Greetings to the Building Component Manufacturers Conference. On behalf of our citizens, we are very proud that 2000 participants from all over the country will be “Building a New Tomorrow” in our great city October 16-18, 2002 I am delighted to welcome you to our state capital and Ohio’s largest city. Columbus is a growing, vibrant city known for its dynamic business climate, friendly neighborhoods, and modern, efficient government. Each year, an increasing number of visitors from around the country and around the world come to our city to meet, compete, trade and enjoy what Columbus has to offer. While you are here, we invite you to explore the many things we love about our community: the new COSI, the world famous Columbus Zoo, The Ohio State University, the fantastic shopping, and the vibrant nightlife in places like the Short North, German Village, the Brewery District. Easton Town Center and dozens of friendly spots in every Columbus neighborhood. There’s so much to discover in Columbus. But what we hope you’ll find most of all is our generous hospitality and special quality of life that brings visitors back, and leads more and more people to make Columbus their home. Best wishes for a successful event. Sincerely, Michael B. Coleman Mayor MBC/kp TOP OF PAGE The Greater Columbus Convention Center 400 North High Street Columbus, OH 43215 www.columbusconventions.com • Located in a city designed for conventions. VIEW LARGER IMAGE • Recently remodeled…It is virtually impossible to tell where the original building stops and the new construction begins.   • Great traffic flow. The convention hotels are connected to the convention center with skywalks. The meeting rooms, registration booth and exhibit halls are all on the same floor and in one continuous flow.   • The show floor has a terrific layout. The utilities are available in the floor and include 480v electrical power, water, compressed air and a bank of 300 phone lines. • Twelve loading docks. There's even a marshalling yard less than 15 minutes away. • A wide variety of restaurants, theaters, museums, entertainment and a sporting arena within close walking distance.

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Attractions in Columbus range from a vibrant arts scene, to one of the nation's largest universities, to a renowned zoo, exciting sports, fine restaurants and enough specialty stores, outlets and malls to satisfy the most avid shopper.

Highlights include COSI, the city's acclaimed interactive science museum; three historic downtown theaters; and Easton Town Center, a unique entertainment, restaurant and retail complex.

Four lively urban districts surround Columbus, including the city's newest hot spot, the Nationwide Arena District, the Short North Arts District, the historic German Village and the spirited Brewery District.

In addition, a variety of professional and collegiate sports teams call Columbus home, including the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Columbus Crew professional soccer team, and the National Hockey League's Columbus Blue Jackets.

For more information about Columbus visitor attractions and events, visit www.VisitColumbus.org.

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THEATER:

Broadway in Columbus
The Tale of the Allergist's Wife 10/15 through 10/20, Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St., Columbus Tuesday-Friday 8 p.m. Saturday 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The Tale of the Allergist's Wife is Broadway's funniest new play, a Tony-nominated smash hit which has been called "an uproarious comedy" (The New York Times), "irresistibly hilarious" (The Daily News) and "the funniest play I have ever seen in my life!" (Rosie O'Donnell) Tickets go on sale Thursday, Sept. 12. 614/431-3600, $21.75-$56.75. www.broadwayacrossamerica.com

Circleville Pumpkin Show
10/16 through 10/19 Downtown Circleville, south of Columbus Ohio's oldest and largest festival, the Circleville Pumpkin Show features entertainment, arts and crafts, and pumpkin foods. 740/474-7000. Free. www.pumpkinshow.com

North Market Harvest Festival
10/19 North Market, across the street from the Convention Center
Saturday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

This celebration of the fall harvest at the historic North Market features locally grown fruits and vegetables, musical entertainment, food demonstrations, children's activities and family fun. 614/463-9664. Free. www.northmarket.com

Hockey: Columbus Blue Jackets
10/14 vs. Coyotes • 10/19 vs. Panthers
Nationwide Arena: One of the most beautiful and unique sports and entertainment venues in the world, Nationwide Arena opened its doors in September 2000 and serves as the home of the National Hockey League's Columbus Blue Jackets and National Lacrosse League's Columbus Land Sharks. Located on the corner of Nationwide Boulevard and Front Street in downtown Columbus, the $150 million facility raises the bar of excellence for sports and entertainment facilities.
www.bluejackets.com

BalletMet — Triple Play! Maninyas
10/17 through 10/26
Capitol Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 S. High St., Second Floor,
Thursday 7:30 p.m. Friday 8 p.m. Saturday 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Oct. 20.
614/229-4848
www.balletmet.org

BalletMet — Boo!
10/19 Capitol Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 S. High St., Second Floor,
Saturday 2 p.m. 614/229-4848
www.balletmet.org

Columbus Symphony Orchestra
Gunther Herbig, guest conductor
10/18 through 10/20
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
Friday-Saturday 8 p.m. 614/228-8600. Single tickets go on sale in August.
www.columbussymphony.com