Maria Byrd, Vice President of downtown BWC Chapter 2535, wants to welcome all OCSEA delegates, alternates and guests to her hometown, Columbus, Ohio. Maria is a Business Process Analyst 2 and has been with the agency nearly 29 years. Besides being a union activist, Maria is also an avid bowler and says she’s the only one in her family that hasn’t had a 300 score––but she has bowled a 290! Some of her favorite places to bowl in Columbus include Holiday Lanes (4589 E Broad St), Sequoia Pro Bowl (5501 Sandalwood Blvd), and Pins Mechanical (duckpin)––which is less than a 10-minute walk away at 141 N. 4th Street!  

The convention is located at the Greater Columbus Convention Center inside the Hyatt Regency, just south of the bustling Short North Arts District. Delegates can relax with a meal at nearby Marcella's Ristorante (615 N. High St.) or kick back at local brewpub Barley's Brewing Company (467 N. High St.), two of many great local establishments.    

The dynamic, hands-on science museum COSI (333 W. Broad St.) is a must for out-of-towners with families, and OCSEA members save up to $5 per ticket at OCSEA.org/Extras! Another great choice for families is the Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens (1777 E Broad St.), where you’ll find beautiful indoor and outdoor gardens and exhibits; OCSEA members save $3 per ticket through OCSEA Extras. Love art? Visit the Columbus Museum of Art (480 E Broad St.) with a wide variety of impressive art exhibitions as well as a charming museum store and café.    

Columbus has something for everyone. We hope you enjoy your time here!