YAPC::NA::2007 Houston Bid

Fri, 04-Aug-2006 by Jim Brandt edit post

The Houston.pm bid follows: <a name="__index__"></a>  <ul> <li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li> <li><a href="#proposed_dates">Proposed Dates</a></li> <li><a href="#facilities">Facilities</a></li> <ul> <li><a href="#location">Location</a></li> <ul> <li><a href="#rice_university">Rice University</a></li> <li><a href="#university_of_houston__downtown">University of Houston - Downtown</a></li> <li><a href="#university_of_houston">University of Houston</a></li> </ul> <li><a href="#internet_access">Internet Access</a></li> <li><a href="#cost_affordability">Cost/Affordability</a></li> <ul> <li><a href="#low_cost_experience">Low Cost Experience</a></li> <li><a href="#attendee_cost">Attendee Cost</a></li> <li><a href="#conference_budget">Conference Budget</a></li> </ul> <li><a href="#audio_visual_and_equipment">Audio/Visual and Equipment</a></li> <li><a href="#other_fees_and_services">Other Fees and Services</a></li> </ul> <li><a href="#accommodations">Accommodations</a></li> <ul> <li><a href="#food_service_catering">Food Service/Catering</a></li> <ul> <li><a href="#dining">Dining</a></li> <li><a href="#catering">Catering</a></li> </ul> <li><a href="#internet_access">Internet Access</a></li> <li><a href="#alternative_accommodations">Alternative Accommodations</a></li> </ul> <li><a href="#transportation">Transportation</a></li> <ul> <li><a href="#getting_to_houston">Getting to Houston</a></li> <li><a href="#once_you_re_here">Once You're Here</a></li> <ul> <li><a href="#metro">METRO</a></li> <ul> <li><a href="#metrolift_pass">METROLift Pass</a></li> </ul> <li><a href="#express__park___ride_service">Express, Park & Ride Service</a></li> <li><a href="#trolley_service">Trolley Service</a></li> </ul> </ul> <li><a href="#tourist_attractions">Tourist Attractions</a></li> </ul>  <hr /> <h1><a name="overview">Overview</a></h1> As the 4th largest city in the U.S. and home to astronaut training and NASA's Mission Control, Houston, Texas is a leader in business, entertainment, the arts, and more. From professional sports to outdoor fun to an out-of-this-world space experience and incredible dining - it's all here! Stroll the beaches of Galveston or challenge yourself on one of the many golf courses. SpaceCity offers everything from breathtaking museum exhibits to vibrant downtown entertainment. Explore the wonder of space or spend the day shopping to your heart's content. Visit and you'll understand why it's a city of infinite possibilities. Houston.pm is a group of people who use Perl in the Houston area. Some of us use Perl in our jobs (officially or unofficially), while others just like to play with the language. We have all level of members from complete novices to very experienced Perl programmers working in Perl daily and more than willing to share their expertise. We believe that we have the resources and facilities to host a successful YAPC and hope that you will feel the same. <hr /> <h1><a name="proposed_dates">Proposed Dates</a></h1> We have discussed various options for the proposed dates. In keeping with the past, we are considering three days during either the week of June 18th - 22nd or June 25th - 29th. We've also considered, if possible, continuing the new tradition of adding the two-day Perl classes to the conference, possibly placing the classes at the beginning of the conference rather than the end. This would allow for the conference to be June 20th - 22nd, avoiding possible conflicts of interest with Uri's anniversary and the birthday of Jim Brandt's triplets. <hr /> <h1><a name="facilities">Facilities</a></h1> <h2><a name="location">Location</a></h2> We have considered and researched three venue possibilities within Houston. They are Rice University, the University of Houston Downtown, and the University of Houston. [MAP - <a href="http://brazosvalley.pm.org/yapc/venuemap.html">http://brazosvalley.pm.org/yapc/venuemap.html</a>] <h3><a name="rice_university">Rice University</a></h3> Rice University is having a brief moratorium