Fifty-Third National Conference
September 23-26, 2010
Marriott Minneapolis City Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
TRAVEL RESOURCES
Minneapolis
 Minneapolis is a logical, convenient, and attractive meeting destination. It is easily accessible by air, with nonstop connections from 123 domestic cities and 21 international destinations. In fact, the average flight time from anywhere in the USA is only 2.5 hours. The Minneapolis/St. Paul area boasts a vibrant dining scene, including restaurants run by nationally recognized local chefs and creative celebrity restaurateurs alike. Nicollet Avenue-a 17-block stretch of shops, eateries, cafes, nightclubs, and markets in the heart of downtown-is known as "Eat Street" and features cuisines from around the world. Minneapolis is also known for its strong cultural scene and is home to 57 museums, 2 Tony Award-winning theaters, 100 theater companies, 10 dance companies, and 20 classical music groups. Shoppers will enjoy perusing the many small-town boutiques as well as the monstrous Mall of America, which features more than 500 stores. With more than 10,000 acres of parkland and 929 metro-area lakes, the Twin Cities are home to an abundance of natural beauty. For the past thirteen years, Minneapolis has been ranked as one of the most healthy and livable areas in the nation and has more paved trails than any other state. Further, PBS named Minneapolis one of the nation's most walkable cities, and the 8 miles of skyways that connect 80 blocks of downtown businesses and attractions make it easy to get around without even having to put on a jacket!
Air Travel
Thirteen commercial passenger airlines service the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (airport code MSP); 9 are located at the Lindbergh Terminal and 4 are located at the Humphrey Terminal.
Ground Transportation
The Marriott Minneapolis City Center is located just 8 miles from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. For driving directions, please see the hotel's website.
The conference hotel does not provide shuttle service; however, for transfer from the airport to the hotel the Metro Transit Light Rail is a cheap and convenient option. Light rail stations are fully accessible. Trains run every 7-8 minutes during peak hours and every 10 to 15 minutes at other times of the day. Light Rail service to downtown begins at 4:14 a.m. and continues until 1:56 a.m. Travel time is approximately 25 minutes from the airport to downtown and the cost of a one-way trip is only $1.75 each way ($2.25 from 3:00-6:30 p.m.). You may purchase your ticket from an electronic kiosk in the airport station.
The Lindbergh Terminal light rail station is located below the Transit Center, between the Blue and Red Parking ramps. From the Tram Level (one level below bag claim), take the tram to the Transit Center. When you exit the tram, follow the signs to the light rail station, located 70 feet underground.
The Humphrey Terminal light rail station is located on the north side of the Orange parking ramp. From the Humphrey Terminal, take the skyway from Level 2 across to the parking facility. Follow the overhead signs through the covered parking facility. Take the escalators or elevators down one level to the station platform.
Once you have purchased your ticket, take the train departing in the direction of Minneapolis (instead of Mall of America). There is only one train heading in this direction-the Hiawatha Line-so it's impossible to get on the wrong one by mistake. Disembark at the Nicollet Mall Station (intersection of Nicollet and 5th Street). To orient yourself, note that the front of the train will be pointing west and when you exit the train you will be facing south. Cross the street and continue south on Nicollet for 2 blocks until you reach 7th Street (look for the Marshalls store on the corner). Turn right on 7th and find the Marriott midway down the block, on your right.
For further information regarding the light rail, including timetables and route maps, visit the Metro Transit website.
Hotel
 The Conference Hotel is:
Marriott Minneapolis City Center
30 South 7th Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
We are sorry to inform you that the block of rooms reserved at the conference rate has now sold out. Conference attendees may wish to check the following hotels in the Minneapolis downtown area for availability:
Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis
* Located across the street from the Marriott
35 7th Street South
(612) 339-4900
The Marquette Hilton
* Located 1 block from the Marriott
710 Marquette Avenue
(612) 333-4545
The Westin Minneapolis
* Located 2 blocks from the Marriott
88 6th Street South
(612) 333-4006
Crowne Plaza Northstar Hotel Minneapolis
* Located 2 blocks from the Marriott
618 2nd Avenue South
(612) 338-2288
W Minneapolis
* Located 3 blocks from the Marriott
821 Marquette Avenue South
(612) 215-3700
Hilton Minneapolis
* Located 5 blocks from the Marriott
1001 Marquette Avenue
(612) 376-1000
Doubletree Guest Suites Minneapolis
* Located 5 blocks from the Marriott
1101 Lasalle Avenue
(612) 332-6800
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
* Located 7 blocks from the Marriott
1300 Nicollet Mall
(612) 370-1234
Millennium Hotel Minneapolis
* Located 7 blocks from the Marriott
1313 Nicollet Avenue
(612) 332-6000
Internet
The Marriott Minneapolis City Center offers complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access in its lobby and public areas, however please be aware that this does not extend to the conference space (presenters must contact Peter Park well in advance of the conference to arrange for Internet if it is essential to the success of their presentations). Guest rooms offer wired high-speed Internet connections. Although there is usually a fee for in-room Internet, this cost will be waived for attendees of the CMS conference. To obtain in-room Internet, guests must select the "Wired for Business" service and agree to the listed fee; however, a credit for the full amount will appear on your folio upon checkout.
Parking
Onsite parking is available at the Marriott Minneapolis City Center at $19 per day. Hourly parking is also available in nearby parking structures at the cost of $5 per hour. Special weekend and hourly rates apply for self off site parking. The front desk sells discount parking vouchers.
Maps
Map of the Marriott Minneapolis City Center's location:
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Minneapolis Links
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