CNU 17: Three, two, one ... It's here

Three, two, one ... IT's Here!

Dear CNU 17 Attendee,

The Denver Congress is about to kick off. Here are a few
notes to make your arrival as smooth as possible — and to
help ensure that you get the most out of an exciting program
and dynamic network of colleagues. We look forward to sharing
the best of the New Urbanism with you and invite you to check
out the program updates and networking opportunities below.

01

Touchdown in denver

Registration opens Wednesday

Early arrivals are encouraged to register upon arrival to avoid the Thursday morning rush. Registration will open Wednesday at 7am.

chance of rain

The forecast calls for a chance of thunderstorms
through Sunday, so be sure to pack a light rain jacket or
umbrella. The high altitude sunshine comes on strong when
the clouds clear, so sunblock, lip balm and a water bottle
are also encouraged, especially for those joining us on CNU
17 tours or experiences.

super shuttle discount

CNU has arranged for group pricing on Super Shuttle from Denver International. Place a reservation using discount code 9R465 at the Super Shuttle website.

a note on totes

We're also promoting conservation and re-use
of resources this year. Instead of giving you a bag packed
with brochures and flyers, your essential conference registration
materials will come clipped together. We recommend that you
bring a bag, as we won’t be providing them.

02

Networking the New urbanism

start connecting today

CNU is giving attendees the opportunity to network online
as well as in person. The premier gathering for urbanist education,
collaboration and networking now has an online social networking
site, allowing users the chance to connect with fellow attendees,
explore Denver, and build a personalized Congress schedule
that can be downloaded to personal devices.

Powered by Denver-based Zerista, the site works like a CNU
17-specific Facebook, letting attendees search and browse
a complete attendee directory; send messages and set up meetings;
share their own personal profile and web content; broadcast
business opportunities via event-wide forums; and build a
personalized CNU 17 schedule. Learn
more about logging on.

tweet up in denver

Once at the Congress, you can share what you experience (and
see what others are doing) viaTwitter. Even if you haven't
tried it yet, CNU 17 may be the time to jump in and test out
your “tweeting” abilities. Sign up and you can share your
140-character observations on tours and sessions, share photos
of “can't miss urbanism” using yfrog or Twitpic, and even
let friends know where you're going to be hanging out after
dark. Tag your tweets with #cnu17 so others can find them
easily on search.twitter.com — or here using this
handy display widget. See you ihere in Denver and online!

cnu 17 railcar salon

Earlier this week, a group of new urbanists in several vintage
rail cars left San Francisco bound for Denver. Riding the
historic California Zephyr, the CNU
railcar delegation are enjoying stunning veiws and stimulating
conversation. Follow
their progress as they roll into Denver.

03

Program updates

program available for download

Eager to get a headstart on the Congress? Check out the program, available here in pdf format.

Two new speakers announced

Michael Freedberg

Chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Energy Task Force, Michael Freedberg will be on tap as a respondent in Friday’s “CNU and HUD: Opportunities for Collaboration in Affordable Housing.”

Lora Engdahl

Lora Engdahl, author of From Despair to Hope, will discuss her new book that “offers cause for optimism and lessons in policy innovators.” A chronicle of the ambitious government-led HOPE VI project to redefine the American housing project, Engdhal and co-author Henry Cisneros explore the implications of the program on policy-making and city planning. Engdahl will be present at the breakout session “Best Recent New Urban Books” on Thursday from 12-1:30.

New to new urbanism?

Whether you’re new to New Urbanism or just need a refresher, Thursday’s the day to get up to speed. Wake up to the Orientation Breakfast for first-time attendees on Thursday morning, hosted by CNU’s President and CEO John Norquist. Then, begin the daylong New Urbanism 101—an in-depth primer on the history, principles, and concepts of New Urbanism. Hear from Andrés Duany and other founding members of the movement as they discuss why New Urbanism works, and walk away with a better understanding of what makes a great place and why.

CNu Leaders confer with membership

CNU President John Norquist and various Board members will
host an interactive discussion on CNU operations and goals
from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2009 in the Exhibit
Hall. This discussion is open to all CNU 17 attendees.

See You at CNU 17