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Bogotá FAQs 

 

 

What is the official language?

Spanish is the official language of Colombia.

 

 

What is the time zone in Bogotá?

Bogotá is in the GTM-5 (Eastern time zone in the US).  It does not change during the year.

 

 

What is the currency and how can I pay?

The currency is the Colombian Peso (COP).  One US dollar (USD) is equal to approximately 4,000 COP.  The 20,000 COP bill available at ATMs is about $5 US.  

 

Credit cards are also accepted in most stores and shopping centers.  

 

There are ATMs at Bogota’s airport and an ATM (Scotiabank) in the grocery store across the street from the Hilton.

 

 

 

What is the weather like in Bogotá?

Bogota is located at 8,661 feet above sea level on the eastern mountain range of the Colombian Andes. The average temperature is a spring-like 50-66° F year-round. It is not unusual to have overcast weather with occasional showers.

 

For information about traveling to destinations at high altitudes, visit https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-to-high-altitudes. 

 

 

What is the population of Bogotá?

Bogotá is the largest city in Colombia.  People converge from all around the country with almost 11 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area with different origins, cultures, and accents. Bogotá is divided into 20 districts. The most recognized areas for tourism include Chapinero, Usaquen, Barrios Unidos, Teusaquillo and La Candelaria. 

 

 

How do I get to Bogotá? 

El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is located inside the city limits.  It is the main hub of Colombia, served by airlines such as American, Delta, United, Jet Blue, Avianca, Copa, etc. Services for travelers include machines (ATMs), Notary Office, restaurants, shops and a convenient taxi center. 

 

The two authorized taxi companies are Taxis El Dorado and Radio Taxi Aeropuerto. You will find them easily after passing through the international arrivals exit.  

 

 

How do I travel around Bogotá?

 

Taxis  

 

El Dorado International Airport offers convenient taxi service. The two authorized taxi companies are:  

        • Taxis El Dorado  
        • Radio Taxi Aeropuerto 

 

You will find them easily after passing through the international arrivals exit.

 

Uber is NOT recommended for airport transfers as it is not officially recognized by the airport.

 

In the city, hailing a taxi on the street is not recommended. Request a taxi through a hotel or restaurant or use one of the following apps:

        • Taxis Libres 
        • Easy Taxi  
        • Cabify 
        • Didi

 

Public Transportation System 

Inaugurated in 2001, Transmilenio is part of Bogota´s mass transportation system, with high level infrastructure, including 114 kms of exclusive lanes for high capacity “bendy-buses.”  There are two types of buses: One has a capacity for 150 passengers and the other one for 250 passengers each. 

 

The system allows you to move all around Bogotá, with 9 main stations in key locations around the city and a total of 143 bus stops.

 

Here are the fees:

        • Rechargeable Card Fee: less than $2 USD
        • Single ride fee:  less than $1 USD

 

How to find an address in Bogotá?

In Bogotá, the best way to orient yourself is to look for the eastern mountains, visible from most of the city.  If you are facing the mountains, the left side will mark the north, the right side is the south and the west will be behind you. 

 

You will find streets (Calles) and races as well as diagonals and cross-sections.  Streets go from east to west and cross the races vertically. The abbreviation for street is “Cll,” “Cl,” or “C”.

 

Streets known as “races” run parallel to the mountains from south to north and can be found with abbreviations such as “Cra,” “K,” and “Kra.” The transversal ones go like the races, from south to north. The avenues run parallel, diagonally or perpendicular to the streets.

Credit: www.bogotadc.travel

 

 

How are phone numbers written in Colombia?

The country calling code is + 57.  The code for Bogotá is + 601 + the number. On mobile phones, the number is only + 57 + the cell phone number.

 

Local and cell phone signals are quite good, especially in the cities. In mountainous or forested areas, the signal can be intermittent. SIM cards are easy to find at local stores and cost about US$ 5-10 USD.

 

 

Emergency number:

+ 123: this is the national number for any emergency.

 

 

What kind of power outlets will I find?

The voltage is usually 110 V, the frequency is about 60Hz, plugs are A/B type (same as the US and Canada).

 

 

Where can I get tourist information about Bogotá?

Bogotá has a series of free, bilingual service points where domestic and foreign tourists receive personalized attention from tourism professionals with extensive knowledge of the city’s tourist attractions, routes, operators, scenery, cultural activities, commercial areas, procedures, pedestrian and/or bicycle tours, among many other services required by the visitor.

