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Huntington Beach, California, is the perfect destination for groups looking to host unforgettable meetings or conferences. Known as “Surf City USA®,” this coastal gem offers a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for fostering creativity and collaboration.
With ideal year-round weather and 10 miles of expansive, uninterrupted coastline, Huntington Beach provides a picturesque backdrop for any event. Iconic landmarks— including the Huntington Beach Pier and historic Main Street Huntington Beach—bolster the destination’s appeal, presenting attendees with a true coastal experience.
Accessing Huntington Beach is effortless thanks to its proximity to three major airports—John Wayne Airport, Orange County; Long Beach Airport; and Los Angeles International Airport—which together offer over 160 daily nonstop flights. Huntington Beach combines convenience, coastal beauty, and a laid-back vibe, making it the ultimate choice for your meeting or conference.
For meeting planners seeking a destination that seamlessly combines logistics with unforgettable experiences,
Huntington Beach is the ultimate choice. It is renowned for hosting events like the Surf City Marathon, U.S. Open of Surfing, the Association of Volleyball Professionals Huntington Beach Open, and the Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach. Citywide conventions—known here as “beachwides”—offer planners the chance to showcase the best of this vibrant coastal destination. With the beach as a stunning blank canvas, beachwides take full advantage of Huntington Beach’s vast outdoor spaces, creating immersive experiences that captivate and inspire attendees.
Huntington Beach’s 1-mile walkable footprint offers oceanfront hotels, restaurants, and entertainment perfect for events. Planners can create customized experiences with various venue options, including the HB Collection: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa; The Waterfront BeachResort, A Hilton Hotel; Paséa Hotel & Spa; and Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort. Together, they offer 1,400 guest rooms and 185,000 square feet of meeting space.
Plan your next meeting at one of Huntington Beach’s premier resorts by visiting surfcityusa.com
KIMPTON SHOREBREAK RESORT
157 Guestrooms & Suites
12,349+ sq. ft of Indoor/Outdoor Event Space Destination Guide
250 Guestroom & Suites
36,025+ sq. ft. of Indoor/Outdoor Event Space
Explore everything Huntington Beach has to offer. Access our Destination Guide and start planning your event today.
Huntington Beach offers endless possibilities for hosting your next meeting or event, with over 198,400 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space across four world-class oceanfront resorts and several beachside venues, all within a walkable one-mile radius.
THE WATERFRONT BEACH RESORT, A HILTON HOTEL
437 Guestrooms & Suites
50,000+ sq. ft. of Indoor/Outdoor Event Space
HYATT REGENCY HUNTINGTON BEACH RESORT AND SPA
519 Guestrooms & Suites
100,000+ sq. ft. of Indoor/Outdoor Event Space
Destination Incentive Program
Host your next group in Huntington Beach and earn up to $5,000 in incentives- endless opportunities await!
BY BETH BUEHLER
With 300 days of sunshine annually, an outdoorsy culture, and stunning landscapes, Colorado delivers glorious options
8 Meeting Notes
Take meetings from drab to fab with the help of these products, places, and inspiring ideas
12 Destination
Summit County’s collection of year-round mountain towns and resorts is poised for meetings and events
16 Meet + Eat
Celebrate together surrounded by grapes at Colorado wineries and vineyards
24 Industry Update
Discover the latest updates and Colorado news
28 People Profile
Steve Kinsley’s years of industry experience land him a worldwide leadership role
the Cover Destination Colorado Meetings event at Flying W Ranch in Colorado Springs
» ONE THING you’ll notice in the pages of Colorado Meetings + Events is the creativity and camaraderie of the state’s meetings and event associations. They deliver educational content, offer beyond-the-norm networking, and recognize members who go the extra mile. While it makes sense, since these groups are filled with people whose day-to-day jobs are to make meetings and events shine, my work and research throughout the years have convinced me that our state’s associations truly sparkle.
meetingsmags.com/colorado meetingsmags
And it takes great boards, committee members, and staff to guide associations in crafting a calendar full of events that matter and entice. I always like seeing what the National Association of Catering & Events (NACE) Greater Denver Chapter comes up with for its meetings. Naughty or NACE is a big crowd-pleaser around the holidays, and its recent Moneyball fundraiser included creative and engaging sports-themed games. Meeting Professionals International Rocky Mountain Chapter also likes to have fun with themes. The organization’s annual awards gala and auction last December had a colorful kaleidoscope motif—attendees were surrounded by stained glass at The Church Nightclub in Denver.
When planning its annual Customer Appreciation Event in the fall, Destination Colorado Meetings always taps attractions that make the hosting destination unique. As part of last year’s event in Beaver Creek , attendees enjoyed lunch and outdoor activities at Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument near Minturn. The year before, in Colorado Springs, “a taste of the West” and Olympics were themes, highlighted by an evening at Flying W Ranch, as well as lunch and activities at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. Then there is the Meetings Industry Council of Colorado’s Serving Up Hope luncheon and separate Conference & Trade Show that bring the entire industry together twice annually, fresh with current trends and new approaches each year.
It takes people to make this all happen, so get involved. Before you know it, colleagues you meet quickly become friends. And that is really at the heart of why I have stayed in this editorial role for two decades.
