Itinerary Overview
October 8-10
The itinerary is designed to move delegates seamlessly between experiences, with ample time to take in the surroundings, hear from subject-matter experts, and strengthen connections through shared experiences.
Additional details will be provided as the program is finalized. Please note that all elements of the itinerary are subject to change, and delegates will be notified promptly of any updates.
Day 1
October 8
Day 1 kicks off as delegates board the A Line commuter rail from Denver International Airport, arriving directly at Union Station for lunch and orientation. BDA staff will collect and securely transport luggage to the Westin Denver Downtown for safekeeping. After lunch, the group will hear the story of Union Station’s transformation and how the destination is managed today. From there, delegates will walk to the welcoming reception, with stops along the way to learn about Riverfront Park and the three pedestrian bridges that connect Downtown Denver to the Lower Highland (LoHi) neighborhood.
Breakdown
08:00 AM Travel SEA to DEN (Alaska 682)
12:00 PM Travel from DEN to Union Station (RTD A Line)
01:45 PM Lunch and orientation @ Union Station, Webb Gallery
02:30 PM Presentation about Union Station development story
03:00 PM Site tour of Union Station and how its managed
03:30 PM Walking tour from Union Station âžž Lower Highland (LoHi)
04:00 PM Reception @ Room for Milly
05:00 PM Free time
08:00 PM Optional presentation + night excursion @ Meow Wolf
Day 2
October 9
Day 2 takes a top-down approach, beginning at the IMA Colorado office and concluding at Glenarm Plaza. At IMA, delegates will hear presentations on Downtown planning and the critical role that Colorado’s districts play in developing, advocating for, and managing urban neighborhoods.
From there, the group will tour the Lower Downtown (LoDo) district, exploring some of Denver’s most iconic public spaces including McGregor Square, Dairy Block, and Larimer Square. Lunch will be hosted at the Downtown Denver Partnership, followed by an in-depth look at the $175 million revitalization of 16th Street. Delegates will then embark on a guided walking tour of 16th Street to experience these improvements first-hand, with additional stops highlighting Skyline Park, Upper Downtown, and Glenarm Plaza.
The evening concludes with a group dinner at Rioja, a James Beard Award–winning restaurant located in the heart of Larimer Square.
Breakdown
09:30 AM Presentation about Downtown Area Plan @ IMA Colorado (1705 17th St #100)
10:00 AM Presentation about special districts
10:30 AM Walking tour of Lower Downtown District (LoDo)
12:00 PM Lunch @ Downtown Denver Partnership (1515 Arapahoe St)
01:00 PM Presentation about 16 Street Revitalization Project
02:00 PM Walking tour of 16 Street improvements
03:30 PM Reception @ Glenarm Plaza (Intersection at 16th St & Glenarm Pl)
05:00 PM Free time
07:30 PM Group dinner @ Rioja (1431 Larimer St)
Day 3
October 10
Day 3 begins with an early morning check-out, as delegates load their luggage onto a charter bus bound for Cherry Creek North. While luggage remains safely on board, delegates will hear from the Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District, which will provide insights into the neighborhood before leading a walking tour that concludes at a lunch destination.
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Following lunch, delegates will have free time to further explore the area at their own pace. In the afternoon, the group will reboard the charter bus and travel to Denver International Airport for return flights home.
Breakdown
09:30 AM Travel from Westin Denver Downtown âžž Cherry Creek North
10:00 AM Presentation about Cherry Creek North @ Civica Cherry Creek (250 Fillmore St)
11:00 AM Walking tour of Cherry Creek North
12:00 PM Lunch in Cherry Creek North @ THE ROOFTOP, Jacquard Hotel (222 Milwaukee St)
01:30 PM Free time
04:00 PM Travel to DEN (charter bus)
06:20 PM Travel from DEN âžž SEA (Alaska 620)
