Colorado Meetings + Events Fall 2023

Slopeside Soiree

Strike destination gold in Breckenridge

Light Up the Scoreboard

Score big with attendees at winning sports venues

A Big Deal

Loveland’s Christine Forster flexes her event creativity

THE RETURN of

Wow

FRESH, DAZZLING VENUES ENERGIZE GROUPS

NOW OPEN

GATHER WHERE COMFORT MEETS ELEGANCE

@ PARLURDENVER

PARLURDENVER.COM

LEORAH.YOUNG @ PARLURDENVER.COM

GRAND ENOUGH FOR YOUR BEST PEOPLE AND THEIR BIGGEST IDEAS.

Meetings and events take on a special energy at The Broadmoor. Our magnificent Colorado setting will inspire your people. Our world-class golf, spa, dining and more will refresh them. The unique venues and activities of our Broadmoor Wilderness Experience properties will challenge them and change their perspectives. With the addition of Bartolin Hall, our over 315,000 square feet of meeting space, is flexible enough to meet your most demanding requirements. And amidst it all, The Broadmoor’s legendary tradition of quality and service will ensure your event is a success. Contact us today and start planning your meeting now at broadmoor.com.

Frontier Drive-Inn

10 Autumn in Breckenridge

Beautiful views from West Maroon Pass in Colorado

The Power of Creativity

» IN EARLY JUNE, I attended the annual Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) Summit held at the Center for the Arts in Crested Butte—my own backyard. Having served on the Crested Butte Public Arts Commission, Center for the Arts Literary Council, and Friends of Old Rock Library board of directors in Crested Butte, it was fun to gather with creatives and representatives from arts organizations, destinations, and government alike.

Here are a few observations about what stood out at this year’s CCI Summit.

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What were the local tie-ins? I’m not sure if this was the official tagline, but the colorful conference booklet was titled “CCI Summit: A Funky Invitation on the Edge of Nowhere.” That fits Crested Butte and played out in the two-day agenda. The luncheon centerpieces were made by local artists and could be purchased and taken home the last day. Most of the centerpieces incorporated pottery or ceramics, so there was little waste.

Attendees received a glimpse of the community’s fall harvest festival, Vinotok. Costumed characters roamed around as the conference started, a breakout session about Celebrating Our Stories and Spirit of Place was spearheaded by event organizers, and a burning of the grumps (grievances and gripes people wrote down on slips of paper) served as a Friday sendoff. Also, Crested Butte Film Festival provided two movie-viewing sessions across the street at the theater.

How did the exhibit area function? Working at the West Center Small Business Development Center’s booth, I had plenty of time to see how traffic moved through the lower atrium of the Center for the Arts. The booths skirted the perimeter of a window-filled room, and there was a nice mix of informational stops and hands-on art activities like creating miniature canvases for a tiny art lending library and adding colorful glass pieces to mosaics.

Who attended and what were the sessions like? I loved seeing all ages and experience levels at this conference, and people were ready to learn and mingle. One session about creative placemaking was presented in a PechaKucha format that made use of a slideshow of 20 images, each auto-advancing after 20 seconds. In theory, each speaker had 400 seconds to share their story.

I could go on in more detail, but you get the point. Thoughtfully organized meetings make an impression and keep people coming back year after year. To find out more, go to coloradocreativeindustries.org.

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Winter Park Resort

970-726-5514 | WinterParkResort.com

WINTER PARK RESORT IS THE IDEAL basecamp for your group adventure. As Colorado’s longest continually operated ski resort with over 3,000 acres of award-winning terrain, Winter Park is a slope lover’s dream. There are activities for everyone, whether it’s stepping into a less-charted wonderland to ski and explore in winter or sightseeing on wheels, by foot, or across streams, peaks, and alpine meadows in the summer. Meeting planners have a multitude of lodging options to choose from, including Fraser Crossing/Founders Pointe, Parry Peak Lofts, Zephyr Mountain Lodge located in the base village, and more. After a day of staying active, keep attendees energized at one of the several nearby dining establishments, featuring dishes like crave-worthy chicken tenders at Bradley’s and regional American fare at The Lodge at Sunspot. Regardless of the season, Winter Park is the mountain getaway your group needs for fresh mountain air, majestic views, and ear-to-ear grins that will leave each guest wanting to come back again and again.

Blending Destination, Direction, and Design

Decor is as indispensable as food and beverage, transportation, and accommodations, and it deserves a prominent spot in your budget

Many people think of event decor as the proverbial cherry on top —the extra little something to add if you happen to have enough room in your budget for something extra. But decor is not just a nice-to-have part of an event. It is where all the flavor and texture reside in the main entree—without it, the experience falls flat.

As groups flock to Colorado to enjoy majestic landscapes, outdoor recreation, and vibrant culture, it is our job as event professionals to give them an experience that blends destination with design. Because when it comes down to it, no matter where you are, a ballroom is just a ballroom. It is not until you immerse guests in an exciting environment with an atmosphere built around them when something truly memorable happens. We are responsible not only for giving people a place to go and getting food in their bellies, but also for the emotional and social experience guests have while they are with us.

CREATE BUZZ

You would be hard-pressed to find someone who truly believes that an event with a main design that consists of round dining tables with white linens and simple centerpieces would provide the same guest experience as an event that was built out with a dynamic entryway, lighting that elicits emotions, a customized bar, interactive stations, and inviting lounge areas. The more evocative elements create buzz and energy that permeates attendees.

And no matter what the end goal is, the event sends the message that attendees’ feelings and values were thoughtfully considered and valued.

BY TORI ROSENBLATT

MATCH DECOR WITH CLIENT GOALS

So how do you blend everything that people come to Colorado for and take into account the goals of the client? Focus on setting the mood through decor.

For a sales incentive trip, channel the current retro trend and celebrate accomplishments with an après-ski disco setting with a glowing 360-degree bar and cocktails served in disco-ball cups, white-leather lounge chairs popped with illuminated tables and printed ski pillows, and brightly illuminated LED trees with white leaves and snowy bases. Add in gondola food stations, shimmer-wall photo ops with faux fur prop hats, and acrylic community tables topped with shearlings. Guests will leave feeling invigorated and excited.