BETH BUEHLER Editor bbuehler@greenspring.com
meetingsmags.com/colorado
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Clockwise from left: The Golden Welcome Arch, built in 1949; Biking Lookout Mountain; Old Capitol Grill & Smokehouse on Washington Avenue
Located west of Denver, this town of 20,000 is rich with options for groups BY BETH BUEHLER
» WHEN MEETING in Golden, groups will notice the area’s natural beauty and small-town charm. Planners can choose from many memorable venues for hosting, including a historic building in the heart of downtown, state-of-the-art collegiate theater, or one of Colorado’s top public golf courses, where dinosaur fossils have been uncovered.
VIBE: “Golden is only 15 miles from downtown Denver, but it feels worlds away,” says Robin Fleischmann, economic development manager for the City of Golden. “Nestled against the foothills, the town boasts a gorgeous creek running through its center and a delightful downtown filled with shops, cafes, and friendly locals. Being in Golden feels like being in the mountains without the drive.”
TRANSPORTATION: Golden is accessible via light-rail from Denver
Union Station (which is reachable by train from Denver International Airport), with trains running as frequently as every 15 minutes to the Jefferson County Government Center. From there, attendees might use the free Ore Cart shuttle service to downtown Golden.
HOTELS & VENUES: There are 195 hotel rooms and about 7,500 square feet of meeting space in downtown Golden. A short drive links downtown to another five hotels with 500 total guest rooms and 18 meeting rooms, with the largest measuring about 5,100 square feet. The Eddy Taproom & Hotel, The Golden Hotel, The Origin Hotel Red Rocks, and Table Mountain Inn are the community’s primary meeting hotels. Additional gathering spots include Fossil Trace Golf Course (rich with evidence of dinosaurs), Golden Outpost, Golden Welcome Center, and Green Center at the Colorado School of Mines.
RESTAURANTS: Consider the private dining options at Buffalo Rose, Old Capitol Grill & Smokehouse, Table Mountain Grill & Cantina, and The Golden Hotel’s Bridgewater Grill. The community’s food halls, The Golden Mill and Morris & Mae, are additional options for groups seeking variety and a casual atmosphere. The former has privateevent capacity for 600 attendees, and the latter can host up to 250.
MUST-SEES AND -DOS: Drive 4 miles to the summit of Lookout Mountain to see the sunrise from Buffalo Bill’s grave, take a hike on easy trails to Lookout Mountain Nature Center, or book flyfishing lessons along Clear Creek. Take attendees on a Wild West history tour or pub crawl with Golden History Tours, explore Coors Brewery, or visit the Colorado Railroad Museum.
visitgolden.com
Centrally located in the heart of downtown Denver, Parlur is so much more than just a venue—it is a place where your vision becomes a reality. Choosing Parlur is choosing a team that is dedicated to supporting you, embracing your idea, and helping you bring something truly special to life.
With more than 7,000 square feet of flexible space, including an adjacent outdoor patio with cozy fire pits, Parlur is designed to adapt to any gathering, from corporate meetings and professional receptions to
milestone celebrations. Its space blends modern elegance with timeless charm, featuring plush furnishings, statement chandeliers, and warm accents that create a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.
Whether you are hosting an intimate event or something grander, Parlur offers the perfect setting with a flexible layout that can be customized to suit your needs. Parlur may be a newly established, stand-alone venue, but it brings the expertise of a seasoned hospitality team, offering all the advantages of a large hotel.
With top-tier service, outstanding food and beverage offerings, and the ability to host up to 450 guests, it is a dynamic new space designed to deliver exceptional experiences.
An experienced on-site events team is here to make sure everything runs smoothly at your next gathering. From handling all your meeting logistics to adding those final decor touches, the Parlur team is dedicated to executing your ideas with practiced ease and precision. At Parlur, it is not just about the space—it is about creating truly unforgettable experiences.
» TYRONE HAZEN, FOUNDER OF Puffin Drinkwear, was sitting around a campfire with friends when he began thinking about out how to keep his beer cold and hands warm. One of the friends ripped off a piece of sleeping bag and handed it over. The gesture sparked the idea for creating a sleeping bag for drinks, and Puffin Drinkwear, based in Bend, Oregon, was established in 2019. Today, the brand has many styles for its drink coolers—known as Puffins—so you can find swag that fits your event’s theme and keeps attendees’ drinks looking and staying cool. There are Americana, leisure, lifestyle, outdoorsy, and sporty collections, along with bundles that contain a grouping of three or four Puffins. Or consider the Colorado State Patch collection, with puffy, lumberjack, hoodie, and denim styles among the options. Check out Puffin’s discounts for bulk buys and customization options.
puffindrinkwear.com
One of Colorado’s AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star hotels, The Little Nell in Aspen, is celebrating 35 years in style with signature anniversary offerings available for the 2024-25 ski season. Feeling hungry or thirsty? Emeralds are the gemstones traditionally given as a 35th anniversary gift, so try the hotel’s signature verdant elixir Le Final that is made with green Chartreuse, mezcal, lime juice, and Luxardo Maraschino Originale. Or indulge in The Scotch Egg, available at Element 47 for lunch as a nod to The Little Nell’s first chef, Richard Chamberlain, and take part in the “Chefs and Somms Series” organized by Culinary Director Matthew Zubrod and Wine Director Chris Dunaway. The series runs through March this year and it features culinary talent and wine experts from around the world. Looking for adventure? Two alpine experiences have been revived at Aspen Mountain ski area and are available exclusively to guests of The Little Nell and sister hotels Limelight Aspen and Limelight Snowmass. The “Groom the Mountain” experience gives guests the opportunity to ride along with a grooming expert in a snowcat, while “Last Tracks with Ski Patrol” includes participating in an end-of-the-day sweep of the slopes and learning about daily operations. The experiences are available for groups of two and four people, respectively. thelittlenell.com
BY BETH BUEHLER
» SUMMIT COUNTY IS A POWERHOUSE of great opportunities for meetings and events, made up of mountain towns like Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, Keystone, and Silverthorne. It is a collection of year-round destinations and resorts that offers so many venue and activity options it is almost mind-boggling.
