Colorado Meetings + Events Fall 2019 by Greenspring Media

A LL I N ONE VAIL & BEAVER CREEK HAVE EVERYTHING PLANNERS ARE LOOKING FOR

I NSP IRED S PACES SPARK CREATIVITY AT ONE OF THE STATE’S MANY ARTISTIC VENUES

PLUS!

Hear from the Colorado M+E Editorial Advisory Board on the state of the industry

Reunion

SEE WHAT PAST HALL OF FAMERS ARE UP TO NOW {36}

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A MEETING FOR EVERY SEASON

YEAR-ROUND INSPIRATION Meet in the mountains, where the best time of year is any time of year. Whether your group is chatting over the sound of crunching leaves beneath their boots, or grinning from ear to ear with fresh powder beneath their skis, they’re sure to head home with a story and a little extra sunshine on their faces. SELECT ONE OF THE SEASONAL OFFERS BELOW

WINTER

SPRING

SUMMER

FALL

•

Welcome amenity*

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Welcome amenity*

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Welcome amenity*

•

Scenic gondola ride

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One-hour guided hiking tour

•

Scenic gondola ride

•

Snowshoe experience

•

One-hour guided hiking tour

•

Discounted group ski lessons Cider and hot cocoa break

Yoga class for up to 20 people

•

30% off spa services

Smoothie bar or trail mix break

•

Smoothie bar or trail mix break

1 per 15 on Epic Discovery experience**

•

VAILRESORTSMEETINGS.COM/MEETINGFOREVERYSEASON

Welcome amenity*

One-hour guided foliage hiking tour • Yoga class for up to 20 people •

30% spa services

•

Candy apple break

970.496.6557

Based upon availability and subject to blackout dates by resort and for groups that consume prior to 12/31/2020; Not applicable in conjunction with other group offers; A group is deﬁned as contracting 10 peak room nights or more with a length of stay of two or more nights. Amenities are while supplies last.* Select offer is good for one per peak guest room night. Epic Discovery is offered in Vail, Breckenridge and Heavenly.**

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TOP 8 REASONS TO CHOOSE

COLORADO SPRINGS Colorado Springs is a year-round meeting destination boasting mild temperatures, more than 300 days of endless blue skies and stunning natural scenery. Discover first-tier amenities, an array of properties and unique venues.

We believe in keynote speakers that would rather spark an idea than follow an agenda. Attendees who seek a balance between PowerPoint and play. Conventions that are anything but conventional. We don’t believe in “planners.”

We believe in visionaries.

It’s Colorado Springs - Conventions that are anything but conventional.

Complimentary services - From personalized site visits to attendee items, VCOS offers award-winning guidance.

Climate - Mild year-round climate and sunshine create the perfect environment, even in off-season.

Fantastic accommodations - Over 14,500 city-wide rooms and 450,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.

Easy access - The convenient Colorado Springs Airport offers over 65 arrivals and departures daily.

One-stop - VCOS is a single source for all your event planning needs during the planning process.

Personalization - Enjoy hands-on service through each step of the selection and planning process.

Support System - Enlist assistance for services, activities and other event details when the time is right.

ENVISION YOUR MEETING VisitCOS.com/meetings Kathy Reak Senior Director of Convention Sales Kathy@VisitCOS.com 719.685.7632

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SO MANY WAYS TO MEET, ALL IN

ONE MAGNIFICENT PLACE.

Only The Broadmoor offers so many distinct venues and experiences of all sizes and types. From impressive trade shows to executive dinners. From grand reception halls to eclectic lakeside cocktails at sunset. From state-of-the-art meeting rooms to secluded brainstorming sessions at Cloud Camp 3,000 feet above the main campus. You’ll find all of it and more within our 185,000 square feet of meeting space, connected by a thread of quality, service and meticulous attention to detail. Visit broadmoor.com and contact us today to explore the wonderful possibilities.

855.696.5804

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BROADMOOR.COM

1 LAKE AVENUE, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80906

10/3/2019 4:45:45 PM

Fall 2019 COLORADO MEETINGS + EVENTS MAGAZINE: IN THIS ISSUE

26 Vail

Where Are They Now?

Touching base with 12 of the magazine’s first Hall of Famers. By Beth Buehler

By Beth Buehler

64 PEOPLE PROFILE Doug Lane has kept himself and Fastlane Productions at visionary status. By Taylor Hafner

Craft stellar meetings and events at venues steeped in creativity. By Shelly Steig BreckCreates Arts District

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24 OPEN MIC The magazine’s editorial advisory board converses about the state of Colorado’s meetings and events industry.

By Eric Peterson

Art Connections

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8 EDITOR’S LETTER

26 DESTINATION Venues and vendors have elevated Vail and Beaver Creek into fullservice destinations for meetings and events.

FEATURE

DEPARTMENTS

P H O T O S : TAT E C A R L S O N ; J A C K A F F L E C K ; A A R O N D O D D S

FEATURE

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P H O T O S : TAT E C A R L S O N ; J A C K A F F L E C K ; A A R O N D O D D S

Fall

2019 58

MEETING NOTES 13 MEET SMART Three wearable gadgets designed to elevate attendee engagement. By Kassidy Tarala 14 SIGNATURE DRINK Strawberry Fields Forever, courtesy of Bar AC, AC Hotel Denver Downtown 16 TIPS FROM A PRO New approaches to holiday party planning. By Taylor Thorn Charley Co.

The Armstrong Hotel

20 EDUCATION Preparing students to industry standards and beyond. By Cynthia Vannucci, Ph.D., CMP and Shawn Jung, Ph.D.

INDUSTRY UPDATE 52 INFOGRAPHIC “Room Block of the Future” reveals group booking trends. Research courtesy of Kalibri Labs and Prism Advisory Group

62 SNAPSHOTS NACE Catering Olympics; Southern Colorado HSMAI Beach Party

The Rio

ON THE COVER

ALL IN ONE VAIL & BEAVER CREEK HAS EVERYTHING PLANNERS ARE LOOKING FOR

INSPIRED SPACES SPARK CREATIVITY AT ONE OF THE STATE’S MANY ARTISTIC VENUES

Past Hall of Famers Richard Scharf, Kathy Reak and Nancy Thompson.

PLUS!

Hear from the Colorado M+E Editorial Advisory Board on the state of the industry

Photo by Tate Carlson

Reunion

SEE WHAT PAST HALL OF FAMERS ARE UP TO NOW {36}

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20-Year Flashback at Glenwood Caverns

pg 14

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 44 LET’S ENTERTAIN It’s easy with top-notch Colorado partners.

P H OTO S : B R I A N B R OW N ; T H E A R M S T R O N G H OT E L ; T H E R I O ; G L E N W O O D C AV E R N S A D V E N T U R E PA R K

54 REGIONAL NEWS Venues, people, association news and more

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THE COLD WAR WAS FOUGHT ON ICE. It’s 1980. Lake Placid. Our boys are up against the reigning champs. It’s not just an underdog story. It’s a story of our country. Of the indomitable spirit we were founded on, the spirit inside us all. Get ready to believe in miracles again at a place that preserves them forever.

P H OTO S : B R I A N B R OW N ; T H E A R M S T R O N G H OT E L ; T H E R I O ; G L E N W O O D C AV E R N S A D V E N T U R E PA R K

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO OPENING 2020 USOPM.ORG

Group Contact - Eric Lund Ph. 970-586-0500 x 1231 COMEFA19.indb 7

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EDITOR'S LETTER

Birds of prey experience in Aurora with HawkQuest

The Value of Industry Associations

Beth Buehler, editor CONTACT ME AT BETH.BUEHLER@TIGEROAK.COM

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF AN INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION and active in the group’s happenings? If not, maybe you should be! It’s one of the most common pieces of advice the magazine’s Hall of Fame inductees have every year for people who are new or hoping to advance in the meetings and events world. I’m constantly amazed at the education, networking, awards programs and community service efforts coming out of associations like ILEA, PCMA, MPI, NACE, ILEA, HSMAI and more. It may take a while to grasp what all these acronyms stand for, but it won’t take you long to figure out that the Colorado-based chapters of these associations and others are creative and like to have fun when meeting. Look at our Snapshots section at the end of each issue to catch a glimpse. I also appreciate the initiatives and research coming out of the international level. For example, during the PCMA EduCon event in Los Angeles in June, the PCMA Foundation and Steelcase Event Experiences released a research case study “5,000 People, 5,000 Personal Journeys.” The research utilized 2019 PCMA Convening Leaders as a live case study with researchers observing attendee behavior, conducting on-site interviews and developing a framework of six insights. Supporting Diverse Needs: Business event professionals should determine where their audience

falls on the spectrum of wanting something for everyone vs. one path to success. Offering many options can be valuable when the audience has varying experience levels, but it also can overwhelm and lead to analysis paralysis. Enabling Meaningful Experiences: Some participants may have higher engagement with interactive experiences, while others are more interested in traditional education methods. Accommodating Connection Strategies: Connecting does not solely mean meeting people,

although many do network that way. Instead, those with more industry experience connected with their senior-level peers by utilizing the opportunity to be in the same place at the same time. Enabling Learning Strategies: Some participants may engage with inspirational and motivational education content, while others seek tangible ROI through ideas bring back to the workplace. Supporting Participant Well-Being: Business event professionals must determine where their event falls on the spectrum between creating a supportive environment for each individual or for the audience as a whole. Designing for a Journey: Utilizing pre-existing gathering spaces or designing for a specific

Find, Friend, Follow

Find us online at co.meetingsmags.com, and make sure to “like” us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay in the loop between issues. /COMEE TINGSMAGS

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@COMEE TINGSMAGS

/MEE TINGSMAGS

/MEE TINGSE VENTSMAGS

P H OTO : F R O M T H E H I P P H OTO

journey and experience by creating work, networking or waiting lounges. All food for thought!

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www.viceroysnowmass.com

viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/snowmass/meetings_and_events

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SALES DEPARTMENT 970 923 8025

Amazing Entertainment for Any Occasion LOCAL, REGIONAL & NATIONAL ACTS Colorado Meetings + Events Best of 2017 / 2018 Reader’s Choice winner & 2019 Finalist for Best Entertainment Agency

P H OTO : F R O M T H E H I P P H OTO

Terri Fisher, President

www.5StarActs.com | 303.635.1210

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Colorado's most complete party rental source for over 50 years!

FALL 2019

Public speaking

+ Tap dancing. I think it could really spruce up my interviewing process.

Visit our showroom open 6 days a week. Open 8:00-5:00 Monday through Friday and 8:00-2:00 on Saturday.

co.meetingsmags.com EDITOR

Beth Buehler

To speak fluent Morgan Halaska Italian Megan Gosch Kassidy Tarala Julianna Fazio Taylor Hafner, Shawn Jung, Ph.D, Eric Peterson, Shelly Steig, Taylor Thorn, Cynthia Vannucci, Ph.D., CMP EDITORIAL INTERNS Megan Ekstrand, Sophie Jonsson MANAGING EDITOR SENIOR EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Justin Clark, Visit Aurora • Candace Duran, Halcyon • Adam Douglas, Peak Beverage • Kevin Hedican, Hermes Worldwide, Inc. • Brady Johnson, C Lazy U • Jason Lusk, CMP, VISIT DENVER • Amanda Nelson, Western Governors’ Association • Sharon Schoeffield, Copper Mountain Resort • Sidney Stoper, J&S Audio Visual Terri Taylor, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP • Marsha Temple, Colorado Automobile Dealers Association

Patience

I would love to have the skill to sing and play piano.

DESIGN DIRECTOR ART DIRECTORS

Courtney Nielsen Traci Zellmann, Taylor Kilgore

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PROJECT COORDINATOR

Dianne Talmage Brittni Dye

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR SUBSCRIPTION MARKETING SPECIALIST

Jeremy Wieland Emily O’Connell

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CREDIT MANAGER ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SPECIALIST

Leanne Warzeka April McCauley Jared Lawson

WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER WEB ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Sandy Powell Angela Beissel

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER– NATIONAL SALES Bob Haddad 303.617.0548 bob.haddad@tigeroak.com

The Industry’s Most Powerful Resource Tool

“

If you could immediately gain one new skill, what would it be?

”

California Meetings + Events • 303.617.0548 Illinois Meetings + Events • 312.755.1133 Michigan Meetings + Events • 586.416.4195 Minnesota Meetings + Events • 612.548.3148 Mountain Meetings • 303.617.0548 Northeast Meetings + Events • 586.416.4195 Northwest Meetings + Events • 253.732.7133 Texas Meetings + Events • 469.264.7657 Reprints: For high-quality reprints of 500 or more call 1-800-637-0334 or email reprints@tigeroak.com. For address changes, ordering single copies, cancellations, or general questions about your subscription please contact customer service at 1-800-637-0334 or customerservice@tigeroak.com Colorado Meetings + Events accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork; they will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

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meetingsmags.com 150,000 Resource Listings One-Click RFP Expert Advice Weekly Local and National News City/Destination Profiles

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FOUNDER & CEO CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

R. Craig Bednar Bill Nelson Susan Isay Jim Younger

900 South Third St., Minneapolis, MN 55415 Phone: 612.548.3180 Fax: 612.548.3181 Published quarterly Colorado Meetings + Events, Fall 2019 © 2019 Tiger Oak Media. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

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YMCA of the Rockies

NATURE INSPIRES ESTES PARK CENTER SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH From team-building retreats to nationwide conferences our two high-country Colorado mountain destinations offer an unbeatable natural setting where groups come to experience the wonder of nature and the spirit of togetherness. Cabins, lodges and meals for groups of all sizes. Meeting spaces and activities are included in your conference, group or retreat booking.

800-777-9622

ColoradoConferenceCenters.com

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MAKE MEETINGS AGAIN!

n Fu

RECEIVE PERKS FOR YOUR FALL MEETINGS!

Go online, call, or email for more information. 970-453-8780 Groups@beaverrun.com BeaverRun.com

CO.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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Land of Opportunities Many begin their days early with energizing general sessions and breakout meetings, but end early so that their attendees can experience all that is Snowmass Village. Summer and fall bring long days and mild temperatures that are perfect for hiking up wildflower trails, or heading down on a mountain bike, or getting your groove on at an outdoor concert. Whether your speed is taking a balloon ride or whitewater rafting, we have it here in Snowmass Village. Book a meeting from October 1, 2019 thru December 15, 2019 & April 6, 2020 thru June 10, 2020 and choose from the following concessions: 20-50 Total RN: Pick from 3 of the below concessions 51-100 Total RN: Pick from 4 of the below concessions 101+ RN: Pick from 5 of the below concessions • • • • • • • •

14 day cut-off date Complimentary one-hour reception of beer, wine and 3 passed hors d’oeuvres $5 rebate per consumed room night Two (2) complimentary one-hour massage or facial Complimentary Resort Fee 50% allowable attrition reduction (Group must provide hotel with 2 years pickup history) Complimentary Meeting Space with Banquet Food and Beverage minimum attained (to be determined by sales manager based on room nights and space needed) Gift Certificate for a one-night stay with breakfast for two (value of $400)

Contact Resort Sales Office at sales@westinsnowmass.com or at 970-923-8270 to book your meeting! ©2019 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Westin and their logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates. For full terms and conditions, visit westin.com/snowmass. Contract needs to be signed by December 31, 2019.

