All of the things for ONA16

December 13, 2016 / / No Comments

Most of you are on your way, and some of you are already here! Welcome to Denver! Here are some final reminders and tips to get you situated at ONA16.

Weather + what to wear:  Bring comfortable shoes for walking the Exhibit and Midway floors, fancy ones for the OJAs, receptions and parties, and sneakers for walking, biking and running, if you’re so inclined.

Warm days in the 70s and cool nights in the 50s (and high 40s) require a wardrobe that includes jackets, jeans, sweaters and pants, as well as lighter pieces for getting outside during the sunny days. Most events and sessions are casual, but we love it when people get glammed up for the the OJA awards banquet on Saturday.  Also, meeting space is always fairly cold so stuff something into your ONA attendee bag to warm you up during sessions.

2015-12-10 07.56.46An artsy hotel: The Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center is full of local artwork, including a striking set of climbers headed up the soaring wall in the main lobby.  If you’re headed to your room alone and hear the sounds of the ocean or children laughing, don’t freak out. It’s just part of the moving art found in each guest elevator. The front desk has details on of the hundreds of pieces and designs in the hotel.
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Cheap eats around and at ONA16

December 8, 2016 / / No Comments

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Denverite-150-tallThis post is sponsored by Denverite.

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Tea on the street in downtown Denver.

Narrowing cheap — and delicious — food options in Denver down to 10 (or so) suggestions is much harder than expected.  The city has a booming, diverse food scene that reflects a steady influx of new residents. A few notes for your week of eating:
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Serious and playful eats in Denver

December 8, 2016 / / No Comments

RJI-KeypadThis post is sponsored by the The Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI).

Help make journalism stronger. Innovate on your terms. Start thinking now about applying for an RJI Fellowship (applications open after Thanksgiving). See RJI Executive Director Randy Picht in the RJI Midway booth from 1-2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 15 – or any of the RJI team 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

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Those visiting Denver for the first time might not place it in the same class of previous ONA host cities (Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, oh my!), but it only takes a short stay to realize that the Mile High City is maturing into a true metropolis. What better way to explore a city that is “having its moment” than with a fork in your hand?

Right Next Door…

Conference goers would be remiss not to take the elevator to the Hyatt’s 27th floor, where sweeping views of downtown and the Rocky Mountains greet you at Peak’s Lounge. The high-altitude cocktail lounge serves classic drinks made with local liquor, like an Old Fashioned made with Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, or a Rocky Mountain Mule — a Moscow Mule made with Wilderness Trail Distillery vodka.

Just across the street, Stout Street Social serves up seafood, sushi and savory bar food in a hip, sports-bar-esque setting. Take advantage of $4 glasses of wine and $2 off sushi orders during happy hour.
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