on decisions on Summer 2007 programs and conference requests. They are in the process of forming new policies regarding summer programs in general, which would affect what services and spaces would be available during the summer to groups outside Rice, including the availability of dorm space for non-Rice sponsored conferences. They plan to make a decision and have the policies finished by late September. Therefore, their information is not included in this bid proposal. <h3><a name="university_of_houston__downtown">University of Houston - Downtown</a></h3> UHD's dynamic campus is located in the north end of downtown Houston, easily accessed from all major freeways. From UHD, it's a quick ride on MetroRail to the heart of downtown for entertainment, ball games, dining, and clubs. The venue possibility is the One Main Building, an 11-story building that houses the university's bookstore, copy center, computer lab, dining services, and various classrooms and meeting rooms. They have a variety of facilities available including two lecture halls each with a capacity of 150, three special events rooms capable of holding 100 people each, and an auditorium that has a total capacity of 450. Each room offers full multimedia capabilities. Wireless Internet access is available in all floors of the building. The Community Relations and Conference Services page (<a href="http://www.uhd.edu/about/reservations/">http://www.uhd.edu/about/reservations/</a>) contains links to rooms and floor plans, as well as various other information about the conference facilities. Maps and directions can be found at <a href="http://www.uhd.edu/about/map.htm">http://www.uhd.edu/about/map.htm</a> One issue with the University of Houston Downtown campus is that they do not have housing. They have agreements with some of the surrounding hotels, which will be an option if the UHD campus is further considered. No additional information about UHD has been included in this bid. <h3><a name="university_of_houston">University of Houston</a></h3> The University of Houston provides conference facilities within the University Center (<a href="http://www.uh.edu/ucaf/">http://www.uh.edu/ucaf/</a>), a four-level facility with numerous meeting rooms, a game room (can be rented by the hour), and various food venues. There is a large ballroom with a capacity for 600 attendees (expandable up to 1200), a room capable of holding 280 people, and another room with a capacity for 100. The center also maintains various other meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 40 to 75 people. A map of the facility is available at <a href="http://www.uh.edu/ucaf/about%20us/print_map_uc.html">http://www.uh.edu/ucaf/about%20us/print_map_uc.html</a>. The university also provides a photo tour available at <a href="http://www.uh.edu/ucaf/reservations/tour/uc_tour.html">http://www.uh.edu/ucaf/reservations/tour/uc_tour.html</a> <pre> |--------------------------------------------| | Room | Capacity | Price | |--------------------------------------------| | Houston and 1 perimeter | 900 | 1625 | |--------------------------------------------| | Houston | 600 | 1305 | |--------------------------------------------| | Cougar Den | 280 | 475 | |--------------------------------------------| | Mediterranean | 100 | 235 | |--------------------------------------------| | Bluebonnet | 75 | 130 | |--------------------------------------------| | Lone Star | 60 | 120 | |--------------------------------------------| | Palo Duro | 14 | 60 | (storage/terminal room?) |--------------------------------------------|</pre> Pricing will be lower if getting sponsorship from the university is an option. <h2><a name="internet_access">Internet Access</a></h2> Wireless Internet connectivity is available throughout the University Center. In addition, wireless connectivity is available in most academic buildings on campus. <ul> <li> <a href="http://www.uh.edu/campus_map/wireless/">http://www.uh.edu/campus_map/wireless/</a> </li> </ul> Also (if possible), as Joey Kelly mentioned on the YAPC::NA 2006 Chicago