For an executive meeting, re-create the coziness of a rustic slope-side lodge so participants can focus, get to know one another, and experience the luxurious lifestyle of the mountains. Après ski here should take a different tone with a vintage ski entryway, flannel-tufted bar surrounded by textured wood cocktail tables, generously sized leather chairs around faux fireplaces, antleretched glassware, and plenty of ambient lighting.

Don’t let your guests walk into a bland event. Build an environment and experience that is evocative, compelling, and purposeful, and leave them with a rich taste of Colorado they won’t forget.

DON’T JUST WATCH: Hands-On Glassblowing in Carbondale

How many people have observed glassblowing but never imagined having a hands-on opportunity to learn how? That is what makes the options provided by Spiro Lyon Glass in Carbondale so intriguing and why The Gant Aspen offers group clients this Roaring Fork Valley experience.

During the Ornament or Paperweight Making workshop, participants select a color scheme and work with an instructor to create a glass art keepsake during a 20-minute session. Or, take it up a notch with Blow a Glass, learning the step-by-step process of making a glass cup during a 30-minute class. For something longer, book the three-hour Firestarter Workshop to find out about the ancient art of glassblowing, safety in the hot shop, and how hot glass moves and cools before blowing your creation.

Spiro Lyon Glass also offers custom glassblowing gatherings for team building and other events, and provides gallery space and food and beverage catering. Or, consider private glassblowing lessons as a nice activity add-on for incentive trips. gantaspen.com

Tori Rosenblatt and her husband, David, own Bear Aesthetic, a Denver-based full-service event design and specialty decor company. bearaesthetic.com

Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center

800-525-2253 | BEAVERRUN.COM

Looking to elevate a meeting or event? Come up to Breckenridge, Colorado, and stay, work, and play at Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center, perfectly positioned between the slopes of Breckenridge Ski Resort and Main Street. Featuring 515 slopeside guest rooms, suites, and condominiums, Beaver Run has it all—including 40,000 square feet of event space, in-house audiovisual technology, food services, the largest conference space in town, the best location, mountain views, an experienced and caring team, and so much more. Planners and attendees can rest assured that everything needed to enjoy a successful event or function is all under one roof at Beaver Run. Get around the area with ease via Breckenridge’s free bus system or with Beaver Run’s in-town shuttle for hotel guests. And for the thrill and adventure seekers in a group, add a tour of the Country Boy Mine or an e-bike tour, or take a historic hike up the Burro Trail on Iowa Hill or on the Sallie Barber Mine Trail—the opportunities are truly endless.

gold standard of events

Incorporating Effectual CSR Moments

When organizations rally the troops for annual meetings, conferences, retreats, and other events, many planners find creative ways to weave in elements that give back to the host community. At all stages of the event process, from planning to cleanup, there are opportunities to do good for the destination through corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.

Here are four suggestions from We Don’t Waste, a Denver-based nonprofit, regarding how to help—even after the event is over.

Donate excess food: Work with Denver’s We Don’t Waste or similar organizations as your local food-recovery partner to ensure uneaten breakfast pastries, boxed lunches, and afternoon snacks feed people in need instead of ending up in landfills. We Don’t Waste will pick up unused food from event venues and catering companies and redistribute it to local nonprofits such as food pantries, schools, and more.

Volunteer locally: Build into your conference programming a half-day volunteering opportunity that supports an area

nonprofit aligned with corporate-giving goals. Whether it’s organizing food at a local pantry, working in gardens, planting trees, or walking shelter animals, a day spent in the community brings the team together for a positive project.

Incorporate a giveback: For events with paid registrations, choose a nonprofit in the host city and donate a percentage of the conference fees. During the event, be sure to share with attendees how much money they raised for a local cause by simply showing up.

Incentives for participation: During speaker and panel sessions that include opportunities for questions, galvanize attendees by pledging donations for participation. For example, for each question asked aloud or sent via text, through the conference app, or over social media could result in anywhere from $1 to $100 donated to a local nonprofit organization.

Providing opportunities for attendees to plug into a company’s CSR goals helps build strong teams and instill powerful feelings of a greater purpose. wedontwaste.org

COOL CATERING TRENDS

» LAURA ZASPEL, CEO and co-founder of Serendipity Catering

in Lakewood, shares three interesting food and beverage trends of note for 2023.

“The No. 1 trend by far are sober celebrations with water gardens, Italian soda bars, nonalcoholic spritzers, seasonal mocktails, and kombucha bars,” she says.

Specialty boards such as breadand-butter boards, themed charcuterie boards, and brunch boards are a big hit with groups.

Family-style meals with comfort food and family recipes prompt “lingering over a meal just a bit longer,” she notes.

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Serendipity Catering (2), We Don’t Waste

Hermes Worldwide

303-577-7600 | hermesworldwide.com

Hermes Worldwide transportation furnishes luxurious, top-of-theline, chauffeured car, SUV, limousine, and motorcoach service for groups through offices in Denver and Aspen, and via a global partner network in 400 cities. Both a woman- and minority-owned business, Hermes employs professional, courteous, and experienced events logistics team members who offer impeccable customer service, meeting-planning assistance, and vast expertise attending to the needs of event specialists. Team members are available 24/7, 365 days a year, and Hermes’ top-notch hospitality and reliable customer service have been recognized through several accolades, including the Colorado Meetings + Events Hall of Fame Supplier of the Year, Destination Colorado Company of the Year, Inc. 500 Honoree, Colorado Companies to Watch Winner, and ColoradoBiz 2023 Best of Colorado Transportation Company.

