By Christine Born

We’ve heard a lot recently about the move to build more collaborative efforts between the arts community and destination management teams. It’s a welcome move to boost both entities — supporting the importance of art and tourism.

A good example of this collaborative effort and what it brings to the meetings industry is Team San Jose’s work as one of the founding agencies behind the O1SJ Biennial (also known as ZERO1), an “art meets technology” event that takes over the city Sept. 16-19.  This year’s theme is Build Your Own World, and hundreds of artworks, performances, events and artist talks will focus on imagining the future and beginning to build it. More than 100 artists from 21 countries are expected to contribute to the downtown exhibits.

Team San Jose is transforming South Hall, an 80,000-sq.-ft. venue, for the “Out of the Garage” exhibition. A futuristic city will feature artworks and installations such as a working drive-in movie theater, Empire Drive-In, created out of salvaged materials, including 25 wrecked automobiles, as well as the opportunity to tie on a pair of wings and try them out while gliding on a zipline over a temporary wetland created by artist and former Yale engineering professor Natalie Jeremijenko outside of South Hall.

Team San Jose is transforming South Hall, an 80,000-sq.-ft. venue, for the “Out of the Garage” exhibition at the 2010 01SJ Biennial event. ('xAirport' by Natalie Jeremijenko and Fletcher Studio)

“We’re extremely proud to have been part of this event’s growth over the years and we’re working with organizers to help raise the bar each time,” says Team San Jose CEO Dan Fenton. “There’s no other event like this in the world, and it can only take place in the city known for innovation — San Jose, the Capital of Silicon Valley. This year we’re going over the top and making South Hall into a work of art in and of itself — a spectacular city of the future. People will need to see it to believe it and will be posting all over social media.”

Events like 01SJ, which happens every two years, create opportunities for planners looking for added attractions that will draw attendees. Team San Jose heavily promotes the event to local media as well, showcasing its ability to market other events that take place in the city. Team efforts like this pay off for everyone.