wiki (<a href="http://yapcchicago.org/wiki/index.cgi?SoWhatsTheDeal">http://yapcchicago.org/wiki/index.cgi</a>): <dl> <dt> <dd> ".... I officially volunteer to be the network admin for yapc next year, wherever it's held. I do this stuff for a living, and promise to liase with the venue networking staff well in advance, provide a Linux server for DHCP/DNS/whatever, set up the wireless, provide tech support for attendees, work with the local PM group, and generally be the responsible party when things go down." </dd> </li> </dl> <h2><a name="cost_affordability">Cost/Affordability</a></h2> We plan on keeping the registration fee at $100 for the 2007 YAPC. We hope to follow a similar approach as the 2006 YAPC in offering an early registration discount. <h3><a name="low_cost_experience">Low Cost Experience</a></h3> Assuming that an attendee takes advantage of the low-cost approach to experiencing YAPC, they would stay in a double room in the dorms and choose the on-campus dining option. <pre> |-----------------------------| | Expense | Cost | |-----------------------------| | Conference | 100 | |-----------------------------| | Day 1 meals | 20.45 | |-----------------------------| | Day 2 meals | 12.20 | |-----------------------------| | Day 3 meals | 12.20 | |-----------------------------| | 3-night dorm stay | 45 | |-----------------------------| | Linen package | 15 | |-----------------------------| | Total minus travel | 204.85 | |-----------------------------|</pre> <h3><a name="attendee_cost">Attendee Cost</a></h3> Depending on the various options for snacks and drinks, the cost per attendee will be around $60. <pre> |---------------------------| | Expense | Cost | |---------------------------| | Snacks (3-days) | 32 | | Sundae Bar | 3 | | Auction Dinner | 20 | | T-shirt | 5 | | Total | 60 | |---------------------------|</pre> <h3><a name="conference_budget">Conference Budget</a></h3> With the registration fee set at $100 and the cost per attendee at $60, the amount per attendee left over to cover conference expenses is $40. <pre> |-----------------------| | Attendees | Available | |-----------------------| | 250 | 10000 | |-----------------------| | 300 | 12000 | |-----------------------| | 350 | 14000 | |-----------------------| | 400 | 16000 | |-----------------------| | 450 | 18000 | |-----------------------|</pre> To cover the expenses of speakers and volunteers, we have included their registration fee as an expense. This removes their left over balance of $40 from the budget and covers their attendee costs. They still count towards a head count and partake of the same snacks and amenities as the typical attendee. If registration fee was waived for 50 people, the speaker/volunteer expenses would be $5000. If the attendance was lower than 300, we would only need the Cougar Den, Mediterranean, and Bluebonnet rooms, putting the room total at $2520. Adding in Audiovisual costs and other expenses, such as clean up and staff, puts the total for less than 300 people around $3500. $3500 (facilities) + $5000 (speaker expense), brings the total to $8500, $1500 under the $10000 budget for 250 attendees (showing that a $90 early registration discount would certainly be viable). For attendance greater than 400, we would utilize the Houston room (including its specific charges, as well as the rooms mentioned earlier. This would set the facility expenses (rooms + A/V + etc) to around $8415 and $5000 for speaker expenses, bringing the total to $13415, again, under budget. The University Center room pricing is structured in a way that provides different pricing depending on who is renting the room. Prices are lower for university sponsored groups, department sponsored groups, and student organizations. One way to reduce room costs might be to work with the university or a UH department to have them provide the rooms at the discounted rates. <h2><a name="audio_visual_and_equipment">Audio/Visual and Equipment</a></h2> The full list of pricing for audio/visual equipment can be found at <a