Gate2Shop - Sell more.

Gate2Shop is once again a major sponsor, presenter and participant at The Festival of Games held in Utrecht, April 28-29, 2011.

We hope you will find time outside the packed conference agenda to enjoy this particular part of Holland, as well.  There are plenty of things to do in Utrecht. While it’s a relatively small town even for Europe’s scale, it is lively, picturesque and imbued with stories and symbolism.

We’ve put together this handy map below to help you organize your fun in Utrecht…

View 2011 Festival of Games Utrecht – Utrecht City Guide in a larger map

Where to stay

Accommodation in Utrecht is relatively easy to secure, especially if you book in advance.  There are numerous luxurious as well as affordable hotels, boarding houses and bed-and-breakfasts.  Further options include short-term rentals, hostels and even university dorm housing. Find more info on accommodation in Utrecht.

Getting around

Holland has an elaborate train and bus system, and Utrecht transportation is up to par.  Utrecht is connected to Europe via the ICE international train from Germany, the regular Dutch Intercity train network with direct service to the Schiphol Airport, regular local trains, a city light-rail line, local and regional Connexxion and Arriva buses.  The town is also accessible by car via many major highways, yet easily traversed on foot and bike-ready.

Day activities in Utrecht

Dating back to the Stone Age, Utrecht displays hints of Roman times, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and beyond.  Stroll the cobble-stoned streets where you’ll pass many churches, architectural treasures and museums. Or take in the cityscape from a canal cruise.

Definite musts for the cultural enthusiasts are the Cathedral (Domkerk) and the Cathedral Tower (Domtoren), the National Museum from Musical Clock to Street Organ (Nationaal Museum van Speelklok tot Pierement) and the Slot Zuylen or Slot Zeist castles.

There are many art installations, street performers and window-shopping generously offered by locals and travellers alike.  Try to find the ‘secret garden’, just before the Dom Tower on the city side (there is an entrance on the right side to an inner courtyard), check the news at a sunny street-side cafe (carbon copies, aka newspapers, are allowed and welcomed) or follow the canal around town and onward to the Botanic Gardens of the University of Utrecht.

Going out

A young population of college students and the many tourists and business visitors descending on Utrecht make for a refreshingly vibrant nightlife. Starting with live music venues, there are four major music events on Thursday, April 28th, and two each on Friday, Saturday and Sunday:  There are other local live bands playing in various pubs and clubs in town, as well.

 
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The International Conference of Online Game Developers has its schedule published and ISDEF has provided a full agenda and comfortable facilities for all attendees, yet, there is plenty to see and do in Kiev to enhance your trip to Ukraine’s capital.

View ISDEF Kiev 2011 city guide in a larger map

Eating Out

In addition to the four restaurants and bars at the Rus, you may want to indulge in other culinary destinations, as well.  Yes, there’s McDonalds in town, but also a colorful variety of local, foreign and fusion cuisines, as well as many pubs and bars.

Going Out

Kiev is well known for its nightlife, so if you are looking for a dance floor, mixing with the rich and famous, or simply listening to a live band or a DJ, you are already in for a dynamic night out. Click around the map above, or check out one of these local sites: http://www.kiev-life.com & http://www.kievapts.com/kiev_nightlife.php.

Strolling Around

In general, we recommend walking or using the convenient public transportation system (the Kiev metro, buses, trolleys, trams and funicular). Renting a car involves parking headaches, and taxi cab fares there are non-regulated and may be inconsistent (to put it politely).

A Beta Global and an European Green city, Kiev is perfect for strolling around. Walk along the Dnieper river bank, pop up your laptop open on a bench at one of the botanical gardens or jog around the many ponds or The Victory Park (Park Peremohy), take a boat to the Venetsianskyi island (Hidropark) known for its beaches, amusement park and nightclubs…

Keen on shopping?  Dive in the fresh scents of farm produce at the Besarabsky Market, go book hunting at the Petrivka metro station market or window shopping in the glitzy downtown.

Culture & Arts

Naturally, history abounds in this European corner, as well.  Boasting more than twenty centuries of history, Kiev is host to many cultural influences yet displays its own essence and charisma unabashed by the turmoils of time and politics.   UNESCO World heritage sites Kiev Pechersk Lavra (the Monastery of the Caves) and the Saint Sophia Cathedral should be on top of your list, but save some time also for the National Art Museum, the Andriyivskyy Descent historic street and the Mother Motherland giant statue.

Ask the Rus Hotel concierge or your event coordinator for additional directions or choices if our random suggestions spark your curiosity and adventureship.  Leave your mobile devices and computers in your suite – or, bring them along as WiFi is available in some parts of the city – and head out to town.

About Gate2Shop

A sponsor and a presenter, Gate2Shop is glad to make your acquaintance at the 2011 ISDEF spring conference in the Rus Hotel of Kiev, Ukraine, April 22-24.

Our reps will be on hand to discuss marketing and software sales techniques, legal aspects, how to increase your conversion rates and business developments in the software industry.  We are looking forward to establishing and maintaining strong business relationships with you, our partners and clients.

It’s spring again and we’ll spend time in Kyiv, Ukrain for the Spring Conference of ISDEF which is going to happen on April, 22-24. If you’re into the business of developing software and would like to learn how to sell it online successfully, we’ll be more than happy to meet you there. A cup of coffee later you may have a better understanding how selling software online works and what you need to do it successfully. We’re going to do our best to provide you with the right tools and payment options.

Drop us a line and we’ll meet you there.

We’re going to be in Kyiv in a couple of days attending and sponsoring the International Conference of Online Game Developers (http://www.confog.org.ua/en). It’s going to take place on April, 21, 2011 and we’ll be glad to meet you there for a cup of coffee and a discussion how to monetize your games.
Do drop us a line if you’re in town and we’ll set up a meeting.
You can email, call or contact us via Twitter.

We’re looking forward to talking to you.

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