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In just a few short months, thousands of Free Will Baptists will flood Cincinnati, Ohio—the city by the river—for the 73rd annual convention of the National Association of Free Will Baptists. Convention organizers expect a great turnout. They have reserved more than 1,200 rooms in five hotels near the Duke Energy Convention Center.
About the City
Cincinnati, originally (and unpopularly) known as Losantiville, was first settled in 1789 and grew slowly until Fort Washington was erected. With the convenient protection of the fort and the city’s convenient location along the banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati grew rapidly, and the city soon became the county seat.
The city became a center for farming and meat processing. It also grew into a huge trading market. During the Civil War, Cincinnati served as a recruiting and organizing center for the U.S. military, helping its businesses to thrive and the city to grow even larger. It soon became the largest city in Ohio and the most densely-populated city in the United States.
Today, Cincinnati is the third largest city in Ohio and continues to grow. It has been acknowledged for its many economic opportunities among the many corporations that call it home. These include Proctor and Gamble, Kroger, Chiquita Brands, G.E. Aviation, Macy's, and Fifth-Third Bank among others.
Home to the Cincinnati Reds baseball team (a nod to the Cincinnati Redstockings, the first professional team in baseball history) the city also cheers on the Cincinnati Bengals NFL team and a variety of minor league sports teams.
The citizens of Cincinnati are well-known for their ingenuity. Their city was the home of the first municipal fire department (1853), the first air mail system (by hot-air balloon, 1835), and the first concrete highrise building (1902). More important, at least for National Youth Conference participants, the city is also credited with the invention of the hotdog.
Attractions
From amusement parks to museums, convention goers will have little difficulty finding things to do in and around Cincinnati. King's Island amusement park (pictured below), located just north of the city, was recently voted "Best Theme Park for Families in the Midwest."
Located seven miles west of the Cincinnati Airport, the Creation Museum presents a walk through history through the eyes of creation science. Designed by former Universal Studios exhibit director, this state-of-the-art 70,000 square foot museum brings the biblical account of creation to life. From computer-generated visual effects and life-sized dinosaur animatronics everyone in your family will be captivated by the story of creation.
If you are traveling on a limited budget (Aren't we all?), Cincinnati offers many free attractions. These include the Bicentennial Commons at Sawyer Point, the scenic Riverfront District, Fountain Square, and the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. Or take an airconditioned stroll through the historic buildings in downtown via the Skyway.
For those who enjoy shopping, Cincinnati offers an abundance! From Tower Place Mall in the center of downtown to outlying shopping malls, boutiques, and specialty shops, the area is replete with opportunities to invest in the local economy.
Travel
Three major interstate systems converge in Cincinnati. Interstates 71, 74, and 75 reach Cincinnati from all points of the compass. Those traveling by air will likely arrive at the Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky International Airport, a 15-minute drive from downtown.
Worried about big city traffic? Leave your worries in other cities! Cincinnati offers a convenient, climate-controlled Skyway system that allows pedestrians to move around the downtown area in comfort. Covering 20 city blocks, the Skyway system links major hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, shops, Fountain Square, and the Duke Energy Convention Center.
Make an Impact
Too often, cities remember Christian conventions for the wrong reasons. As you prepare for this year's convention, remember the following tips to make this year's conference experience a positive one for everyone:
On the City
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Tip the valet (once, either going or coming)
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Tip your servers (at least 15%, 20% for a large party)
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Be quiet in your hotel after 10 pm
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Use your head: don't travel on foot alone after dark; carry limited cash
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Tip your maid (not expected, always appreciated)
On the Convention
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Pray for convention speakers
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Enjoy the exhibits
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Attend worship services
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Smile
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Catch up with old friends
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Make new friends
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Attend seminars
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Cheer on your kids at competition
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Attend convention business sessions
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Order CDs of convention speakers for the folks back home
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Take time to meet a missionary (better yet, take him or her for coffee)
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Subscribe to ONE Magazine (visit the booth in the convention exhibit hall)
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Get to know a national leader
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Thank someone from the host state; conventions are a lot of work
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