 

The locations of these offices can be found at

https://www.idt.gov.co/es/puntos-de-informacion-turistica

 

Covid – 19 vaccination in Colombia and Bogotá (Updated March 2022):

      • Colombia has secured the necessary COVID-19 vaccine doses through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms for its citizens. More than 30 million people have been vaccinated in Colombia, representing 86.4% of the target population.
      • The Bogotá Mayor’s Office developed a virtual platform called “SaludData” in which all of the city’s figures regarding the management of the pandemic can be found. Within this site is a tool called “Vaccinemeter,” in which the vaccination status of the city is seen in real-time, showing progress toward the goal of obtaining herd immunity.
      • Population in Bogotá with full vaccination scheme: 5,567,567 (92.8%) 
      • Population in Bogotá with the first dose: 5,665,164 (94,4%)
      • Population in Bogota with booster shot: 1,556,721
      • Population eligible for vaccination: 6,001,867
      • Vaccines in use: Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Janssen, Moderna.

 

The SATW Convention will follow all local protocols in effect at the time of the convention regarding masks, vaccinations, etc.  

 

 

How do tips work in Bogotá and Colombia?

In bars and restaurants, it is suggested but not mandatory to give 10% of the total value of your meal. (The waiters should ask for permission to include it in your bill). Taxis do not need to be tipped. For other services such as hotel staff, tourist guides, it is optional to give tips according to the services.

 

 

Where can I smoke?

Smoking is permitted outdoors only.

 

 

How is the water in Bogotá?

Bogota’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink.  Bottled water is available for those who prefer it. 

 

Is it safe in Bogotá?

As in any major city, mind your wallet/purse/camera/passport, etc. against pickpockets.  Be aware of your surroundings.  Be very cautious when crossing streets. Don’t assume cars will stop for pedestrians.  Be “city smart.”  

 

This link gives a realistic picture: https://www.travelsafe-abroad.com/colombia/bogota/:  “For most of the vigilant and attentive tourists, this beautiful city is a safe place to visit….Nevertheless, there is street crime like theft, pickpocketing, and purse snatching as in any major city.”

 

Check out the map of Bogotá

Please click one of the following sections to go to that area on the page:

Key Dates     Pricing     Schedule     Hotel Information    Transportation    Terms and Conditions   FAQs     Committee    Attendees List

Cancellation Policy

 

Cancellations up until September 7 will not be assessed a fee. Cancellations between September 8 – September 15 will be assessed a $150 fee. There will be no refunds provided after September 16, 2021. All cancellations must be received in writing by the SATW Convention Registrar. ‎Exceptions will be made only for documentable and serious medical emergencies or death of someone ‎in the member’s immediate family (e.g., spouse, spouse equivalent, child, parent, sibling, ‎grandchild, grandparent). In these instances, the member will receive a full refund minus a $150 ‎processing fee. In the case of a medical emergency, a note from the attending physician is required ‎stating he/she is unable to travel due to medical reasons. The approval of the refund exception must ‎be made by the SATW President, or in his/her absence, the SATW President Elect. Any appeals by a ‎member will be reviewed by the Executive Committee and a final decision will be issued within 60 ‎days. SATW strongly recommends that members purchase optional trip insurance for cancellation, ‎interruption, illness, injury, and baggage loss or damage.

 

Canadian members who have registered for the convention and are unable to attend due to the US/Canada border closing will be allowed to receive a full refund, even after the September 7 deadline.‎

Pricing

 

Members

 

Actives – $575
Associate – $1,175
Emeritus – $1,275

Guest of a member* – $775
Non-member Guest* – $975

 

Non-Member

 

Active*: $625

*Qualified journalists include those who have attended one of these industry events as a journalist in the past five years: Travel Classics, IMM, and IPW. We will also welcome members of NATJA, TMAC, the Midwest Travel Writers Association, the British Travel Writers Guild, the Australian Travel Writers Association, ASJA, the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the Asian American Journalists Association

 

PR professional: $1,275
Open to anyone in the travel field who works with media. Does not include Media Marketplace.

 

Registration Fee Includes:

– Ground transportation to/from hotel
– Four night stay
– All meals (Sunday evening through Thursday morning)
– All professional development sessions
– Marketplace
– Awards dinner
– One full-day tour or two half-day tours
– Chapter and Council meetings
– SATW business meeting
– Opening reception Sunday evening
– Farewell dinner Wednesday evening
– Tour Tips

 

*SATW members must register at the applicable SATW rate. A guest may share a room, but unless they register as a non-member guest, they can not participate in any convention activities, and will be asked to leave if they attend.

