Big Ideas Fest 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011 4:00pm - Wednesday, December 7, 2011 1:00pm
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
1 Miramontes Point Road
Half Moon Bay, California 94019
Map and Directions

Event Information

Big Ideas Fest starts at 4:00pm on Sunday, December 4th and ends at 1:00pm on Wednesday, December 7th. Attending Sunday through Wednesday is highly recommended in order to fully experience all speakers, networking opportunities, and the group Action Collab workshops.

Cost of Attendance

The cost to attend Big Ideas Fest 2011 is $695 per person.  Please email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  to receive an invitation code to register.

The registration fee includes the following meals:
•    Sunday, December 4th: Dinner
•    Monday, December 5th: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
•    Tuesday, December 6th: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
•    Wednesday, December 7th: Breakfast, lunch

The registration fee does not include lodging. Participants must make their own lodging arrangements. See "Hotel Reservations" section below.

Refund Policy

In the event that you need to cancel your registration for Big Ideas Fest 2011, the following refund policy applies:

•    Cancelation requests received on letterhead or email before Sunday, November 6, 2011 will be fully refunded minus a $50 processing fee.

•    After November 6, 2011, we are unable to refund any amount for any reason; however we appreciate notification of your inability to attend. If notified, we can provide you with a donation letter for charitable giving purposes.

Contact Information

For questions about the event please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (650) 728-3322.

For questions about online registration please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (415) 282-1512.

Venue Information

Big Ideas Fest is held in the spectacular Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, California. Situated along the Pacific Ocean with views of the Santa Cruz mountains, all rooms are just steps to the nearby bluffs of the California coastline. Half Moon Bay offers the breakaway feel of an Aspen Institute event, while only 30 minutes from the Silicon Valley and San Francisco International Airport. For additional information on visiting Half Moon Bay, please visit the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Hotel Reservations

Reservations are to be made directly with the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Please call (650) 712-7000 and request the group rate for “Big Ideas Fest."

Group Rate: $225.00 per night ($25.00 per night resort fee has been waived), plus 13% tax. The official cut-off date for the hotel rate is Tuesday, November 15, 2011, 11:59pm Pacific Time. Based on availability, the hotel will determine whether they can accept reservations at the group rate based on a space-and rate-available basis after this date. All reservations must be accompanied by a first-night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card.

Parking

If you plan to drive to the hotel or have a rental car, please note that valet parking is $35 per night. There is no self parking at the hotel. There are some rooms at the hotel that include a parking spot. Therefore, if you plan to drive, you can request a "Guest House" room when making your reservation. These particular rooms are identical to the rooms within the main hotel building and are located a few hundred yards away.  Note: Requesting a "Guest House" room does not guarantee you will be confirmed in such a room but every effort will be made to accommodate your request. You will not know the type of room that you will be assigned to until check-in at the hotel on the first day of the event.

There is street parking along Miramontes Point Road on the opposite side of Hwy 1 directly across from the hotel's entrance on Miramontes Point Road. It is a .8 mile walk along a sidewalk to the hotel.

Local Airports

San Francisco International Airport (located 24 miles from The Ritz)
San Jose International Airport  (located 43 miles from The Ritz)
Oakland International Airport  (located 40 miles from The Ritz)

Ground Transportation

At San Francisco International Airport (SFO), taxis are available outside of baggage claim for $80 one-way. You may call in advance and arrange for a taxi to pick you up for $60 one-way, we suggest Bay Cities Taxicab: (650) 591-5400.
Click here for a map and directions.

Weather

Highs are typically in the mid-50s and lows in the low-40’s, and rain or fog are common. We recommend checking weather.com for specific conditions upon your arrival. Here is a great overview of the weather in the San Francisco-Bay Area year-round. Or visit the web cam perched on top of one of our favorite local hangouts, Sam’s Chowderhouse, for a real-time view.

Social Media

Follow Big Ideas Fest at twitter.com/@bigideasfest and tweet about the event using #bif2011
Check out videos of Big Ideas Fest on our YouTube channel
Check out photos of Big Ideas Fest on our Flickr photostream