tasting, chefat the marketAugust: Summer Fun – melon mania, chef at the market, recipecontestSeptember: School Days – green day, chef at the market, schools atthe marketOctober: Harvest Time – chef at the market, canning andpreserving, apple tastingNovember: Remember November – featured farmers, author at themarket, schools at the marketDecember: Holiday Fun – pie-eating contest, holiday craft fair,featured farmersShen Yun brings to life classical Chinese dance and music ina gloriously colorful and exhilarating show. Gorgeouslycostumed dancers move in stunning synchronized patternsand thunderous drums shake the stage. Groundbreakingorchestra combines the mystery of the East with the best ofthe West.San Jose Center for the Performing ArtsMay 15-17, 2009Tickets: 30- 90, VIP 150 Call: 1-888-JOY-2009SVCA Discount Code: SVCA15Website: SFShow.net/partnerReal Napa 611 Bridgeway Avenue Sausalito CA 94965RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY COMES TO THE BAY WITHNEW RINGLING BROS PRODUCTION “ZING ZANGZOOMSM”Bay Area Native Alex Ramon Dazzles as MagicalZingmasterThrough the mystery of magic and the mastery of skill, audiences will bespellbound as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents ZINGZANG ZOOMSM, a thrill-filled, mind-blowing circus spectacular wherefamily fun is no illusion. The Greatest Show On Earth appears at theORACLE Arena in Oakland, August 12-16, before heading to the HPPavilion at San Jose, August 19-23. Tickets go on sale June 27.We wanted to take a minute to thank you all for poppinginto our tasting room on your concierge tour of Sausalitolast week. We were very excited to show you all what weare all about so that you can send your wine loving guestsour way. As a small, boutique winery we offer a lot ofopportunities and flexibility that many of our biggercounterparts may not. Please do not hesitate to send any ofyour guests to see us, or to contact us directly if you wouldlike for us to arrange a special experience for a singleperson, couple or small group. We are more than happy towork with you to make your VIP's visit truly memorable.FreeWineTastingDidn't get a chance to taste whenyou were here before? No problem!Come back in anytime with yourbusiness card for a free wine tastingand 10% off of all purchases.

SUPPORTOUR SPONSORSBOARD OF MEMBERSAirship Ventureswww.airshipventures.comExecutive BoardMori swww.artsopolis.comChateau Marie Antoinette Wineswww.cmawines.comChildren’s Discover Museum ofSan Josewww.cdm.orgAnthony Aguilar, V.P.Director of Communications& Membershipsvcaemail@yahoo.comDirector of AdministrationMarianna KhienkinaMarianna.Khienkina@sanjoseca.govClarion Hotel San Jose Airportwww.clarionsj.comDavid ErskineDirector of Financederskine@dinahshotel.comDinah’s Garden Hotelwww.dinahshotel.comRandy ZechmanDirector of MarketingrandyZ@world2do.comDiscover Silicon Valley Magazinewww.explorepublishing.com/Advisors to the BoardShozo KagoshimaWinchester Mystery HouseAnna MorrisPast PresidentHyatt Regency – Santa ClaraE&O Trading Companywww.eotrading.comEl Paseo Limousinewww.elpaseolimo.comBoard MembersShawna DedrickLynn DycheNathan EmmettGus HolwegerMaria LangeJeffrey PhillipsLillian ScoyenMissy SingerVictor SolanoyJune SuzukiDonna WestGarden Court Vincci Hotelwww.gardencourt.comGilroy Visitors Bureauwww.gilroyvisitor.orgGuglielmo Wineryguglielmowinery.comJoMar Labswww.jomarlabs.comSVCA MembershipLos Altos History Museumwww.losaltoshistory.orgMorgan Hill Chamber of Commercewww.morganhill.orgRoyal Coach Tourswww.Royal-Coach.comSanta Clara CVB & Chamber ofCommercewww.santaclara.orgSan Jose CVBwww.sanjose.orgSilicon Valley Tour Guides Association408-978-9543Silvercreek Sportplex San Josewww.silvercreeksportsplex.comYour Personal Conciergewww.pattianderson.comSVCA Member 50.00 FAM event invitations Valley Access E-MagazineNon-Profit Groups 50.00 FAM event invitations Valley Access E-MagazineSponsors 150.00 FAM events invitation(Up to 5 attendees) Listing on Website& Valley Access RecognitionAssociatesComplimentary Valley Access E-MagazineContact Information & Dues:Anthony AguilarV.P. Communication & Marketing65 Washington Street #113Santa Clara, CA 95050E-Mail: i Mandissvcaconcierge@yahoo.comDISCOVER SILICON VALLEY MAGAZINEchristine@explorepublishing.comGus Holweger (Insiders' Track)gusholweger@comcast.netMarianna Khienkina,Redevelopment City of San JoseMarianna.Khienkina@sanjoseca.govDonna West (Off the Beaten Path) LighthouseTravel & Tours www.lighthouse-tours.comSVCA Web-sitewww.SiliconValleyConcierge.comConvention Information Site:San Jose McEnery Convention Center andCultural Facilities(408) 277-5277www.sjcc.com/Santa Clara Convention .cfmSVCA HOSPITALITY AWARDS2009 - SPONSORSCITTI’S FLORISCLUB AUTO SPORTCOFFEE CONCEPTSEXPLORE PUBLISHINGFLOWER FLOURTHOMAS FOGARTY WINERYGUGLIELMO WINERYGUMBO JUMBOHOLIDAY INN EXPRESSMAGNOLIA JAZZ BANDMARIANI’S HOTEL & RESTAURANTOAK GROVE ACADEMYPASTA POMODOROREGGY SUE’S RESTAURANTPOOR HOUSE BISTROPRIVATE SPRING WATERRESTAURANT OSAN JOSE CVBSILICON VALLEY TOUR GUIDESTOMMY WUTOURNEAUWHAT 2DO GUIDEWINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSEE-MAIL: SVCONCIERGE@MINDSPRING.COMDEADLINE TO SUMBIT ARTICLES FOR E-MAGAZINE, IS THE LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

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