Participating non-members must register as non-member guests and must share a room with an SATW member. The package includes ground transportation in Milwaukee, Evening activities, Breakfast and Lunch with members and Day Tours-optional. Non-Member Guest rate does not include participation in Marketplace or attendance at the Business, Chapter or Council meetings.

Hotel Information

 

You will be responsible for your own hotel reservation. Once your process payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email that contains a link to book your hotel room. A credit card will be required, but your credit card will not be charged. If you need additional nights outside of the core convention, the Saint Kate will be offering rooms for $129 per night between September 29-October 9. You are responsible for any additional charges and fees outside the core convention dates. You are responsible for any and all incidental charges for your entire stay (i.e. guest room wifi upgrades, parking, room service etc.)

 

For questions about your reservation, please reach out to the Front Desk at 414-276-8686.

 

 

For information on the hotels safety precautions, click here.

 

Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel

139 East Kilbourn

Milwaukee, WI 53202

(414) 276-8686

 

Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel is a unique, boutique arts hotel created by artists for artists. The name Saint Kate gives nod to Saint Catherine — the patron saint of artists and the original champion of the creative process — and then spins around and walks firmly in a bold, modern, new direction. She’s the supporter, the encourager, the instigator. Saint Kate is more than a hotel. It is a one-of-its-kind destination for travelers, artists, and the community. It is a venue — a platform for exploration, connection and expression. It is a hub for the established and the emerging, the curious and the visionary.

 

Saint Kate at a Glance

      • 219 elegant guestrooms
      • 11,600 square feet of meeting space
      • 5 unique culinary experiences
      • Black box theater
      • Multiple gallery and exhibition spaces
      • Walking distance from notable art attractions in Milwaukee’s entertainment district as well as the Historic Third Ward neighborhood and the Deer District

 

Room Amenities

      • Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
      • Fully-equipped, on-site fitness center
      • Self-parking is available at $20/night
      • In-building restaurant open 7 days a week
      • Wireless charging station in every room
      • Concierge service
      • A ukulele in every room
      • Artwork found in multiple locations in rooms (check out the mural in the closet!)
      • A record player and a small selection of records in every room (additional records available in the lobby)
      • In-room paper scroll and colored pencils

 

Once the Saint Kate room block has been filled, additional rooms will be available at:

 

Hilton Milwaukee City Center

509 W. Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53203

Phone:(414) 271-7250

 

Experience the graceful style and superb service of Hilton Milwaukee City Center, one of Milwaukee’s AAA Four Diamond hotels and a member of Historic Hotels of America. Hilton Milwaukee’s recent multi-million-dollar renovation has restored the hotel to its original 1920s magnificence with elegant chandeliers, rich woodwork accents, marble floors, and refined furnishings.

 

Room Amenities

      • Complimentary high-speed wireless internet hotel-wide
      • Refrigerators available
      • Safes in all guest rooms
      • Hilton Honors points and miles available
      • Accessible for handicapped
      • Connecting rooms
      • Non-smoking rooms
      • Television (standard network, cable, and premium)
      • Telephones with data port and voicemail
      • In-room coffee makers
      • USA Today newspaper delivered Monday through Friday

Transportation

GETTING TO MILWAUKEE

See here and below different options to get to the 2021 Convention.

 

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is just eight miles from downtown offering non-stop flights from about 40 cities and one-stop flights from about 160 cities.

 

      • Delta Discount for SATW Attendees
        • When booking a flight, please apply both the Meeting Event Code AND the SkyBonus Member Number to your reservation.
          • Meeting Event Code: NMULH
          • SkyBonus Points Member Number: US0084894

 

Please note the following:

    • A single code is used for both Domestic and International flights
    • Not all fares are eligible for a discount; fare rules determine eligibility
    • Discounts vary, depending on the class of ticket purchased, and apply to round trip travel only
    • Not valid with other discounts, certificates, coupons or promotional offers

 

For a possible cheaper alternative, consider flying into Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and taking a bus to Milwaukee’s Airport (MKE). Check the bus schedule here.

 

Milwaukee Intermodal Station is serviced by Amtrak trains, Greyhound buses, Megabus, and Coach USA.

 

Lake Express Ferry is an auto/passenger vessel linking Milwaukee with Muskegon in a two-hour ride that is more direct than driving south around Lake Michigan.

 

By car, Milwaukee is located just 90 minutes north of Chicago and within a day’s drive of one-third of the U.S. population. Parking is available at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel as well as surrounding parking structures and lots at varying daily rates.