We are only as good as our last customer experience...

303.770.0877 12

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epicureangroupco.com

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

Meeting Notes SIGNATURE DRINK

TIPS FROM A PRO

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT

EDUCATION

klik badge

MEET SMART

P H O T O S : AV E N T R I , E X P E R I E N T, C R Y S TA L I N T E R A C T I V E

Try these wearable gadgets to elevate attendee engagement. The moment a meeting attendee walks through the door, they should feel engaged. Whether they’re looking for educational sessions to attend, in search of networking opportunities or just want more information about others in the industry, attendees need to be equipped to make the most of the meeting. From badges to buttons, here are some wearable technology products to make your next event as smart as your attendees.

AV E N T R I S M A R T TA G

Dubbed the “attendee’s digital business card,” the Aventri Smart Tag allows attendees to connect with others via Bluetooth technology. Meeting attendees can virtually exchange contact information, share marketing materials, and record connections they make, sessions they attend and exhibitors they visit.

EVENTBIT

To personalize large events, show organizers can record data to understand what attendees are and are not engaging with on the show floor. When attendees wear eventBit technology, exhibit sales staff can record traffic flow, marketers can understand attendee engagement and personalize messaging, and educators can gauge what sessions are popular with what types of attendees.

KLIK

With a badge, wristband and button, klik has something for everyone’s event experience. Once an attendee has chosen one of klik’s wearables, they can begin exchanging digital contact information and engaging with digitized event materials, such as exhibitor infor-

mation or presentation slides. For planners, klik streamlines event registration, programming, networking, location services, attendee tracking and gamification on one event engagement platform. —Kassidy Tarala

Get Connected AVENTRI SMART TAG aventri.com/products/smart-tag EVENTBIT eventbit.experient-inc.com KLIK crystalinteractive.net/event-technology/ smart-wearables

CO.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

Courtesy of BAR AC, AC HOTEL DENVER DOWNTOWN

FLASHBACK»

20TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST CAVE TOUR AT GLENWOOD CAVERNS

SIGNATURE DRINK»

Strawberry Fields Forever INGREDIENTS —.5 oz. St-Germain —.5 oz. fresh lemon juice —1 strawberry —1.5 oz. Aviation Gin —Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic —fresh mint DIRECTIONS Add strawberry to St-Germain and lemon juice; muddle ingredients. Transfer mixture to a shaker tin filled with ice along with gin. Shake and double strain into a martini coupe. Top up with Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic and garnish with a sprig of mint.

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EARLY YEARS: More than 33,000 people toured the caves during a five-month period in 1999, but they were closed during the rest of the year since the access road was impassible in the winter and spring months. Steve began working on a new transportation system to keep the tours open year-round, and Iron Mountain Tramway launched in 2003 and the company changed its name to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. TODAY: The park has grown to include thrill rides, group- and family-friendly attractions, live music, shopping and dining. New this year is a high-speed Glenwood Gondola that can transport 1,000 people per hour up and down the mountain. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is the only mountaintop theme park in America. CELEBR ATION: The mountaintop Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs threw a “Party Like It’s 1999” 20th anniversary celebration on May 18, 2019. Paizley Park, a costumed and choreographed Prince tribute act, provided the tunes, and guests who wore purple received a free drink (purple Icee for kids and a special Purple Rain beverage for adults). A photo booth with props allowed attendees to create free souvenir photos. glenwoodcaverns.com

P H O T O S : TAT E C A R L S O N ; G L E N W O O D C AV E R N S A D V E N T U R E PA R K ; ( O P P O S I T E ) B R I A N B R O W N ; K AT H L E E N M O R T L A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y ; M O U N TA I N - C O N

BACKGROUND: Twenty years ago, Steve and Jeanne Beckley were putting the final touches on the substantial improvement projects that made it possible to reopen the Glenwood Caverns and Historic Fairy Caves. The cave closed to the public during World War I more than 82 years prior.

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Charley Co.

CO-WORKING SPACES»

JUST FOR WOMEN

CHARLEY CO. & RISE COLLABORATIVE WORKSPACE, DENVER Earlier this year, we mentioned cool co-working spaces in Durango and Leadville. Now we have two more to share, both in Denver and focused on women.

RISE Collaborative Workspace has expanded beyond St. Louis by opening a new location in Denver on the corner of Colorado and 7th Avenue, in a space that exceeds 10,000 square feet and is located above Snooze Eatery and U.S. Bank. Denver RISE has 14 private offices, 10 dedicated desks, three conference rooms, one classroom, a social media room and more. RISE focuses on meeting the unique needs of businesswomen by engaging them with a community of members and providing collaboration opportunities and educational program-

ming. Through its nonprofit arm RISE Society, high school girls can enroll in a mentorship program where they are matched with an adult member of RISE. riseworkspace.com/denver Charley Co. opened this summer inside The Source Hotel + Market Hall in RiNo and seeks members who are looking for more than just a place to sit. The goal is to build a community of driven women with the desire to grow alongside one another in their professional and personal lives. Charley Co. also has partnered with local companies to provide convenience like in-house salon services, dry cleaning, mailboxes to use as a business addresses, pop-up fitness classes, and a speakers series. Occupying the second level of the new hotel and market hall, Charley Co. spans

RISE Collaborative Workspace

5,650 square feet and features six offices, four conference rooms, 1,000 square feet of open co-working space with desks, a break room, a mother’s nursing room, a library nook, and more. charleycoworking.com

OUT-OF-THE-BOX»

MEETING IN UNEXPECTED PLACES: SMALL TOWNS Sometimes small communities are overlooked as meeting and event destinations when frequently they have the capacity to host moderate-sized groups in an affordable and enjoyable fashion, especially if the towns are used to welcoming tourists. It may take some piecing together of lodging and venues, but Minturn (located between Vail and Beaver Creek) demonstrated how by hosting MountainCon 2019 from May 3-5. Mountain-Con limits attendance to 40 and is for sport performance professionals looking to learn, network and col-

laborate on best performance outcomes for mountain sport athletes and general population clients. Based at Minturn Fitness Center, the conference included educational sessions, roundtable discussions, networking events and activities like yoga, mountain biking, hiking, trailrunning and fly-fishing. Evening receptions were held at Kirby Cosmos’ BBQ in downtown Minturn and 10th Mountain Whiskey Tasting Room in Vail, and attendees stayed in the local Eagle River Inn and Minturn Inn. mountain-con.com; minturn.org

CO.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

COLORADO SEASONS»

Go for the Gold in Autumn

he 160th anniversary of the Colorado Gold Rush is underway. While settlers originally migrated west in hopes of striking gold, groups and leisure travelers today head to Colorado in fall to strike it rich with adventures. Here are two fun ideas for groups during this golden season.

FALL COLOR TRAIN, L E A D V I L L E

Ride into the San Isabel National Forest aboard the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad and see the mountains decked out in yellow, orange and red. The train departs daily at 1 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends and offers a variety of special outings as well. Three-hour rides allow guests to experience the wilderness aglow in autumn beauty, headwaters of the Arkansas River Valley and sweeping vistas of Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. leadville-train.com

ROYAL GORGE BRIDGE & PARK, C A Ñ O N C I T Y

The highest suspension bridge in America, Royal Gorge Bridge, marks its 90th anniversary in 2019. To celebrate, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park opened a brand new Via Ferrata climbing experience. Trained mountain guides lead all climbs and show participants the breathtaking beauty of fall from new heights. royalgorgebridge.com

TIPS FROM A PRO»

Downtown Denver venue shares ideas for shaking up the format and keeping it within budget boundaries. B Y T A Y L O R T H O R N A COMPANY’S HOLIDAY PARTY CAN SAY A LOT ABOUT A BUSINESS. These parties are often a way for higherups to thank their staff for hard work put in over the past year. Here are several tips to make the planning of these celebrations easier and more fun, along with trends I’ve noticed to keep holiday gatherings fresh and affordable. TIPS

do not fit within that budget.

book up quickly, and it is easier to work with budgets when there are more options.

6. Ask guests to send their dietary restrictions as soon as possible, if they have any, so you can chat through these needs with your event planner or venue manager.

1. Book earlier rather than later. Venues

2. Venues will be more flexible with budget if you are earlier or later in the night. Prime start times are around 6:30 p.m. and will come with a higher cost.

TRENDS

3. Try to book your event Sunday through

events are becoming popular.

Thursday. These are the days that venues have trouble filling during the holidays, therefore the minimums and costs might be lower.

2. Dinner and a show. Purchase group tick-

4. If you are not planning on serving alcohol at your event, it may be beneficial to book a luncheon. 5. Know your budget before you start planning. This helps eliminate venues that

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1. Luncheon and weekend brunch

ets for a show at the Denver Performing Arts Center and have a group dinner before or drinks and light apps after the show.

3. Reception-style events are becoming more and more popular with heavy apps and drinks. They encourage mingling. 4. Photo booths are a huge hit. 5. Hire a band or DJ to help get the party going.

TAYLOR THORN IS THE SENIOR SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER AT THE CORNER OFFICE RESTAURANT + MARTINI BAR IN DOWNTOWN DENVER.

P H O T O : L E A D V I L L E C O L O R A D O & S O U T H E R N R A I L R O A D ; ( O P P O S I T E ) D AV E L E H L P H OTO G R A P H Y I N C . ; CO LO R A D O H I S TO R I C H OT S P R I N G S LO O P

NEW APPROACHES TO HOLIDAY PARTY PLANNING

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ACTIVITIES»

SOAKS & SLOPES

Do you have a conference or retreat that changes Colorado locations every winter or spring? If so, follow the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop for the best in soaks and world-class skiing in five destinations around the state. The same geology that created the foundation for world-class skiing in these five locales also formed another nearby natural wonder in the form of 19 geothermal hot springs attractions. Airports serve each of the five regions. colorado.com/hotspringsloop STEAMBOAT SPRINGS Slopes: Steamboat and Howelsen Hill Soaks: Old Town Hot Springs and Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Monarch Mountain

CHAFFEE COUNTY Slopes: Monarch Mountain Soaks: Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Historic Cottonwood Hot Springs and Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center PAGOSA SPRINGS Slopes: Wolf Creek Ski Area Soaks: The Springs Resort & Spa, Overlook Hot Springs, Healing Waters Resort & Spa OURAY & RIDGWAY Slopes: Telluride Mountain Resort and Silverton Mountain Soaks: Ouray Hot Springs, Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa, Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs and Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

GLENWOOD SPRINGS Slopes: Sunlight Mountain Resort, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass Soaks: Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

Create Cooking School HawkQuest

S TA N D O U T I D E A S F O R GROUPS The back patio at Pelican Bay at Cherry Creek with a sand and water backdrop is the perfect place for a birds of prey experience with an eagle, owl, falcon and hawk presented by the nonprofit HawkQuest. Kin Quitugua, a master falconer and longtime environmental educator, founded HawkQuest in 1986 and has dedicated himself to educating the public about the role raptors play in our ecology. hawkquest.org

Pub at Pelican Bay

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT»

Aurora

A GROWING NUMBER OF FUN ACTIVITIES, distinct venues and lodging properties well-suited for hosting groups has landed Aurora in the number 33 spot on Cvent’s list of Top 50 Meeting Destinations in the United States for 2019. This represents a nine-point increase from Aurora’s ranking last year and a 23-point increase from 2017, placing Colorado’s third largest city ahead of destinations like Fort Worth, Louisville, Portland, St. Louis and Kansas City.

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Southlands, an outdoor lifestyle mall, functions like a modern main street for the community. There are many opportunities for groups like a dine-in AMC multiplex cinema, restaurant/bar options like the spacious Bar Louie, quaint Wine Experience Café & World Cellar, an ice skating rink in winter, and events like a farmers’ market and outdoor concerts and movies during the summer. One of the newest additions is Bent Barley Brewing Company, which is the brainchild of friends and coworkers Mark Job and Paul Dampier. shopsouthlands.com At Stanley Marketplace, begin at Stanley Beer Garden, where you pour your own beer, wine, hard cider or cocktail from two large rows of stainless steel dispensers. There are more than 50 locally owned businesses in the market, including eateries, breweries, a wine taproom, boutique shops and more. Fairly new on the scene is Create Cooking School for an ideal team-building and dining experience with talented chefs. On-site restaurants like Comida and Rolling Smoke BBQ also have food trucks that can be booked for off-site gatherings. stanleymarketplace.com

P H OTO S : F R O M T H E H I P P H OTO ; (O P P O S I T E ) B I Z Z A B O

Pelican Bay at Cherry Creek, located within Cherry Creek State Park, features a marina, Lake House for events and nautical-themed pub. During fair weather, boats, jet skis, canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be rented. pbcherrycreek.com

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P H OTO S : F R O M T H E H I P P H OTO ; (O P P O S I T E ) B I Z Z A B O

SUPPLY WISE»

EVENT TECHNOLOGY THAT WON’T BREAK THE BANK

A peek into a Solution Circle conversation during the 2019 MIC Conference. B Y D A V E M U E L L E R AT THE 2019 Meetings Industry Council of Colorado Educational Conference and Trade Show, Denver-based Image Audiovisuals led a Solution Circle focused on “New Technology for Next-Generation Audiences, but I’m on a Budget!” New this year, Solution Circles were collaboration hubs in the Exhibit Hall, allowing attendees to discover and devise new solutions with industry experts who facilitated. I had the opportunity to field questions from destination management companies, hotel event managers and corporate meeting planners regarding attendee engagement. Discussions included app-based attendee registration and engagement tools, adding low-cost scenic elements to sets, and contract negotiations to keep A/V options open. The main focus was on using apps to increase attendee engagement through live polling and surveys during conferences. Polling and Q&A apps like Vevox and POPin allow meeting planners access to meeting intelligence and data that was much more expensive just a few years ago. Fully featured event management platforms like EventWaves streamline the entire event life cycle, allowing every aspect of an event to be effortlessly managed. Recording and livestreaming every session of a conference and then creating on-demand webcasts of those sessions is the next big event strategy. Content adds value and longevity to every event and companies like e-Attend make it user- and budget-friendly! Always keep your

A/V partners in the loop so they can integrate any apps into your audio-video presentations. Another focus of our Solution Circle was on Modular Backdrops and how incorporating a scenic element to a stage that isn’t the usual pipe and drape adds an affordable and modern look. There are so many new and exciting scenic options that can be created by providers from coast-to-coast. Dynamic, scenic elements attract attention and focus, look great with video or lighting, and add freshness and energy to any event, from corporate and social to everything in between. A very hot topic discussed was how to navigate the pitfalls of hotel contracts containing restrictive clauses concerning the use of outside A/V production companies. Some of these costs have doubled or quadrupled in the last two years. We see both sides and feel the best way meeting planners can tackle these issues is to maintain a freedom of choice. No one should be forced to do something they don’t want to when the success of a meeting is at stake. Read and negotiate every contract—it could literally save you thousands of dollars.

WITH 35 YEARS OF LIVE EVENT EXPERIENCE, DAVE MUELLER HAS DEVELOPED IMAGE AUDIOVISUALS INTO AN EVENT INDUSTRY LEADER AS FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT.