href="http://www.uh.edu/ucaf/reservations/files/Fee_Schedule.pdf">http://www.uh.edu/ucaf/reservations/files/Fee_Schedule.pdf</a> (2nd page). <pre> |--------------------------------------------------| | Equipment | Charge | |--------------------------------------------------| | Computer Projection Unit/LCD projector | 75 | |--------------------------------------------------| | Internet Connection | free | |--------------------------------------------------| | Sign Stands | free | |--------------------------------------------------| | Wireless Microphones - Handheld | 40 | |--------------------------------------------------| | Wireless Microphones - Lapel | 40 | |--------------------------------------------------|</pre> The university recommends that an Audiovisual Operator be utilized. Some of the A/V equipment requires the assistance of a UH Audiovisual Operator, such as the rear screen projection unit, sound system, and lighting in the Houston room. An Audiovisual Operator is available for $20/hr. Add one hour for setup and one hour for breakdown. The use of wireless handheld and lapel microphones also require an Audiovisual Operator. <h2><a name="other_fees_and_services">Other Fees and Services</a></h2> The normal operating hours for the facility are 8:00am to 5:00pm (administrative offices). If the facility needs to be opened early or closed late, there is a $30/hr. fee associated. To avoid this, the conference schedule can run from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Depending on needs, an Electrician can be provided at a rate of $30/hr. Houston Room specific charges: <ul> <li> UC Damage Deposit: $ 300 </li> <li> Rear Screen Projection unit: $ 200 (includes Sound System) </li> <li> Sound System alone: $ 50 (includes House speakers, podium on stage w/mic, 1 wireless mic handheld, 1 wireless mic lapel, 6 hardware mics, & 1 CD/Cassette player) </li> </ul> <hr /> <h1><a name="accommodations">Accommodations</a></h1> Moody Towers is the largest complex of the residence halls and accommodates more than 1,100 students. The two 18-story buildings are joined by a main lobby, the Commons. The majority of the rooms house two occupants, while single occupant rooms are available. Most floors have a lounge with a television. Each floor shares a community bathroom with showers. The first floor is wheelchair accessible and has a slightly modified bathroom. The Towers provide a laundry facility, computer lab, health club, cafeteria, and convenience store. Floor plans and more information are available at <a href="http://www.housing.uh.edu/moodytowers.html">http://www.housing.uh.edu/moodytowers.html</a>. The first floor is designed for guests with disabilities. ADA doors, bathroom stalls, and showers are available. Wheelchair bound guests may use the laundry room on the North Tower ground floor. <pre> Doubles: $15 per person per night (no linen provided) Singles: $28 per person per night (no linen provided)</pre> <pre> Linen Package: $15.00 (includes sheets, blanket, pillow, bath towel, and wash cloth)</pre> Dining location map: <a href="http://www.campusdish.com/NR/rdonlyres/92D2F42D-66BE-47D9-B6E6-37E36D5DC179/0/UH_Dining_Map_Lores.jpg">http://www.campusdish.com/NR/rdonlyres/92D2F42D-66BE-47D9-B6E6-37E36D5DC179/0/UH_Dining_Map_Lores.jpg</a> Shuttle routes: <a href="http://www.uh.edu/parking/pts_shuttle_schedule.html">http://www.uh.edu/parking/pts_shuttle_schedule.html</a> <h2><a name="food_service_catering">Food Service/Catering</a></h2> <h3><a name="dining">Dining</a></h3> There are several dining options available on campus. A declining balance card (Cougar Cash) can be purchased and used at any of the convenience stores, retail and residential on campus facilities. In the retail locations, visitors can enjoy brands like Wendy's, Java City, Starbucks, Smoothie King, Kim Son, AFC Sushi, Chick-Fil-A, Grill Works, Pizza Hut, Montagues, Taco Bell and Subway. The residential restaurant, RFoC which stands for "real food on campus" is an all-you-care-to-eat facility located in Moody Towers and Oberholtzer Hall. There are seven stations available in the facility, the