Much has been said about the appeal of Cleveland’s action-packed sports environment, up-and-coming arts scene and recent culinary renaissance, but exciting venues, dining and activities aren’t worth much to planners if it is a hassle to get attendees there. Walkability is a major selling point for Cleveland, as is the city’s award-winning transportation infrastructure.
Since 2006, downtown trolley rides have been “free with a smile,” and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority recently expanded its trolley operation, adding longer hours and weekend service, with funding from sponsors including the new Medical Mart & Convention Center, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and other downtown businesses.
Trolley operators are even trained to provide riders with helpful local information.
“People always notice that we don’t have many cabs, but we really don’t need them,” says Mike Burns, senior vice president of convention sales and services for Positively Cleveland, “The trolley system offers safe, clean, reliable transportation throughout the downtown business corridor, and for groups, it eliminates the need for shuttle buses.”
The city’s main group lodging options, including the Hyatt Regency Cleveland, Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland, Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center and upcoming Westin Cleveland Downtown, are located within five blocks of the new convention center site.
Getting to and from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport via public transportation is also a breeze.
When it opened in 1968, the Red Line was the first rapid transit service to run to an international airport in North America. Nowadays it still costs only $2.25 each way for the 30 minute ride. Regional Transit Authority trains run every 15 minutes.
“Historically, the overall cost of meeting in Cleveland is a lot lower, since you don’t have to worry about transportation,” Burns says.
Michael Symon’s famous Lola Bistro is located less than a half-mile from Tower Station, and sports fans can traverse enclosed walkways leading from the station to both Progressive Field and Quicken Loans Arena.
For more information, visit www.riderta.com.