  

GETTING AROUND MILWAUKEE

 

      • The Hop streetcar connects some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods and attractions
      • Bublr Bikes stations are located throughout Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, and West Allis
      • Rideshare and Taxi are available from companies like Uber, Lyft, American United Taxicab Services, and Forward Pedicab
      • Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) buses run throughout Milwaukee County, including special shuttles during lakefront events
      • Walking around Milwaukee’s compact downtown or along the city’s RiverWalk are popular options to get around the city

MKE FAQs

 

What are the dates of the convention?

The dates for the core convention are Oct. 3 – 7, 2021. Pre and post tour dates vary and will be found on the pre and post tour listings page.

 

Is Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel offering a special room rate before and after the convention? 

If you are not attending a pre or post tour and would like to arrive before or stay after the core convention, the hotel is offering rooms between October 4 and October 8. The special room rate is $129 per night. That will be available until September 10, 2021 or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first. Price does not include sales and/or occupancy tax or fees. A credit card will be required at checkout to guarantee your reservation at the hotel for both the core convention and any additional nights. Once you’ve registered and submitted payment for the convention, you will be emailed a receipt that includes the link to book your hotel reservation. If you don’t receive that email, please send a note to [email protected].

 

Will there be day passes available?

No, all attendees must register for the full convention.

 

Will there be a joiner fee?

Since the registration does not include airfare, there will be no joiner fee.

 

What does the registration fee include? 

 

The registration fee includes:

      • Ground transportation to/from hotel
      • Four-night stay at the convention hotel
      • All meals (Sunday evening through Thursday morning)
      • All professional development sessions
      • Marketplace
      • One full-day tour or two half-day tours
      • Chapter and Council meetings
      • SATW business meeting
      • Opening reception Sunday evening
      • Awards dinner Monday evening
      • Taste of Wisconsin reception Tuesday evening
      • Farewell reception Wednesday evening
      • Tour tips

 

How soon will I know which day tours I have been assigned?

All tour assignments selections will be confirmed via email during the week of August 16.

 

Can I make changes to my requests for day tours, pre/post tours or when I receive them?

Our registrar cannot accommodate requests to swap day tours. For pre/post tours, as of August 13 changes cannot be accommodated. Effective August 13, SATW’s no-refund policy for cancellations is in effect.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Per SATW’s Code of Conduct, attendees are expected to participate in all activities for which they registered. If an attendee must cancel a tour, he/she is expected to notify the registrar as soon as possible. Anyone missing two or more scheduled activities for which they are registered without giving prior notification to the registrar may be liable for Code of Conduct violations.

 

Have itineraries for day tours and pre/post tours been finalized?

Although largely accurate today, all itineraries are subject to revisions between now and October. A few weeks prior to the convention all attendees will receive a personalized itinerary reflecting their individual tour arrangements.

 

Can my guest come on a pre and/or post tour with me?

Yes, but they must register for a pre and/or post tour with their accompanying member; they cannot travel independently from the member.

 

Are there any special requirements to be able to participate in a pre or post tour?

All participants on pre and post tours in the region must be prepared for a reasonable amount of walking. Participants are expected to be able to manage the requirements as noted in each tour itinerary.

 

What is the appropriate dress code?

In the cool October of the Midwest, you should be prepared for cooler temperatures and plan to layer your garments, perhaps with a light vest and/or jacket as the outer layer(s). Please bring comfortable walking shoes. For the day tours during the core convention and the pre- and post-convention tours, we recommend casual attire but refer to the individual itineraries for specific apparel suggestions. For the SATW program activities, evening programs, and meals, we suggest business-casual attire. No formal events are scheduled.

 

Are tips included in the convention package?

Tips for guides and drivers on day tours as well as pre and post tours are included. Tips for maids, bellhops, and waiters are at your discretion.

 

Is there a cancellation deadline? 

Cancellations up until September 7 will not be assessed a fee. Cancellations between September 8 – September 15 will be assessed a $150 fee. There will be no refunds provided after September 16, 2021. All cancellations must be received in writing by the SATW Convention Registrar. ‎Exceptions will be made only for documentable and serious medical emergencies or death of someone ‎in the member’s immediate family (e.g., spouse, spouse equivalent, child, parent, sibling, ‎grandchild, grandparent). In these instances, the member will receive a full refund minus a $150 ‎processing fee. In the case of a medical emergency, a note from the attending physician is required ‎stating he/she is unable to travel due to medical reasons. The approval of the refund exception must ‎be made by the SATW President, or in his/her absence, the SATW President Elect. Any appeals by a ‎member will be reviewed by the Executive Committee and a final decision will be issued within 60 ‎days. SATW strongly recommends that members purchase optional trip insurance for cancellation, ‎interruption, illness, injury, and baggage loss or damage.

