Practical information

Getting around in Colorado Springs
The best way to get around Colorado Springs is by car, since some of the city's most popular things to do – including the famous Pikes Peak – cannot be reached on foot from the city center. However, if you plan on spending the day in downtown Colorado Springs or nearby Manitou Springs, your own two feet and a comfy pair of shoes should suffice. You can rent a vehicle in town or at the Colorado Springs Airport (COS), which is located about 11 miles east of central Colorado Springs. The city also features an affordable public bus system with more than 20 routes, many of which start or end in the downtown area. Another option is to swap four wheels for two: Many Colorado Springs streets have bike lanes and the city has a bike-share program called PikeRide, where you can borrow a bike for as little as USD 2.

Read more about car rental, taxis, public transportation and bikes.

Visa to the United States
ESTA visitors: Official ESTA application

All other international visitors: Admission into the United States

We recommend that you apply for your visa in good time before the conference.

Registration and information desk
The Play the Game conference information and registration desk is located at the banquet entrance

The desk will be open during the following hours:

Sunday 13 November 9 AM - 11 AM & 1 PM - 10 PM
Monday 14 November 8 AM - 8 PM
Tuesday 15 November 8 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday 16 November 8 AM - 6 PM

Invitation letter
In case you need a visa for the United States, Play the Game can support your visa application by issuing an invitation letter.

The invitation letter will not be issued until registration and payment for the conference is done. Play the Game might ask for further documentation before we can issue an invitation letter.


Weather and clothing
Through mid-October you will typically experience 55-65 °F (12-18 °C) during the day and 30-45 °F (1-7 °C) at night on average. Of course, anything is possible, and Colorado Springs has seen snow early in the season, but on average the first couple of weeks in October are temperate.  Dressing in layers is key and sunscreen is always recommended.  

High Altitude Tips
Colorado is a state consisting of various and extreme altitudes with 54 peaks over 14,000 ft. above sea level. Colorado Springs climbs to an altitude of 6,035 ft./1,839 m. Manitou Springs, just five miles to the west of Colorado Springs, is 6,320 feet/1,926 meters above sea level. The summit of Pikes Peak towers above them all at 14,115 ft./4,302 m.

To enjoy your visit in Colorado Springs, here are a few things to keep in mind to give your body time to adjust to the altitude and prevent altitude sickness:

• Stay below 7,000 ft. the first day (the city of Colorado Springs is 6,035 ft. above sea level)
• Give your body time to adjust (there's lots to see and do at lower altitudes)
• Avoid strenuous exercise the first day and drink more water.
• Get plenty of good rest and enjoy yourself!

Currency & exchange
The currency in the USA is the United States Dollar (USD). Currency conversion 

Banks/ATM machines
Banks are usually open until 4:30 pm. Common business is done from Monday to Friday, but major shops are usually open on Saturdays 9:00 am - 6:00 pm and on Sundays 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm, with exceptions. Credit cards are widely accepted, in particular MasterCard & Visa.

Electricity
Electric power is standardised in all states across the USA. It is set at 110 volts (while most other countries operate on 220 volts). Standard electric plugs have two flat blades. The plugs on some newer appliances have a third round grounding pin. If you bring any electrical appliance to the USA, you may therefore need an adaptor to fit the US electrical receptacles. You may also need a converter to convert the voltage from 110 volts to 220 volts.

Language
The official conference language is English. Remember that for most participants – and most speakers – English is not their native language. Take your time and speak slowly and clearly.

Find more information about Colorado Springs on the website of Visit Colorado Springs