TOOLS»

BIZZABO LAUNCHES NEXT-GEN SUITE OF ON-SITE EVENT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS Use Bizzabo at your next event to give attendees a more personalized experience. Bizzabo’s newest on-site suite of event software solutions is a custom-tailored way for event marketers to strengthen first impressions during the check-in process for attendees. Bizzabo Vice President of Marketing Alon Waks says this new technology stems from Bizzabo’s understanding of how first impressions affect the success of an event. “We created our new holistic suite of check-in solutions to establish a touchstone for the process and to answer the demand for a more personalized, streamlined and resilient check-in operation.” Bizzabo’s newest systems are designed to empower event marketers with options such as choosing the right check-in flow for events and integrating everything with Bizzabo’s secure online cloud, which functions through network outages. Since Bizzabo’s technology can be customized to fit any planner’s needs, Waks wants event organizers to know that with this technology, they will be able to “execute a rewarding and less stressful check-in process, improving the overall experience for both the attendees and organizers.” —Sophie Jonsson

Get Connected BIZZABO | bizzabo.com

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

EDUCATION»

PREPARING STUDENTS TO INDUSTRY STANDARDS & BEYOND

M PRODUCT»

CHEERS TO CANNED S PA R K L I N G ROSÉ Another great option for portable wine has hit the Colorado market: Molly’s Spirits’ canned sparkling rosé. It’s a great option for when glass isn’t allowed or an outdoor adventure is at hand. Molly’s Rosé Bubbles is crafted in Oregon and boasts aromas of fresh strawberries, candied ginger and rose petals with flavors of raspberry, papaya and honeydew. The wine is available in recyclable 375-milliliter aluminum cans, meaning just two cans is the equivalent of an entire bottle of wine. Available while supplies last. mollysspirits.com

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any meeting and event professionals are surprised to learn that Metropolitan State University of Denver has been educating students to enter the world of meeting planning since 1972. Back then, we were known as Hospitality, Meetings, and Travel. Fast-forward 47 years, and we see that the original department has changed much like the city of Denver and state of Colorado. We are now the School of Hospitality, Events, and Tourism, with our own building known as the Hospitality Learning Center, an adjacent hotel SpringHill Suites by Marriott, and a standalone Bachelor of Science degree in events and meeting management. A review of the 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the number of jobs for meeting and event planners in 2016 was 116,700, and the projected numeric change in employment from 2016-2026 is 12,700. Against this backdrop of growing numbers, EVTM faculty needed to determine if our new courses were preparing graduating students for an entry-level position in our industry. Demand from college students wishing to study the business of event management has fostered a proliferation of events courses to be added to hospitality programs within U.S. universities (Cecil, Reed, & Reed, 2011). For example, Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida, Iowa State University, New York University, and MSU Denver joined the ranks of schools in 2016 that offer EM as a standalone degree program. To determine if the newly designed courses at MSU Denver were preparing students for an entrylevel position, a database of more than 250 meeting and event planners from around Colorado were randomly selected to be surveyed.

The study in general indicates that the learning objectives of upper-division EM courses are preparing students for an entry-level position in the meetings and events industry. There was an open-ended comment section at the end of the survey and there were some interesting thoughts that require further study. One comment in particular says, “Clear learning objectives are one thing, but I still see skill gaps when a student starts this type of job!” From an educator’s prospective, we cannot teach every aspect of an event and meeting professional’s job. In support of the respondent’s comment, a deeper dive into skills gap issues could be done because the comment has further research value. A recent PayScale report (2016) indicates that only 50 percent of managers agree that college graduates are ready to start their careers. This implies a perceived skill gap by hiring managers. Dice Insights (2017) gives perspective in this way: “Current employees do not meet the hiring standard and the rejection rates are sky-high. Managers hold out for perfection and these vacancies are negatively impacting business results.” To reduce the skill gaps and subsequent talent shortages, academics need to partner more often than not. Currently, events faculty at MSU Denver belong to major event associations, and our goal is to expand current industry relationships. While we value quantitative aspects of our research, we appreciate the sincere comments that make us think deeper on how we can aid in filling skill gaps for college graduates. Our goal is to prepare students to industry standards and beyond. Aligning learning objectives involves all parties coming together to assist in curriculum development, enact internship programs and offer hands-on learning in the classroom.

CYNTHIA VANNUCCI, PH.D., CMP IS A FULL PROFESSOR AND SHAWN JUNG, PH.D. AN ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER IN THE SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY, EVENTS, AND TOURISM.

P H O T O S : M O L LY ’ S S P I R I T S

Do event management program learning objectives resonate with employers? B y C y n t h i a V a n n u c c i , P h . D . , C M P a n d S h a w n J u n g , P h . D .

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P H O T O S : M O L LY ’ S S P I R I T S

NATURALLY INVITING Mystic Lake Center is the newest event and convention center in the Twin Cities. Featuring more than 70,000 square feet of dedicated meeting space, Mystic Lake Center can accommodate groups of any size for meetings, corporate events, galas and more. It joins Mystic Lake Casino Hotel to form the Midwest’s premier full-service resort and one of the area’s largest hotels. All just minutes from Minneapolis, MSP airport and attractions like Prince’s Paisley Park, Mall of America , U.S. Bank Stadium and more. ®

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

“A customer is a person who can walk away. You don’t want customers. You want fans. You want friends.” —KEYNOTE SPEAKER BRUCE D I C K I N S O N , beer lover, brewer, pilot, and lead singer of Iron Maiden

CONFERENCE SPOTLIGHT»

Breweries and beer lovers gathered to learn, network and enjoy Colorado’s craft beer scene. B Y T A Y L O R H A F N E R With more than 390 breweries, Colorado ranks fourth in the nation and is considered a trendsetting region. From April 8-11, 2019, the Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America gathered 14,000 attendees from all 50 states at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver to offer insights and a celebration of the craft beer community. More than 7,000 small and independent craft brewers were represented, meaning the conference is a must for both emerging and established community members. Topics covered by event speakers ranged from opportunities for industry growth and shifting consumer preferences to resources for technical excellence in brewing. Themed activity areas were another highlight includ-

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ing a spin on the traditional Oktoberfest in a mountain-chic lodge, a campground area featuring a Colorado outdoor adventure, and Burning Man Music Festival. Each area featured food, live music and beer, of course. Other fare options consisted of a variety of box lunches, grab-and-go breakfast items and local food trucks. Another attendee favorite is the annual community-created brew that serves as the official symposium beer. This year’s 2019 Symposium Ale, a red brut IPA, was a collaboration between several local brewers and was brewed and canned at Sleeping Giant Brewing Company in Denver. “Brut IPA is a new and exciting style, and our Conference Beer Committee thought it would be a great

fit and a chance to experiment,” says Steve Kurowski, who until recently was marketing director for Colorado Brewers Guild. Through the Colorado Brewers Guild, brewery bus tours were available the day before the conference began. This year, 11 all-day brewery tours explored regions of the Denver Front Range and Summit County. VISIT DENVER estimates that the Craft Brewers Conference, organized by the Boulder-based Brewers Association, generated more than $35 million in direct spending in The Mile High City.

Get Connected CRAFT BREWERS CONFERENCE craftbrewersconference.com | 303.447.0816

P H OTO S : T H E B R E W TO G R A P H Y P R OJ E C T; (O P P O S I T E ) H E A R T H & D R A M

CRAFT BREWERS CONFERENCE CELEBRATES A BREWING NATION

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FOOD EXPERIENCE»

WHOLE BEAST FEAST AT HEARTH & DRAM

P H OTO S : T H E B R E W TO G R A P H Y P R OJ E C T; (O P P O S I T E ) H E A R T H & D R A M

Chef Adam Vero joined Hearth & Dram in Denver as executive chef last year and recruited Jeff Hickman as his chef de cuisine. Both previously worked for TAG Restaurant Group, also located in Denver. The duo has created inventive new menus at Hearth & Dram and reimagined the “Whole Beast Feast,” a group dining event for 10-12 participants that is designed to showcase the eatery’s nose-to-tail philosophy. Five to seven courses are prepared on a sevenfoot, wood-fired grill and served family style to highlight the team’s culinary abilities and no-waste philosophy. The Beast Feast menus are centered around a particular animal (pig, duck, goat, lamb, beef and sea) and designed with specific flavor profiles in mind to enhance the proteins, such as Italian, Mediterranean or Middle Eastern. The team also can combine feasts, like surf and turf, and often work with groups to pair wines or whiskies with a meal.

What does your event smell like? www.thesentol ogi st.com CO.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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OPEN MIC

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

CATCH A GLIMPSE OF INSIGHTS ABOUT COMPETITION, new hotel room inventory, human resources, trends, experiences, sustainability and more from a spring conversation. One thing that’s certain is that more inventory in terms of lodging and venues means more competition, but that has been balanced out by more available business, says Brady Johnson, director of sales and marketing at C Lazy U Ranch near Granby. “We definitely see that competition and properties fighting for group blocks,” confirms Jason Lusk, CMP, associate vice president, convention sales for VISIT DENVER. “In 2018, there were 12 new hotels and 2,765 guest rooms added, including 1,501 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. In 2019, we added five properties and 1,712 rooms in the Denver metro, and it’s projected that we’ll add nine more properties with 1,159 rooms in the second half of the year (total of 14 hotels with 2,871 rooms for the year).” Candace Duran, director of sales and mar-

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keting for Halcyon in Denver has experienced the impact. “For a nonbranded boutique hotel, it’s definitely a fight. We have to stay out there and lower rates more to be competitive and get heads in bed.” She adds, “Group is my biggest concern, because when you have group you have a successful business, but it’s a consistent challenge.” Halcyon has found success partnering with neighbor properties. “We get together with other hotels monthly to talk about selling Cherry Creek, as we don’t have near the amount of hotels as downtown Denver and don’t have the train from Denver International Airport. We have to market harder to sell ourselves.” Justin Clark, director of sales for Visit Aurora, agrees that it is “a lot to keep up with” and talked about how the busi-

ness model is slightly different for Aurora, which is the third largest community in Colorado and also is part of the Denver metro area. “Our destination is different; our big business was sports tournaments in the summer. We are still hosting a lot, but the market has changed because the hotels are already 80 percent full. Plus, our peak months are changing.” What does it look like from the planner side? “I’m trying to book a gala with 300 seated in rounds and a stage but with no guest rooms, so no one wants us. I don’t need guest rooms for any of my programs, so I am out of downtown. Denver Tech Center didn’t even want us for a Thursday,” says Tiffany Carson, CMP, CPE operations manager for the Colorado Society of CPAs.

Employee Pool Finding and keeping culinary staff is the No. 1 issue regarding human resources followed closely by housekeeping, notes Duran. “Wages

P H OTO : B R A D ! P H OTO G R A P H Y

Our editorial advisory board sounds off about what’s happening in their sectors of the meetings and events world. B Y B E T H B U E H L E R

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P H OTO : B R A D ! P H OTO G R A P H Y

are not as good as something like Uber. Jobs in the culinary arts pay better later. The new generation of employees has changed, they want a title and parking.” There also is a general lack of acknowledgment regarding what it takes to move up the career ladder to land the coveted assignments. “Jobs aren’t that sexy when you get out of college, you won’t make a lot of money and might have to work registration. … There is a disconnect,” says Denver-based Amanda Nelson, meeting planner for the Western Governors’ Association. She also understands the challenges facing new graduates and offers a few nuggets of wisdom. “It is hard to get out of college and not make a lot of money and pay loans. It’s important to build yourself up with fellowships and internships, learn about the industry, and speak the industry language.” Another issue is enrollment in hospitality programs at universities across the nation is down, shares Cynthia Vanucci, P.hD., CMP, a professor of events management and internship coordinator for Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Department of Hospitality, Tourism, and Events Management. Plus, there is a “gap between employers not being happy with quality of students and looking for the Virgin Mother. They want the person to be spot on and have forgotten they have been around the planet a couple times themselves.” Graduates also are dealing with the market offering $20,000 less than what they want to start out at, she says. “They love this business but are looking at where they can earn more to cover the cost of living, paying off school, etc. It’s a deterrent from us preparing students for the industry. Why get a college degree and not be offered a good wage?” Terri Taylor, regional event manager for Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, estimates she gets asked a couple times a week to meet with “a cousin’s neighbor’s niece.” She says, “The perception of what event planning is versus reality is so far off. After the conversation, they don’t want to do that. They want to be a wedding planner, travel, etc. … We have to align perception with reality. It’s also a lot of fun once you get some seniority.”

Hiring & Retention Solutions One answer is to provide incentives that speak to the pool of potential employees. C Lazy U Ranch provides room and board, wellness benefits and training on the job. “We hire based on personality versus skills, seeing something within a person instead of skills to start off with,” Johnson shares. The Summit County job market is very competitive, which has resulted in creative solutions like transforming a former Club Med into employee housing, offering $5 lunches, and providing employees services like hair stylists coming in on a certain day of the month and financial advisors being available for free, notes Sharon Schoeffield, national sales manager for Copper Mountain Resort Peak Beverages, a beverage catering company, has met with hiring and retention success by helping fund continuing education, certifications for wine or spirits, and life skills. “It is better to develop new staff versus promoting mediocrity. If you pay it forward, hopefully they will appreciate where it is coming from and it forms an allegiance,” emphasizes co-owner and Director of Strategic Growth Adam Douglas. Offering options that enhance quality of life is important to today’s employees. “This year, if my team makes numbers in a particular quarter, they get to work at home twice a month,” Duran shares. “Every person made quarter two goals after I rolled this out.” It is one of the most exciting options for younger staff, Andrew agrees but stresses that it has to be tied to performance. “It is terrifying to not physically see if people are performing, but there is so much technology out there that you can keep track of everything.”

Sustainability Clients are demanding recycling and low- or zero-waste. “We can’t have water bottles anymore at events and instead use water stations at hotels,” Taylor says. Raft (raftcolorado.org) accepts leftover items from meetings—anything from bags to foam core—and creates inexpensive kits for teachers to purchase, plus there are volunteer opportunities to help make kits, shares Lusk.

“They take the most random stuff to make into teaching tools.”

What’s Hot? In the catering sector, it’s all about “composting, local first, farm fresh, stations and the interactive piece explaining to guests what they are having,” says Robin Berhost, director of sales for Biscuits & Berries in Golden. “I just went to a whole meeting about industry trends with alcohol. Spirits are the most popular category, along with interesting varietals of wine. Chardonnay is taking a hit, and rosé is still building interest. … The whole cocktail revolution is finally making it into events,” adds Douglas. The Colorado Automobile Dealers reinvented its annual convention after a 10-year hiatus. The last two years (2017 and 2018), the event was in Hawaii. After listening to members, the 2019 CADA Annual Convention is back in Colorado at The Broadmoor. “Several of our members didn’t go, so it’s at The Broadmoor this year and there are lots of people going. They wanted it local,” shares Chief Operating Officer Marsha Temple. One concern for many suppliers is the major shrinking of booking windows. “Every year our window of being contacted for transportation gets smaller and smaller,” says Kevin Hedican, brand ambassador for Denver-based Hermes Worldwide Transportation. “We recently were contacted for a 1,500-person group three weeks out. I was happy to get the business, but it was crazy. I refer to it as the Uberization of our industry: Planners book hotels first and think when they are ready to order transportation, it’s there.” Hermes is rolling out more technology for groups like apps and text alerts. One concerning trend is the membership decline for a wide variety of associations, notes Carson, but there is hope for future generations, especially Gen Z. However, the bottom line is Denver and Colorado are blossoming as destinations for meetings and events. Duran says. “It’s an exciting time to be Denver, we have proven ourselves, are being respected as a city, and there is much more to come.”

