What to Expect in San Francisco
Whether this is your first time at an INFORMS Annual Meeting or you just need a refresher before touching down in San Francisco, consider this your one-stop shop for what to expect when you arrive for the 2026 INFORMS Annual Meeting (and even before you get on the plane)! Learn more:
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
WHERE WILL THE INFORMS ANNUAL MEETING BE HELD?
- Moscone Center South – 747 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA
- Marriott Marquis San Francisco – 780 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
WHAT HOTELS ARE IN THE OFFICIAL INFORMS ROOM BLOCK?
The hotels designated for the annual meeting are the San Francisco Marriott Marquis and the InterContinental San Francisco.
Click here to book your room now!
WHEN DOES THE OFFICIAL ROOM BLOCK CLOSE?
Rooms are available until sold out or the specified cut-off date of October 8, 2026.
WHAT AIRPORT WILL I FLY INTO FOR THE INFORMS ANNUAL MEETING?
You’ll arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). SFO has nonstop flights to over 140 destinations worldwide and has more than 50 operating airlines Terminal Map.
INFORMS has partnered with United Airlines for special discounted rates.
HOW WILL I GET FROM the AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is approximately 12.7 miles from the hotels and convention center, with travel time typically ranging from 20 to 30+ minutes, depending on traffic. A variety of transportation options are available, including Uber and taxis, which generally cost between $45 and $60.
BART offers fast, convenient service from SFO. To reach the hotels and the convention center, take BART to Powell Street Station. It’s about a 10-minute walk to either hotel, and it will cost approximately $10–$11 each way.
Is there parking at the Moscone Center?
Moscone Center South offers on-site parking in the Moscone South Garage located at 747 Howard Street, with the entrance on Howard Street between 4th and 5th Streets. The garage provides hourly parking and typically has a daily maximum rate, though pricing can vary depending on the event and demand. Because the on-site garage can fill up during large conventions, there are also several convenient public parking garages within a few blocks, including the 5th & Mission Garage (833 Mission Street), the Mission Street Garage (787 Mission Street), the Yerba Buena Garage (750 Folsom Street), and the Moscone North Garage (255 3rd Street).
You can also find Parking around the Moscone Center with SpotHero, a parking app and website that helps you find, reserve, and prepay for parking in advance.
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
The recommended attire for the conference is business casual. We also suggest wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a sweater or jacket, as meeting rooms can sometimes be cool.
WHAT MEALS ARE INCLUDED WITH FULL CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONS?
All meals will be on your own; however, INFORMS will provide coffee and snack breaks daily in the Exhibit Hall, along with an evening welcome reception on Sunday night.
WHAT ARE THE INFORMS REGISTRATION POLICES?
Click here to review the official registration policies, including details on cancellations, refunds, registration transfers, the guest policy, and name badge reprints.
WHAT IS THE INFORMS CODE OF CONDUCT?
Every attendee has agreed to adhere to the INFORMS Code of Conduct during INFORMS activities, requiring that all meeting participants conduct themselves in a professional manner that is welcoming to all participants and free from any form of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or retaliation. Participants agree to treat each other with respect and consideration to create and ensure a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment. Read more about the INFORMS Code of Conduct.
Navigating the Meeting Venues
Moscone Center South
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- Conference Check-in and Registration: South Lobby (Lobby Level)
- Career Fair: TBD
- Exhibits, Posters, AM/PM Breaks, and Welcoming Reception: Hall A
(Exhibition Level) - Plenaries: Hall E, Rooms 24/25 (Exhibition Level)
- Keynotes: Rooms 153, 154, 155 (Upper Mezzanine)
- Tutorials: Room 156 (Upper Mezzanine)
- Technical Sessions: Lower Mezzanine, Upper Mezzanine, Level 2, and Level 3
San Francisco Marriott Marquis
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- Satellite Conference Check-in: (Saturday & Sunday only)
- Special Events & Meetings: TBD
EXHIBITORS
Moscone South – Hall A (Exhibition Level)
Sunday | 12noon–5:00pm, 6:30–8:30pm | Monday & Tuesday | 9:00 AM–5:00pm
INFORMS Booth
Moscone Center South – Hall A (Exhibition Level)
Accessibility Resources
Accessibility is a top priority at the INFORMS Annual Meeting. We are committed to creating an inclusive experience for all attendees and are taking steps to ensure that everyone can fully participate. If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know during the registration process, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
DIETARY ACCOMMODATIONS
During event registration, we encourage you to share any dietary needs or restrictions. While attendees are responsible for their own breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all official coffee and snack breaks and receptions will offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Detailed reception menus and dietary information will be available in the event mobile app.
HEARING AND LANGUAGE
All plenary sessions and keynotes will feature Wordly AI Translation and Captioning. Wordly provides instant, multilingual translation and real-time captions directly on your mobile device, as well as live captions on the screen. A QR code will be available at the designated sessions for easy access.
NURSING PODS
Mamava nursing pods at Moscone Center South (one standard and one ADA-accessible) are located on the Lower Mezzanine Level near Room 50. These suites provide a secure, private room with electricity for breastfeeding mothers.
For more information on how to download the app and unlock the pods, please click here.
QUIET ROOM
A quiet room will be available to offer a calm, low-stimulation space where attendees can take a break from sensory input, relax, recharge, or engage in personal reflection or prayer.
The Quiet Room will be located in Moscone Center South, Room 54, on the Mezzanine Level.
FAMILY and caregiving ROOM
First Aid Locations in the moscone Center
- TBD
- TBD
HOTEL and City ACCESSIBILITY
Please click on each hotel link below to view the specific accessibility accommodations offered at each property.
- San Francisco Marriott Marquis – Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to Accessibility Information
- InterContinental San Francisco
- City of San Francisco
CONVENTION CENTER ACCESSIBILITY
The Moscone Center complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 regarding permanent facility access accommodations, including—but not limited to—wheelchair ramps, elevator requirements, door width standards, and accessible restrooms. Service animals are permitted in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed, in accordance with ADA guidelines.
AIRPORT ACCESSIBILITY
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS
If you require a reasonable accommodation that has not already been provided, INFORMS will make every effort to assist you. Please submit your request in writing to [email protected] by October 10, 2026.
Ribbons
Are you a Session Chair, Cluster Chair, or Poster Presenter looking for some flair to add to your name badge? You can locate these ribbons and others on our “Ribbon Wall” near conference check-in. We will also have a number of fun ribbons to add to your badge that share your interests and serve as conversation starters with other attendees. Senior Members and other longtime members of the INFORMS community are invited to stop by the INFORMS Booth for special ribbons acknowledging your long-standing relationship with INFORMS!
Nearby Food Venues
Click here for dining options near Moscone Center South and the conference hotels.
