You can register for any of these tours when you register for the INFORMS Annual Meeting.

If you already registered for the meeting, click here for a faxable form to add these tours.

PLANT TOURS

U.S. Geological Survey
Monday, November 14
9:00am-1:00pm
$30.00

Established 120 years ago, the U.S. Geological Survey is the nation's premier scientific organization that focuses on natural hazards, resources and the environment, aiming to resolve complex natural resource problems across the nation and around the world. This private tour will showcase ongoing research on earthquakes, and if time permits, also on tsunamis.

Port of Oakland
Monday, November 14
1:00pm-4:30pm
$30.00

After traveling over the San Francisco Bay Bridge, you will see terminal operations at one of the four largest ports in the U.S. at a busy time of year when last-minute deliveries of holiday goods are making their way to market. The Port of Oakland owns 19 miles of waterfront along the eastern border of San Francisco Bay and manages maritime operations and related truck and rail facilities, aviation operations (Oakland International Airport) and a lively waterfront retail area.
· Picture ID is required to participate in this tour.

Whether you need to carbo-load for your next marathon, or simply want to see the surprisingly complex process of making a jellybean, you will enjoy this walking tour of an operating candy-making factory. Started by the Goelitz family in 1869, Jelly Belly is the world’s #1 maker of gourmet jellybeans in over 100 different flavors, including some with chocolate inside!

Anchor Brewing
Tuesday, November 15
3:00pm-6:00pm
$30.00

Established in San Francisco in 1896, this award-winning brewery is best known for its Anchor Steam beer. All of its beers are virtually handmade in the company’s handcrafted copper brew house, combining old-world tradition with state-of-the art manufacturing processes. The tour will include a comprehensive view of the brewing process and a tasting of Anchor’s products.

• Participants must be 21 years and older.

GUEST TOURS

San Francisco City Tour
Sunday, November 13
9:00am-1:00pm
$27

This "city safari" provides a fascinating and in-depth look at the history and culture of San Francisco. An expert guide will point out landmarks including Coit Tower, built to honor the firefighters who repeatedly save the city; the Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest Japanese-style garden in the U.S.; and the Palace of Fine Arts, designed by Bernard Maybeck for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition.

Three enjoyable photographic stops are planned en route: Cliff House, featuring spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Seal Rock, Vista Point at the Golden Gate Bridge, and Twin Peaks. A recurring cycle of fires and rebuilding efforts by enthusiastic citizens developed the unique architectural style of the city, a style that blends classic features with a distinct character adapted from influences worldwide. Guests compare and contrast the architecture, energy and diverse culture of neighborhoods such as Nob Hill, North Beach, the Waterfront, Pacific Heights, Union Street and Chinatown.

Guests receive a discount packet to use in selected stores while exploring Pier 39 at their leisure. The Pier 39 first and second level promenades provide spectacular views of San Francisco Bay. There will be an opportunity for lunch or snack on your own at the Pier. The pier is home to over 135 specialty shops, a double-deck Venetian carousel, and the Aquarium of the Bay. During most of the year, a pod of pinnipeds, California sea lions, relaxes in the marina.

Chinatown Walking Tour
Monday, November 14
9:00am-1:00pm
$57

You will acquire a taste of the diverse culture and cuisine of San Francisco. The tour proceeds along five scenic blocks through Union Square from the Hilton to the infamous gates of Chinatown. The excursion begins with the exploration of Chinatown, land-marked by the famous red archway and Foo Dog icons. Reminiscent of old-world Shanghai, the crowded and bustling 16 blocks truly represent another world and the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. This in-depth tour takes you off the beaten path of the main tourist streets and gives an inside look at Chinatown. See historical Chinese churches, hidden alleyways with symbolic murals, and enjoy the famous fortune cookie factory.

Hints of Chinese traditions are everywhere; bright red banners are displayed from storefronts and traditional clothing hangs in shop windows. There will be an opportunity for lunch or snack on your own in Chinatown. Residents represent several provinces of China with many diverse cultures and dialects including the first Chinese sojourners from Canton. Unique customs are reflected throughout the area as the elderly perform their daily exercise of Tai Chi or play dice and "go" games at Portsmouth Square. Shoppers discover jewelry in traditional jade, hand-embroidered apparel and linens, house wares, fine teas and Chinese herbal remedies.

Golden Gate Park-de Young Museum-Conservatory of Flowers
Tuesday, November 15
9:00am-1:00pm
$67

Founded in 1895 in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of the city and a cherished destination for millions of residents and visitors to the region for over 100 years. On October 15, 2005, the de Young Museum will re-open in a state-of-the-art new facility that integrates art, architecture and the natural landscape in one multi-faceted destination. Designed by the renowned Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron and Fong & Chan Architects in San Francisco, the new de Young will provide San Francisco with a landmark art museum to showcase the museum’s priceless collections of American art from the 17th through the 20th centuries, and art of the native Americas, Africa and the Pacific. There will be an opportunity for lunch or snack on your own at the museum café.

After the DeYoung museum, the tour continues to the nearby Conservatory of Flowers. This is a spectacular living museum of rare and beautiful tropical plants including palms, orchids, bromeliads, carnivorous plants and much more. Prominently situated near the eastern end of Golden Gate Park, the Conservatory is the oldest existing public conservatory in North America.