grill, deli, comfort zone, pizza station, international zone, salad bar and a desert bar. The door rate for the residential restaurant is $5.00 for breakfast, $6.00 for lunch and $7.00 for dinner. A meal can be purchased at the door with cash, credit, or Cougar Cash. <h3><a name="catering">Catering</a></h3> Linen will be provided for all tables in the rooms that will be used for food and beverage service. Should the need arise for linen on other tables, including guest tables, these can be provided at an additional charge. <pre> Tablecloths $ 3.00/each Skirting $20.00/each Napkins $ 0.30/each</pre> China and glassware are included in the current pricing of all meals held within the University Center. Services provided outside of the facility will be accompanied by paperware. If china and glassware are preferred for use at a remote location, these can be provided at an additional charge of $1.75 per person. The average price of a UH catered dinner for the TPF auction is between $10 and $25. Adjustments to menus can be made to accommodate special dietary needs. <h2><a name="internet_access">Internet Access</a></h2> Internet connectivity is available in Moody Towers via wireless and wired connections. Wireless service can be accessed in the lobby area of Moody Towers. In addition, wireless connectivity is available in the dining rooms, the OB Ballroom, and most academic buildings on campus. <ul> <li><a name="item_l_3chttp_3a_2f_2fwww_2euh_2eedu_2fcampus_map_2fwir"><a href="http://www.uh.edu/campus_map/wireless/">http://www.uh.edu/campus_map/wireless/</a></a> <li><a href="http://www.uh.edu/campus_map/wireless/uhmap_wireless_print.pdf">http://www.uh.edu/campus_map/wireless/uhmap_wireless_print.pdf</a> </ul> <h2><a name="alternative_accommodations">Alternative Accommodations</a></h2> <ul> <li><a name="item_hilton_uh_hotel_and_conference_center">Hilton UH Hotel and Conference Center</a> Attendees wishing to stay in more luxurious accommodations while remaining on campus can stay at the Hilton University of Houston Hotel and Conference Center. Located directly across the street from the University Center, the Hilton University of Houston Hotel and Conference Center not only provides the quality and services you have come to expect from the Hilton name, but is also an integral part of the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. It serves as a unique, real world laboratory for students and faculty. The facility provides 40,000 square feet of meeting space, 22 meeting rooms, three ballrooms, fine dining in Eric's restaurant, specialty dinners in Barron's restaurant (prepared by students of the college), 85 guest rooms and 6 suites. </li> <li><a name="item_houston_international_hostel">Houston International Hostel</a> <a href="http://www.houstonhostel.com/">http://www.houstonhostel.com/</a> </li> </ul> <hr /> <h1><a name="transportation">Transportation</a></h1> <h2><a name="getting_to_houston">Getting to Houston</a></h2> <ul> <li><a name="item_by_air">by Air</a> Houston has the fourth-largest airport system in the U.S. and the sixth largest in the world. The city's three airports - Bush Intercontinental, Hobby, and Ellington Field - service 200 cities worldwide. Wi-Fi Internet service is available at both Bush Intercontinental and Houston Hobby in most airport public areas, including gates, restaurants, ticketing and baggage claim. <ul> <li><a name="item_houston_airport_system__2d_l_3chttp_3a_2f_2fwww_2e">Houston Airport System - <a href="http://www.fly2houston.com/">http://www.fly2houston.com/</a></a> <li><a name="item_george_bush_intercontinental_airport__2d_l_3chttp_">George Bush Intercontinental Airport - <a href="http://www.fly2houston.com/iah">http://www.fly2houston.com/iah</a></a> <li><a name="item_william_p_2e_hobby_airport__2d_l_3chttp_3a_2f_2fww">William P. Hobby Airport - <a href="http://www.fly2houston.com/hobbyHome">http://www.fly2houston.com/hobbyHome</a></a> <li><a name="item_ellington_field__2d_l_3chttp_3a_2f_2fwww_2efly2hou">Ellington Field - <a