In Summit County, groups can go back and forth between four ski resorts—Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Copper Mountain, and Keystone Resort—for the ultimate in skiing and snowboarding adventures for incentive trips or alongside meetings. There are Nordic centers for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the towns of Breckenridge, Keystone, and Frisco, and a host of other winter and spring activities like tubing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and fat biking. During summer and fall, golfing, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing are among outdoor amusements. Plus, there are plenty of local breweries and distilleries for tastings and off-site receptions.
Since there is so much to share, Colorado Meetings + Events stuck to a high-level overview of the Summit County locations with the most to offer groups—Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Keystone—although a few other communities are certainly noteworthy. Do not hesitate to check out Dillon with its Dillon Amphitheater, Dillon Lake, Dillon Marina, and Homewood Suites by Hilton Dillon. Meanwhile, Frisco contains event venues like AC Hotel Frisco, Frisco Bay Marina, Frisco Nordic Center, and The Grand Hotel, and Silverthorne provides plenty of meeting space at the likes of Bluebird Market, Hotel Indigo, Silverthorne Performing Arts Center, and Summit Assembly.
If your group prefers historic backdrops for gatherings, head to the town of Breckenridge, which was established in 1859 during the height of the Colorado Gold Rush. Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center offers condominium-style lodging and the most meeting and event space in town with 40,000 square feet. The property can be paired with the 205-room Hotel Alpenrock Breckenridge, Curio Collection by Hilton, across the street to host larger meetings. This former DoubleTree completed a topto-bottom renovation and rebranded in time for the 2024-25 ski season. In addition to 10,000 square feet of function space, the hotel features a spacious restaurant and bar called Edwin and a hidden speakeasy dubbed Canary.
“Hotel Alpenrock truly redefines the lodging experience in Breckenridge as the only high-end hotel in the area,” says General Manager Meredith Ash. “We’re creating a year-round experience like no other that captures the charm of our historic mountain town while harnessing the excitement of the outdoor pursuits found throughout the area.”
The Lodge at Breckenridge; Main Street Station; One Ski Hill Place, A Rock Resort; Residence Inn by Marriott Breckenridge; and Village at Breckenridge also have lodging and function space. For something with a hipster appeal, consider the 60-room Gravity Haus Breckenridge, where eatery Cabin Juice and a 12-person boardroom are the main spaces to book for groups. Buyouts are available, and the property might be paired with the nearby Village at Breckenridge to increase capacity for hosting.
Other venues to consider are the Riverwalk Center and Breckenridge Ski Resort’s eateries Ten Mile Station and The Maggie. Italian restaurant Radicato, led by Summit County chef Matt Vawter, offers dining-room buyouts. Or book a tour and host an event at Country Boy Mine, a historic gold mine opened in 1887.
Copper Conference Center in Copper Mountain is one of the few ski-in, ski-out conference centers in the U.S. Situated at the base of American Eagle and American Flyer chairlifts, the conference center has more than 15,500 square feet of function space and a slopeside deck. Additional event space is available at Copper Station, Village Square, Jack’s Slopeside Grill at Copper One Lodge, and the mid-mountain Aerie lodge that opened in December 2023. After-hours buyouts of the 25,000-square-foot Aerie can
Clockwise from far left: Mountain biking bliss in Breckenridge; Copper Mountain’s Aerie lodge; Grilled kabocha squash from Breckenridge restaurant Radicato; High-elevation play at Copper Creek Golf Course in Copper Mountain
be booked during the winter season, and groups of 25 or less can rent the private dining room and deck space on the upper level.
Copper Mountain’s three centralized pedestrian villages, each with lodging, dining, shopping, and activity options, make it easy for attendees to walk between everything on the agenda and beyond. Plus, it has the unique distinction of being home to an Official Training Center for U.S. Ski & Snowboard Olympic and Paralympic athletes, Woodward Copper, a 19,400-squarefoot indoor action sports facility with trampolines, foam pits, skate ramps, and BMX and scooter zones. Groups might book two-hour sessions to experience Woodward Copper’s central hub, The Barn, during the winter or offseason.
For groups with golf aficionados, Copper Mountain celebrated the grand reopening of the 18-hole Copper Creek Golf Course last August after redesigning several holes on the back nine.
The golf course transitions into skiing and snowboarding terrain in the winter, with the highest tee box at about 9,900 feet. “The redesigned holes offer new challenges and spectacular views that truly set Copper Creek apart as a premier high-altitude golfing destination,” says Zach Dobrota, the resort’s head golf professional.
Keystone—a ski area that is now an official Colorado town— has the most meeting space in Summit County, with more than 100,000 square feet at Keystone Conference Center and the upcoming addition of Kindred Resort. Slated to open late this summer, Kindred Resort features a slopeside ballroom, two meeting rooms, pre-function space, and a private patio, as well as an outdoor pool, hot tubs, and a fitness center. Three new restaurants, retail shops, 95 luxury residences, a spa, private club, and the new home of Keystone Ski & Ride School also are part of the resort development located next to River Run Gondola.