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DESTINATION VAIL & BEAVER CREEK

MORE FOR MEETINGS

Venues and vendors have elevated the Vail Valley into a full-service destination for meetings and events. BY ERIC PETERSON

THERE ARE QUITE A FEW big numbers intertwined with Vail and Beaver Creek. Vail Mountain remains the largest single-mountain ski resort in North America with 5,289 skiable acres and is one of the most popular (it’s typically neck-and-neck with sister ski resort Breckenridge, with around 1.7 million skier days a season). A dozen miles west, Beaver Creek has plenty of superlatives of its own.

A Full-Service Destination Off the slopes, the Vail Valley has grown up in recent years. During ski season, Eagle County Airport has emerged as Colorado’s secondbusiest airport as Vail and Beaver Creek’s

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meeting infrastructure is catching up with the Front Range’s, says Shannon McLaughlin, director of events at John Tobey Event Design in Denver. “You can get almost anything you could

find in Denver in the mountains, but you just have to plan ahead,” she says. “In the past, I’d steer people away who had heavy technical needs, but that’s changed.” She points to satellite offices for rental companies and vendors from ice carvers to videographers, noting that there might just be one service provider instead of a dozen. “It’s not necessarily, ‘You can’t do it,’ you just need to plan ahead,” she says. “When you get into larger-scale events, tents and décor are still the two things you have to bring in from Denver,” says John Tobey, principal of his namesake firm. Entertainment is another potential import, adds McLaughlin. “You can always get a couple very talented musicians to play acoustic guitars … but if you want a dance band, you’re definitely bringing that from out of town or out of state.”

P H O T O S : J A C K A F F L E C K ; ( O P P O S I T E ) VA I L PA R K S , R E C R E AT I O N & O P E N S PA C E ; G R A N D H YAT T VA I L

Vail offers plentiful lodging and activity options for groups.

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P H O T O S : J A C K A F F L E C K ; ( O P P O S I T E ) VA I L PA R K S , R E C R E AT I O N & O P E N S PA C E ; G R A N D H YAT T VA I L

Dobson Ice Arena in Vail is a blank slate for décor and holds up to 2,700; below: Grand Hyatt Vail is the community’s largest venue with lodging and offers premier views.

BY THE NUMBERS

ELEVATION VAIL: 8,022 feet BEAVER CREEK: 8,080 feet POPULATION VAIL: 5,483 AVON (BEAVER CREEK): 6,445 MILES FROM DENVER VAIL: 97 BEAVER CREEK: 109 SKIABLE ACRES VAIL MOUNTAIN: 5,289 BEAVER CREEK RESORT: 1,832 VERTICAL RISE VAIL MOUNTAIN: 3,450 feet BEAVER CREEK RESORT: 3,340 feet

Mountain & Village Venues Tobey and McLaughlin have planned a wide range of corporate and social events in Vail and Beaver Creek, utilizing such venues as the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, The Sebastian - Vail, and Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail and The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Beano’s Cabin and The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley in the Beaver Creek area. “The Westin Riverfront is definitely one of the larger facilities because they have indoor and outdoor space,” says Tobey of the property’s 7,500 square feet of event space that has a maximum capacity of 350. “We’re also at Grand Hyatt Vail quite often because they have large tents used for banquet space in the summer.” For bigger events, that can be critical as area restaurant capacities top out at around 300. “The fact you are holding an event in a tourist destination is a plus and a minus,”

says McLaughlin. There is a built-in draw and plenty in the way of infrastructure, she notes, but there are also true off-seasons in fall and spring. “Even restaurants like Sweet Basil, they might not close for the entire shoulder season, but they’ll close for part of it.” The largest venue with lodging in Vail is Grand Hyatt Vail, where the Alpine Hall can accommodate as many as 1,200 people for a reception or 900 for a banquet. Depending on the setup, Dobson Ice Arena in Vail can hold as many as 2,700. “When we do corporate events, we often use Dobson Ice Arena, because it’s an indoor blank space,” says Tobey. “Certainly, you do have to bring in a lot of rentals.” In Beaver Creek Village, Vilar Performing Arts Center features a 500-seat theater flanked by a pair of 2,200-square-foot lobbies that are available for events.

Based in Avon, Patrick Davis is general manager of the Colorado Mountain Region for the Chicago-based business event management firm PRA and frequently partners with Vail Resorts. “We work very closely with Vail Resorts as they own the two main mountains here,” he says. “We consider ourselves the subject matter experts.” Vail Resorts’ largest event venues at The Lodge at Vail and Vail Square can handle receptions for up to 500 people, while onmountain facilities are smaller such as The 10th restaurant with a maximum capacity of around 200 and Game Creek that accommodates 120. “Most groups that come into the valley are in the 20-400 range,” says Davis, citing an average size of 150. Davis points to Larkspur in Vail as a great dining and event venue. On-mountain restaurants at both Vail and

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DESTINATION VAIL & BEAVER CREEK

Beaver Creek present another option that can involve sleigh or snowcat rides. Ski-in, ski-out luxury mansions are a highend option. “We have access to private homes in Beaver Creek and Vail as well,” notes Davis. “Some of these homes are 10,000 square feet.” Also offering the benefit of ski-in, ski-out access, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is a bit of an island at Beaver Creek, and that’s a good thing. “[Groups] want to leave the resort less and less,” says Lori Rippstein, market director - sales and marketing for the property. “When they want a retreat feel, this is the perfect setting.” That translates to year-round utility, she adds, noting, “We’re not ski season prices yearround. There are definitely value seasons.” Event spaces include an indoor ballroom and the Mountainside Terrace (capacities of 400 and 600 for receptions) and other outdoor venues. “[Groups] want that sense of place. How can we bring that alive?” inquires Rippstein.

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Example activities include outdoor yoga and Painting and Pinot sessions. Also, the resort’s house dogs, Scout and Bachelor, are available to go on hikes with the guests. “People love that,” she says.

Go Play There’s no shortage of outdoor recreation and activities to break up the meeting agenda. Beyond skiing, there’s a full slate of summer activities in the form of rafting, fly-fishing, 4x4 tours, hiking, horseback riding and golfing. For those who are not as adrenalineinclined, The Westin Riverfront offers wellness breaks in the form of stretching or sound therapy sessions. Groups also can explore Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, which has room for 80 on a private terrace. PRA’s Davis is a fan of bōl, a slick bowling alley in Vail (capacity is 100 for dinner, but more than 200 for a buyout) for after-hours events. “They really just want to get together

Get Connected VISIT VAIL VALLEY visitvailvalley.com | 970.476.1000

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P H O T O : T H E R I T Z - C A R LT O N , B A C H E L O R G U L C H

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch offers a secluded location and plenty of amenities like a heated outdoor pool.

and network,” he says. “Whenever we can get people to mix and mingle, they walk away thinking it was a great night.” Davis also highlights 4 Eagle Ranch in Wolcott, with a capacity of 550 for dinner and a wide range of activities. He says it fits the bill for “a Western dude ranch experience with a full day of activities followed by a cowboy dinner.” Katie Nelson, who works in marketing at the ranch, says there are four cabins for smaller events, and partners on premises operate a zip line, winery and 4x4 tours. Teambuilding activities include skeet shooting and quick-draw contests, tomahawk tossing, chili cook-offs and Build-A-Horse challenges with subsequent races. The ranch offers “an alternative to sitting in a conference room all day long,” says Nelson. “We have horse drawn sleighs in the winter and wagon rides in the summer. We have teams of Percheron draft horses that pull a sleigh or wagon that holds up to 14 people at a time. Many groups pair this option with a buffet dinner and live music.” A new option is Snowcat Stargazing on Vail Mountain, with a gondola ride to a snowcat that travels to a very dark corner of the Rockies for peering at the night sky through a telescope with a local naturalist who is on hand to answer questions. “We can also look to customize it,” says Davis, citing the possibility of pairing it with dinner or a local craft whiskey tasting at an on-mountain venue. After the snow melts, bicycling Vail Pass (often with a bus ride on the uphill part), whitewater rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking with llamas and guided fly-fishing are popular activites with groups. “With incentive trips, you never know somebody’s ability level or interest,” says Davis. “It’s nice to give people options and let them pick.” He adds, “When anyone comes out to Colorado, it’s about getting outdoors, even if it’s just a scenic Jeep tour.” The goal? Finding a place where “you can’t see or hear” anyone else.

I a s s a T O m m S s f t

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Inviting you to come enjoy the views at Deschutes Expo Center and stay to play in the heart of Central Oregon! Our 320-acre site features spaces for events of all sizes and sunny views of seven mountain peaks—promising an unforgettable event atmosphere! Three Sisters Conference Center Our three main halls are named after the three beautiful mountains in our panorama. With 114,000 square feet of meeting space surrounded by 10 breakout rooms, our Three Sisters Conference Center can accommodate a wide range and size of events and banquets, while providing customized functionality. Each hall features built-in audiovisual and Wi-Fi to make these spaces transformable to your designs.

First Interstate Bank Event Center Our flexible 80,000 square foot indoor venue offers over 10,000 seat capacity and room for 280 booth spaces. The arena and stages are equipped with audiovisual and broadcast features, all presenting a space easily tailored to your specifications.

200,000 sq. ft.

 Meeting space: 114,000 sq. ft., with

10 breakout rooms

 Banquet & reception capacity: 25-2,000  Highly rated in-house Catering &

Concessions

 Region-wide lodging inventory:

7,555 rooms

 On-site full service Expo RV Park  Neighboring the regional airport  Non-profit & Government discounts

Located in the Heart of Central Oregon! EXPO.DESCHUTES.ORG 541-548-2711 REDMOND, OREGON

P H O T O : T H E R I T Z - C A R LT O N , B A C H E L O R G U L C H

Catering & Concessions From Garden to Table: our on-site catering and concessions are dedicated to providing exceptional quality for all events. Customize your menu with us!

 Indoor multipurpose event space:

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P H OTO : J O E KAS U M OTO

Several Colorado communities like Breckenridge have designated arts districts.

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P H OTO : J O E KAS U M OTO

Foster original ideas by booking Colorado’s artsy venues. By Shelly Steig CO.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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creative activities relieve stress, aid communication and boost self-discovery and self-esteem, according to research. So perhaps it would benefit everyone to take a break from all that work and act like Picasso, who said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

All throughout Colorado are spaces designed to showcase visual and performing arts. Gaby Strnad, associate creative director for ACCESS Destination Services, says, “A city’s art scene speaks a lot about the people and culture of that place, so really what better way to experience the destination?”

Here are some inspired ideas for your planning team and group.

Creative Inspiration

Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District is a neighborhood defined by galleries and museums, including the Denver Art Museum (DAM), Clyfford Still Museum and Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art. DAM’s most coveted space for events, the El Pomar and Second Floor Atrium, can accommodate up to 600 guests for receptions and 225 seated. Reflecting the exterior architecture of the Hamilton Building, it’s a futuristic space with sloping white walls, black granite floors and a sweeping staircase—all of which can be highlighted with colored lights for added impact. There’s also a 266-seat auditorium, along with a boardroom with

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MiXX atelier is a Telluride gathering place and features a collection of inspired and functional art.

seating for 50. Watch for totally renovated spaces at the North Building and brand-new options being unveiled at the Anna and John J. Sie Welcome Center upon the completion of construction in 2021. Planners can buy out the Clyfford Still Museum for 200 attendees (300 when weather permits patio use) and Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, which accommodates 200. Both museums are named for visionary and genre-bending artists. The Still features 95 percent of the artist’s paintings, which makes it the most intact body of work by any major artist. The Kirkland features not only painter Vance Kirkland’s curious and colorful canvasses, but also decorative objects from around the world including a Charles Rennie Mackintosh chair and a Frank Lloyd Wright leaded glass window. To frame the experience, book guest rooms and meeting space at the ART, a hotel. There you’ll find five different meeting spaces, including a 3,145-square-foot ballroom, and an ample art collection that features a work by Kirkland.

P H O T O S : M I X X P R O J E C T S + AT E L I E R T E L L U R I D E ; ( O P P O S I T E ) L I F E T I M E ; S I LV E R T H O R N E P E R F O R M I N G A R T S C E N T E R

There’s another benefit to choosing one of these sites. Nicole Marsh, partner with Imprint Events Group says, “Art venues require very little in added elements and expense such as décor because they are already built into the venue.”

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P H O T O S : M I X X P R O J E C T S + AT E L I E R T E L L U R I D E ; ( O P P O S I T E ) L I F E T I M E ; S I LV E R T H O R N E P E R F O R M I N G A R T S C E N T E R

Strings Music Pavilion in Steamboat Springs doubles as an event venue; the 16,000-square-foot Silverthorne Performing Arts Center opened in 2017.

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On Display

The Mile High City also is proud of its Denver Performing Arts Complex, a 12-acre site that’s the largest of its kind under one roof. With 10 performance areas, there are myriad venue options totaling 20,000 square feet that range from outdoor spaces to curtained theaters. If it’s performance you’re striving for, consider some of the state’s other performing arts venues such as Telluride’s Sheridan Opera House, which can accommodate up to 265 people. This historic theater boasts original woodwork and a dance floor, art nouveau stenciling and a century-old painted curtain. Two “black box” spaces can be customized for performance and audience size at the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center. This facility features three stages, classrooms and rotating art exhibits and is ideal for smaller groups of 40 or less. Planners can choose from multiple venue configurations at Strings Music Pavilion in Steamboat Springs. This distinct venue seats 569 for a performance and 250 for a dinner, with most vantage points providing sweeping views of the Yampa Valley. It also features a bowstring-truss timber roof and retractable glass doors.

Art Front & Center

Many Colorado towns have dedicated centers or districts for the arts that allow residents and visitors alike to tap into that region’s creativity. Breckenridge Arts District is a campus of renovated historic mining structures that function as studio spaces. Three of these are ideal for team-building activities for groups ranging from 10 to 50. Nearby, Breckenridge Theater has 137 seats; the Riverwalk Center is a 750-seat indoor performance venue with pitched removable seating and glass doors that open onto a lawn; and the Speakeasy Theater, is a newly renovated, 150-seat movie house. After a campaign that raised $18 million, Center for the Arts Crested Butte is nearing completion of its new 38,000-square-foot building. It’s phase one of a two-part plan that also include renovating the original structure. The addition houses the Kinder-Padon Gallery, an art studio, community room, theatre, dance studios, and numerous multipurpose rooms. The 5-acre, 53-year-old Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass offers a customized experience in eight different artistic mediums. The 1,728-square-foot Schermer Meeting Hall is available to rent during the day or at night on a case-by-case basis. Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center in Pueblo features a three-building complex. On campus find venues such as the 500-seat Arts Center Theater and the boardroom at the Helen T. White Galleries, which has a maximum capacity of 35. If families are participating, the facility’s Buell Children’s Museum has been dubbed the second-best museum for art in the nation by Child magazine.

