Travel & Accommodation

Denver

Denver International Airport (DIA): DIA is a major international hub and has good bus/train connections into Downtown Denver via the Regional Transportation Department (RTD) connecting to Union Station. From Union Station in Denver you can take the Bustang to downtown Colorado Springs.

The Denver Metro area is one of the most popular cities in the country, so stopping off in downtown Denver promises to be lively and dynamic. Things to do in Denver.

*One group pick up at 6PM, July 25th is available from Denver International Airport. Please indicate on your registration whether you would like to be included in this pickup.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Airport: If you decide to fly into Colorado Springs, the airport is about 30 minutes southeast of downtown. There are some transportation options available from the airport (e.g. shuttles, Uber, Lyft), but would not recommend using the public transportation (i.e. Metro Transit) from the airport into the city.

The city has a lot to offer, particularly in terms of easy access to amazing natural resources. Things to do in Colorado Springs.

USAFA

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is located just north of Colorado Springs, approximately 30 minutes from the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport and 90 minutes from the Denver International Airport.

The United States Air Force Academy opens to visitors at 9:00am every day; our conference sessions will correspondingly begin at 9:30am. Buses will be scheduled to pick up conference attendees at the conference hotels at 9:00am on the 26th and 27th to transport attendees to Polaris Hall. Attendees who would prefer to drive to the venue must provide a valid driver’s license at the main gate and vehicles will be subject to search. Weapons are not permitted on Academy grounds. Visitor parking is available near the conference venue; follow North Gate Boulevard around the north end of campus. It will become Academy Drive. Turn left toward Arnold Hall and park in the lot on the left just outside the main gate. You can access Polaris Hall through Arnold Hall.

Transportation

Once in Colorado Springs, please be aware that the city is one of the largest cities in terms of land area in the country. We will be primarily be in the northern portion of the city, at the United States Air Force Academy, which is about 20-30 min drive north of downtown. Your stay in Colorado Springs will be car dependent, so please plan on renting a car, organizing to carpool or use shuttles, or using car shares such as Uber and Lyft.

Car rentals are available from both DIA and Colorado Springs Airport. Uber from the Colorado Springs airport to one of the conference hotels run ~$30; Front Range Shuttle from the Denver Airport to the Drury Inn runs $50.

Shuttle service will be provided between the Marriott Residence Inn Colorado Springs North and the Drury Inn and Suites Colorado Springs North and Polaris Hall on the USAFA campus during the conference.

Where to stay

There are no hotels within walking distance of the U.S. Air Force Academy. However, there is a cluster of hotels just outside the Academy that will serve our purposes. We have reserved blocks of rooms at two of these:

Both hotels include free breakfast, free wifi, laundry, and a pool.

Otherwise, if you want to select a hotel of your own, we recommend staying in downtown if you are able to get to and from the conference venue independently.

Food & Drink

The Air Force Academy is located at nearly 7000ft (2133m) elevation. Visitors not accustomed to the altitude will notice a brighter sun and shortness of breath—especially on stairs. Hydration is a must; water will be available throughout the venue.

Breakfast is included at each of the hotels listed above; coffee will be available at Polaris Hall. Lunch will be provided on both days of the conference. Please note any dietary restrictions on your registration. Dinner both days will be on your own; a variety of casual restaurants are located within walking distance of the conference hotels.

Day Trip

Those interested in exploring the local area after the conference might be interested in the following attractions:

Questions?

If you have questions on local logistics, please contact Dr. Mark Jensen (m.nathan.jensen@gmail.com).