Hermes’ accommodating and dependable spirit extends to its chauffeurs, ensuring each driver is reliably educated on defensive and safe driving. Recognizing that meeting planners need to be mobile and can be called upon at a moment’s notice, Hermes has an outstanding record of on-time performance to get planners to their meeting or event in style. For easy airport transfers, Hermes offers flexible airport greeting options, allowing groups to focus on what matters most: a successful event.

greet

PHOTOS Hermes Worldwide

Contact Logan Widick - Group Sales Manager

Breckenridge Beckons

There’s just something about this Colorado mountain town that keeps groups and attendees returning for more BY BETH

» BRECKENRIDGE is a prime example of a ski town that attracts groups any time of year with its natural beauty and spirit of adventure. The town was established in 1859 during the height of the Colorado Gold Rush, and remnants of this rich heritage are still part of the community’s fabric.

Recognizing they have struck destination gold, several organizations have booked Breckenridge year after year as there’s a formula for success, partnerships are valued, and there are attendees who enjoy returning annually.

CITYWIDE ON A SCENIC MOUNTAINSIDE

One such event is the Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) Convention held every year during the last week of July, most recently a sold-out occasion July 26-28.

“I’m not sure how many years the event has been in Breckenridge due to its longevity, but it has been held there for over 30 years. This year is our 54th annual CASE Convention,” says Director of Events and Operations Carissa Hughes. “Our organization loves the location due to the multiple event venues and even more lodging options, which allow us to accommodate up to 1,500 attendees. Our attendees love the location due to the walkability of Breckenridge and the great downtown area with numerous dining options.”

In tandem with CASE’s growth as an organization over the last five years, the convention’s footprint has expanded beyond using all the meeting space and lodging at Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center and DoubleTree by Hilton Breckenridge across the street. Now, the event also books Village at Breckenridge’s accommodations and meeting space.

“We do see our event growing to additional spaces and know there is event space to do so at Vail Resort’s Mountain Thunder Lodge and River Mountain Lodge. We already utilize both of those properties for lodging blocks,” Hughes says.

Hosting 1,500 in Breckenridge requires making meeting and event space at the various properties multipurpose, flipping them from day use for breakouts and workshops to night use for receptions and after-hours activities. “The CASE Convention is the closest thing Breckenridge hosts as a citywide event,” confirms Bruce Horii, director of sales and marketing for Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center.

A major benefit of hosting a convention in Breckenridge is the complimentary shuttle that allows attendees to navigate the town outside of convention hours. Another public transportation option

PHOTO Breckenridge Tourism Office

DESTINATION Breckenridge

BUEHLER

Bucolic downtown Breckenridge

available is the new Breck E-Bike Ride, a community bike share program that features 75 electric bikes spread across 12 designated hubs.

As of last year, CASE has provided a dedicated shuttle service so attendees can easily travel between all three venues— although many have chosen to walk.

“We can generally count on amazing weather during the summer in Breckenridge for this event, with only an occasional small shower on an afternoon every now and then. Attendees welcome the outdoor walking breaks to get from session to session,” Hughes shares.

CASE has also held smaller autumn conferences in Breckenridge, such as the annual Superintendents Conference for about 125 attendees and the Colorado Association of School Personnel Administrators Conference for approximately 100.

MORE VENUE OPTIONS

In addition to the properties CASE booked, Main Street Station, One Ski Hill Place, Residence Inn by Marriott Breckenridge, and The Lodge at Breckenridge all offer lodging and function space. The Lodge at Breckenridge recently introduced 12 additional guest rooms, a new guest lounge, and a fully renovated restaurant and ballroom.

Brand new to the scene is The Carlin, a three-story concept that encompasses three businesses for one hospitality experience. Guests can choose from four upperlevel luxury suites, dine at an 80-seat restaurant featuring Pacific Northwestinspired cuisine on the main floor, and sip a beverage at Tavern Underground, a 45-seat subterranean cocktail bar.

For off-site gatherings, check out the fair-weather venues at Breckenridge Ski Resort. The on-mountain TenMile Station has huge views, a large deck, and the ability to host casual or elegant events, while The Maggie has a spacious patio overlooking Maggie Pond and is near Main Street. Both accommodate up to 200 guests.

The 750-seat Riverwalk Center, also located downtown, is an indoor performance venue with glass doors that open

All Stars: American Artists from The Phillips Collection

Host your next event in the newly renovated Lanny & Sharon Martin Building, brand new Anna & John J. Sie Welcome Center, or iconic Hamilton Building. Enjoy world-class art, stunning architecture, and state-of-the-art event space in the heart of Denver.

Booking an event at the Denver Art Museum helps to support our mission.

Book your event today!

720-913-0148

eventinfo@denverartmuseum.org

For more information, visit denverartmuseum.org/event-rental

Adding digital tactics to your marketing will increase touch points and combining it with traditional media like print will increase your ROI

CONTACT US TODAY!

BOB HADDAD , Associate Publisher bhaddad@greenspring.com • 303-617-0548

Photo by Andy Colwell

Photo by Steve Peterson

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Photo & Video

For groups of 10 up to 1,500

architecture. Modern elegance. Inspiring spaces.

Photo by Andy Colwell

DESTINATION Breckenridge

onto a lawn bordering the Blue River. Managed by Breckenridge Creative Arts, the Riverwalk Center hosts a diverse range of ticketed events including concerts, lectures, and performances year-round.

IDEAL FOR MIDSIZE MEETINGS

The Winter Institute of Medical Physics capitalizes on Breckenridge’s winter beauty and activities to attract a diverse group of professionals in the field. The conference was first held in Summit County in 1979 and has been at Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center since 2010, most recently Feb. 25-March 1.

To accommodate 100 attendees and the institute’s agenda, meetings are held in the Breckenridge Ballroom and receptions take place in the Imperial Ballroom. “ The property offers everything anyone would need to run a fantastic meeting. The slopeside location is ideal, and the array of on-site lodging options is spectacular,” says Marc Kessler, director of the Winter Institute of Physics since 2010 and a professor at the University of Michigan Medical School.

An important purpose of the gathering is providing time and opportunities for attendees to network during the day. “Informal meetups take place on the mountain, around the conference facility, and, of course, in the beautiful town of Breckenridge,” he says. “Breckenridge offers every outdoor winter activity you can imagine, and the town has great restaurants, shops, and off-mountain activities day and night.”