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For Art’s Sake

While there are plenty of picturesque venues, there other creative addons. Marsh says, “We love adding to the built-in exhibits with unique entertainment that has an art focus or flair, such as a live painter, speed painter or chalk artist.” Imprint Events Group has commissioned artists to create a logo or image for an event, and then had them paint or draw it again live. They’ve also displayed an oversized “paint by number” graphic that guests are invited to color during the event. Even food and drink can be tied to the art theme. Imprint Events Group has set up paint-your-own barbecue wings and spin-art cupcake stations and created artwork made from framed adult-beverage containers for a pour-your-own drink station. Strnad has timed client meetings and events to coincide with Denver Chalk Festival and CRUSH Walls, Denver’s urban art festival that focuses on graffiti. Participants then created graffiti coasters to take home. A visual arts theme also pairs well with Upstairs Circus. These DIY spaces, located in Lower Downtown (LoDo) and Denver Tech Center, can either bring their maker menu to you or groups can book either of the 1,500-square-foot locations. Attendees choose from a selection of 30 projects that include wine bottle tumblers, leather pet collars, urban silhouette art and more. If your emphasis is on performing arts, you might consider a teambuilding improv session or even cosplay, where attendees dress up in costumes and act out parts. These unique and comedic add-ons draw even the shyest and most introverted out of their shells. ACCESS has found another creative way to tie in meetings at places like Red Rocks Amphitheatre or an opera house. Staff hired a live local band to recreate the song-guessing app Shazam, and then followed up with a rocking trivia contest. For an event at Ellie Caulkins Opera House, ACCESS brought in roaming ballerinas to mimic the space’s statues of dancers. Crafting creative meetings and events is an art. “Clients these days are looking for interactive experiences, where their guests can create a memory to share with others,” Marsh says. “Artsy venues—and the addition of hands-on activities or unique entertainment—create just that.”

P H OTO : A N D E R S O N R A N C H

When Performance Is Key

Galleries are essentially gatherings of art and can be perfect venues for assembling people as well. Rembrandt Yard, in downtown Boulder just one block from Pearl Street, features a flexible space with movable walls and a variety of seating configurations. It boasts high windows with views of downtown and the Flatirons. Situated in a 1970s warehouse in Denver’s River North Arts District (RiNo), Helikon Gallery & Studios still has the original steel roof. Inside, you’ll find a 1,400-square-foot main gallery that features a balcony and a glass garage door. Helikon also houses the 400-square-foot Gallery 101, which is perfect for smaller groups. In the Santa Fe Art District, SPACE Gallery offers a 4,000-square-foot contemporary indoor space combined with a 3,000-square-foot outdoor sculpture garden. Groups can add on a stroll during the First Friday Art Walk, a lively monthly event where many types of artwork are on display in galleries, studios, alleys and even the streets.

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Get Connected ANDERSON RANCH ARTS CENTER andersonranch.org 970.923.3181 BRECKENRIDGE ARTS DISTRICT breckcreate.org 970.453.3187 CENTER FOR THE ARTS CRESTED BUTTE crestedbuttearts.org 970.349.7487 CLYFFORD STILL MUSEUM clyffordstillmuseum.org 720.354.4880 DENVER ART MUSEUM denverartmuseum.org 720.913.0148 DENVER PERFORMING ARTS COMPLEX denvercenter.org 720.865.4239 HELIKON GALLERY & STUDIOS helikongallery.com 720.502.5635 KIRKLAND MUSEUM OF FINE & DECORATIVE ART kirklandmuseum.org 303.832.8576 MIXX ATELIER mixxatelier.com 970.797.4040 REMBRANDT YARD rembrandtyard.com 303.301.2972 SANGRE DE CRISTO ARTS & CONFERENCE CENTER sdc-arts.org 719.295.7212 SHERIDAN OPERA HOUSE sheridanoperahouse.com 970.728.6363 SILVERTHORNE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER silverthorne.org 970.513.9386

P H OTO : A N D E R S O N R A N C H

SPACE GALLERY spacegallery.org 303.993.3321 STRINGS MUSIC PAVILION stringsmusicfestival.com 970.879.5056

Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass has all sorts of workshops and programs suitable for groups.

UPSTAIRS CIRCUS upstairscircus.com LoDo: 720.722.2105 Tech Center: 720.527.1355

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A CONVERSATION WITH THE MAGAZINE’S HALL OF FAMERS FROM 2008 AND 2009. BY BETH BUEHLER

P H O T O S B Y TAT E C A R L S O N

It’s been 11 years since the very first Hall of Fame inductees were announced at Colorado Meetings + Events Best of 2008. We circled back with the beginning two Hall of Fame classes to find out what 12 of the 14 movers and shakers are up to today and even managed to assemble a crew together at Halcyon, a hotel in Denver's Cherry Creek North district for a photo shoot. Most have stayed in the industry but a few have switched from planner to supplier and started businesses and all share how the meetings and events industry has evolved along the way and offer educated guesses about its future.

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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

LARRY DIPASQUALE Now: CEO & Chairman, Epicurean Hospitality Group, Centennial Then: Same “We added to our family of businesses 10 years ago with a casual restaurant concept; Mangia Bevi that has breakfast and lunch service and holds events and is connected to a beautiful banquet facility called Palazzo Verdi. Two years ago, we started a new destination management company (DMC) branch called E5 Events, which is a full-scale corporate orchestration company, completely separate from Epicurean Catering,” says DiPasquale. “I have moved out of the day-to-day operations of our company, and my daughter is our director of human resources.” How has the meetings and events industry changed? » I have been involved in coordinating major events as a caterer, so I have seen the industry change where our clients want complete orchestration. » Corporate events have changed with a lot of the clients looking for street fairs, live music and interactive foods. Why have you stayed in the industry? » I am always inspired by a motto that I came up with 37 years ago: “We are only as good as our last customer and team experience, make it the best.” » I love the hospitality industry and mentoring the next generation of hospitality professionals. » The ever-changing environment of large-scale events and the challenges they present have always interested me, along with setting the standards, creating new methods of cooking foods fresh on-site and encouraging team engagement. Predictions for the industry’s future: » We moved into the DMC part of our industry because I see future corporate clients wanting to deal with hospitality professionals who know all aspects of events, including food, beverage, entertainment, transportation, décor and lighting. » The future will continue to challenge companies to provide boutique-style customer service with capabilities for large-scale customer experience. » Full culture training for hospitality companies: team empowerment, promoting from within, gender equality, and educating and cultivating future leaders. In 10 years, I hope to be … Encouraging the next generation of hospitality professionals running the Epicurean family of businesses, expanding our community outreach through Epicurean Cares, feeding and repurposing foods for the needy, and making a major difference in the culinary and hospitality community by lecturing at universities about events, hospitality and culinary.

BEST MEETING PROFESSIONAL

KRISTIN HOUSE, CDS Now: Senior Vice President/Team Director, ConferenceDirect, Broomfield & Palm Desert Then: Regional Vice President, ConferenceDirect, Denver “I still work full time for ConferenceDirect, but after my best friend passed away four years ago my husband and I decided life is too short, so we now winter in Palm Desert, California from November to May,” says House. “I have booked over $100 million in room revenue for the company, so I was given a new title a few years ago!” How has the meetings and events industry changed? » Technology first and foremost has catapulted this industry. My very first hotel leads were sent over the fax machine! » I still believe it’s the relationships we make that matter most, so I am grateful this part still seems to play an important role. Why have you stayed in the industry? I love the flexibility of running my own business with ConferenceDirect, but enjoy having the backing of a large organization when it comes to the day-to-day operations. Predictions for the industry’s future: » Technology will continue to play an important role. » As planners, we have to find a way to better market our meetings; there is a ton of competition out there so we all need to be better at promoting and showing the value. » Social media will be exploding in the coming years, even more so than today. » I worry about room blocks with the sharing economy being so strong. I have several meetings already booked into 2025/2026, and I just hope the buying behavior of attendees staying in room blocks doesn’t change too dramatically. In 10 years, I hope to be … Retired and enjoying sunny skies on the golf course and watching my nephew in whatever sports career he chooses!

BEST UP-AND-COMING MEETING PROFESSIONAL

TAMIE BULOW

Now: Registrar, Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, Harlingen, Texas Then: Convention & Tours Manager, American Birding Association, Colorado Springs “ABA ceased to offer conferences and conventions in 2010, and I was referred to a position in South Padre Island, Texas by our chair of the board, so I went for the adventure. I managed the South Padre Texas World Birding Center on the island for just over a year; became the nature tourism manager for Chambers County

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How has the meetings and events industry changed? » The delivery of our “products” now is much more 24/7 accessible. for a year, expanding my outdoor experience beyond birding; and was recruited as the executive director of the Texas Tropical Trail, part of the Texas Heritage Trails program,” shares Bulow. “I am currently semi-retired and doing contract work for the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival in Harlingen, Texas.” How has the meetings and events industry changed? Not only has the technology improved, the information highway is at full speed. Social media has been the driving force. Why have you stayed in the industry? » The hospitality industry is still the best and most pleasurable field to call “work.” » I cannot put a price tag on the relationships I have made in this industry; they are strong, forever and unwavering. Predictions for the industry’s future: » Despite the virtual progress in technology, there is no replacing the importance of people meeting in person. » Relationship building is the keystone to success, and therefore I foresee continued growth in the meetings industry. » I see the meetings and events industry expanding in the fields of recreation and social groups. In 10 years, I hope to be … Sitting on the beach with an umbrella drink in my hand.

BEST SPECIAL EVENTS PROFESSIONAL

BETSY WIERSMA, CSEP

Now: Founder, CampExperience Network and Global Sisterhood Network; Creator, Boost Power Radio, Englewood Then: Founder, CampExperience Network, Englewood “I still run my CampExperience Network, now 5,000 women strong and in its 14th year. We have expanded to include four networking events every month all over Denver and 16 social events, in addition to the annual fall retreat the third week in September,” says Wiersma.

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» We have a broader reach with technology. Why have you stayed in the industry? » I wake up every day on fire for the next most fun and impactful way to support women! In 2019, a Global Sisterhood Network was launched with 70 thought leader interviews. Predictions for the industry’s future? Authentic experiences will continue to build relationships and relationships build business. Events still break through the clutter and provide the fiber of a happy and funfilled life. In 10 years, I hope to be … Traveling and interviewing global sisters, leading worldwide adventures, making a positive difference for others, doing super fun art, and loving my family, Doug and Sarah Lane.

BEST SUPPLIER

BARBARA BOWMAN Now: Owner, Bowman and Associates, Grand Junction Then: Director of Sales, Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau “After retiring from Visit Grand Junction in July 2018, I started my company Bowman and Associates. I have been working as the interim executive director for Visit Durango since February 2019,” says Bowman. How has the meetings and events industry changed? » More and more small destinations are competing in the meetings market.

JAMIE BOHNER SHELLEY ETA Up-and-Coming Meeting Professional 2009

» Smaller destinations primarily deal with third-party planners now. Why have you stayed in the industry? My primary focus is now developing rural tourism, which may or may not include pursuing the meetings market, dependent upon the destination. Predictions for the industry’s future: » Smaller attendance for meetings overall. » Condensed meetings due to diminishing budgets.

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Photo location is Halcyon, a Cherry Creek hotel.

LUC HUGHART Imprint Group Up-and-Coming Supplier

BETSY WIERSMA

2009

CampExperience Network and Global Sisterhood Network; Boost Power Radio Best Special Events Planner 2008

ANGELA COLEMAN KPMG LLP Up-and-Coming Special Events Planner 2009

ANNA MARIE MARTINEZ CARI “CAS” STROUSE Cas Strouse & Associates Best Meeting Professional

Broncos Stadium at Mile High Up-and-Coming Supplier 2008

2009

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» The use of teleconferencing, where you can deliver the most relevant and up-to-date information on cuttingedge topics during the meeting, has continued to rise.

» More and more wow factor to attract attendees. In 10 years, I hope to be … Traveling and still being of service in the hospitality industry.

BEST UP-AND-COMING SUPPLIER

ANNA MARIE MARTINEZ

Now: Senior Special Events Sales Manager for Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver Then: Special Events Manager, INVESCO Field at Mile High, Denver “It’s been a career-changing experience in planning events to include the Broncos Hall of Fame, Broncos Ring of Fame and Super Bowl 50 Ring Parties,” emphasizes Martinez. "The experiences have opened up a new creative side and allowed me to really think outside the box.” How has the meetings and events industry changed? » With the number of new venues entering the market, the competition has vastly increased through the years. It’s about marketing the uniqueness of your venue and what makes it stand apart from the others. » Keeping up with the trends and focusing on the needs and wants of your consumer. Why have you stayed in the industry? » My favorite part is selling the vision of possibilities when hosting an event at Broncos Stadium or when planning our own Broncos organization events within the stadium.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

RICHARD SCHARF Now: President & CEO, Visit Denver, The Convention & Visitors Bureau Then: Same “In my role, I have been a part of so many great things that have transformed Denver into one of the premier visitor destinations,” says Scharf. “Denver has become a top-tier convention and meeting destination, and we are improving our product daily.” How has the meetings and events industry changed? » The shared economy and technology having greater impact, with Airbnb disrupting the hotel industry and Uber and Lyft reinventing local transportation. » Hotels have become more savvy in recognizing traveler needs and adapting to more interest in lifestyle tourism, with local branding and amenities throughout lobbies and guest rooms. » On the content side, many groups are bringing in speakers with broader human-interest topics rather than just industry related. » More meetings are experimenting with different setups where programming and meeting room sets inspire interaction.

Why have you stayed in the industry? » The product has improved across the board, with new hotels and a dining scene that’s reached its breakthrough moment with more James Beard award winners in town and the exposure that comes with hosting season 15 of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” » An expansion of international flights into Denver International Airport, which has a new great hall and 39-gate expansion to look forward to. » Denver is adding new meeting product with the new Mission Ballroom, the upcoming Colorado Convention Center expansion, new museums and the opening of Meow Wolf in 2020, followed by the rebuilt National Western Center and entertainment districts attached to two sports stadium districts. It’s hard not to be a part of it! Predictions for the industry’s future: » The travel and entertainment industry is going to be the top economic dominant sector for several decades, as people want to travel and experience new things and new cities. » It is one of the few industries that will continue to transform both the personal touches and experiences, while also incorporating technology that deals with mass customization and more 3D virtual tourism products In 10 years, I hope to be … Playing more golf and traveling.

» From the event theme, lighting and drape to the food and entertainment, it’s not just a football stadium, there’s so much opportunity available to transform the indoor and outdoor event spaces. » The opportunities are endless and I enjoy making the visions come to life! Predictions for the industry’s future: » The trends will continue to evolve. It’s taking guests out of their everyday life and providing them with a four-hour experience they’ll never forget. » It’s all in the little details of an event that make the biggest difference. In 10 years, I hope to be … Involved in the design aspect of events … making a vision come to life and seeing it through.