“There’s a lot of excitement building in Keystone, with the new terrain of Bergman Bowl opening last year, the new town of Keystone that incorporated last year, and now Kindred, the new base area that will open this year,” says Shervin “Shevy” Rashidi, a development partner of Kindred. “Kindred is the first new major development in Keystone in the past 20 years, and we’re confident it will further help put the new town of Keystone on the map.”
Hyatt Place Keystone/Dillon and Keystone Lodge & Spa also are options, and two fine-dining experiences that groups might consider are Ski Tip Lodge and Keystone Ranch. Ski Tip occupies a stagecoach stop from the 1800s, and the ranch’s restaurant is in the original homestead property.
Planners and groups are noticing Keystone’s progress and range of options. Keystone Resort hosted the 2025 National Brotherhood of Snowsports (NBS) Annual Summit that brought 58 member clubs and between 1,500 and 2,000 registered participants and their guests to town in late February. The summit raises funds to further the organization’s mission “to identify, develop, and support athletes of color who will win international and Olympic winter sports competitions representing the U.S. and to increase participation in winter sports,” says 2025 NBS Summit Chair Andrea Yowman.
After hosting its 2017 summit in Keystone, NBS elected to return due to the town being easily accessible from Denver International Airport, family friendly, and capable of hosting a large group, Yowman shares. “Our two main venues are the Keystone Conference Center and Mountain House,” she says. “However, we are working with the venues in the River Run area to promote Keystone and give participants an amazing experience. For example, we will have an exciting pub crawl with bars and restaurants that have expressed an interest in participating.”
Yowman adds, “Keystone and its partners have been creative to make the summit exciting and engaging. For example, Steep Brewing & Coffee Co. is working with us to develop a recipe for NBS-branded coffee and beer, with part of sales being donated to our Olympic Scholarship Fund.” Themed après-ski parties, a barbecue event, live entertainment, sleigh-ride dinners, snow tubing, a Sneaker Ball, and family-friendly activities are among the many other event happenings.
breckenridge.com coppercolorado.com gobreck.com keystoneresort.com
silverthorne.org townofdillon.com townoffrisco.com
Colorado wineries are sure to impress with elevated tastes and abundant natural beauty BY
BETH BUEHLER
» WHEN THIRSTY IN COLORADO, many people think of heading straight for a cold beer. While the Centennial State certainly holds a significant spot in the brewing world, some might not realize it also is home to a highly successful wine industry and outstanding grapes grown on the Western Slope.
While Napa Valley and Sonoma in California, Columbia Gorge in Washington and Oregon, and Willamette Valley in Oregon might have greater name recognition, wineries in Grand Junction, Palisade, and Paonia are equally as lovely. Surrounded by mesas, mountains, and plenty of vineyards and orchards, they make for elegant gathering spots full of natural beauty. The Front Range also has many wineries to consider in Denver, Littleton, Loveland, and Estes Park.
What makes Colorado wines distinct? Most of the state’s vineyards are located on the Western Slope at an elevation of 4,000 to 7,000 feet, with 70% in Mesa, 8% in Delta, and 5% in Montrose counties, according to the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board. The abundant sunshine and high altitudes help mature the fruit and build natural sugars, while cool evenings help retain the acids necessary for premium winemaking.
Grand Junction and Palisade in Mesa County have 30 wineries, including Two Rivers Winery & Chateau in Grand Junction, which has meeting and event space, a tasting room, and 10 guest suites. April Arnold, owner of Kosi Events in Grand Junction, has planned weddings and corporate events at Two Rivers and partnered with other Colorado wineries such as Restoration Winery in Palisade and TWP Winery & Farmhouse in Clifton. “The space [at Two Rivers] is beautiful and unique, offering something more special than a standard banquet space,” Arnold says. “It is nice to be able to have happy hour-style networking events where guests can enjoy delicious local wine while connecting with local businesses.”
She says her company has primarily used Two Rivers’ ballroom for events.
“Recently, we held a networking event for the local newspaper where we had six speakers share words of advice [alongside] appetizers and great local wine,” she says. “Guests loved the feel of the space and the offerings we were able to have there.”
In Palisade, the 80-room Wine Country Inn has a ballroom that seats 150 guests and a Vintner’s House that works well for corporate retreats. For larger groups, an outdoor pavilion holds about 575, and a
Take a break from the boardroom. Think mountain trails in Crested Butte, alpine views in Vail, and scenic adventures in Breckenridge, Keystone, Beaver Creek, and Park City.
With expert planning and world-class amenities, your next meeting will leave your team refreshed, inspired, and ready for whatever’s next. Let’s plan your next adventure in the Rockies.
courtyard accommodates more than 1,800 guests. In 2021, the adjacent Grande River Vineyards was purchased by the owners of Wine Country Inn, providing additional space for gatherings. Nearby, Maison La Belle Vie Winery has a tasting room and patio with views, as well as Amy’s Courtyard that can accommodate up to 150 guests with a barn, gazebo, and spacious lawn.
Carboy Winery has the most locations in the state, with tasting rooms in Palisade, Breckenridge, Denver, and Littleton. Established in 2016, Carboy Winery has expanded its product line and distribution in recent years, and is now growing grapes at Mount Garfield Estate Vineyard in Palisade. All four locations offer function space, with the Governor’s Park Tasting Room in Denver providing the most options—including the historic 19th-century Bubble Barn.
