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??