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BEST MEETING PROFESSIONAL

CARI “CAS” STROUSE, CMP, CMM

Now: President & Owner, Cas Strouse & Associates Corporate Meetings and Events, Parker Then: Meetings & Events Director, CH2M HILL, Englewood “I left corporate and started my own meeting planning business five years ago and haven’t looked back. I feel extremely

blessed to have made the transition from corporate to an independent business woman,” emphasizes Strouse. How has the meetings and events industry changed? Meetings continue to increase in scope, size and budget but not the lead time to source and execute. Why have you stayed in the industry? » When I realized it was time for a change to move out of corporate and start the next chapter, I knew I wanted to

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THE PRODUCT HAS IMPROVED ACROSS THE BOARD, WITH NEW HOTELS AND A DINING SCENE THAT’S REACHED ITS BREAKTHROUGH MOMENT WITH MORE JAMES BEARD AWARD WINNERS IN TOWN AND THE EXPOSURE THAT COMES WITH HOSTING SEASON 15 OF BRAVO’S “TOP CHEF.” —RICHARD SCHARF PRESIDENT & CEO, VISIT DENVER, THE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT, 2009

stay involved in the industry. If it wasn’t for this industry, I don’t think I would have tried to start my own business. » There are so many great people who are mentors, peers and friends; I couldn’t imagine not staying connected and involved. Predictions for the industry’s future: » We will see the meeting industry continue to grow. » I believe experiences at meetings will become more engaging with all the technological advancements, so creativity will be intensified. » No matter how much technology progresses, the relationships will always be the most important part of a meeting. In 10 years, I hope to be … Healthy and enjoying retirement with my husband while continuing to travel the world to see all the wonderful places and people we haven’t yet encountered.

BEST UP-AND-COMING MEETING PROFESSIONAL

JAMIE BOHNER SHELLEY

Now: Vice President – Business Development & Partnerships, ETA, Denver Then: Corporate Meeting Planner, RE/MAX International, Denver “I have moved from the planner side to the supplier side and have been with Event Transportation Associates (ETA)

since 2010. We manage transportation systems and traffic engineering for events ranging from corporate incentive travel to large conventions, festivals, sporting events and large political events,” says Bohner Shelley. How has the meetings and events industry changed? » The economy was just starting to rebuild at the time of the 2009 Hall of Fame article. The meetings and events industry also was starting to move into a positive position. » The industry has not only fully recovered but has come back stronger with even more of a need for in-person meetings and events. Why have you stayed in the industry? » I’m inspired by our industry as it brings people together … I believe that when people meet face-to-face, those connections push relationships and business forward. » I also love that we are constantly managing several tasks and putting out fires. » Having to think and react under pressure makes every day and every event a new adventure. Predictions for the industry’s future: » Both planners and suppliers must continue to be innovative in creating new experiences and new products. Technology will continue to play a huge role in that innovation in both web-based and face-to-face meetings. » Web-based events are becoming more convenient, however I still feel they won’t take the place of in-person meetings and events.

In 10 years, I hope to be … Continuing my niche and having involvement in the community and industry I have such a strong passion for.

BEST SPECIAL EVENTS PROFESSIONAL

NANCY THOMPSON

Now: Senior Director of Development, The Alzheimer’s Association – Colorado Chapter, Denver Then: Owner, Nancy Thompson Events, Denver “I had my own event management business for almost 18 years and decided almost two years ago to close the business and take a job with one of my former clients. I am happy to be there!” says Thompson. How has the meetings and events industry changed? » The industry has grown so much, and there are so many innovative and creative things happening at events now. » Technology at events has gotten so amazing. » Cool and unique venues drive attendance and creative guest experiences help sustain events. » I love seeing all the creative new menus caterers and hotels are offering—always keeping up with the latest trends. Why have you stayed in the industry? » I was able to make a career change that still keeps me involved in large fundraising

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Photo location is Halcyon, a Cherry Creek hotel.

RICHARD SCHARF VISIT DENVER Lifetime Achievement 2009

KATHY REAK Visit Colorado Springs Best Supplier 2009

NANCY THOMPSON The Alzheimer’s Association – Colorado Chapter Best Special Events Planner 2009

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events for the association while working for a great cause that I really care about. » Customer service continues to remain a high priority and thinking outside the box keeps things fun and interesting. Predictions for the industry’s future: » There will always be a demand for good events that bring people together to learn, exchange ideas, raise money, feel uplifted and create community. » This industry seems to keep up with innovation, technology and the latest trends, and that will be important to its future. In 10 years, I hope to be … Retired and enjoying attending events as a guest!

“WATCHING COLORADO SPRINGS THRIVE AND BECOME ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING CITIES IN THE STATE HAS BEEN VERY EXCITING WITH THE OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC MUSEUM COMING ON BOARD NEXT YEAR, WHICH WILL BE A GAME CHANGER FOR NOT ONLY OUR CITY BUT THE STATE AS A WHOLE. THIS IS WHAT KEEPS MY PASSION BURNING.” —KATHY REAK

BEST UP-AND-COMING SPECIAL EVENTS PROFESSIONAL

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF CONVENTION SALES, VISIT COLORADO SPRINGS BEST SUPPLIER, 2009

ANGELA COLEMAN Now: Manager - Events & Meetings, KPMG LLP, Denver Then: Senior Catering Sales Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Denver “I honestly always thought I would be working in hospitality, but actually doing events for a large corporation is just a different version of hospitality. You have both internal clients and external clients, and you strive to exceed their expectations. You just don’t have a sales goal,” shares Coleman. How has the meetings and events industry changed? When I switched jobs nine years ago, the nation was not in the best economy. Budgets were tight! But any planner can create an amazing event on a huge budget. It’s when there are budget constraints that I truly enjoy getting creative and striving for high impact/low dollar aspects to my events. Why have you stayed in the industry? » I feel so grateful that I live in a community like Denver that really values relationships in the meetings and events industry. » It’s nice to have worked for the same company for nine years and still feel passionate about what I do. I’m so lucky to have stakeholders that allow me the space, flexibility and creativity to develop strategic events. Predictions for the industry’s future? » The power of in-person connection will

continue to grow stronger in the future. » The emphasis on the environment and a community/CSR focus will continue to grow. » There is value to technology, change and social media, but as humans we still strive to achieve the basic age-old feeling of physically connecting and loving/being loved.

How has the meetings and events industry changed? It has changed in the way planners source their meetings and how everyone wants an experience incorporated in their meetings. Why have you stayed in the industry? » For me, it’s passion. I love working with people, both planners and hoteliers.

In 10 years, I hope to be … Continuing to feel a deep need for purpose, specifically for those who are less fortunate. Who knows where that will take me in 10 years?

» There is nothing more rewarding than marrying the planners with the perfect destination and venue.

BEST SUPPLIER

Predictions for the industry’s future: » We will see millennials making more of the decisions and the need for meeting and event professionals to learn how to engage with this group.

Now: Senior Director of Convention Sales, Visit Colorado Springs Then: Same

» Airbnbs are not going anywhere, and the industry will need to figure out how to work with this growing segment.

KATHY REAK

“I could not be happier being right where I am, even though it is in the same place I have been for 22 years!” says Reak. “Watching Colorado Springs thrive and become one of the fastest growing cities in the state has been very exciting with the Olympic and Paralympic Museum coming on board next year, which will be a game changer for not only our city but the state as a whole. This is what keeps my passion burning.”

» Demand will continue to grow with less full-service properties coming online, and competition is going to be fierce. » With the trend of experience being top of mind when booking a meeting, destinations and hotels will need to become more creative to remain relevant. In 10 years, I hope to be … Retired and spending time traveling the United States in our RV with our two dogs.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Hotel Colorado exterior view

Hotel Colorado courtyard

C Lazy U Ranch patio

GREAT PARTY VENUES Celebrate your next meeting or event by embracing all that Colorado has to offer.

Under new ownership, the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs has undergone a transformation over the last year. With six updated and refurbished event rooms, the historic hotel, built in 1893, is dressed to the nines and ready to welcome guests for memorable fall and winter occasions. From the grand Devereux Ballroom to the cozy and intimate Taft Room, gathering spaces feature details discovered during the renovation, such as stunning original fireplaces and long leaf yellow pine flooring. The addition of 1920s-style art deco

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chandeliers and lighting further enhance the timeless charm. Event rooms are also wired for 21st-century A/V technology. Planners can rely on award-winning service from the Hotel Colorado’s hospitality experts for every detail—from brainstorming ideas and setting up event spaces, down to the final touches. For dining, the Hotel Colorado offers exceptional catering options. Small or large, groups can count on CIA-NY-trained and former Broadmoor chef Aaron Haga to deliver fabulous cuisine that’s both delicious and beautifully presented at every meal. For unforgettable events that will go

down in history, the Hotel Colorado is the place to get the party started.

C Lazy U Ranch C Lazy U Ranch is Colorado’s premier guest ranch and recently celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019. The ranch is perfectly situated two hours northwest of Denver. Guests and groups alike have been celebrating special occasions at the ranch for over a century and the ranch serves as the perfect setting to showcase any occasion. The best part? You can reserve it exclusively. The ranch’s newly built Latigo Room,

P H OTO S : H OT E L CO LO R A D O ; C L A Z Y U R A N C H

Hotel Colorado

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Adventure Where Business Meets

Plan your next event at VisitEstesPark.com COMEFA19.indb 45

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

adjacent to the Main Lodge, is an ideal location for your next holiday party, private event or team-building retreat. Additionally, the ranch offers the iconic main lodge, which is a traditional one-of-akind log structure. Groups can also venture to the Hay Barn, which sets the scene for an authentic western event that includes line dancing, entertainment, fun and games. The Patio House is also perfect for informal team-building session by the fire while making s’mores under the stars. The C Lazy U Ranch is anything but another ordinary destination for your group event. It is a place that will create memorable experiences your group will cherish for years to come.

C Lazy U Ranch gate

St Julien Hotel & Spa

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A Jill's Terrace and Gazebo celebration at St Julien Hotel & Spa

Holidays at the St Julien Hotel

P H O T O S : C L A Z Y U R A N C H ; S T. J U L I E N H O T E L & S PA

Featuring more than 16,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space and a central downtown Boulder location, the award-winning St Julien Hotel & Spa is Boulder’s premier destination for groups and parties. The hotel offers guests genuine hospitality and four-star, four-diamond service within a casually elegant setting. The indoor meeting space is comprised of nine meetings rooms—including a flexible ballroom, outfitted for small or large parties—three break-out meeting rooms, three meeting suites and a generous prefunction area. The outdoor space consists of four terraces and garden areas which showcase one of the most breathtaking views of Boulder’s famous Flatiron Rock formations with the Rocky Mountains in the backdrop. The terraces, able to accommodate large groups, are an ideal location for private parties. No matter the space, a professional event planner is available to assist with all needs, and the hotel offers gourmet catering services from Jill’s Restaurant, providing thoughtful menus with fresh, local ingredients—some grown in the property’s garden—as well as state-ofthe-art A/V equipment, underground parking, incomparable concierge service and discounted lodging rates for party attendees to extend their stay for a very Boulder experience.

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Meetings Are More Fun at St Julien Hotel & Spa EXQUISITE ROOMS | SUMPTUOUS SPA SPECIALS | FRESH, LOCAL , DYNAMIC FOOD OVER 16,000 SQ. FT. OF INDOOR & OUTDOOR EVENT SPACE NEXT TO SHOPS, TRAILS & BIKE PATHS | AN ECOCYCLE ZERO WASTE PARTNER

C A S UA L E L E G A N C E IN THE HEART OF BOULDER COLORADO

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Sophisticated spaces at the Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus

Host your soirée on the plaza and take in the views of the skyline

Denver Botanic Gardens

Children’s Museum of Denver

Denver Botanic Gardens Built-in beauty and entertainment set Denver Botanic Gardens apart from other venues. Situated on 24 acres in the Cheesman and Congress park neighborhoods of Denver, the Gardens is an everchanging landscape of native, exotic and

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The Pueblo Convention Center catering

The Pueblo Convention Center

tropical plant displays. Imagine hosting your office party in the Annuals Garden and Pavilion, which is bordered by a waterway and features bursts of colors from gorgeous annuals. It’s a great spot for a gourmet hot drinks bar and appetizers in colder months. Or host a small gathering in the Europeaninspired, glass-enclosed Solarium tucked in Woodland Mosaic. Multiple rental sites, both indoor and outdoor, can be combined to create the ideal site for any event. A popular choice is the West Terrace, a tented space with twinkle lights that overlooks Monet Pool. It can be combined with the Orangery for both an indoor/outdoor option. Or book Marnie’s Pavilion, an indoor, two-story space with a waterfall and exotic orchids. During December, this space overlooks Blossoms of Lights. Enjoy dinner by an award-winning caterers and then head into the frosty air to see a winter wonderland draped in a million glittering lights. Whatever the occasion, it will certainly be memorable at the Gardens.

The Pueblo Convention Center The Pueblo Convention Center is newly remodeled, expanded, and ready to host your next event. Featuring over 40,000 square feet of rentable space, the Pueblo Convention Center is chosen by clients across the country to host conventions, conferences, meetings, trade shows, expositions, parties and more. The executive chefs can create a menu that utilizes high quality, in-the-moment ingredients and flavors from a dynamic network of top-shelf vendors to spark your guests’ appetites. Whether you choose a black pepper crusted prime rib, chicken breast prosciutto or a pan seared fresh salmon filet glazed with a strawberry coulis, the experienced culinary team will cater to any culinary taste. Located on the Pueblo Riverwalk in downtown, the Pueblo Convention Center offers easy access to restaurants, bars, boat rides, and many other actives for event attendees of any age. You’ll

P H O T O S : C H I L D R E N ' S M U S E U M O F D E N V E R AT M A R S I C O C A M P U S ; D E N V E R B O TA N I C G A R D E N S ; T H E P U E B L O C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R

‘Tis the season for entertaining! Whether it’s a formal dinner illuminated by the lights of downtown Denver, a whimsical cocktail party for your closest friends or a whole Museum rental for a corporate affair, the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus has you covered. The playful yet elegant event and meeting spaces inspire individuals who crave an extraordinary experience. The Skyline Gallery, a refined and customizable indoor space with wraparound windows and a private terrace, boasts captivating views of downtown Denver and comes with exclusive use of The Teaching Kitchen for your caterers. Exhibits are also available as add-ons to the Skyline Gallery for evening events; let your guests create in The Art Studio or launch rockets in Energy. Amenities include free parking, state-ofthe-art A/V capabilities and complimentary tables and chairs. Plus, the preferred caterers and vendors are top of the line and know how to incorporate the unique setup of the Museum to bring your event to the next level. Take in the views, create a masterpiece or release your inner child—it’s all waiting for you at the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.

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‘TIS THE SEASON

For festive parties, glittering lights and magical moments. Book in December and enjoy Blossoms of Light™ as your backdrop. Unique indoor sites and award-winning catering. Holiday dates still available.

10th & York Street | 720-865-3551 private.events@botanicgardens.org

botanicgardens.org

Impactful. Regional.

AFFORDABLE. Get your business in front of meeting and event professionals.

