Transportation that is Easy, Green, and Event-Ready

When it comes to transportation planning for meetings and events, every detail matters. The success of an event can often hinge on the ease with which attendees can travel to and from, and can navigate the city and its venues. 

Denver, with its focus on convenience and commitment to sustainability, stands out from the crowd starting the moment an attendee lands in the Mile High City. 

The first stop upon arrival is Denver International Airport. With nonstop service to 215 destinations, DEN is centrally located, providing easy access into and out of Denver to locations around the globe. The airport’s design prioritizes efficiency, offering travelers a seamless experience from arrival to departure. 

Stacey Stegman, senior vice president of communications, marketing and customer experience at DEN, says the airport has made a concerted effort in recent years to consider sustainability from all aspects, including replacing all lights with LEDs, installing water-saving flush valves, promoting composting and waste reduction, and upgrading the electrification and utility capacity for future growth. 

“All the things that people may not be aware of as they’re traveling through the airport but that ensure our facilities are meeting the demands of people,” she notes. 

But what people do notice, Stegman says, is the efficiency with which they can get from the airport to wherever they’re going next using the A Line. The electric commuter train leaves every 15 minutes, takes just over 25 minutes, and brings attendees directly into the heart of downtown: Denver Union Station. 

“I would bet that we have the most convenient train station access from an airport to the city. It’s not a huge walk. You don’t have to transfer,” she says. “I mean, the train comes right up next to our terminal. It’s very, very convenient. I think that is one of the benefits … we make it easy to get to downtown.” 

In addition to its convenient ground transportation options, Denver’s air service connectivity is among the most expansive in the country. The airport saw a record 77.8 million passengers in 2023, making it the seventh largest passenger airport in the world. 

Laura Jackson, vice president of air service development at DEN, emphasizes, “If we look at Denver’s air service and our connectivity, it’s unparalleled. We have the second-largest domestic network in the United States, which means you really can get here from almost anywhere. Since we have competitive service in most of our top markets, our average domestic airfares are about 15% below the U.S. average. So, it’s cheaper to get here, and it’s very, very accessible.” 

Once attendees arrive in the city center, they will find that getting around the city is just as effortless as getting there — a key feature for event professionals. Downtown Denver is designed with accessibility in mind, offering a range of transportation options that make navigating the corridor easy for all ages and abilities. 

One of the most frequently used features of downtown Denver is the 16th Street Mall, a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare that stretches for over a mile and is just two blocks from the Colorado Convention Center. The 16th Street Mall Ride, also called the MallRide, are free electric-powered buses that make it easy for attendees to move between conference venues, hotels, and dining establishments in the area. This commitment to sustainable transportation is in line with the city and county’s broader environmental goals of reducing Denver’s carbon footprint while providing a convenient service for both locals and visitors. 

Max Gesten is a specialist in planning and community impact for the Downtown Denver Partnership, which works to promote a downtown corridor that is well-connected and accessible to all by advocating for complete streets, transit improvements, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and parking management. The partnership has resources available for event professionals to develop tailored transportation plans that offer a range of options depending on the demographics and desires of attendees. 

“Downtown is one of the most walkable areas of the city, exemplified by the 16th Street Mall, where visitors can effortlessly explore a diverse array of restaurants, hotels, and attractions on foot,” Gesten says. “Overall, downtown Denver’s accessibility to a variety of transportation options enhances its appeal as a host for events of any size. Attendees can easily navigate the city center and enjoy access to a wide range of amenities.”  

The campus surrounding the Colorado Convention Center includes more than 13,000 hotel rooms, restaurants, bars, and entertainment options, meaning attendees can find everything they need within walking distance. And Visit Denver is the first destination to achieve Platinum Level certification according to the Events Industry Council’s Sustainable Event Standards, which provides an added level of support for event professionals prioritizing sustainability and social impact. 

When seamlessly organized, an event’s transportation can heighten an enjoyable travel experience and eliminate stress for attendees. Taking away the worry of how to get around allows them to focus on what truly matters: the content and connections that an event provides.  

Denver’s blend of convenience, connectivity, and sustainability in its transportation options check that box and make for a memorable and impactful event.