Tracy Donovan Events, a Denver-based event-strategy consulting firm, hosted an event for 135 guests at Carboy Winery’s Denver tasting room. “Carboy has that quintessential Denver atmosphere: It’s relaxed, cozy, friendly, and welcoming while still feeling updated and fresh,” says Tracy Donovan, founder and chief experience officer. “The venue is spacious and can handle a large crowd with a buyout, but the separate spaces also are perfect for smaller receptions and gatherings,” she adds. “This is a great venue to experience Colorado wines in a unique urban setting. The neighborhood is classic Denver, the parking is easy, and the location is convenient to downtown and Cherry Creek.”
Also in Denver, Balistreri Vineyards can host up to 250 guests among its ballroom, cellar, and garden areas, and also has on-site event coordinators and an in-house catering team. Wine tastings and tours of its cellar and winemaking facilities are available. The 7,000-square-foot Bigsby’s Folly Craft Winery & Restaurant
occupies a beautifully restored building that dates to 1886 and is located in the RiNo Art District near downtown. Its versatile space can accommodate groups of 10 to 450 guests among dining areas, a private tasting room, the production area, and a spacious courtyard complete with a fire pit and games. Groups of eight to 24 participants can book Bigsby’s “Winemaker for a Day” customblending sessions that include instruction, wine tasting and blending, as well as labeling. A larger-party blending session and bottling activity also is available for groups up to 75.
Planners organizing meetings and events on the Front Range also should consider Sweet Heart Winery & Event Center in Loveland, as the private barrel room is ideal for groups of 30 to 200. From Loveland, drive the beautiful Big Thompson Canyon to Estes Park and Snowy Peaks Winery that has two options for private-party rentals. The Lounge seats up to 20 people inside, while the Backyard is an outdoor tent (open summer and fall) that seats a maximum of 50 people.
balistreriwine.com
bigsbysfolly.com
carboywinery.com
coloradowine.com
coloradowinecountryinn.com
maisonlabellevie.com
snowypeakswinery.com
sweetheartwinery.com
tworiverswinery.com
Welcome to “Olympic City, USA!” Colorado Springs boasts over 500,000 square feet of flexible meeting space along with 300 days of sunshine per year and unbelievable mountain views. Tucked in the shadow of Pikes Peak, planners will find the perfect blend of urban comforts, fascinating history, and natural splendor. World-class venues like the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Hotel Polaris, Flying W Ranch, Weidner Field, and the Colorado Springs Convention Center at The Broadmoor will wow attendees, no matter the size of the event. Let this city’s unique amenities and small-town feel bring meetings to new heights. Along with first-rate venues, Colorado Springs provides limitless recreation options for gatherings.
Adventures Out West brings groups on Jeep tours, zip lines, hot-air balloon rides, and more. Immerse yourself in the Olympic spirit by taking a tour of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the most acclaimed zoos in the country, allowing visitors to get up close with wildlife while taking in unparalleled mountain views. Ride The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak, where you can enjoy a worldfamous high-altitude doughnut. Not sure where to start? Allow the award-winning sales team at Visit Colorado Springs to provide complimentary services, like leads to hotels and service providers, personalized site inspections, and promotional materials.
Halfway to just about anywhere and tucked into the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is the backdrop to thousands of meetings and events each year. You handle the agenda and we’ll take care of after-hours “breakout sessions’ at local breweries and rooftop patios.
You’ll never compromise when you meet in the middle.
Colorado excels at providing outdoor venues that impress. With 300 days of sunshine annually, a culture that embraces getting outside, and gorgeous landscapes, the Centennial State provides a year-round haven for groups looking to meet outdoors. Colorado Meetings + Events checked in with organizations, planners, and venues to gather ideas about connecting in nature during spring, summer, and fall.
Colorado’s landscapes are a major selling point as people grow more selective about the gatherings they choose to attend, prompting organizations and planners to aim for “delivering truly exceptional experiences to stand out,” says Kelly Layton, executive director of Destination Colorado Meetings. “Colorado’s awe-inspiring destinations, bucket-list adventures, and countless opportunities to explore the outdoors—paired with its warm and welcoming community—make it an easy choice for unforgettable meetings and events.”
BY BETH BUEHLER
There is always an outdoor component during the nonprofit organization’s Customer Appreciation Event (CAE) held each September. In 2023, Destination Colorado Meetings spent an evening at Flying W Ranch among the towering red-rock formations in Colorado Springs. A cocktail reception, dinner, rodeo, and musical performance by the Flying W Wranglers were among the highlights. Last year, the CAE in Beaver Creek included an excursion to Camp HaleContinental Divide National Monument near Minturn for lunch, activities, and side-by-side all-terrain vehicle and Jeep tours with Nova Guides.
Destination Colorado Meetings also has tapped into Colorado’s admirable collection of amphitheaters, once holding a Beatles-themed CAE at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, located west of Denver in Morrison. Red Rocks’ 30,000-square-foot visitor center with meeting and event space made it a breeze for the group to host a preconcert gathering.
Mishawaka Amphitheatre, just 13 miles from Fort Collins, also offers the benefit of being close to a sizable community but still surrounded by nature. Known locally as “The Mish,” it contains an outdoor venue alongside the scenic Poudre River that can host more than 1,000 guests, while an indoor dance hall holds up to 75. The new 8,000-seat Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs and Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre in Greenwood Village also are worthy of mention and get groups outdoors in an urban setting. Check out the options for VIP experiences at both, such as preconcert receptions and special seating areas. The outdoor suites with fire pits at Ford Amphitheater are especially noteworthy.