SPRING

2019

Best of

FEATURING

including 25 categories DÉCOR/FLORIST, BEST EVENT /EVENT CATERER, MEETING Y, SPECIALTY PLANNING COMPANINMENT RENTALS, ENTERTA (PAGE 33) AGENCY & MORE

TEAMS SUCCESSFULLY B E T T E R T O G E T H E R HUSBAND-AND-WIFE

BALANCE CAREERS AND MARRIAGE

{37}

TEAMS IN TANDEM Discover a trio of price points for effective team-building

+ HEAD WEST

GRAND JUNCTION AND PALISADE ARE PICTUREPERFECT FOR EVENTS

LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS COUPLES HOME OFFICES // POWER

2019

2019 2011 SUMMER EVENTS////SPRING MEETINGS++EVENTS ILLINOIS MEETINGS COLORADO

/ SPRING 2011 + EVENTS // ILLINOIS MEETINGS

+ .COM GSMAGS MEETIN

WILDLIFE VENUES MAKE FOR “OH MY” WORTHY MOMENTS

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE

Bruce Horii plus six industry veterans the and rising stars join (42) COM+E Hall of Fame

Charming Crested Butte puts the “Butte” in beautiful {page 24}

CO.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

ET OFFICE HOMtheEhomeSWE ls offices of 4 industry professiona Tour

Coming Next Issue: DESTINATION » ASPEN & SNOWMASS MEET & EAT » BEYOND-THE-NORM BREAK FOODS FEATURES » FEAST FOR THE SENSES

BOB HADDAD 303.617.0548 bob.haddad@tigeroak.com

CO.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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Downtown Estes Park

be able to experience what downtown Pueblo really has to offer by hosting an event at the Pueblo Convention Center.

meet. dine. party.

With sophisticated spaces and beautiful views, make your party, meeting or wedding unforgettable. Take a tour today! Contact rentals@cmdenver.org or 303-561-0116.

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mychildsmuseum.org

If you are looking for an authentic Rock Mountain experience, look no further. Estes Park is your destination in Colorado. With more than 70 meeting sites and facilities, thousands of hotel rooms and loads of yearround fun, Estes Park has everything to offer for a successful meeting. Check out the new Conference Center with the Ridgeline Hotel next door or the Events Center Complex for larger meetings with a variety of lodging options nearby. The best season to have your meeting is October through May when rates are lowest—of course there is availability during the summer as well, but demand is higher. You will love the experience and the authenticity of a real Rocky Mountain meeting destination in Estes Park; it’s your basecamp for the Rocky Mountains and outdoor adventure, with tour guides on-site and a variety of activities and training available. Explore and visit the iconic Stanley Hotel, location for Stephen Kings inspiration of “The Shining” and venue for the Stanley Concert Series year-round. The Downtown shopping and dining district offer an authentic Rocky Mountain town experience. Some of the more popu-

P H O T O S : V I S I T E S T E S PA R K

Visit Estes Park

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More than 10,000 sq. ft of newly renovated meeting space lar activities include wildlife viewing, shopping in a walkable downtown, high quality restaurants, local distilleries, breweries and a mountain winery. But most of all, enjoy an inspirational meeting with a gorgeous backdrop of the 14,000-foot Rocky Mountain peaks.

GET CONNECTED HOTEL COLORADO 970.945.6511 hotelcolorado.com C LAZY U RANCH 970.887.3344 clazyu.com

Corporate Retreats, Small Conferences, Special Events & Weddings Contact us to schedule a site tour – salesteam@thehotelcolorado.com or call 970-928-3785.

in Glenwood Springs, CO

ST JULIEN HOTEL & SPA 720.406.9696 stjulien.com CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF DENVER 303.561.0116 mychildsmuseum.org DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS 720.865.3551 botanicgardens.org THE PUEBLO CONVENTION CENTER 719.542.1100 puebloconventioncenter.com VISIT ESTES PARK 970.586.0500 visitestespark.com

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Industry Update ACTIVITIES 56

PEOPLE NEWS 60

SNAPSHOTS 62

BOOKING B E H AV I O R

“Room Block of the Future” reveals booking trends of large-scale, urban convention attendees.

Research courtesy of Kalibri Labs and Prism Advisory Group; funded by PCMA Foundation, NYC & Company and Hilton IN 2018, there were an estimated 500,000

PEOPLE PROFILE 64

business travelers attend citywide conventions

conventions in the U.S. with more than 40 million attendees. Convention-goers have many options when it comes to accommodations, and a positive hotel booking experience plays a part in overall attendee experience. The purpose of “Room Block of the Future” is to better understand attendees’ room booking behavior and determine the influences and motivations that played a part in their decisions. The findings could change how cities, hospitality organizations and business event professionals organize meetings and conferences. “The results of ‘Room Block of the Future’ reflect a shift in the industry that CVBs must adapt to,” says Jerry Cito, executive vice president, convention development at NYC & Company. “The findings will help NYC & Company educate planners and suppliers on the need for flexibility, pricing transparency and potential development of a cross-loyalty program.” Download the full report at pcma.co/roomblockresearch.

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25% 50% 25%

book in hotels designated as part of the room block, but not through the conference room reservation system

of citywide convention attendees book through the conference organizer’s room reservation system

book in hotels that are not in the room block or in alternate accommodations

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INFOGRAPHIC

REASONS WHY

Cost

A common attendee misperception—affecting booking patterns across different sizes and types of conferences—is that hotel rooms within the block are more expensive. However, the research proves that in most cases (66 percent), rooms within the block are more affordable.

Loyalty

An inability to enter in a loyalty program number was among the top reasons attendees booked in hotels that are part of the room block, but not through the conference organizer’s reservation system.

“One of the more surprising findings from the research was the fact that almost 25 percent of attendees at large citywide conventions actually booked their accommodations at the hotels specified in the room block but did not go through the traditional room reservation process resulting in them not being recognized in the room block. Clearly, this segment of attendees’ room booking priorities were not being met by the existing process.” —MARK LOMANNO, PARTNER AT KALIBRI LABS

Room Choice

Room variety, or lack thereof, is another factor affecting booking patterns. Among many business travelers, a perceived rigidness and the inability to choose a preferred room type played a role.

Age

Overall, younger attendees (59 percent) are more likely to use alternative accommodations like Airbnb.

“It was very unexpected to learn from the survey of citywide attendees just how much it bothers them to lose control of their hotel booking process—being generally unable to do the things they normally do in hotel bookings, such as accessing their loyalty benefits. It’s this desire for control that creates frustration and prompts a quarter of them to make transient bookings in convention hotels to get what they want.” —ELAINE HENDRICKS, PARTNER AT PRISM ADVISORY GROUP

Kalibri Labs and Prism Advisory Group analyzed more than 2 million anonymous hotel and Airbnb guest records from conventions held in Houston, New York City and San Diego between 2015 and 2018 in addition to surveying a sample of U.S. business travelers who have attended a citywide convention.

CO.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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REGIONAL NEWS

Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association Celebrates 80 Years

ASSOCIATIONS»

RMPCMA Deep Dives into Artificial Intelligence

Members of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Professional Convention Management Association (RMPCMA) gathered at Hilton Denver Inverness Hotel on July 11 to network and learned about artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and the future of live brand experiences. Featured speaker Wilson Tang, vice president of innovation for Freeman, discussed how event organizers and business event strategists can leverage AI to learn what attendees want from brand experiences and how they prefer to engage before, during and after an event. rockymountain.pcma.org

The International Society of Hotel Associations (ISHA) is celebrating significant anniversaries of six hotel lodging organization members in the United States. These members include Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association, California Hotel & Lodging Association, Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association, Hotel Association of New York City, Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association and Texas Hotel & Lodging Association. The anniversaries ranged from 80 to 140 years, with the Colorado crew achieving 80 years Hotel associations were initially organized to provide European-style training in Five Star service for American workers who were needed to staff the new luxury hotels being built in major U.S. cities in the early part of the 20th century. Many of these iconic properties are still flourishing today, including The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Education and training remain a priority for ISHA members along with advocacy. isha.biz; chla.com

TPC Colorado Celebrates Inaugural Golf Season The state’s first ground-up golf course development in nearly 10 years launched its inaugural golf season in May, announced the second phase of its clubhouse construction, and welcomed the Korn Ferry Tour’s TPC Colorado Championship at Heron Lakes that happened on July 8-14. Situated alongside the Lonetree, McNeil and Welch Reservoirs in Berthoud, TPC Colorado is a semiprivate club that welcomes groups and features a master-planned residential neighborhood, 18-hole championship golf course designed by Arthur Schaupeter, and 60,000-square-foot clubhouse slated for completion in spring 2020. The clubhouse design includes a golf shop, grill, bar, resort-

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style pool, dining rooms, meeting and banquet space, and exercise facilities. The Marina Club will be available for lake access and rec-

reation and feature a waterfront bar and grill with a pier and outdoor seating on the lake. tpc.com/colorado.

P H OTO S : C H R I S T I E ’ S P H OTO G R A P H I C S O LU T I O N S ; T P C CO LO R A D O (OPPOSITE) THE WHISTLER & THE WELL

VENUES»

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P H OTO S : C H R I S T I E ’ S P H OTO G R A P H I C S O LU T I O N S ; T P C CO LO R A D O (OPPOSITE) THE WHISTLER & THE WELL

BeaverCreekGroups@wynvr.com | 866-604-5152 | TheCharter.com VailGroups@wynvr.com | 866-820-6549 | LionSquare.com

New Photo & Event Space Opens in Denver Founded by EB and Jonathan Combs and Rachel Nichols, Realm serves both the creative community and events industry and was born out of a desire to meet like-minded individuals and provide resources for innovative collaborations. The partners approached Elle Jensen and Breezy Sanchez, owners of Amethyst Coffee, to open their third café within the venue so patrons can look forward to Amethyst’s regular café menu along with tasting flights. The 3,508-square-foot space features a private mezzanine with a conference room, while the 1,129 square feet of the front entrance is occupied by Amethyst and a patio. Highlights include 18-foot-high ceilings, exposed beams, warm neutral tones, natural light, and vintage pieces that can be used for styled shoots and events. Designed with plush seating, patterned rugs and wall hangings, the space is wellequipped for workshops, special events, meetings, and team retreats. realmdenver.co

Mission Ballroom Hosts Grand Opening in August Four days of concerts launched the new Mission Ballroom in Denver’s RiNo district on Aug. 7. Built from the ground up, the venue is a nod to years of strategic planning and effort by AEG Presents to bring Colorado one of the most unique live music experiences available. The 60,000-square-foot concert space uses mobile-stage technology to create intimate experiences for events of varying sizes, accommodates 2,200 to 3,950 guests, and features several installations by Denver-based artists. missionballroom.com; aegpresents.com

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REGIONAL NEWS

age of aviation theme as a nod to the venue’s location below Denver’s former Stapleton International Airport air traffic control tower. The course begins and ends at an outdoor bar, and groups can enjoy craft cocktails and scratch-made sharable food along with birdies and bogies. punchbowlsocial.com

My Own 2 Hands Provides Groups with DIY Activities

ACTIVITIES»

Hit the Links at Punch Bowl Social Stapleton A unique, outdoor mini golf experience called the Punch Bowl Social Putt Club made its

HOTELS & RESORTS»

Hilton Garden Inn Denver Union Station Joins LoDo Scene Located at the intersection of the Union Station, LoDo and Ballpark neighborhoods, guests of the new Hilton Garden Inn Denver Union Station have easy access to Coors Field, Lower Highlands, River North Arts District Hilton Garden Inn Denver Union Station

debut in June. The 18-hole course, located on the expansive patio, is anything but the standard mini-golf experience. The course channels a midcentury modern and golden

(RiNo) and more. The hotel features 233 spacious and light-filled guest rooms and suites and 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Industrial chic design elements are a nod to The Mile High City, from leather and earth-toned color schemes to mountain-scape patterns, liveedged wooden tables and desks, and exposed concrete structural columns. Amenities include an indoor lap pool, fitness center and Garden Lane Canteen that is available for breakfast. The connected Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar is open for dinner and drinks. denverunionstation.hgi.com; woodiefisher.com

The Broadmoor’s New Exhibition Space & Remodeled Mountain Clubhouse When The Broadmoor’s new 125,000-plussquare-foot exhibition hall debuts in the spring of 2020, the property will be the only Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond hotel in the country to operate a large on-site exhibition space. The exhibit hall in combination with the existing Broadmoor Hall, International

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Center and Colorado Hall will be known as The Broadmoor Event Center and feature more than 300,000 square feet, allowing the property to host larger shows and exhibitions that typically book in cities with stand-alone convention centers. The new exhibit building connects with Broadmoor Hall and feature 32 breakout rooms. After an extensive remodel that wrapped up in August, The Broadmoor’s Mountain Clubhouse is the resort’s newest event space and is ideal for corporate gatherings, small to medium weddings, family reunions and more. The inside of the space has been totally redesigned to keep an intimate feel for slightly more than 100 guests, and the outside has been expanded to host up to 200 and take advantage of the location’s beautiful scenery. Mountain Clubhouse also can serve as a base camp throughout the day starting with an outdoor breakfast from which teams set out for adventures with The Broadmoor Outfitters followed by lunch, more activities, cocktail hour and a casual barbecue. The venue is located within minutes of The Broadmoor’s main campus.

P H O T O S : A M B E R B O U T W E L L / P U N C H B O W L S O C I A L ; H I LT O N G A R D E N I N N D E N V E R U N I O N S TAT I O N

Punch Bowl Social

DIY projects are everywhere, from TV and magazines to Pinterest just for starters. However, creating that perfect project has challenges namely in the form of space, expensive tools and expertise for starters. After tackling their own projects at home, founders Jeff Hahn and Trista Smith established My Own 2 Hands “makerspace” in Littleton in late 2018 to provide all three for DIYers, groups, weekend warriors and craftspeople of all skill levels to create something unique with their own hands. Groups as large as 50 to 100 can be accommodated, but the ideal size is 24 to 36. mo2hands.com

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P H O T O S : A M B E R B O U T W E L L / P U N C H B O W L S O C I A L ; H I LT O N G A R D E N I N N D E N V E R U N I O N S TAT I O N

2020 Readers’ Choice Best of Awards Party

S AV E T H E D AT E

March 9, 2020

Location to be announced

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REGIONAL NEWS

HOTELS & RESORTS»

Historic Fort Collins Hotel Reopens After Interior Refresh

Hotel Talisa Becomes Grand Hyatt Vail Grand Hyatt Vail opened its doors in July, marking the second Grand Hyatt hotel in Colorado and the first in a U.S. mountain resort destination. The 285-room ski-in/ski-out resort sits at the base of Vail Mountain on the banks of Gore Creek. The property reopened as Hotel Talisa Vail after an extensive multimillion-dollar reno-

The Armstrong Hotel

vation in 2018 and features 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space as well as Vail Residences at Cascade Village, comprised of 84 rental homes and condominiums managed by Hyatt. The Grand Hyatt Vail’s leadership team includes General Manager Dan Johnson and Director of Sales, Marketing & Events Vincent Vito. Johnson is a 25-year Hyatt employee and joins Grand Hyatt Vail from Hyatt Regency Austin, where he served in the same role. Vito has 23 years of experience and previously worked at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek in the same position. grandhyattvail.com

Antlers at Vail Launches $5 Million Remodel A spacious new front desk, lobby and gathering space is part of a major renovation at Antlers at Vail, which also includes replacing and more conveniently locating the property’s elevator. The project began in April and will be completed by December 2019. The original condominium hotel building was constructed in 1971, and the design concept for the upgrade

is to create an updated but timeless version of an authentic Vail ski lodge. To capture that vibe, the materials palette incorporates elements of wood, metal and stone with cleanlined furnishings. A combination of leather, rich natural textures and reds, blues, grays and brown were selected to modernize and warm up the look. antlersvail.com

Black Tree Luxury Camping Resort Open for Business A new luxury camping resort located in Lake George opened its tents for business in June. Black Tree was created to connect groups and families to each other and nature, marrying camping adventures with upscale retreats. The fully furnished wall tents feature handcrafted furniture, two queen beds, a loves eat, a dining table, a wood-burning stove, and solarpowered lights and outlets. Centrally located to each tent is a private bathroom, covered deck, picnic table and fire pit. An electric golf cart is provided to traverse the property, and meals and nonalcoholic drinks are included. blacktreeresort.com

DESTINATIONS»

The Latest from Steamboat Springs

Mountain Tap Brewery in downtown Steamboat Springs is taking its beer on the road with the new Mountain Tap Mobile. The custom-built, 16-foot trailer has a pizza oven inside and is designed to look like a barn as a nod to Routt County’s heritage. mountaintapbrewery.com

River in Steamboat Springs. The new mural was installed in June and joins a handful of existing murals and sculptures visible from the river. The Yampa River serves as a recreation hub for rafting, fishing and tubing as well as inspiration for artists and photographers.