PLENTIFUL ACTIVITIES

Part of Breckenridge’s appeal to groups is the wide range of free-time fun. Mush with Siberian huskies on summer or winter dog sledding tours with Good Time Adventures or try the Alpineer Challenge Course, Gold Runner Coaster, climbing wall, and other features at the ski area’s Epic Discovery Peak 8 Basecamp.

For a glimpse at history and the opportunity to try something totally new, consider

hosting an event at Country Boy Mine. T ravel 1,000 feet below ground into a historic gold mine, go on a monster truck sleigh tour, try e xtreme sledding and gold panning, and have an ax-throwing competition.

Looking for a hands-on service project? Link up with Friends of Breckenridge Trails to join in on trail workdays that take place throughout the summer. Another way to tap into community is

through taking part in workshops, exhibitions, and special events happening in the Breck Create Arts District, a campus of renovated historic structures that now function as studio spaces.

Or, hire Frosted Flamingo Mobile Art Studio to bring creative projects to private events. The Frosted Flamingo also partners with Continental Divide Winery to offer a monthly Cabernet and Craft

Breckenridge Distillery; Below: Pottery class in Breck Creates Art District

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Liam Doran, Breckenridge Tourism Office

Ski Resorts Abound in Summit County

Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, and Keystone also call Summit County home. Like Breckenridge, Copper Mountain and Keystone have significant capacity to host groups and offer yearround activities galore.

Copper Conference Center, located at the heart of Center Village, has 15,600 square feet of function space and a slope-side location. Additional space is available at Copper Station, Village Square, and Jack’s at Copper One.

Keystone Conference Center has more than 100,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Lodging and meeting space combinations can be found at Hyatt Place

Keystone and Keystone Lodge & Spa. series at the world’s highest-elevation winery’s VIP Barrel Room Lounge that can seat 28 attendees.

Another option on the beverage front is Breckenridge Distillery’s new cocktail workshop that focuses on the history and creation of the spirit maker’s famous Obi-Wan Old Fashioned. Breckenridge Distillery also invites individuals and groups to book a whiskey-blending lab guided by distillers and an immersive tasting experience .

Whether it’s a sun-drenched patio for an outdoor gathering, hands-on cultural opportunities for a post-meeting distraction, or endless adventure options for team building, groups will feel right at home in Breckenridge.

Keystone Conference Center

Go Big at Colorado Sports Venues

Colorado has a wealth of stadiums, ballfields, and arenas that are cheer-worthy for groups

BY BETH BUEHLER

» WHILE COLORADO is well-known for its majestic peaks and western friendliness, meeting and event planners may be surprised at the large number of sports venues that double as valuable meeting and event spaces. Whether organizing a corporate outing, team-building activity, board meeting, fundraiser, or summer picnic, these versatile venues combine the excitement of sports with impressive modern facilities.

BOULDER & FORT COLLINS

Colorado’s two largest public universities, University of Colorado Boulder (CU) and Colorado State University (CSU), have football stadiums that provide stellar possibilities for groups. The CU Buffaloes’ Folsom Field dates to 1924, while the CSU Ram’s Canvas Stadium opened in 2017.

Folsom Field has a seating capacity of just over 50,000 and meeting and event space that can host 10 to 650 attendees. The largest space is the Rooftop Terrace & Lounge situated atop the Champions Center, with the open-air portion covering nearly 14,000 square feet and the Lounge encompassing

about 1,600 square feet. The Byron R. White Club Level has floor-to-ceiling windows, a spacious lobby, and north and south sides that can be rented separately or together. For more intimate affairs, there are stadium suites located on the east side of Folsom Field.

“With unparalleled venues within a historic football stadium, Folsom Field Events provides a unique opportunity to create a memorable event,” says Chandler Barone, director of special events and premium venues. “Folsom Field is the ideal setting whether you are hosting a conference, banquet dinner, birthday party, wedding, or even a surprise proposal.”

Canvas Field in Fort Collins has several indoor and outdoor options that serve 12 to 1,200 meeting-goers with CSU Ram hospitality. The largest are the New Belgium Porch on the field level, for receptions of up to 1,200 guests, and the fourth-floor Stadium Club with three built-in bars, 27 flatscreen TVs, and the ability to host 500 seated for a meal. Other options include the Rams Club, OCR Sideline Field Club, Markley Family Hall of Champions, and three meeting rooms.

(CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) Rocky Mountain Vibes, Danny Torrey Photo, Ron Pollard

Clockwise: UCHealth Park; Folsom Field; Ed Robson Arena

COLORADO SPRINGS

Colorado’s second-largest city has significantly expanded and improved its sports venue offerings as part of the City for Champions initiative. Colorado College’s 130,000-square-foot Ed Robson Arena is a multipurpose ice rink and sports venue that opened in September 2021 and has arena seating for 3,400. The ice can be covered with flooring for a wide range of gatherings to hold a maximum of 5,650 attendees. Organizers can take advantage of the audiovisual equipment and a large, four-screen Jumbotron video cube hanging above the rink. The Chapman Room and Club Level are also available to rent.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, a professional soccer team in the USL Championship league, began playing at Weidner Field in 2015 and invested $3.5 million to improve the city-owned facility that reopened in March 2021. With over 111,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, Weidner Field has 8,000 stadium seats and can host gatherings ranging from 20 for small meetings to 15,000 for concerts and special events. In addition to the field, there are three patios, three club spaces, and a concourse available for groups.

Rocky Mountain Vibes are part of Major League Baseball’s Pioneer League and play at the 15-acre UCHealth Park. Book the field, banquet hall, pavilion-style CocaCola Courtyard, and luxury suites for all sorts of gatherings.

DENVER AREA

With the Denver Nuggets winning the NBA finals for the first time this year, the Colorado Avalanche securing the NHL’s Stanley Cup last year, and the Colorado Mammoth bringing home the National Lacrosse League Cup last year and competing in the finals this year, Ball Arena is a compelling venue. There is an air of success and celebration in the walls

of this five-level, 675,000-square-foot facility that hosts all three teams. The venue and teams are owned by Denverbased Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.

