the logo for american horticulture presents cultivate 24

Travel Tips

By plane

You’ll fly into John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) with major carriers, including Air Canada, American, Delta, Southwest, United, and US Airways.

Then, it’s a 10-minute shuttle, taxi, or Uber ride to downtown.

By car

Drivers can reach Columbus via two major interstates – I-70 from the east and west or I-71 for travelers coming from the north or south. For real time traffic, including construction zones, visit OHgo.com.

Many of the hotels have parking - see all the area parking options by clicking here.

By bus

Greyhound is the largest provider of intercity bus transportation. For routes and fares visit Greyhound.com.

Visit Experience Columbus for more information on getting to and around Columbus.

Resources for international visitors

AmericanHort welcomes visitors from all around the world to Cultivate each year. Below are resources AmericanHort has compiled to help make your experience as convenient as possible.

Electronic system for travel authorization (ESTA)

All nationals or citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries who plan to travel to the United States for temporary business or pleasure will require, as of January 12, 2009, an approved ESTA prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States under the VWP.

An approved ESTA travel authorization is:

  • Valid for up to two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first;
  • Valid for multiple entries into the U.S.;
  • Not a guarantee of admissibility to the United States at a port of entry. ESTA approval only authorizes a traveler to board a carrier for travel to the U.S. under the VWP. In all cases, Customs and Border Protection officers make admissibility determinations at our ports of entry.

Apply for your visa early

Advance travel planning and early visa application are important since visa applications are subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past.

Applying for a visa can be a lengthy process. We recommend that you start early. Begin the application process four to five months before Cultivate. AmericanHort recommends that you secure your travel visa before registering for Cultivate.

Visa application

Letters of Invitation to AmericanHort events may be issued to validate the event. Such letters may be used to support an individual's request for company or governmental clearance to attend the event. For more information on how to request a Letter of Invitation, see below.

Individuals traveling to the United States to attend Cultivate may request a Letter of Invitation.

Request a Letter of Invitation from AmericanHort

Letter of Invitation policy

Individuals traveling from outside of the United States to attend an AmericanHort sponsored event within the United States may request a Letter of Invitation to the event. Information and instructions on requesting a Letter of Invitation to an AmericanHort event are as follows:

Deadline for Requests: 30 days prior to the event


Eligible applicants

Individuals requesting a Letter of Invitation to an AmericanHort event must be:

  • A member of the horticulture (or agriculture) industry
  • Fully registered- including payment in full - for the AmericanHort event for which they are requesting an invitation
  • Individuals do not have to be a member of AmericanHort to request a Letter of Invitation


Content of the letter

A Letter of Invitation issued by AmericanHort will:

  • Be addressed directly to the individual requesting the invitation
  • Include the name, date, and location of the AmericanHort event
  • Indicate the individual's responsibility for all expenses related to his/her participation in the AmericanHort event (including registration, travel, and accommodations)
  • Be digitally signed by an authorized AmericanHort representative


How to request a Letter of Invitation

You will be able to request a Letter of Invitation during the registration process.


Delivery of Letter of Invitation

A Letter of Invitation may be delivered to the applicant via email in a .pdf format.

Approved requests will be processed within one week of receipt of a complete and qualified event registration form and Letter of Invitation Request.


Disclaimer

AmericanHort reserves the right to decline any request for a Letter of Invitation.

AmericanHort has no influence on an individual's application to a U.S. Embassy or other agency for a Visa to travel to the United States and is not responsible for the outcome of an individual's Visa application.


Cancellations and Refunds

AmericanHort will issue a full refund for written requests if requested 30 days prior to the event start date.

Requests for Letters of Invitation will be accepted up to 30 days prior to the event start date. If you are unable to obtain a VISA or have any other travel related circumstances, the above event registration cancellation policy applies.


In the event that your Visa application is denied.

Please note, if your Visa application is denied, AmericanHort will issue a full registration refund, if requested in writing and dated documentation from your Embassy stating registrant's name and Visa denial is provided to AmericanHort within ten days of the conclusion of the AmericanHort event.


Share by: