Colorado Meetings + Events

Ski areas around Colorado are introducing several new amenities and events to elevate the guest and group experience. Here are a few highlights from Ski Country USA.

Since writing about amusing places as something different for groups to tap into for the summer issue of Colorado Meetings + Events, I’ve run across additions to the state’s fun quota. Colorado Springs’ is embracing the new 30,000-square-foot WhirlyBall, an entertainment center where the meeting space can be utilized and team-building incorporated into the program all in one location.

Recently, I wrote about examples of two lodging properties’ impactful ways to give back. Colorado’s meeting and event industry associations also are champions of good causes, including the National Association of Catering and Events - Greater Denver Chapter’s first-ever Bunks to Backpacks on Aug. 8 at Four Mile Historic Park from 4 – 9 p.m.

Chicago's Taste of Randolph Street Festival saw the return of Visit Denver this June. The Colorado CVB sponsored the festival's West Stage, christening it the Denver Live on the Rocks Stage and decorating it with a full-size replica of the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and hosting a VIP client event.

Continuing my tour of new Denver hotels, I had the good fortune of visiting Cherry Creek North’s Halycon, which opened in August 2016 and was the first new lodging property in this hip, high-end district to open in a decade, with more coming online in the near future.

After 12 years of serving as editor of Colorado Meetings + Events, one of the main things I’ve discovered is that the meetings and events industry in the Centennial State is generous. If a colleague in the industry becomes ill or experiences a devastating loss, people step forward. If there is a worthy cause to be part of, venues, staff and creative resources are available to assist. Two of the latest examples are from lodging properties representing mountains and cities.

Recently, the Colorado Meeting + Events editorial advisory board shared musings about the state of the meetings and events industry in Colorado. This annual conversation with industry pros from around the state is always thought-provoking, candid and a back-and-forth about challenges and opportunities. One key topic was what differentiates Colorado from other states.

The advisory board concluded that many times, getting a group outside in Colorado’s fresh air and beautiful surroundings can be just what the meeting productivity doctor ordered.

These interviews are part of a series that highlights new hires within the industry. Have you recently started a new role or do you know someone who has? Submit your ideas to brittany.trevick@tigeroak.com.

Bess Miller was recently hired as general manager of Denver’s the Curtis—a Double Tree by Hilton.

Times are a changing. In Crested Butte, Colorado, where I live and work, two longtime businesses have recently changed ownership or management (including Cristiana Guesthaus, a European-style inn) or are morphing into something new. I also discovered that our friendly community chiropractic office and has a new location in hip new digs down the street. Just like in communities, things rarely stay the same in the meetings and events industry, but this is especially true here and now in regard to Colorado’s lodging sector.

In recent years, Colorado ski resorts have found unique ways to transform into busy summer and fall playgrounds and ideal spots for group gatherings and activities, and the state’s Nordic centers are doing the same. The Colorado Cross Country Ski Association, representing 19 family- and group-friendly ski centers and guest ranches that have a combined total of more than 850 km of ski and snowshoe trails, shared these ideas for great summer base camps for golf, adventures, events and more.