href="http://www.fly2houston.com/EllingtonHome">http://www.fly2houston.com/EllingtonHome</a></a> </ul> Upon arrival to Houston, the options for getting downtown are numerous. <ul> <li><a name="item_metro__2d_l_3chttp_3a_2f_2fwww_2eridemetro_2eorg_2">METRO - <a href="http://www.ridemetro.org/">http://www.ridemetro.org/</a></a> METRO's bus system offers express service from Bush and Hobby Airports to downtown Houston and several business districts within the city. </li> <li><a name="item_taxi_cabs">Taxi Cabs</a> Houston boasts the second largest taxicab fleet in the country, with more than 1,400 vehicles in operation. </li> <li><a name="item_airport_shuttles">Airport Shuttles</a> <pre> |----------------------------------------------------| | Express SHUTTLE USA (713) 523-8888 | |----------------------------------------------------| | from | to | Price | Times | |----------------------------------------------------| | IAH | Downtown | $23 | 6:45 am - 11:30 pm | | HOU | Downtown | $18 | 6:30 am - 11:30 pm | | IAH | Medical Center | $24 | 7:00 am - 11:30 pm | | HOU | Medical Center | $19 | 7:00 am - 6:30 pm | |----------------------------------------------------| | Texans Super Shuttle (713) 781-6660 | |----------------------------------------------------| | IAH | Downtown | $22 | 5 a.m.-midnight | | HOU | Downtown | $17 | 5 a.m.-midnight | | IAH | Medical Center | $23 | 5 a.m.-midnight | | HOU | Medical Center | $18 | 5 a.m.-midnight | |----------------------------------------------------|</pre> <li><a name="item_rental_cars">Rental Cars</a> The full range of car-rental companies offer vehicles in various price ranges, with the consolidated rental car facility at Bush Intercontinental Airport boasting ultra-convenient access to rental cars. </li> </ul> <li><a name="item_by_car">by Car</a> Both I-45 and I-10 feed into Houston. I-45 runs from Houston to the Dallas/Fort Worth area which is fed into by I-35, I-30, and I-20. From Dallas/Fort Worth, travelers can take I-45 into Houston. [<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Houston,TX">http://maps.google.com/maps</a>] </li> <li><a name="item_by_train_or_bus">by Train or Bus</a> Amtrak (<a href="http://www.amtrak.com">http://www.amtrak.com</a>) services Houston (HOS) via the Sunset Limited route extending from Los Angeles to Orlando. If you'd rather take the bus, Greyhound (<a href="http://www.greyhound.com/">http://www.greyhound.com/</a>) might be what you need. </li> </ul> <h2><a name="once_you_re_here">Once You're Here</a></h2> Easy to get around, Houston offers an excellent light rail and city bus system in the Metropolitan Transit Authority and the second largest taxicab fleet in the country. <ul> <li> The consolidated rental car facility at Bush Intercontinental Airport boasts ultra-convenient access to rental cars. </li> <li> A variety of airport shuttles and limousines are available. </li> <li> Houston's METRO bus system features a $1 one-way local fare, so visitors can easily get around the city without having to worry about navigating the freeways or mapping out directions to their destination. </li> <li> The METRORail system offers convenient, accessible service within the heart of the city between downtown Houston and Reliant Park, including the Museum District and Texas Medical Center. </li> </ul> <h3><a name="metro">METRO</a></h3> Whether a passenger chooses to ride the bus, rail or both, they will be able to get on board using METRO's standard fare items. <ul> <li><a name="item_metrorail_ticket__2d__241">METRORail Ticket - $1</a> Rail tickets can be purchased using cash, credit, debit, or tokens. </li> <li><a name="item_7_2d_2c_30_2d_2c_and_365_2dday_passes">7-, 30-, and 365-day passes</a> These passes allow you to ride unlimited METRORail and bus services until the pass expires. </li> <li><a name="item_stored_value_card">Stored Value Card</a> Passengers with Stored Value Cards may use them on all METRO buses but should get a free transfer or buy a day pass for use on METRORail. These cards give you more rides for your money: <pre> |----------------------------------------------------| | Cost ($) | 