Ball Arena in downtown Denver has also hosted scores of concerts, corporate events, and more. The venue seats up to 20,000 guests for performances and other large events and slightly fewer for sporting competitions. The arena floor, Colorado Social, Breckenridge Brewery Mountain House, Truly Club, Club Lexus, Continental Divide, and Aspen and Summit conference rooms are available for booking.

Kroenke Sports & Entertainment also owns the MLS’s Colorado Rapids and the soccer team’s home field, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. In addition to an 18,000-seat stadium and a 24-field soccer complex, the Executive Club, Summit Club, Victory Crossing conference room, suites, and concourses are available for picnics, team building, business meetings, and the like.

It’s hard to beat the classic, heart-ofdowntown baseball stadium vibe at Coors Field on a sunny, blue-sky day. At Coors

Field, home of MLB’s Colorado Rockies, meeting and event planners can tap a wide range of spaces, with the largest being the Main Concourse, The Rooftop, and Club Level. Other great options include the Toyota Clubhouse, Visitor’s Clubhouse, SandLot Brewery, PNC Press Club, Super Suites Conference Center, and Mountain Ranch Club. Enhancements available include visits by the team’s mascot and former players, branding on the scoreboard, behind-the-scenes stadium tours, and speed pitch and batting cages.

Empower Field at Mile High, the site of the NFL’s Denver Broncos football games, has just over 76,000 seats on five levels, 144 luxury suites, and more than 200,000 square feet of indoor event space that hosts groups of 75 to 10,000. This year, a scoreboard totaling 24,500 square feet (the fourth largest in the NFL) is being installed and a new event space, the 9,040-square-foot Breckenridge Bourbon Club on the field level, is slated for completion in September. Also, four new LED video boards are being installed in both United Club Lounges.

“Not only will these updates enhance the fan experience on game day, but they will also enhance private event bookings, especially with technology. We have a lot of new experiences and about $100 million in upgrades,” confirms Director of Special Events Anna Marie Martinez.

The stadium hosts approximately 200 private events a year—and for good reason. “Per our surveys, groups book because of [the] convenient-to-access stadium, central location, free parking, all-inclusive packages, unique spaces, and experiences,” Martinez says. “Depending on the event, some groups may hire Miles the Mascot, cheerleaders, Stadium Stampede (drumline), or Broncos alumni.”

Infinity Park in Glendale may be the locale for games featuring the American Raptors rugby team, but it’s also known for top-notch meeting and event space. One of the major highlights of Infinity Park Event Center is the 8,600-square-foot International Ballroom with 360 degrees of customizable digital screens. Smaller spaces include the Try Club and two conference rooms overlooking the rugby pitch.

Empower Field at Mile High; Right: Coors Field’s The Rooftop

PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) Jensen Sutta, Visit Denver & Peter Lockley/Clarkson Creative

LOVELAND

North of Denver on Interstate 25, Budweiser Events Center at The Ranch Events Complex is a 6,800-seat venue home to the American Hockey League’s Colorado Eagles. This multipurpose facility also hosts other sporting events, rodeos, concerts, exhibitions, and more. Budweiser Events Center is part of a larger 374,000-square-foot fairground complex.

What makes these places so special for groups? Game-day energy is in the air, team memorabilia provides an inspiring backdrop, and memorable add-ons are available for a winning meeting or event.

csurams.com

edrobsonarena.com

empowerfieldatmilehigh.com

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Tıps & Trends from the Experts

SHAKING UP THE NORM

Catch a glimpse of inspiring new spaces that ooze local charm and e mbrace the o utdoors

By BETH BUEHLER

PHOTO Junkyard Social Club

ne happy outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic is the shattering of archetypal meeting and event venue molds. Businesses, nonprofits, and local governments have put on their collective thinking caps and imagined all-new approaches, and we’re confident you will love the results just as much as Colorado Meetings + Events does.

For example, the saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” has been fully realized at the whimsical Junkyard Social Club in Boulder. In the same vein, vacant buildings considered eyesores by some are far from it in the hands of Non Plus Ultra, which elevates unused spaces with amazing results.

RETRO- I nspi r ed

Sometimes a new approach to venues means considering destinations that aren’t typically on the radar for meetings and events. Such is the case for Frontier Drive-Inn, located in the southeast Colorado community of Center. Opened in 1955 as a traditional drive-in theater, the name was tweaked slightly to fit the reimagined hospitality destination after it sat unused for three decades before reopening last year.

Today, Frontier Drive-Inn has a restored neon sign and movie screen, as well as 14 attractive guest rooms in the form of 10 yurts and four hotel suites inside SteelMaster sheds. The original snack bar has also been revived and renovated to include a chef’s kitchen and seating for 25. New this year are the Skylo towers, 3D-printed adobe structures for stargazing.

In step with its history, Frontier Drive-Inn offers a summer film program that runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings through Sept. 23. While lounging on the lawn under the stars instead of in cars, attendees can watch classic, cult, and independent films falling under themes like “Really Fast Cars and Bald Strong Guys” and “Bugs, Bugs, and More Bugs.”

The accommodations are available for full or partial buyouts to host meetings and events. The developers behind the project, Denver-based Continuum Partners, held its corporate retreat at Frontier Drive-Inn, staying in the 14 lodging units and parking rented RVs and trailers on-site for additional amenities. Partner businesses in Center can assist by providing meeting space, catering, and additional activities.

“Frontier Drive-Inn serves as a gateway to the San Luis Valley and the surrounding region, as well as a gathering place for Coloradoans [or anyone] from near and far,” says Luke Falcone of Continuued, part of the team overseeing the Frontier Drive-Inn restoration project.

Another Denver-based company, Zeppelin Development, delivered something completely new but with a flashback effect. Situated on 3 acres, A-Frame Club in Winter Park features 31 A-Frame cabins; a saloon serving French alpineinspired food and drink; and a heated outdoor deck facing Winter Park Resort. An event lawn with a fire pit extends the property’s ability to host groups.