Dillon Amphitheater in Dillon and Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre in Vail offer full-on mountain experiences, host ticketed performances and free summer concerts, and are available for private bookings. The lakeside Dillon Amphitheater holds almost 3,700 and is known for hosting a “Movies on the Water” series, and the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre can hold around 2,500 and has the added benefit of being located next door to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is the only botanic garden in North America dedicated to the preservation and conservation of alpine plant species and their associated habitats. Not only does it contain stunning gardens to wander, but there also is a rooftop terrace for up to 50 attendees seated and 95 cocktail-style, as well as the Children’s Garden Amphitheater for a maximum of 30.
In Denver, it is hard to beat Denver Botanic Gardens for communing with nature. The 26-acre York Street location has an amphitheater, solarium, pavilion, terrace, gazebo, gardens, and the Orangery that are available for private events, while its 700-acre Chatfield Farms in Littleton has a variety of venue options, from a barn and stables to a terrace and amphitheater.
Visit Colorado Springs embraced a garden environment and hosted its Tourism Awards Celebration last September at local Hillside Gardens. “Hillside Gardens is a different type of venue than we have used
ATTENDEES APPRECIATE 300 DAYS
in the past, [but still offered] the elements needed for this event to be a success,” says Lindsey Pevey, partner relations manager for Visit Colorado Springs. “The attendees really enjoyed the uniqueness and charm of this venue. Holding this event outdoors allowed our attendees the time and space to appreciate the beauty of our city that our partners work hard to preserve.”
Selecting an outdoor venue was part of completely reimagining what had previously been a sit-down dinner and lengthy awards presentation without many extras. “We began the event with a welcome drink and directed attendees to the ceremony space where the awards presentation was succinct and lively,” Pevey says. “After the presentation concluded, we allowed attendees to enjoy the extensive buffet, wander through the gardens, and take in the sweeping mountain views at sunset. There was a DJ in the main reception area, as well as performances from local talent on one of [the venue’s] additional stages.”
Another option is to get artsy outside at two Loveland venues: Benson Sculpture Park and Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra. The lush 10-acre Benson Sculpture Park, with 178 artworks on permanent display, serves as a beautiful backdrop for any occasion, including the annual “Sculpture in the Park,” the nation’s largest outdoor juried sculpture show.
cochlear implant (CI) recipients, their parents and siblings, mentors, and volunteers in attendance.
Listen CI Camp uses an entire lodge in addition to several of YMCA of the Rockies’ meeting rooms and many available activities. “I have no doubt the conference director and his staff are the best in the country,” says Janette Cantwell, director of the camp. “We have multiple conference needs that require a dizzying number of resets and complex audiovisual requests to meet the needs of our CI recipients.”
Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra covers 26 acres, has more than 80 Zimbabwean sculptures and an amphitheater, and is the location of Sounds of Centerra summer concerts and Loveland Winter Wonderlights.
For some groups, providing the opportunity to meet and check off a national park at the same time can be a smart strategy. In Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is the most convenient since it sits adjacent to Estes Park and is bordered by YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center, which has comfortable lodges and cabins for accommodations and plenty of meeting and event space. The Stanley Hotel and Holiday Inn Estes Park also are good pairings with the national park.
What makes YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center exceptional is it is located on more than 800 acres and offers a wealth of engaging activities like archery, ax throwing, disc golf, an aerial challenge course, horseback riding, and sand volleyball. The property has hosted the Colorado-based Listen Foundation’s program Listen CI Camp every summer since 2004, with approximately 340 pediatric
She adds, “From rock climbing and pool parties to ax throwing and story time in the library, our families enjoy a variety of recreational activities offered by the YMCA of the Rockies’ programming staff. Before each camp session, the programming director and assistant director meet with us to tailor activities specifically to the needs of CI children.”
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is Colorado’s version of the Grand Canyon, but rarely draws large crowds despite its majesty. The park is near Montrose, a community that has meeting space and lodging options for small- to medium-size groups. Mesa Verde National Park, also in southwest Colorado, is about 65 miles from Durango and serves as a day-trip option for groups.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is on the other side of the state and 35 miles from Alamosa. While Alamosa does not host many corporate groups, the new Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa is only 15 minutes from the national park and will eventually feature 20 domed stargazing villas, as well as a restaurant, spa, and planetarium, all set to be complete in 2027.
A few destinations are especially noteworthy when it comes to fresh-air meetings. Even though Colorado Springs is the state’s second-largest city, being
surrounded by mountains and having distinct rock formations translates into plentiful outdoor options at local attractions and resorts. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Glen Eyrie Castle, The Broadmoor, Cheyenne Mountain Resort, Garden of the Gods Resort & Club, and Flying Horse Resort & Club are among the many places for groups to consider.
Also on the Front Range, Table Mountain Meetings and Events in Golden can host up to 150 guests in the Columbine Room that has clear garage doors opening onto a spacious terrace surrounded by picturesque gardens. Sister property Church Ranch Event Center in Westminster is ideal for larger groups of up to 450 with an indoor Grand Hall and lush gardens, water features, and an outdoor area with an arbor and flagstone stage.
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora has expanded its outdoor meeting and event space over the past two years. The property added the Grand Lodge Lawn with 10,000 square feet of artificial turf and several fire features, as well as an adjacent games lawn featuring additional turf, fire pits, and pastimes such as bocce ball, cornhole, and giant chess. Gaylord Rockies’ newest venue is the Mountain View Pavilion with 12,100 square feet of indoor gathering space, 14,000 square feet of outdoor terraces and patios, and 15,000 square feet of lawn area. Also, large terraces have been added to Old Hickory Steakhouse and Mountain Pass Sports Bar, holding 96 to 108 attendees.