15 | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | |----------------------------------------------------| | Value ($) | 18.75 | 31.50 | 64.00 | 97.50 | 132.00 | |----------------------------------------------------|</pre> </li> <li><a name="item_tokens">Tokens</a> These can be used to purchase Local fares on the bus and METRORail tickets from the TVMs. </li> <li><a name="item_cash">Cash</a> Currency can be used to purchase both bus and rail fare. It is deposited into the fare box on board the bus. </li> <li><a name="item_day_passes">Day Passes</a> A $2 Day Pass is valid for up to 24 hours of unlimited rides using either METRORail and/or Local bus service. </li> </ul> METRORail Fares, one way <pre> |-------------------------------------------------| | Fare Type: | Adult | Discount | Youth | | | | | (age 5-11) | |-------------------------------------------------| | Cash: | $ 1 | $ .40 | $ .25 | |-------------------------------------------------| | Day Pass: | $ 2 | $ .80 | $ .50 | |-------------------------------------------------| | 7 Day Pass: | $ 9 | $ 4.50 | $ 2.70 | |-------------------------------------------------| | 30 Day Pass: | $ 35 | $15.00 | $ 9.00 | |-------------------------------------------------| | 365 Day Pass: | $315 | $52.00 | $52.00 | |-------------------------------------------------| | 10 Tokens($8) | 1 Token | - | - | |-------------------------------------------------|</pre> <h4><a name="metrolift_pass">METROLift Pass</a></h4> All METRO buses and trains are 100% accessible for people with disabilities and feature lifts, ramps and enlarged destination signs. For those who cannot use our accessible buses or trains, METRO offers METROLift, a curb-to-curb, shared ride service using vans and sedans. METROLift eligibility requires physician approval and an in-person evaluation conducted at METRO. For more information, call 713-225-0119. <h3><a name="express__park___ride_service">Express, Park & Ride Service</a></h3> This service falls into four zones, with fares based on the distance a bus must travel from a Park & Ride lot to its final destination. Zone 1 includes lots within a distance of up to 11 miles and all Express routes. Zone 2 lots are from 11 up to 16 miles; Zone 3 lots are from 16 up to 21 miles; and Zone 4 lots are 21 miles or greater. With eight Express and 25 Park & Ride bus routes, METRO can get you to work and home again quickly and reliably for as little as $1.50 one-way! You may use your 30-Day Pass, 365-Day Pass, Stored Value Card or cash. Express, Park & Ride Fares, one way ** <pre> |-------------------------------------------------| |Adult | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | |-------------------------------------------------| |Cash | $1.50 | $2.50 | $3.00 | $3.50 | |-------------------------------------------------| |30-Day Pass | $ 50 | $ 78 | $ 94 | $ 110 | |-------------------------------------------------| |365-Day Pass | $ 459 | $ 702 | $ 846 | $ 990 | |-------------------------------------------------|</pre> **During peak hours, 5 - 9 a.m. and 3 - 7 p.m.; non-peak fare for all services is $1 <h3><a name="trolley_service">Trolley Service</a></h3> In the Texas Medical Center (TMC), the fare is $1 one-way and may be paid with exact change (bill or coins), any METRO time-activated pass, a valid Stored Value Card, a TMC pass, tokens or a valid transfer. Trolleys cannot issue transfers. <hr /> <h1><a name="tourist_attractions">Tourist Attractions</a></h1> From the Third Ward to Chinatown in the Southwest, Houston is known for fabulous dining and great Houston attractions. You can enjoy fine dining in the very posh area of River Oaks, tantalizing Texas barbecue downtown, and even some fresh seafood from the Kemah Boardwalk on Galveston Bay. From live music venues of local talent, to the sophisticated ambience of the symphony or ballet, Houston has something for everyone. Since you're in the place that broadcast man's first step on the moon, you may want to pay a visit to Space Center Houston (<a href="http://www.spacecenter.org/">http://www.spacecenter.org/</a>), where