Attendee Update

We look forward to welcoming you to California for the AMIA Annual Symposium, our signature event, designed to inspire and engage with a packed scientific program of exceptional networking opportunities and thought-provoking discussions. The backdrop of the beautiful city of San Francisco promises an unforgettable experience to celebrate the transformative power of informatics applied to biomedical research, healthcare practice, and public health.

As you may know, the Hilton San Francisco Union Square is currently one of over 60 hotels in the city negotiating a labor contract with Unite Here, the union representing many hotel employees. Striking workers have established a picket line, primarily outside the main entrance. Every effort has been made to reduce noise in meeting spaces and guest rooms, and picketing is allowed only between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm. Although we hope for a resolution prior to the Symposium, AMIA leadership, hotel staff, and our vendors are fully prepared should the strike continue during our event.

Background

On August 22, we sent a message to members sharing AMIA’s position based on the advice of legal counsel and leadership, followed by an update on September 3. In that, we shared that AMIA has been advised to encourage its staff and members not to engage with the picket line as the current situation is an active contractual negotiation between the hotels and a labor union.

Information You Should Know

Entering and Exiting Hotel/Ride Share –Ellis Street Garage Entrance

The main entrance of the hotel is on O’Farrell Street and is where the majority of the striking workers are demonstrating. You may also utilize the garage entrance on Ellis Street where picketing is not allowed. Rideshare drivers will accommodate pick up and drops inside the hotel garage. Simply add this information to your request.

Navigating the Hilton

Please know the Hilton Union Square has meeting rooms in all three towers. When looking for an event, please ask AMIA staff for directions or refer to directional signs.

Badge Pickup

You may pick up your badge at the AMIA Registration Desk located in Yosemite Foyer on the Ballroom Level, Second Floor in the hotel.

Front Desk / Reservations

The reservations and front desk staff are part of a different union and are not on strike; staff are working regular shifts. The Hilton has safeguards in place to protect guest privacy.

Security / Property Engineers / Building Maintenance

Normal emergency response protocols are not impacted by the strike. Security staff and property engineers are not part of the union that is striking. Out of an abundance of caution, an off-duty police officer will be patrolling the exterior of the building, 10:00 pm to 5:00 am and additional security has been added to the front entrance. Hilton security can be reached at 415-535-9128. For SFPD non-emergencies, call 415-553-0123.

Concierge Services

Concierge services are also not part of the strike and are on duty 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, daily.

Housekeeping

The hotel will provide daily full-service housekeeping for your entire stay. You may choose to opt out if you prefer privacy. The hotel can accommodate special requests for towels or cleaning. They can respond more effectively when larger crews are cleaning during the daytime hours. The housekeeping services is a third-party company that provides trained staff; this team has been in place for several weeks. Please use your room safe for valuables.

Guest Services

Hotel staff are available 24/7 to deliver towels, amenities, and other guest requests. The Guest Services hotline is extension 55 or 0 from any guest room or house phone.

Food Outlets

• Herb n Kitchen, a grab-and-go market, is open from 6:00 am - 10:00 pm.
• Poached, a breakfast buffet restaurant, is open from 6:30 am - 10:30 am.
• Lobby Bar is open from 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm.
• Cityscape Sky Bar, located on the 46th floor of tower one, is open from 4:00pm to 12:00 am.
• Cable 55 (located at Parc 55, our sister hotel that may be accessed through the parking garage) is open from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests staying at Hilton Union Square may charge their bill directly to their room.

Assistance

The full AMIA staff is on site and available for assistance or questions. Please visit Registration or AMIA Central or email meetings@amia.org.