In the mountains, Vail Performing Arts Academy hosted its 30th anniversary fundraising event at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley.
The hotel’s large size, central location, outdoor terrace area adjoining the Riverside Ballroom, and spacious lawn were among the reasons the nonprofit chose the venue for its July event, says Colin Meiring, artistic director and choreographer.
“The appetizers, cocktail introductory hour, and social mingling were held out on the terrace,” Meiring says, noting there was enough space to include a bar, eight high-top tables, and a central area for guests to interact. “Our event is youth-based, so there were a lot of younger kids who were able to use the terrace, as well as the lawn area to play games while the parents and older attendees could socialize indoors.”
With all the venue and activity options available and the abundance of natural beauty in the state, you might say hosting a meeting or event in Colorado without an outdoor component is a missed opportunity. So, give your attendees the joy of connecting with each other while connecting with nature, and lift an average gathering to standout status.
bensonsculpturegarden.org bettyfordalpinegardens.org botanicgardens.org chapunguatcenterra.com dillonamp.com fiddlersgreenamp.com flyingw.com fordamphitheater.live fs.usda.gov grfavail.com
hillsidecolorado.com kosmosresort.com marriott.com themishawaka.com redrocksonline.com tablemountainvenues.com vailamp.com visitcos.com ymcarockies.org
» DESTINATION COLORADO MEETINGS members gathered for the organization’s annual meeting immediately before rolling out the red carpet for the Colorado Meetings Showcase at Infinity Park Event Center in Glendale on Dec. 4. At the annual meeting, the 2024 Peak Performer award winners were announced: Hermes Worldwide Inc. was awarded Company of the Year and Stacy Daeffler of The Charter at Beaver Creek received the Individual of the Year award. In addition, Katie Buttermore of The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland and Lauren Lacy of Winter Park Mountain Lodge were named Ambassadors of the Year. Marie Huston also was recognized for her service as association
Tmanager and congratulated on her retirement; Cayley Loeffler is now filling the organization’s association manager role.
About 400 planners and suppliers attended the Colorado Meetings Showcase featuring a record 78 booths, holiday treats by Denver-based Serendipity Catering, and winter wonderlandthemed cocktails courtesy of Visit Pueblo and Visit Colorado Springs. A ski-goggle photo booth by MiHi Entertainment, holiday minigolf by Rent-A-Theme Entertainment, and music by Extreme Strings engaged attendees throughout the evening.
destinationcolorado.com
umbling River Ranch by Collective Retreats in Grant is reopening this summer after an investment of more than $7 million in renovations. The creekside ranch, located in the Pike National Forest at an elevation of 9,200 feet, has long been a haven for adventure activities. The on-site Ranch House and River Lodge both have indoor meeting space, and groups can take advantage of the lawn and meadow as well. Tumbling River can host a maximum of 60.
The ranch’s all-inclusive format includes gourmet meals and a selection of natureinspired wellness experiences like yoga, sound baths, and forest bathing. Guided hikes, horseback riding, rafting, and rock climbing also are available, along with s’mores around a campfire, culinary classes, and wellness talks. A series of wooden-barrel hot tubs along the creek offers serene views and pure relaxation before or after meetings.
collectiveretreats.com
» LE COLONIAL Denver is bringing the flavors of 1920s Saigon (today, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) to Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood. Opened in November, the 6,000-square-foot Vietnamese restaurant’s decor melds rich velvet banquettes, brass light fixtures, and silk lampshades with tall tropical plants and colorful floral arrangements. Among its distinct venue options are an outdoor patio that holds 40 and a private dining room that accommodates 12 guests.
Le Colonial is helmed by restaurateurs Joe King and Rick Wahlstedt and has six other locations across the U.S. However, there is ample regional flair built into the Cherry Creek menu with foods from Colorado vendors like Rebel Farm, Colorado Sun Tofu, Boulder Farms, Petrocco Farms, Fiber of Life, and Rocky Mountain Fresh. Wahlstedt also brought French-inspired bistro Le Bilboquet Denver to the Cherry Creek neighborhood in 2019.
lecolonial.com/denver
» ON MARCH 25 AND 26, the Meetings Industry Council of Colorado will host its 25th annual Conference & Trade Show event at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver. In addition to keynote speakers, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and a luncheon, a Silver Jubilee Reception is planned for March 25.
mic-colorado.org
Terry Allen is the new executive chef for Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, bringing more than 30 years of industry experience to the role. In addition, Allen has worked at The Little Nell and Aspen Meadows Resort in Aspen, and Gateway Canyons in Gateway, as well as the historic Sheridan Inn in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Latin-inspired Mariposa restaurant in Sedona, Arizona, and the Butchery steakhouse in Denver also have been part of his culinary career path.
Kim Corrigan has been appointed general manager of Limelight Denver. Corrigan brings more than 30 years’ experience in hotel management, rebranding, guest services, team development, and revenue generation to the property. She most recently worked at Sage Hospitality, where she served as vice president of operations and previously as the general manager of two Denver properties (The Curtis and Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek), as well as The Blackstone in Chicago.
Jonah Friedmann has been named executive chef by Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa, where he oversees the resort’s culinary operations, including the 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill and Brass Bear Bar. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and also of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, Friedmann has led culinary teams at hotels across the country from boutique hotels to large resorts, including the Montage Dallas and JW Marriott Dallas Arts District in Texas.