you'll be whisked into outer space through simulations and films. Once back on earth, you can hop on the tram to the complex's NASA/Johnson Space Center to watch astronauts and engineers at work and in training. <ul> <li><a name="item_sports">Sports</a> <ul> <li> MLB: 2005 National League Champion Houston Astros (Apr - Sept) </li> <li> NBA: two-time World Champion Houston Rockets (Oct - Apr) </li> <li> WNBA: four-time World Champion Houston Comets (May - Sept) </li> <li> MLS: Houston Dynamo, Houston's first Major League Soccer team (Apr - Nov) </li> <li> NFL: Houston Texans, the newest expansion team in the NFL (Aug - Jan) </li> <li> AHL: Calder Cup Champion Houston Aeros (Oct - Mar) </li> </ul> <li><a name="item_entertainment_district__2d_http_3a_2f_2fwww_2ededa">Entertainment District - <a href="http://www.deda.org/">http://www.deda.org/</a></a> <ul> <li> The Downtown Entertainment District is a safe, fun and walk able neighborhood featuring more than 70 bars, clubs, lounges, restaurants and hotels in Houston's historic center, only a few blocks from the city's world-famous Theater and Sports/Convention districts. </li> </ul> <li><a name="item_theater_district">Theater District</a> <ul> <li> One of only five cities in the U.S. with resident companies in the four disciplines of the performing arts: Alley Theatre, Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony and Houston Grand Opera </li> <li> Alley Theatre - <a href="http://www.alleytheatre.org">http://www.alleytheatre.org</a> <ul> <li> 1996 Tony Award Winner for Outstanding Regional Company </li> </ul> <li> Broadway in Houston - <a href="http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com">http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com</a> </li> <li> Da Camera (Houston's presenter of chamber music and jazz events) </li> <li> Houston Ballet - <a href="http://www.houstonballet.org">http://www.houstonballet.org</a> </li> <li> Houston Grand Opera - <a href="http://www.houstongrandopera.org">http://www.houstongrandopera.org</a> </li> <li> Houston Symphony - <a href="http://www.houstonsymphony.org">http://www.houstonsymphony.org</a> </li> <li> Society for the Performing Arts </li> <li> Theatre Under the Stars - <a href="http://www.tuts.com">http://www.tuts.com</a> </li> <li> Uniquely Houston - <a href="http://www.thehobbycenter.org">http://www.thehobbycenter.org</a> </li> </ul> <li><a name="item_museum_district__2d_http_3a_2f_2fwww_2ehoustonmuse">Museum District - <a href="http://www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org/">http://www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org/</a></a> <ul> <li> Home to 15 institutions, including: </li> <li> The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston - <a href="http://mfah.org/">http://mfah.org/</a> <ul> <li> the sixth largest museum in the country </li> </ul> <li> Houston Museum of Natural Science - <a href="http://www.hmns.org/">http://www.hmns.org/</a> </li> <li> Museum of Printing History - <a href="http://www.printingmuseum.org/">http://www.printingmuseum.org/</a> </li> <li> Children's Museum - <a href="http://www.cmhouston.org/">http://www.cmhouston.org/</a> </li> <li> The Health Museum - <a href="http://www.mhms.org/">http://www.mhms.org/</a> </li> </ul> <li><a name="item_theme_parks">Theme Parks</a> <ul> <li> Space Center Houston is the Official Visitors Center for NASA's Johnson Space Center </li> <li> SplashTown water park </li> <li> Moody Gardens on Galveston Island </li> <li> Kemah Boardwalk </li> <li> Downtown Aquarium </li> </ul> <li><a name="item_outdoors">Outdoors</a> <ul> <li> More than 165 public and private golf courses </li> <li> Located 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico </li> <li> Located 30 minutes from Clear Lake, a 2,000-acre destination for boating enthusiasts </li> <li> Third-largest pleasure boat basin in the U.S. </li> <li> More than 80 miles of nature, hike, and bike trails </li> </ul> </ul>

Category: Conferences

YAPC::NA::2007 Houston Bid

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