Yampa is Wild mural project is the latest art installation along the Yampa

Old Town Hot Springs, a beloved hot springs and recreation center located in

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downtown Steamboat Springs, recently completed phase one of a two-part improvement project. The first part of the project included a 15,000-square-foot addition to the existing building, with new and improved areas for fitness/wellness activities, more fitness options, a public climbing wall, an indoor walking track, locker room upgrades and a face-lift for the building. Phase two, planned for coming years, focuses on the pool area.

P H OTO S : T H E A R M S T R O N G H OT E L ; (O P P O S I T E ) D E L F R I S CO ’ S ; T H E R I O

A beloved centerpiece of Old Town Fort Collins since 1923, The Armstrong Hotel reopened as an updated urban retreat and community social hub following a propertywide renovation and redesign. The renewal includes expanded lobby space, upgraded suites, and a complete refresh to create a warm and welcoming aesthetic. The goal of the project was to preserve The Armstrong’s historic legacy and eclectic elements of the original hotel while transforming the full experience to be consistent with the preferences of today’s groups and travelers. Additional updates also took place at the hotel’s Ace Gillett’s Lounge, with new menus created in partnership with Proprietors, LLC, the minds behind New York’s and Denver’s Death & Co. The property also features Amara Massage Therapy & Wellness spa, 1,500 square feet of meeting space, Choice City Butcher & Deli and Mugs Coffee Lounge. thearmstronghotel.com

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P H OTO S : T H E A R M S T R O N G H OT E L ; (O P P O S I T E ) D E L F R I S CO ’ S ; T H E R I O

FOOD & BEVERAGE»

Del Frisco’s Double Edge Eagle Steakhouse

Primus Restaurant Opens in Durango Located in downtown Durango, Primus Restaurant features an intimate and bright atmosphere along with a dining room downstairs and a dining room upstairs that are available to host private events for small or large groups. Launched in June, Primus is the brainchild of executive chef John J. Daly III, who brings 25 years in the industry and a passion for delivering top-quality, crafted food without the price tag of fine dining to the table. The result is a seafood and big game dining experience combined with locally sourced produce and grain. Vegetarian selections are available, and wine and seasonal or classic cocktails can be paired with any menu items. primusrestaurant.com

Total Renovation for Denver Steakhouse Del Frisco’s Double Edge Eagle Steakhouse in Greenwood Village has completed a renovation project that included the entire restaurant, including all five private dining spaces. The sleek, modern look reflects Colorado and encompasses all event rooms from the furniture and art to the flooring, lighting and overall interior design. The smallest space is the Wine

Room for up to 24 guests seated, 30 guests standing, while the largest is the Lincoln Room for a maximum of 75 guests seated, 110 guests standing. There are several new and classic favorite foods on the menu, an all-new craft cocktail program and a huge selection of more than 1,200 wines curated by Del Frisco’s team of sommeliers. delfriscos.com/steakhouse/denver

Sisters Open French Bakery & Bistro in Denver Founded by Senegalese French sisters Aminata and Rougui Dia, Le French is a gourmet, casual-chic French bakery and bistro located at 4901 S. Newport in Denver Tech Center’s

The Rio

burgeoning Belleview Station. Le French specializes in high-end pastries and elevated modern Parisian cuisine with global influences, a nod to the sisters’ heritage. Rougui, an award-winning and internationally recognized chef, helms the restaurant’s kitchen as executive chef. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, Le French also offers “Afternoon Delight” from 2:30-5 p.m., featuring carted tea service and small plates; a nightly dessert bar experience with after-dinner wines and classic French cocktails; and weekend brunch. lefrenchdenver.com

Rio Reopens Boulder Location with Updated Features Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant Boulder was reintroduced earlier this year after being closed for four months to undergo a total renovation. Groups and guests will notice an entirely new look with an open kitchen, upgraded furniture, cozier seating, a living wall and refreshed paint, carpet and flooring. The bar is now in the center of the restaurant and located next to a tequila wall that features multiple shelves of handselected, premium tequilas. The restaurant’s Shift Bar is an ideal setting for special occasions, corporate events, banquets and holiday parties for groups of up to 80. Along with the new look, the Rio is dedicated to bringing fresh ingredients, interesting flavors and chef-inspired preparation to the menu, while staying true to those traditional dishes that made the Rio famous. riograndemexican.com

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REGIONAL NEWS

PEOPLE»

Drew Warwick has assumed

the role of vice president of business development and Karen Cantrell and Sarah Carey have been named division presidents by RMC, a Colorado-based destination management company with locations around North America. Warwick brings more than 20 years of global experience to his role and prior to joining RMC was director of sales for Teneo Hospitality Group’s Rocky Mountain region. Cantrell joined RMC in 2011 and is now president of sales, operations and business development. Carey opened RMC’s Park City office in 2008 and has assisted with the openings of several other locations, was promoted to president of creative and marketing and also oversees public relations, human resources and RMC’s new warehouse division. Hannah Anderson has been

appointed as marketing manager, Jeff Rose as director of operations and Jamie Lemaster as catering and conference service manager by Hotel Teatro in downtown Denver. Anderson is marketing manager for both the hotel and The Nickel, the property’s adjoining restaurant, and previously served as an event coordinator at Galvanize. Rose has eight years of experience in Massachusetts as operations manager at W Hotels in Boston, director of front office at Canyon Ranch Health Resort and Spa in Lenox, and assistant front of house manager at Hotel Commonwealth in Boston.

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Lemaster has worked as conference service manager for The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in Denver and as wedding and executive meetings manager at Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Cuvée, the ultra-luxury destination villa and experience company based in Denver, has expanded its leadership team and is available to curate multiday retreats. Eric Palomaa, director of strategic partnerships, has more than a decade of experience working with world-class institutions and Fortune 500 companies and leading philanthropic organizations. Aaron Segel, travel partner relations manager, joined Cuvée after leading international training programs in eight countries. Frances Silva, client experience manager, manages a portfolio of luxury clients after years of supervising high-end retail operations at destinations around the country. GMS Jason Delcamp has been

promoted to general manager of Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek, leading the property into a new chapter with hotel operator Makeready after serving as director of operations since 2016. His hospitality career encompasses management roles at The Westin Westminster and Kachina Southwestern Grill and food and beverage manager at Thorncreek Golf Club. Joseph Steiskal is now

serving as dual general manager overseeing Boulder’s Embassy Suites by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn. With more than 20 years of hospi-

tality experience, Steiskal has held a variety of leadership positions in Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky and Colorado with Marriott International and White Lodging Services. He most recently served as GM of Colorado’s Renaissance Broomfield Flatiron Hotel, which was named Marriott’s Hotel of the Year for 2018 in the Distinctive Lifestyle category. FO O D & B E V E R AG E Michael Poompan was appointed executive chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Denver and manages a team of 35 culinarians. Beginning his career at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Poompan has worked at Renaissance Long Beach Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, and recently served as executive chef for Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa.

SALES Lindsey Lewis recently was

appointed resort sales manager for Glenwood Hot Springs Resort in Glenwood Springs. Her previous experience in tourism and marketing includes co-ownership of Lewis Marketing, marketing manager for Internet Honey and vice president of tourism marketing for Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association. Justin Budyak is the new

complex director of sales and marketing of The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa and the adjacent Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown. Budyak brings more than 13 years of hospitality, sales and marketing experience, most recently as area director of sales marketing for both the Renaissance Denver Hotel and Holiday Inn Denver East. He also has been director of sales and marketing at Boulder Marriott and Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows.

P H OTO : (O P P O S I T E ) G L E N WO O D H OT S P R I N G S R E S O R T

TEAMS

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ATTRACTIONS»

Sopris Splash Zone Opens at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

July and early August marked the launch of all three sections of the brand new Sopris Splash Zone at one of Colorado’s most historic and iconic hot springs, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. It’s the newest addition to the hot springs, spa and lodge property in Glenwood Springs and was built in tandem with improvements at the lodge and athletic club. Sopris Splash Zone includes Shoshone Chutes, an exciting river ride that mimicks the thrill of a Colorado whitewater experience on tubes; Hanging Lake, a wade-in pool with waterfalls; and Grand Fountain, a splash pad by day and an illuminated show fountain reaching heights of 17 feet in the evening. The next phase of improvements will begin this fall and introduce more features for adults at the east end of the pool. hotspringspool.com

SUSTAINABILITY»

Glenwood Springs Now 100% Powered by Renewable Energy On June 1, Glenwood Springs became the seventh city in the U.S. powered by all renewable energy, namely wind power purchased from Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN). Members of the community joined local dignitaries, Colorado Tourism Office Director Cathy Ritter and officials from MEAN for the signing of the contract at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. “Our business is centered on naturebased adventure, so protecting the environment and natural resources has been our primary goal since we gave our first cave tour in May 1999,” explains Steve Beckley, who owns Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park with his wife, Jeanne. “We are really pleased to be one of the first theme parks in the U.S. to have all of its electricity provided from renewable sources.” visitglenwood.com; glenwoodcaverns.com

In your chic, newly updated guest room, you’ll relax in style, and our friendly staff will have you feeling perfectly at home. The hotel boasts 4,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, making it ideal for board meetings, social functions, memorable seminars, and more. Plus, no one will go hungry — catering from Panzano, our adjacent and much-loved Italian restaurant, guarantees your event will leave an altogether tasteful impression.

1717 Champa Street | Denver, CO 80202 303.296.1717 | monaco-denver.com | #MonacoDenver

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SNAPSHOTS NACE CATERING OLYMPICS; HSMAI BEACH PARTY

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P H O T O S : A L L D I G I TA L P H O T O & V I D E O ; E R I C S P R I N K L E

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NACE Catering Olympics

Members of the National Association of Catering & Events Greater Denver Chapter pulled out the gym gear and dusted off their Nikes to take the field. The Denver Broncos’ UCHealth Training Center, a professional-grade facility, served as the backdrop for all sorts of fun and games. 1. Indoor training field. 2. Zach Burns. 3. Cristina Walker, Monica Cheeks, Corey Morley, Sara Lawrason and Bob Haddad. 4. Angie Johnston. 5. Christal Holquin and Maggie Glass. 6. Kelly Johnson, David Andress and Caroline Arendall. 7. Mike Crabtree, Betty Kay Becker, Jay Dixon, Matthew Doubek and Bryan Ziegler. 8. Food by The Gourmet Kitchen. 9. Joshua Riggs and Matthew Doubek. 10. Elite Entertainment. 11. Aimee Palifroni. 12. Kevin Becker, Jay Dixon and Suzanne Barlow. 13. Cocktails, the new Olympic sport.

SoCo HSMAI Beach Party

Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International – Southern Colorado Chapter held its annual summer fundraiser on July 17 at Colorado Springs Marriott. A beach party theme kept things lively, and members were encouraged to “flamingle” and bring guests of all ages. Funds raised benefitted CASA of the Pikes Peak Region. 14. VP of Special Events Ray Martinez. 15. President BJay Bliss. 16. Amy Champagne and Samantha Forsythe. 17. Pam Sherfesee, Sarah Price and Denise Noblex. 18.-19. Silent auction bidding. 20. Brittany Hunt. 21. Staff and friends from La Quinta Inn and Suites.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT PHOTOS To have your meeting or event photos featured here, contact the editor at beth.buehler@tigeroak.com.

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PEOPLE PROFILE DOUG LANE

CHIEF NOVELTY OFFICER

Doug Lane, the president and CEO of Fastlane Productions, has kept himself and his company at visionary status.

aving come from a family of entrepreneurs, Doug Lane has “selfmade” in his blood. Involved in the meetings and events industry since he graduated from college, Lane was always looking for ways to bring innovation to his career, even in his early days. After graduation, Lane gave his DJ business a twist by incorporating break dancers and live bands into his tracks. Foreseeing trends in tech production, he began to take on clients looking for new and dynamic elements to enhance their events. From there, he started to take on production roles in tech, creative and management. “I was that theater-tech guy in high school, so those skills instantly applied as I moved over into tech production,” explains Lane.

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Today, Lane owns Denver-based Fastlane Productions, a company he built from scratch and one that has continued to amplify for 37 years. Fastlane Productions’ high-bar clients include the governor of Colorado, National Hockey League and several corporations that have requested Fastlane Productions for event after event. Lane has carved out his position as a force in the meetings and events industry by using an uncanny ability to predict industry trends, attentiveness to differentiation and dedication to the top in technology. “Innovation, always having cuttingedge, top-notch equipment, always being different as far as services … those are successes I’m really proud of,” he says. His partners and clients are what con-

tinue to motivate Lane after nearly four decades. “What makes this industry exciting is partnerships and people,” he emphasizes. “The fantastic Fastlane team creates strategic events through creative collaboration, meeting client needs and using our tools to produce amazing experiences; that is what lights me up.” Lane credits hard work and the people who surround him as reasons for his amazing accomplishments. “Bottom line for me is my family—my Fastlane Productions family and my personal family.”

Get Connected FASTLANE PRODUCTIONS fastlaneproductions.com | 303.778.0045

I L L U S T R AT I O N : T R A C I Z E L L M A N N

BY TAY LOR H A FNER

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a great state for meetings... naturally Destination Colorado is your statewide resource for great meeting destinations.

I L L U S T R AT I O N : T R A C I Z E L L M A N N

destinationcolorado.com

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EVENT SPACE for all

SHAPES AND SIZES

6 Exhibit Halls with 584,000 sq.ft. of space on one level 63 meeting rooms with 100,000 sq.ft. of meeting space on one level

2 ballrooms and 85,000 sq.ft. of space on one level 5,000 Bellco Theatre with cut down capability Free Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

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To inquire or book, call or email Rich Carollo at 3o3.228.8022 or rcarollo@denverconvention.com

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Colorado Meetings + Events Fall 2019

Articles inside

EDITOR’S LETTER

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