MACNA Files
- Thread starter that0neguy1126
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Visit Denver heard the word aquarium and contacted the Denver Aquarium to see if they would be interested in doing something with MACNA 2014. They responded hoping to have the banquet there. It might be very cool. Atlanta's banquet at the Georgia Aquarium is something I will never forget! But, it was a half mile away as the crow flies and a pleasant walk through Centenial park for those like me that preferred to walk instead of ride the rental buses. The Denver Aquarium looks to be about 2+ miles from the Sheraton. It could be a logistical nightmare transporting 1500+ people. And then there are the budgetary constraints. I have attached a proposal and menu from the Denver Aquarium for your review.
We've held several events at the Downtown Aquarium... FragStock (run by SCMAS) for two years and ReefStock for 5 years. They are great folks... however.... there is no easy way to transport a large number of folks from the Downtown Sheraton to the Aquarium. The restaurant is not too bad, it's owned by Landry's, the same folks who have a Downtown Aquarium in DFW.
A couple of thoughts about logistics solutions:
- The Aquarium is a 2 mile stroll from the hotel, and about 3 miles by vehicle.
- Public Transportation options: the free 16th Street Mall shuttle runs past the hotel and to the Union Station Light Rail line near Commons Park. The walk from the station, through Commons and Confluence park is just under a mile on well traveled, well marked paved paths.
- The aquarium has it's own parking facility, which charges a fee. We will have several folks who will travel to Denver and obtain rental cars. Locals or folks nearby will also have vehicles. It's possible that we could simply ask them to use their own private transportation. Asking for folks to volunteer to drive attendees in their own private vehicles opens up lots of liability issues. We can negotiate free parking into the agreement.
- The aquarium is interesting, but certainly far from the major aquariums found elsewhere in the US.
I looked over the menus and proposals and my initial thought was that were very proud of their food....
Cool idea... but I'm inclined to say no..... logistically difficult and rather expensive...
Other thoughts??
A couple of thoughts about logistics solutions:
- The Aquarium is a 2 mile stroll from the hotel, and about 3 miles by vehicle.
- Public Transportation options: the free 16th Street Mall shuttle runs past the hotel and to the Union Station Light Rail line near Commons Park. The walk from the station, through Commons and Confluence park is just under a mile on well traveled, well marked paved paths.
- The aquarium has it's own parking facility, which charges a fee. We will have several folks who will travel to Denver and obtain rental cars. Locals or folks nearby will also have vehicles. It's possible that we could simply ask them to use their own private transportation. Asking for folks to volunteer to drive attendees in their own private vehicles opens up lots of liability issues. We can negotiate free parking into the agreement.
- The aquarium is interesting, but certainly far from the major aquariums found elsewhere in the US.
I looked over the menus and proposals and my initial thought was that were very proud of their food....
Cool idea... but I'm inclined to say no..... logistically difficult and rather expensive...
Other thoughts??
I personally would also say that logistically it would be a nightmare to get people the miles away that the Aquarium is. Maybe instead of doing the banquet there and incorporating it into MACNA, we can negotiate a special price (including parking) for anyone that goes to the aquarium and has their MACNA wrist band on? That way the aquarium is still getting business from MACNA and we are having to try and shuttle everyone there as they could do it on their own time?
I agree. Attempting to transport 1,500-2,000 people those 2-3 miles could very well be a nightmare. It would require a fleet of buses to accomplish, which adds cost in addition to the actual Aquarium costs. I think the discount for MACNA attendees is a great idea!
Something that also has been done in the past might work. Some MACNA's have held a "VIP" dinner Thursday night. This is not a requirement, just something some have done. It is a much smaller group consisting of MACNA volunteers, sponsors, and speakers. Ballpark about 100 people, a much easier group to move. The Aquarium might be a venue to consider.
Something that also has been done in the past might work. Some MACNA's have held a "VIP" dinner Thursday night. This is not a requirement, just something some have done. It is a much smaller group consisting of MACNA volunteers, sponsors, and speakers. Ballpark about 100 people, a much easier group to move. The Aquarium might be a venue to consider.
My original thoughts were akin to what Juan posted above. I would definitely like to incorporate the Aquarium into the event, but I dont think that having the banquet there would work. If we could arrange a behind the scenes tour, free/discounted parking and admission, I think that would be very cool. They have dive programs at the aquarium, and lots to offer to the MACNA attendees. We could also look at doing something similar to the Denver Zoo and their Tropical Discovery section? I would love to incorporate Rob Brynda or some of the other aquarists at DDA as speakers for the conference if at all possible.
No, they were very different. Selling your bid to the MASNA board is a different thing than promoting it to attendees. Some similar elements, but attendees could care less about how prepared your club is for the workload. They want to know about the hotel, free wi-fi, parking costs, reception, banquet, etc.