Fountain Square, which visitors may recognize from the television show WKRP in Cincinnati, is just steps from the three Conference hotels and the Duke Energy Convention Center. If the weather cooperates, visitors may be able to dine alfresco in the square.

Photo/Barbara E.R. Lucas

Kathie Brookfield
Cincinnati Promotions Coordinator

The USITT National Office, the 2009 Conference Committee, and the staffs of the Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau and Duke Energy Center are taking care of last minute details in preparation for the 2009 USITT National Conference & Stage Expo.

There is still time to pre-register for the conference or register on site on the ground floor of the convention center. Rooms are still available at the Millennium Hotel conveniently located directly across the street from the Duke Energy Center and connected by skywalk on the second level where the meeting rooms for sessions are located. There are escalators and elevators for all levels.

Remember the swag items at the USITT Promotions Booth last year? Well, it's time to pack those bags and use that Cincinnati Museum Center luggage tag. Don't forget the red USITT pad folio to take notes at the great PDWs and Conference sessions that will be presented March 16 to 21. For the winners of the oyster cracker Guessing Games, bring those gift cards for a "Taste of Cincinnati."

A new exhibit, "Fashion in Film: Period Costumes for the Screen," opened in February at the Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike Street. Hours are 11 a.m to 5 p.m.Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $4 for children 5 to 18; this includes museum admission. Some of the costumes on display include clothing worn by Ralph Fiennes in Onegin, Kate Beckinsale in The Golden Bowl, Nicole Kidman in Portrait of a Lady, and Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth. This is a not-to-be-missed exhibit. The museum is only 0.7miles from the Hilton Netherland Plaza Hotel down 5th street with a right turn onto Pike Street.

Be prepared for spring weather which can be anything from snow or rain to sunshine. The Farmer's Almanac predicts higher than average rainfall and temperature for mid-March in Cincinnati. Temperature ranges for midMarch have been lows in the teens to highs in the 80s with a mean temperature of 44 degrees. Just remember the skywalk access from the hotels.

Airfare and gas prices are down from a few months ago making travel more affordable. Come and enjoy a stay and don't forget to ship some of that Graeters Ice Cream home before leaving.

The 2009 Conference Committee and Ohio Valley Regional Section welcome you with open arms to the Queen City!

To Top