In terms of style, a 1970s-inspired design aesthetic is woven into the stand-alone, 475-square-foot cabins that have a living room, kitchenette, and full bath on the main floor and a lofted bedroom with a desk and soaking tub. Original 1970s ski art and posters, old print advertisements, and photographs of Hunter S. Thompson by David Hiser are featured in the decor.

SMALL & Charmi ng

What started out as pop-up gathering spaces on restaurant and hotel patios during the pandemic have become favorite choices for leisure and business occasions in both cities and the mountains.

Annette at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora installed miniature greenhouses and a yurt to extend its dining space. Owned and operated by Caroline Glover, a 2022 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Mountain, the restaurant has since added a patio that can be enclosed during the colder months. Elsewhere in the Denver metropolitan area, heated winter igloos on the terrace at The Curtis, a DoubleTree by Hilton, double as communal areas for gatherings held in the adjacent Four Square Ballroom.

Located on the campus of Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Hotel Maverick is bringing its snow globes and gondolas back to the rooftop patio of Devil’s Thumb Kitchen this winter. Warm blankets and heaters keep the inside atmosphere cozy, and a fire pit lounge area with festive lights gives groups a space to mingle.

“The rooftop activations at Devil’s Kitchen, including the gondolas and snow globes, are a unique way for our guests to enjoy the outdoors with our incredible views,” says Tammy Anderson, general manager of Hotel Maverick. “Enjoyed by locals and hotel guests alike, these spaces are immensely popular for family celebrations, groups, elopements, and engagements.”

The Gant Aspen’s heated igloo on the rooftop terrace of Molly Campbell Conference Center is transforming into the Golden Globe this winter as a nod to the property’s 50th anniversary. In addition to dazzling gold-themed decor

in the six-person private hideaway, there are tempting drinks to order off a signature anniversary cocktail menu and 1970s throwbacks, including a Rusty Nail or Sloe Gin Fizz. Food is available through Pepperjack’s, located inside the conference center.

EMPTY TO A ctiv ated

Non Plus Ultra energizes vacant historic and architecturally significant landmarks as event venues. The company expanded from the the Bay Area in California to Denver in 2021. Currently, Non Plus Ultra has Sports Castle, The Arch, The Brighton, and The Broadway in its Denver portfolio.

Held in the 35,000-square-foot Sports Castle on March 15, Feel Famous was hosted by Arvada-based MiHi Entertainment and sponsored by an array of local meeting and event suppliers. The theme “A Walk Through a Night of Fame” was brought to life on multiple floors, each designed to embody different aspects of fame and to showcase MiHi Entertaiment’s and its partners’ capabilities in an engaging and entertaining fashion for up to 500.

For example, the fashion floor was a chic and stylish haven that evoked thoughts of Parisian design and East Coast high society. Guests had their autographs printed on personal name badges, and video experiences compiled highlight reels of them walking the runway at a fashion show. On the influence floor, guests were invited to dance inside a smoky, laser-lit video booth and create Instagram and TikTok live videos all while a DJ spun records surrounded by a high-tech light show.

“Our Feel Famous event was nothing short of extraordinary, and the venue played a pivotal role in creating an unforgettable experience,” says Jeff Libby, owner of MiHi Entertainment. “The space was absolutely incredible, providing the perfect atmosphere for our innovative ideas to come to life. Its versatility and aesthetics exceeded our expectations, leaving our attendees in awe.”

The Brighton in the RiNo Art District has 30-foot ceilings and over 75,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space that can accommodate up to 5,000 attendees. Last holiday season, Non Plus Ultra offered “The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience” as a turnkey option for corporate buyouts. Attendees were encouraged to appear in their finest clothing, and actors representing the British high society dressed in period attire, greeted guests, and interacted during the Regency-era event.

PLAYGROUNDS W it h a Purp os e

RiNo ArtPark at 35th Street and Arkins Court in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood is a powerful example of community collaboration. The $7 million, 3.5-acre space opened to

the public in August 2021 and continues to add new features, most recently the Truss House, a performing arts and events venue that opened in June of this year.

To make it happen, the RiNo Art District partnered with the Denver Public Library, Denver Zine Library, Focus Points Family Resource Center, RedLine Contemporary Art Center, Alto Gallery, and Denver Parks and Recreation. The group envisioned the adaptive reuse of two city-owned buildings and the creation of green space along the South Platte River.

Truss House, one of the adaptive reuse buildings, represents the final phase of construction and features a 3,700-squarefoot open floor plan on the ground level that doubles as a meeting and event venue and performance space. Large doors on three sides allow access to the adjacent park, and the upperfloor mezzanine provides additional opportunities for groups.

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“The Truss House is the result of countless conversations with our creative community and our neighbors about what they need and want from ArtPark,” says Charity Von Guinness, executive director of RiNo Art District. “We have an incredible concentration of creatives making experiential art here in Denver, but we lack safe, affordable, beautiful places to share that art with the community. We see the Truss House as an opportunity to offer a highly flexible, affordable performance space as well as a one-of-a-kind riverfront venue for private events.”

In Boulder, Junkyard Social Club bills itself as “a rebel museum, adventure playground, and cool cafe for adventurous families and creative adults.” During the day, there are science experiments, junkyard art projects, and a coffee-house vibe. At night, Junkyard Social turns into a lively locale with performance art, comedy clubs, game nights, light bites, and a full bar.

Junkyard Social Club has 3,500 square feet of indoor space that includes a full-service bar and cafe, performance stage, second-floor private meeting space, climbing wall, indoor jungle gyms, reading nooks, and more. Glass garage doors open onto an additional 6,000 square feet of imaginative and useful outdoor space that is watched over by an antique airplane and 13-foottall junkyard giraffe sculpture.

Junkyard Social Club also can help with team building on topics such as exploring and developing outside-of-the-box design ideas and getting inspired and motivated for action. “When a company invests in team building and off-site meetings, an engaging environment that celebrates innovation and free thinking can get the creativity and connection going,” says Operations Manager Alexis Edens.

