by Janet Dickelman
The 52nd ACB conference and convention will take place from July 4-12, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Columbus, Ohio.
Plans are well under way for ACB's first visit to the Buckeye State. Several members of the convention committee have visited the hotel, met with the host committee, and begun the process of obtaining sponsorships, recruiting volunteers and visiting potential tour sites. The first tours will happen on Thursday, July 4, and we hope you will spend the holiday with ACB in the city named for the man who discovered America. The Ohio host committee invites everyone to their welcome party on Friday evening, July 5.
Traveling to Columbus
Port Columbus International Airport (code CMH) is located just 10 minutes east of downtown. Columbus is served by all major air carriers, including Air Canada, AirTran, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, United, and US Airways.
Columbus is served by Greyhound and Megabus, but not by Amtrak; the closest train stop is two hours away in Cincinnati.
Columbus is easy to access by car. The main east-west highway is I-70, and the two primary north-south freeways are I-71 and state route 315.
Food News
Each year there is a question as to whether individuals, affiliates and others may sell food items at the ACB conference and convention. The Hyatt Regency's convention services office has provided us with their policy, as follows: "All food and beverage arrangements must be made through the hotel. Only food and beverage purchased from the Hyatt may be served on hotel property. No food or beverage may be sold at any events, trade shows or any general events on hotel property."
So no, food sales will NOT be permitted in Columbus. When planning your fundraisers, exhibits, Marketplace tables, etc., think outside the box. For example, ACB Students had an innovative fund-raiser in Louisville, delivering food from the ACB Café or the hotel deli to attendees in general sessions.
Details
Room rates are $89 plus tax per night (single, double, triple, quad). Make telephone reservations by calling 1-888-421-1442, or online by visiting the ACB web site at www.acb.org and following the 2013 conference and convention link.
Convention Contacts
Exhibits: Michael Smitherman, (601) 331-7740; [email protected]
Sponsorship Opportunities: Margarine Beaman, (512) 921-1625; [email protected]
Convention Coordinator: Janet Dickelman, (651) 428-5059; [email protected]