conversations from the couch

There are a TON of new happenings springing up at the conference–lots of organizations and denominations are looking forward to meeting with their members for connection. Check out the info board at the conference for exact locations and daily updates, but here’s a running list:

2/22 Friday afternoon: Affinity Groups will be hanging out all afternoon in various locations for conversation

2/22 Friday Late night: around 9:30 or so…Group Magazine Reader & Author Reception with Rick Lawrence and Group Magazine Authors; the National Network of Youth Ministries Gathering with NNYM president Paul Fleishmann; Group Workcamp Foundation 1st ever volunteer reunion

2/23 Saturday 5-6:00 pm Various denominational gatherings: Catholic Church; United Methodist; Lutheran (Missouri Synod); Salvation Army, Christian & Missionary Alliance (dinner)

2/23 Saturday Late Night 10-11:00 pm  PDYM (Purpose Driven Youth Ministry) Community Gathering 

The discounted NYMC room block at the Millennium Hotel is now totally sold out–but we did a search of downtown Cincinnati, and there are available rooms at decent rates in many hotels within walking distance. Do a little online searching and look for deals! We’ve found some rooms under $100!

If you are flying into the Cincinnati airport, look for our staff in the baggage claim wearing red shirts and holding National Youth Ministry Conference signs, and they’ll help you find someone to share a taxi with into the downtown area!

If you haven’t booked your flight…seriously look into flying into Dayton (or even Indianapolis!). It’s usually more than 50% cheaper, and only an hour away. Post a note on the conference travel forum and ride share with someone coming in the same airport!

If you plan to fly in, and are shopping nearby airports, Cincinnati (CVG) is only 20 minutes away, but the Dayton airport has some super-cheap rates. ($173 round-trip from Denver) Dayton is about 1 hour from Cinci–not sure of shuttle schedules…etc. Check out the forums on the NYMC site for ride-shares too. Might be some good savings–especially if you’re coming with a group!

 There is detailed travel information on the conference website–including driving directions, addresses, and the info to book your hotel in the discounted room block.

Here’s a quick recap–click the above link to get more details:

The conference is being held at the beautiful Duke Energy Center (downtown Cincinnati Convention Center). We have the entire second and third floor. The hotel is the Millennium Hotel–and it is attached via skywalk so you don’t have to walk outside. We have negotiated special discounted room rates with the hotel–please check the link and use the code to get into the NYMC block. FYI–The hotel room block is almost full–please book now if you want to get into these discounted rooms.