“Junkyard Social Club is the perfect venue for both quiet, intellectual strategy sessions as well as for free-spirited fun and team building,” she suggests. “We’ve worked hand-in-hand with corporations like Google and DMC Technologies, small businesses, and nonprofits to create a fresh and exciting event customized to meet their goals.”

Clockwise from above left: Gold-themed decor in The Gant Aspen’s heated igloo; Playing with imaging technology during Feel Famous at Sports Castle; Hotel Maverick’s snow globe and gondola private dining experiences; The enclosed winter patio at Annette

HOUSE GROUP OPENS VILLA DENVER

» VILLA DENVER welcomes groups and guests to gather in the ambience of a Spanish villa to enjoy bottle service, live music, cocktails crafted tableside, and tapas that fuse Latin American influence with a modern twist. In addition to a full bar, the lounge and music venue located at 1416 Market St. offers a wide array of mocktails featuring freshsqueezed juices and premium ingredients. To showcase the house-party vibe, House Group held a public grand opening celebration on May 5 and 6.

Villa Denver can host corporate groups of up to 240 people and provide a full private bar, catering, and live entertainment. Full and partial buyouts of the two-level venue are available, or groups can book the Parlor Room upstairs or a few tables in one of the private booth areas.

villadenver.com

Transformation at Keystone

Kindred Resort is playing a key role in the reimagination of Keystone’s River Run Village. The $300 million luxury ski-in, ski-out mixed-use development, located only steps from River Run Gondola, broke ground in fall 2022 and is expected to open in 2025. The centerpiece is a 107-room hotel that will be managed by Vail Resorts under the RockResorts collection. The hotel will be flanked by two towers featuring 95 luxury residences ranging from one to four bedrooms. Highlights include meeting and event space, a private ski club with valet, a full-service spa, an outdoor pool with hot tubs, several restaurants, and a new home for Keystone’s Ski and Ride School.

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SAVE THE DATE: MIC’S SERVING UP HOPE

For 30 years, the Meetings Industry Council of Colorado’s Serving Up Hope has provided industry professionals the opportunity to connect with colleagues while giving back to the greater community. This culinary presentation by Denver-area hotels and restaurants thrives on sponsorships and donations, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Food Bank of the Rockies.

This year’s event will be held on Nov. 17 at Omni Interlocken Hotel in Broomfield with a goal of raising $30,000 in honor of the 30th anniversary. Food Bank of the Rockies, the largest hunger-relief organization in the Rocky Mountain Region, provides an average of 1.5 million meals per week to those in need in Colorado and Wyoming. mic-colorado.org

Sheraton Denver Downtown Adds Topgolf Swing Suite

» A GRAND OPENING “Par-Tee” officially launched the new Topgolf Swing Suite at Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in mid-June. During the event, activities were held in the hotel’s lobby and 16th Street Commons, celebrity guests included former Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley and sports radio veteran Zach Bye, and competitions took place with prizes awarded. A portion of event proceeds were donated to First Tee–Green Valley Ranch, a Denver-based organization that empowers kids and teens through golf.

Sheraton’s Topgolf Swing Suite has two simulator bays and is adjacent to the hotel’s Bezel cocktail lounge. Up to eight people can eat, drink, and hang out on comfortable lounge furniture in each bay, both equipped with the technology and equipment necessary to play Topgolf target games, hockey, baseball, football, Zombie Dodgeball, and carnival games. marriott.com

Hotel Colorado Staff Update

Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs has promoted Taylor Thulson to marketing director, hired Douglas Metzger as executive chef, and rehired Kaylyn Radden as assistant general manager.

During Thulson’s tenure at Hotel Colorado, which began in 2018 as sales coordinator, she has been part of the first phase of renovations of the meeting and banquet spaces, the COVID-19 closure and reopening, and major guest room renovations that are nearly complete. For the last three years, she has served as marketing manager alongside Director of Catering Kristin Keefer to plan the hotel’s signature holiday decor and annual lighting ceremony.

Most recently, Metzger owned a restaurant management consulting business. He has worked as an executive chef and food and beverage manager at multiple high-end hotels and casinos and general manager of food and beverage operations for Eurest/Compass Group, the largest food service management contract company in the world.

Radden spent a total of 10 years with Providence Hospitality Partners, first at Hotel Colorado as director of revenue from 2012 to 2015, then as assistant general manager at Four Points Sheraton in Bellingham, Washington, and finally as general manager at Winter Park Mountain Lodge. hotelcolorado.com

PICTURESQUE LODGE UNDERGOES MAJOR UPGRADES

Electric Mountain Lodge, nestled in the Gunnison National Forest in Paonia, is a unique, rustic locale for a standout corporate retreat or small meeting. Empty Spaces Vacation Rental Management purchased the property last July and has extensively remodeled the cabins and main lodge since then. There are 10 cabins and the Bunkhouse for accommodations, along with a shared lounge and Second Brake Bar & Grill for day and overnight guests to enjoy in the main lodge. Full buyouts are available for groups.

The property is located on the Sunlight to Powderhorn Trail and has been known as a premier place for outdoor recreation since the 1970s. Activities depend on the season and outfitting capabilities. In the summer, there are allterrain vehicles, hiking trails, and fishing trips. In the winter, Electric Mountain Lodge offers snowmobile experiences through an on-site outfitter along with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

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PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE) Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, Electric Mountain Lodge, Hotel Colorado (3)

Parlur

303-626-2580

Imagine a space that feels as inviting as your home while also providing a sense of elegance that elevates any gathering. Welcome to Parlur, where planners can give guests an event to remember in the heart of Denver that will leave them wanting more.

Parlur is the new and unique flexible off-site venue that downtown Denver has been missing, offering the city’s only street-level location with floor-to-ceiling windows and an extensive outdoor patio. Located on the corner of Court Place and 16th Street, the new venue includes over 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space that can provide the perfect backdrop for any occasion with flexibility for groups of all sizes to match. Crystal chandeliers, wooden accent beams, and well-appointed furniture inside offer the opportunity for guests to connect and thrive in familiar comfortability and top-notch sophistication. Outside, guests can enjoy the over 300 days of sunshine that Denver has to offer or sip a custom cocktail fireside at one of the patio’s fire features.