Alison Mitchell has been appointed general manager of Clayton Hotel & Members Club in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood after holding the same role at The Art Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton. Her more than 20 years of hospitality experience includes mutiple roles at Boulder Marriott, Renaissance Boulder Flatiron Hotel, Le Mérdien Denver Downtown, Hilton Garden Inn Denver Union Station, and AC Hotel Denver Downtown.
Joseph Steiskal is the first general manager of Limelight Boulder, which will open later this year. Previously, he served as area general manager of Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder and Hilton Garden Inn Boulder and general manager of Renaissance Boulder Flatiron. Steiskal also is an active member of the hospitality community, serving as chair of Visit Boulder, vice president of the Boulder Hotel and Motel Association, and member of the Boulder Economic Council advisory board.
Christine Thompson has joined Visit Denver as the sales director of its Washington, D.C., region. Previously, Thompson had a distinguished 25-year career with Hyatt Hotels Corp. and held various on-property operations and sales positions in Dallas; Lexington, Kentucky; New Orleans; and St. Louis. Most recently, she was associate director of global sales for Hyatt. Based in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, Thompson oversees sales initiatives, engages with clients, and generates leads for hotels across the Denver region.
All 230 guest residences at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley, have been upgraded with mountain-modern furniture, Western artwork, lighting, flooring, bathroom vanities, and more. The residences range in size from studio suites to three-bedroom condominiums, all with kitchens and gas fireplaces. The Silver LEED-certified resort donated its previous room furnishings to Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley and Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork Valley to be sold at the organizations’ ReStore outlets.
The upgrades are part of the property’s “The Next Chapter” initiative that includes the addition of the Osprey Suite and Talon Suite event spaces, an entrance lounge, and the Lookout Bar, which is located next door on the fifth floor of the One Riverfront development.
westinriverfront.com
Katie de Besche is director of sales at Viceroy Snowmass in Snowmass Village. Colorado Meetings + Events caught up with her to learn what makes winter events at the resort special.
Q: The Aspen Snowmass area is always a popular destination for groups in the summer, but the winter has seen an increase in group business over the last few years. What makes a winter event unique at Viceroy Snowmass?
A: Viceroy’s slopeside location on Snowmass Mountain offers attendees a picturesque setting in our modern Grand Ballroom, along with unparalleled convenience, allowing attendees to transition seamlessly between meetings and world-class skiing. Additional amenities offered to guests include residential-style lodging, three inspired dining options, a full-service spa, and year-round outdoor spa pools, creating the perfect blend of work and leisure for attendees.
Colorado Meetings + Events checked in with Amanda Butler, Visit Aurora’s director of sales, to find out how she runs one of the top meeting destinations in the country.
Q: Visit Aurora represents over 1 million square feet of meeting space. What does that look like?
A: We provide International Association of Conference Centers-certified convention centers, traditional facilities, toprated hotels, and over 75 off-site venues, such as breweries, retired airplane hangars, rooftop decks— and even a country-western dance hall. These accommodations, combined with our 113 parks, 98 miles of trails, and 8,000 acres of open land, mean that Aurora offers exactly what your group needs. Plus, the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center is one of the largest convention spaces in Colorado. Aurora matches your event to your brand while providing the fresh mountain views that invigorate your team’s entrepreneurial spirit. Let me help you find your ideal meeting venue.
877-235-7577
viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
720-484-8902 visitaurora.com/meetings
Steve Kinsley’s 40-year career leads to a role on MPI’s worldwide board
BY BETH BUEHLER
Steve Kinsley, president of Kinsley Meetings in Littleton, has earned his stripes working in the meetings and hospitality industry for more than four decades. This, along with his volunteer involvement and leadership, led to his election to the international board of directors for Meeting Professionals International (MPI) starting in January last year.
“It means a great deal to be involved at this level with MPI,” Kinsley says. “As the largest meeting industry association, the MPI international board of directors is charged with making a difference every single time we meet. We take that responsibility very seriously and are always working toward making our entire industry better.”
His early career brought him to diverse Colorado properties such as The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Hotel Teatro in Denver, and Keystone Resort in Keystone, as well as The Westin St. Francis and Hotel Triton in San Francisco. Kinsley worked in conference services, sales, and general manager roles until 1999, when he joined his wife, Allison Kinsley, in managing Kinsley Meetings.
Allison started the meeting-planning firm in 1993 and suggested her husband familiarize himself with the planning side of the hospitality industry by becoming involved, a piece of advice he firmly embraced. Steve is a past president of MPI Rocky Mountain Chapter and served on the executive committee of the Meetings Industry Council of Colorado, which now employs Kinsley Meetings as its association-management company.
“I have made lifelong friends in this industry, and involvement in these organizations proves to me every day that our industry makes a difference in the world in a positive way,” he says. “You have people in Colorado who work remotely for organizations all over the country, yet they choose to live here. The impact is this wonderful coming together of people who want to make the world a better place.”
Making your mark and meeting people is as simple as getting plugged in. “Explore the different organizations, find your tribe, and then dive in,” Kinsley suggests. “There are wonderful opportunities to learn more about our industry and to grow your people and leadership skills, all in safe spaces within these local meeting industry chapters.”
Inspiring spaces. Enticing destination.
Here in the mountains, we’re out to make your group’s stay as adventurous—and luxurious—as possible. So get ready for a breath of fresh air as we offer elevated event spaces and enhanced ways to relax and be renewed, all while making sure every moment is memorable.
Contact us today to start planning your event.