The Colorado Meetings + Events' 2010 Readers' Choice Best Of Award Winners

They demonstrated poise, stamina and strength. They were able to adapt to greener operations and oftentimes, smaller budgets. These are the 2010 Best Of Colorado winners voted on by the readers of Colorado Meetings + Events. Many shared their secrets to a successful year and what challenges were overcome to land on top.

Check out the Colorado Meetings + Events 2010 Readers' Choice Hall of Fame inductees and photos from the awards party here.

Editor's Picks
by Beth Buehler

Best Unique Private Dining Space
Sevens, Steamboat Sheraton Resort
There is a private room tucked in the back of Sevens restaurant at Sheraton Steamboat Resort that will knock your dining socks off with its unique, modern décor. Antler chandeliers gracefully mix with glass sculptures that dangle from the ceiling in this space that accommodates up to 30. Beautiful art and accessories, hand-selected when the Sheraton Steamboat Resort underwent a $20 million renovation in 2008, complete the atmosphere and complement the upscale cuisine. (Sheraton Steamboat Resort, Steamboat Springs, 970.879.2220, www.sheratonsteamboatresort.com)

Most Light-Hearted Place to Meet
The Curtis
The Curtis, now part of the Doubletree Hotel network, is one of Denver's most amusing places to hold a meeting and stay a night on one of the individually-themed floors. The second and third floors are the Playground (a.k.a. the meeting room floors). You might be meeting in the Duck, Duck, Goose room or one of the Rock, Paper, Scissors rooms. The Curtis has classic games/toys like Battleship and Play-Doh that groups can use on breaks for free, and the bathrooms have laughable phrases on stall doors such as "Don't be a potty mouth" and "Don't forget to put your lipstick on." (The Curtis, Denver, 303.571.0300, www.thecurtis.com)

Best Teambuilding Activity
Soaring Tree Top Adventures
Anyplace that can be accessed only by train of helicopter has that aura of adventure about it. In this case, it's Soaring Tree Top Adventures, located between Durango and Silverton. Erase all visions you have of ziplines, as this one is a 5-1/2 hour tour over 24 zipline spans and 32 platforms built among a Ponderosa canopy and over the Animas River. A stop for a four-course lunch is included in this unforgettable activity. (Soaring Tree Top Adventures, Durango area, 970.769.2357, www.soaringcolorado.com)

Up-and-Coming Venue
Gateway Canyons Resort
Located one hour southwest of Grand Junction, Gateway Canyons Resort is becoming even more attractive as a venue with the additions of the Mission Bell Amphitheater and Palisade Event Center in 2009. New for 2010 is the Experius Academy, focusing on educational vacations with a touch of adventure. There's also an auto museum, several private dining spaces, on-site accommodations in the Kiva Lodge or Dolores River Inn, restaurants and several activities to indulge in. (Gateway Canyons Resort, Gateway, 970.931.2458, www.gatewaycanyons.com)

Readers' Choice Winners
by Julie Scheff

Meeting/Event Venue, Hotel or Resort (that holds 500 or more-in Denver Metro area)
Mile High Station
Runners Up: Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, Donald R. Seawell Grand Ballroom
"The reason I feel that we had a profitable 2009 is that Mile High Station has strong relationships with leading vendors in the industry and recognizes the value that they add to our business. We are also willing to listen to the client's needs and try and put together pricing that is beneficial for all involved," explains Stephanie Magnuson, director of sales, Mile High Station. (Mile High Station, Denver, 720.946.7721, www.milehighstation.com)

Entertainment Agency
Talent West
Runners Up: Starkey Productions/Pro Entertainment, A Music Plus
"We have been going strong for 15 years, and I am still enthusiastic and excited about this business. Denver has some amazing performers, and bringing them opportunities to entertain and make their living has its own rewards, too. Being able to connect my clients with these excellent entertainers can be very gratifying. We all win and it results in a memorable event," notes Debbie Lease, owner, Talent West. "Plus the creative elements never end! For me, everyday is an adventure." (Talent West, Denver, 303.458.6550, www.talentwest.com)

Attraction (Denver Metro Area)
Denver Zoo
Runners Up: Denver Art Museum, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
After having the same winner in this category for three years running, the Denver Zoo charged forward to take the title. The zoo has 3,800 animals representing more than 650 species and is the top visited paid cultural attraction in Denver, with nearly 2 million guests annually. "Those who support the zoo also support its mission to secure a better world for animals. Whether you're planning an event for your fine, feathered friends or a business luncheon for a gaggle of coworkers, the zoo offers an unparalleled event experience on the wild side," says Tiffany Barnhart, director of communications, Denver Zoo. (Denver Zoo, Denver, 303.376.4800, www.denverzoo.org)

Attraction (Outside Denver Metro area)
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Runners Up: Garden of the Gods Park, Rocky Mountain National Park
It was a good year for the animals. Maybe there is something soothing, comforting and inspiring about Mother Nature that makes zoos so popular in an economic downturn? This unique cultural attraction near Colorado Springs has more than 700 animals and popular attractions such as the African Rift Valley, Asian Highlands and Mountaineer Sky Ride on 146 wooded acres. The animal wonderland, located at nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, offers a variety of conference and meetings options in a splendid setting. (Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, 719.633.9925, www.cmzoo.org)

Audio-Visual Presentation Provider
J&S Audio Visual
Runners Up: Ceavco Audio Visual Company Inc., Image Audiovisuals Inc.
J&S Audio Visual, a four-time Best Of Colorado winner, is know for being innovative, customer-service oriented, reasonable and willing to work with any type of client. There is no event too small or too big for the Englewoodbased company. "I'm pleased and excited about our ‘hat trick' last year," says Jenn Winget, senior account executive, J&S Audio Visual Inc. "Even in a soft economy, it's not necessarily about the price. Continuing to treat clients as individuals and catering to their needs creates a successful outcome at show site that will keep your clients coming back to you. Relationships are so very important." (J&S Audio Visual Inc., Englewood, 303.792.5588, www.jsav.com)

Caterer (Denver Metro area)
Epicurean Culinary Group
Runners Up: Sandoval's Kitchen, Catering by Design
It's a four-peat for Epicurean Culinary Group. "Because of nationwide relationships with other caterers across the country, we saw 2009 coming well in advance even though Denver's economy was not affecting our business until 2009," notes Greg Karl, chief operating officer, Epicurean Culinary Group. "Early in 2009 we came together as a team to see where we were as a company and where we wanted to be. We realized that the past three years had seen so many incoming calls that our sales and marketing team needed a refocus on attracting new business. Along with investments for new equipment, working with our exclusive and semi-exclusive venues and developing new menus to meet the budgets of 2009, Epicurean Culinary Group was able to break even on revenue versus 2008." (Epicurean Culinary Group, Centennial, 303.770.0877, www.epicureanculinarygroup.com)

Caterer (Outside Denver Metro area)
A Spice of Life Catering
Runners Up: Big Bang Catering, Greens Point Catering
To handle the changing economy in 2009, you needed a willingness to adapt and the ability to deliver a high-quality service standard and inspirational cuisine on a budget, says Taryn Center, event specialist, A Spice of Life Catering. "While we of course followed suit, the key element that set A Spice of Life out from the rest in 2009 was our continual passion to create and innovate. It's one thing to follow the trends-they're there for a reason-but it's another to stand out and create an occasion full of original tastes." (A Spice of Life Catering, Boulder, 303.443.4049, www.aspiceoflife.com)

Destination Marketing Organization (town/area 25,000+ in population)
VISIT DENVER, the Convention & Visitors Bureau
Runners up: Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau, Experience Colorado Springs, The Convention & Visitors Bureau
Denver came off one the most impressive public relations campaigns of its life in 2008 with the Democratic National Convention in town. However, VISIT DENVER still delivered in 2009 as if the Olympics were next on the docket. With a fourth consecutive win in this category, Visit Denver exemplified the highest level of customer service yet again. "In the tough times our mission doesn't change, we continue to bring meetings and visitors to Denver and Colorado, while delivering outstanding service. We also worked with our 1,200 members to deliver a great experience for our customers," remarks Richard Scharf, president & CEO, VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau. (VISIT DENVER, Denver, 303.892.1112, www.denver.org)

Destination Marketing Organization (town/area fewer than 25,000 in population)
Durango Area Tourism Office
Runners Up: Vail Valley Partnership, Breckenridge Resort Chamber
"Meetings and events are the only segment of tourism that consistently stimulates long-term group business. Destination sales teams can actively book these groups years in advance of their scheduled meeting dates. Meeting attendees typically stay longer and spend more than leisure travelers. During economic downturns, when shorter term tourism business declines, meeting business on the books is even more important to the economic stability of the city and region," states John Cohen, executive director, Durango Area Tourism Office. "The Durango area's meeting package is anchored by dynamic, top-level hotels and a rich variety of dining, attractions and entertainment options." (Durango Area Tourism Office, Durango, 970.828.1036, www.durango.org)

Photographer/Videographer
All Digital Photo and Video
Runners Up: Steve Crecelius, Image Factory Photography
All Digital Photo and Video is a one-stop shop for event needs. From corporate videos to still images of a party, this Lafayette studio does it all in-house and is headed up by Cal Cheney, a degreed photojournalist who has been shooting for 25 years. The business's website lists the basic pricing structure for typical packages, making comparative shopping easy. (All Digital Studios, Lafayette, 720.214.3950, www.alldigitalphotoandvideo.com)

Meeting/Event Venue, Hotel or Resort (capacity less than 500-in Denver Metro area)
Jazz@Jack's
Runners Up: The Ritz-Carlton, Denver, JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek
Located on the 16th Street Mall in Denver Pavilions, Jazz@Jack's has ample amount of space for your next get-together and is an easy walk from many downtown locations. Corporate meetings and seminars are held year-round at the swanky jazz club. The venue has a private room, and they can cater to any requirements such as providing music, food, projectors, cocktails and much more. Their chef can prepare elaborate breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets and take care of any food and beverage need, including refreshment breaks. (Jazz@Jacks, Denver, 303.433.1000, www.jazzatjacks.com)

Event Decor/Floral
Design Works
Runners Up: The Perfect Petal, Decor 'N More
The success of Design Works can be attributed to a combination of several elements, including an extraordinary staff, a design team who is encouraged to think outside the box and a sales team "whose passion is collecting exuberant customers not checks," says Michael Roffino, co-owner and CEO, Design Works. "We are extremely fortunate to have a clientele who trusts us to be their artist and develop their ideas to masterpieces." (Design Works, Denver, 720.941.7440, www.denverdesignworks.com)

Teambuilding Facility/Organizer
The Arrangers
Runners Up: Fun Productions Inc., Destination Services Colorado (DSC)
Change in business rattled everyone in 2009. However, instead of getting flustered, Owner Nicole Marsh knew exactly what needed to be done to have a successful year. Last year, The Arrangers won the best special event/ meeting planning company and best destination management company awards. Marsh expanded on popular requests the company was receiving to help attract business and keep customers coming back for more. She says, "With the challenges that 2009 brought, teambuilding programs stayed strong and focused on increasing company morale and giving back to the community." (The Arrangers, Denver, 303.623.1492, Vail/Beaver Creek, 970.390.7790, www.arrangers.com)

Green Meeting Facility
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa
Runners Up: Keystone Conference Center, Colorado Convention Center
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa received its Silver LEED status from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2009. "The status has brought significant national recognition to the resort and has also helped increase awareness in our local community, where we have partnered with several green organizations such as the Eagle Valley Alliance and Vail Valley Partnership. The Westin Riverfront has over 300 green initiatives in place to guarantee we are making a contribution on a daily basis, which helps our planners to know that they are making a sustainable buying decision," explains Kristen Pryor, director of sales and marketing, Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa. (The Westin Riverfront & Spa, Avon, 970.790.6000, www.westinriverfrontavon.com)

Meeting/Event Venue, Hotel or Resort (capacity less than 500-outside Denver Metro area)
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa
Runners Up: Cielo at Castle Pines, Keystone Conference Center
"The Westin Riverfront's outdoor space was critical to our success in capturing the social market in 2009, which made up over 40 percent of our business. Going into 2010, we only have a few Saturdays available on the wedding lawn, and we continue to value this market segment as a great complement to our business plan and meetings business. We've also found that corporate planners enjoy the additional dimension our outdoor function space provides as it is located directly off of the Riverside Ballrooms, meals, cocktail hour or even an inspiring break-out or teambuilding activity," says Kristen Pryor, director of sales and marketing, Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa (The Westin Riverfront & Spa, Avon, 970.790.6000, www.westinriverfrontavon.com)

Meeting/Event Venue, Hotel or Resort (capacity 500+, outside Denver Metro area)
The Broadmoor
Runners Up: Crooked Willow Farms, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa
There's a reason that The Broadmoor is one of the most famous hotels in America, earning the resort Five Stars for 50 consecutive years, a feat unmatched by any other property. The history, beauty and luxury of the resort includes 740 guest accommodations, three championship golf courses, a world-class spa, 185,000 square feet of meeting and event space (including 60 meeting rooms), 25 shops and 18 restaurants, cafés and lounges. In 2009 and 2010, if a meeting or incentive program at The Broadmoor doesn't meet a client's expectations in terms of value, service, facilities and quality, the master account will be waived; but it's doubtful this will be necessary. (The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, 719.577.5775 or 866.837.9520, www.broadmoor.com)

Meeting and Event Destination (town outside Denver Metro area)
Colorado Springs
Runners Up: Vail, Keystone
Although it is not a far drive from Denver, it is a world apart. Nestled at the base of Pikes Peak, the scenic community has lots to offer small and large groups. The town has more than 50 attractions such as Garden of the Gods Park, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Seven Falls, Flying W Ranch and U.S. Air Force Academy and many more. Mother nature provides more than 300 days of sunshine per year to make all the outdoor activities even more attractive in this town. With a plethora of quality hotels and spaces for meetings, Colorado Springs has it all for meetings, events and incentive trips. (www.visitcos.com)

Rental Service (tents, tables, linens, etc.)
Event Rents
Runners Up: Party Time Rental Inc., Butler Rents
Another four-time winner in their category, Event Rents has broken out of the pack to set the pace and standard for the rest of the rental industry. While many companies scaled back events and lowered participation numbers, Event Rents did not let the change in number and size of events impact its business structure. They embraced 2009's change in format and succeeded. However, they never veered from their exceptional prices, service and options. (Event Rents, Englewood, 303.972.0975, www.eventrentsdenver.com)

Transportation Service Provider
Coach America
Runners Up: Arrow Stage Lines, Colorado Mountain Express
Coach America was part of the green movement before green was even on the radar. Providing quality group transportation to and from any destination imaginable is Coach's continued commitment. Not only is this a fuel-efficient means of shuttling guests, it's always done in luxurious style. From sightseeing tours to event needs, readers voted Coach the No. 1 industry service provider for transportation. (Coach America, Golden, 303.500.0839, www.coachamerica.com)

Restaurant with Private Dining Space
Denver Chophouse & Brewery
Runners Up: Tamayo, Mangia Bevi Cafe
Denver ChopHouse & Brewery has received the nod from readers both years this category has been offered. The nostalgic-filled eatery and incredible menu pleases groups of all sizes. The downtown eatery can accommodate groups of varying sizes in its railroad-inspired rooms. The private dining spaces range in size from intimate gatherings of 20 to large groups of 150. (Denver ChopHouse & Brewery, Denver, 303.296.0800, www.chophouse.com)

Meeting/Event Planning Company
Convention Designs
Runners Up: Andavo Meetings & Incentives, The Arrangers
"I think everyone started 2009 with a lot of uncertainty regarding the economic climate. At Convention Designs, we chose to approach the challenge. With this said, I focused on ways to free up our cash flow, so I could ensure the team that we would not reach a point of layoffs. I think it would have been easy to accept clients outside our scope of work or discount our services to bring in more business in the short run, but ultimately it would have compromised our overall business principles in the long term. We chose to stay true to the standards and principles of the destination management industry and ultimately ended 2009 10 percent up from 2008 and with two new employees," says Heather Sullivan, president, Convention Designs. (Convention Designs, Greenwood Village, 303.650.8858, www.conventiondesigns.com)