Planning an event in the space is almost effortless with Parlur’s talented and tenured events team. No detail is left untouched, and no guest request is left unconsidered. The Parlur team provides the tools and resources needed to make any planner’s event a reflection of who they are. And when it comes to dining, there are tasty options for every palate. Whether it’s passed hors d’oeuvres, entrees, or decadent desserts, the culinary experience is unmatched. The menus are customizable and locally focused to highlight the best Colorado flavors and ingredients available. The beverage experience is equally as impressive and provides extensive customized libations and packages for memorable tastings or cocktail hours. The space marries luxury and comfort, creating an experience where guests can bask in the grand energy of their special event, while still feeling like they can be themselves. Parlur is ideal for receptions of up to 750 or seated events for up to 320. Quality, experience, and craft come together in one place at Parlur.

Annual Golf Event Scores Record Turnout

The desire to meet and network in person is stronger than ever, as was demonstrated by the largest registration number ever for Meeting Professionals International Rocky Mountain Chapter’s (MPIRMC) annual golf tournament. Some 155 people attended the event in late May at Hilton Denver Inverness in Englewood. The event raised $15,000 for MPIRMC and $7,000 for the MPI Foundation. While golfers hit the links, nongolfers took part in a breathing workshop by a licensed practitioner, a putting and golf clinic with golf pro Kylie Potter, yard games, and fun networking with industry friends before joining in the awards luncheon. Next year’s tournament will be held on June 3 at the Inverness.

1. Eric Holmes and Jeanette Stensgaard

2. Alberto Mascaro 3. Pat Treuer on the MPI Heckling Hole 4. Sam Jacobs and Viveca McDonald 5. ALHI/Omni Team: Justin McCarthy, Bill Light, Alex Doyle, and Gerry McFarland

6. Carts loaded and ready 7. Bright AV Team: Troy Reich, Ashley Ray, Ryan McLaughlin, and Mitch Beede 8. BrianDouglas Stanwood and Erik Pedersen

9. Abigail Chalmers, Kayla Wigand, and Brian-Douglas Stanwood

To have your meeting or event photos featured, contact bbuehler@greenspring.com

SNAPSHOTS MPIRMC Annual Golf Tournament

720-258-3000 |

ocated minutes from downtown Denver, Empower Field at Mile High is the home of the three-time Super Bowl champion, Denver Broncos. Since opening in 2001, the venue has held a variety of public and private events— including concerts, festivals, and corporate gatherings. With more than 200,000 square feet of indoor event space, like the Bud Light Champions Club, the Home Media Room, and the United Club Lounge, Empower Field at Mile High is the perfect backdrop for an event.

When it comes to event spaces, the choices are seemingly endless. From hosting an intimate VIP reception in the Visitors Locker Room or a large banquet in the United Club Lounge, Empower Field at Mile High offers a variety of venues to accommodate any group size. The premier

event space is the United Club Level, which offers two identical club lounges with multiple audiovisual features and stunning views of the Denver skyline through 40-foot windows. Each club is ideal for 200 to 1,500 guests.

Give guests the experience of a lifetime by hosting an event on the field. This natural Kentucky bluegrass field is ideal for celebrating and entertaining both clients and employees. The field track areas work perfectly for easy setup, including field activities, dinners, and receptions.

Empower Field at Mile High offers competitive programs and inclusive packages for corporate meetings and personalizes each event based on event needs.

The venue’s all-inclusive pricing offers event planners a defined rate to include parking, tables, chairs, security personnel,

housekeeping, engineering services, inroom audiovisual technology, background digital music, and all-applicable taxes. Nonprofit rates are available.

Empower Field at Mile High is proud to partner with Epicurean and Aramark catering to provide top-notch service. With over 25 years of event experience, each catering company tailors the perfect menu to meet event needs and budget as well as the dietary preferences of group attendees.

Engage, Entertain, Elevate

Queen of Details

Christine Forster celebrates creating events from scratch and getting out there with people

BY BETH BUEHLER

» AT A VERY YOUNG AGE, Christine Forster discovered her passion for planning events and bringing joy to others. After she received constant requests from businesses to help with their marketing and from friends to assist with planning life events, Forster launched Loveland-based My Big Day in 2006.

She changed the name to Big Deal Co. this April to more accurately represent her philosophy. “Every client is a big deal,” says Forster, who employs a team of 14 that works with clients throughout Colorado and southern Wyoming. “We pride ourselves on providing creative experiences that connect and deliver outstanding results.”

When reflecting on how her business has changed over the past 17 years, Forster says, “We have grown in the number of team members and clients, but more importantly, we have grown in skill set.” She adds, “Our team is constantly learning, attending courses, receiving certifications, and engaging in every opportunity that allows us to be experts in our industry and support clients in all areas of business.”

Some of her favorite experiences over the years include marketing campaigns and events that were created from scratch so clients could ditch old strategies and embark on new paths. Forster also is proud of what her company achieved during the height of the pandemic.

“We created countless unique ways for clients to connect with clients, supporters, and donors. Having a highly creative team, we plugged into the community with established connections that can move mountains, which is how we were so successful,” says Forster.

Forster’s prior work helped mold her knowledge base and business approach. “I am fortunate to have started my career in media—radio, TV, cable, and digital— which allowed me to flex my creativity, make strong community connections, and learn about all industries,” she says.

Giving back is a priority both personally and professionally. Among Forster’s many volunteer roles, she serves as chair of the City of Loveland’s Community Marketing Commission, chair of The Family Center/La Familia’s Marketing and Development Committee, and event committee chair for her neighborhood.

She confirms, “I’m not one to stay home and read a book. I like to be out there with people.”

PHOTO Wildbliss Photography

PHOTOS Empower Field at Mile High