In 2006, Capital Crossroads and Discovery Special Improvement Districts launched the popular iCart, a traveling booth that gave Ambassadors the ability to set up a “ mobile concierge” at any spot downtown. This January, the SIDs designed and purchased a more portable booth, which replaced the aging iCart. Both Capital Crossroads and Discovery SIDs will use the new booth, which debuted during the very successful NHL All-Star Weekend in late January.

The new information booth will be used in the same way as the previous iCart, but is easier to transport, simpler to set up, can be used indoors and outdoors, and, even better, is less expensive to maintain. The SIDs will continue to use the information booth during festivals like the Columbus Arts Festival and the Jazz & Rib Fest, large conventions, special outdoor events at places like Columbus Commons and Topiary Park, student orientations, tenant appreciation days, and more.

The SIDs’ hospitality ambassadors share information about downtown attractions, events, and public transportation options. In addition, ambassadors hand out walking maps, give directions, suggest downtown restaurant and entertainment options, and provide information regarding SID services.

“The information booth is a natural extension of the hospitality services the SIDs provide to downtown visitors, employees and residents,” said Lisa Defendiefer, Deputy Director of Operations & Advocacy for both SIDs. “The booth allows us to further engage the general public, just as our Ambassadors do every day whether they’re on foot or bike, and this prominent physical structure invites people to interact with our downtown ambassadors.”

SID property owners interested in scheduling the booth for an event should contact Shannon Fergus at safergus@sidservices.com or 614.645.5289.