 

Canadian members who have registered for the convention and are unable to attend due to the US/Canada border closing will be allowed to receive a full refund, even after the September 7 deadline.‎

 

SATW strongly recommends members purchase optional trip insurance from Medjet Assist for trip cancellation, interruption, illness, injury and baggage loss or damage (U.S. and Canadian members only).

 

Hashtags

      • #SATWMKE
      • #VisitMKE
      • #TravelWI

 

Milwaukee FAQs

 

What is Milwaukee weather like in October?

The average monthly high in October is 59 degrees with the average low being 43 degrees. Although Milwaukee’s 29 million visitors come to the city almost evenly across all seasons, fall is the highest with 28 percent of visitors during autumn. Fall color traditionally peaks in the Milwaukee area during early October.

 

What should I pack?

Be sure to dress in layers as the weather can vary with the temperature often much cooler the nearer you are to Lake Michigan. For active events, we encourage you to bring close toed walking shoes, water bottle(s), a backpack or bag, and perhaps some snacks.

 

What is Milwaukee’s population size?

Milwaukee proper is home to nearly 600,000 residents. The four-county area has a population of 1.5 million. (Source: US Census Bureau 2019 estimates)

 

What time zone is Milwaukee in?

During the convention, Milwaukee will be in Central Daylight Time (CDT).

 

Is Milwaukee safe?

Milwaukee is a safe city and growing even safer each year with the city crime rate being down 30 percent over 10 years as of early 2020.

 

How do I travel around Milwaukee?

      • The Hop streetcar connects some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods and attractions
      • Bublr Bikes stations are located throughout Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, and West Allis
      • Rideshare and Taxi are available from companies like Uber, Lyft, American United Taxicab Services, and Forward Pedicab
      • Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) buses run throughout Milwaukee County, including special shuttles during lakefront events
      • Walking around Milwaukee’s compact downtown or along the city’s RiverWalk are popular options to get around the city

 

Where can I find story ideas?

General story ideas can be found on VISIT Milwaukee’s website. To discuss more in-depth story angles please reach out to VISIT Milwaukee’s communications team by emailing [email protected]. You may also access to downloadable photos and b-roll from the VISIT Milwaukee media library.

 

Where can I find Milwaukee facts?

Check out VISIT Milwaukee’s Tourism Fact Sheet for fun facts and tourism data as well as the Milwaukee Fact Sheet for population and business information.

 

What are Milwaukee’s signature events?

Milwaukee is the City of Festivals. From the world’s largest music festival – Summerfest – to countless cultural festivals, neighborhood street parties, and even a 24-hour bike race, there’s always something to celebrate in Milwaukee. Explore Milwaukee’s Annual Event Calendar and Milwaukee365.com for upcoming events.

 

 

Compliments of VISIT Milwaukee.

A special thank you to the Milwaukee committee and staff for putting this spectacular convention together.

President: Larry Bleiberg
Convention Co-Chairs: Laurie Armstrong Gossy & Christine Loomis
Executive Director: Marla Schrager

 

Visit Milwaukee Support

Director of Communications: Claire Koenig
Communications Manager: Lindsey McKee
Director of Event Experience: Brittany Korth
Chief Marketing Officer: Megan Suardini

 

Travel Wisconsin Support

Communications Director: Craig Trost
Communications Officer: Amanda Weibel

 

Staff
Account Manager: Anna McManus
Meetings Manager: Brittany Marinovich, Debbie Jennings
Sponsorship Manager: Alan Goodin

 

Professional Development Committee

Chair: Deborah Wakefield
Advisor: Catharine Hamm
Committee: Jody Halsted
Committee: Mary Jo Manzanares
Committee: Bea Broda
Committee: Ethan Gelber
Committee: Susan Lanier Graham
Committee: Kirsten Maxwell
Committee, Meet the Editors: Jane Wooldridge

 

Social Media

Chair: David Swanson
Twitter: Melissa McGibbon
Instagram: Mary Jo Manzanares
Facebook-External: Elliot Gillies
Communications-Internal: Anietra Hamper

Communications-External: Victoria Larson
LinkedIn: Jane Wooldridge

 

Photo Quest

Chair: Mark Downey

 

Marketplace

Chair: Gaylene Ore

Co-Chair: Joyce Kiehl

 

Awards

Chair: Eric Lindberg

Lowell Thomas: Catharine Hamm
Bill Muster Photo Awards: Doug Peebles
Phoenix: Toby Saltzman

 

First Timers

Co-Chair: Meryl Pearlstein
Co-Chair: Annita Thomas